German Cruising Booming in 2013

Demand for Cruises on the German market is extremely buoyant at present with over 11% increase in 2013. The principe reasons for this growth, which in many respects is bucking the trend in Europe, is due to a greater focus on German language dedicated ships and of course as a result of more affordable Cruise prices.

To demonstrate this fact, a new Cruise market survey (conducted in collaboration with CTC Cruise and Tourism Consulting) which reflects sales figures from Travel Agencies alongside a 20,000 strong survey representing German households featured the following findings:

• The number of Cruise Passenger bookings in German Travel Agencies during the current tourism year increased by 11% (as of the end of August).
• On average, Germans paid €1,521 for their Cruise in 2013, which is 6% less than 2012.
• Spending was no more than €100 per person per night for the Cruise (excluding flights). A rise of 5% from 2012. However, the average spend of Germans on a Cruise with a flight included was €168 per night, which is double that of other package holidays.
• A clear trend transpired towards shorter 7-day Cruises, with a drop in the average length of a Cruise holiday.
• Cruise sales in Travel Agencies are 5% higher than last year, and advance bookings for 2013 show that growth in sales and Passenger numbers are at similar levels.

Interestingly, the survey which was timed to be released ahead of the recent Seatrade event in Hamburg, does not show or even mention (it seems blatantly obvious to those of us in operations) that the rise in sales in reality coincides with the increased capacity of AIDA Cruises, TUI Crusies and to a lesser extent Hapag Lloyd.

Either way, it's good news for German Cruising at a time that is proving difficult for the more established players.