Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has marked the start of Ocean Week in Australia and New Zealand as the first phase of its 2025 Cruise Month campaign.
CLIA managing director in Australasia, Joel Katz, said demand for ocean cruising was at record levels globally, driven by new levels of investment and innovation among major cruise lines.
“The world’s shipyards are currently working on more than $100 billion worth of new ships, which is a sign of the enormous energy and innovation among cruise lines internationally,” Katz said.
“We can expect to see about 80 new ships launched between now and the end of 2036 – equally split between small, medium and large.
At the heart of the Cruise Month campaign is a renewed emphasis on the value of booking through a CLIA-accredited travel advisor.
“Cruise Month is about inspiring cruise travellers and directing them towards CLIA travel agents to take advantage of their expert guidance,” Katz explained.
Agents will be able to join an expanded programme of Cruise Month training webinars to ensure they have the latest insight as they plan their clients’ travel.