Barrhead Travel has reported rising sales in the cruise market, thanks in part to this summer’s season of domestic sailings.
Jacqueline Dobson, president, said there is growing confidence in the market as customers are booking cruises, both at the last-minute and for further ahead.
MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Virtuosa (pictured) was the first to set sail from the UK in May when cruising was allowed to restart after a 14-month hiatus.
This summer saw 16 cruise lines – including Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises – operating more than 21 ships on British Isles itineraries.
“The restart of cruise through the domestic sailings has left a lasting legacy: seasoned cruisers were thrilled to be back and were impressed with the enhanced protocols while many new-to-cruise customers have already booked another cruise on their return,” she said.
“We are seeing a renewed appetite from customers when it comes to booking cruise getaways.
“The Med and the Caribbean are holding strong as the firm favourites but we’re also noticing that there’s a growing demand for adventure.
“Southeast Asia itineraries and sailings from Canada and Alaska are booking fast for next year.”
To capitalise on the growth in demand for ocean and river sailings, the agency held its first “hybrid” cruise event over the bank holiday weekend.
Last weekend’s “Sail Away Sale” was the first move back to face-to-face Barrhead events, with consumers able to choose either an in-store or online video appointment.
Clients could also watch presentations from cruise lines, a panel session with Barrhead Travel’s cruise specialists, and a Q&A with Andy Harmer, managing director of cruise body Clia UK & Ireland.
Dobson expects demand to grow even further following the event, which was held instead of its annual Cruise Exhibition which usually takes place in its Glasgow city centre superstore.
“We can see demand for cruise is gradually taking off again now that confidence is returning – bookings were up by over 200% compared with our last cruise event in April,” said Dobson.
“While sales have not yet returned to where they need to be, confidence is beginning to return to the market and that is encouraging.
“Now, more than ever, holidaymakers want to speak with someone in person. Many of our teams have already been on post-pandemic cruises themselves and it’s this first-hand advice and expertise that customers will continue to seek going forward.”
Barrhead Travel’s Sail Away Sale featured content from a range of cruise partners including Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises and P&O.
The agency chain is also planning open new stores in Plymouth and Halifax this month.