Gold Medal and its sub-brand CruisePlus are set to launch a mini-brochure in response to heightened demand for cruise in recent weeks.
The trade-only tour operator reported revenue from cruise bookings last week was 60% up on the previous week, with a 78% week on week increase in passengers.
In the last four weeks, Gold Medal’s revenue from cruise bookings grew by more than 50% versus the prior month.
While the operator accepted numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels remain “modest”, it said the rate of growth is faster than its non-cruise product overall.
The main cruise lines being sold through Gold Medal are Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Lines.
A Gold Medal spokesman said the lines all offer “very aggressive rates for agents” and “strong Covid-compliance”.
Gold Medal said the launch of its dedicated UK cruise and stay mini-brochure will be published “in the next couple of weeks” in response to the demand for cruising, including domestic cruises being offered in UK waters.
Sales director Nick Hughes said: “It’s been exciting to see booking volumes for cruise increase in recent weeks. Although it’s early days in terms of a full recovery, these are very encouraging signs.
“Cruise has such a loyal and committed customer base that it’s no surprise to us that they’ve been the first to show they’re ready to sail again, and the hard work that leading brands within the sector have put in to ensuring their ships exceed any health and safety standards has really helped to excite people to the possibility that they will be able to do so once more this year.
“We want to make sure agents are reminded of the breadth of our cruise product and our expertise, so will be publishing a dedicated guide which will also include a selection of the UK homewater cruises that have recently been launched. Agents should look out for it in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime can contact us at any time with any questions or to make a booking.”