‘Not slowing down’: Travel trend explodes

A major Aussie travel agency has made a surprise move in a space that has gained great popularity in the past few years – even among younger people.

Cruising has become hugely popular over the past few years as Aussies look to other, more affordable ways of holidaying — and Flight Centre has jumped on the bandwagon.

The Australian travel agency has just launched its newest business, Cruiseabout.

Just like Flight Centre stores, it’s an agency that helps with all-things cruising.

Last week, the first store opened in Perth with the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to follow.

Flight Centre has just opened its newest business, Cruiseabout, in Perth with the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to soon follow.

Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh said cruising is one of the fastest growing travel segments globally, and he’s excited for the company’s new move.

“The (recent) store opening in Perth signals the beginning of an exciting chapter for Flight Centre Travel Group as we invest in our strategy to grow market share in the cruise sector,” Mr Kavanagh said.

@msccruisesofficial And this is just one day? 🤯 #MSCCruises #MSCEuribia #cruisetok #cruiseship ♬ Lo-fi, chill-out, trap R & B ♪(980301) - Ninja_Muzik_Tokyo

“Cruising is firing on all cylinders and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.”

According to Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), it’s been one of the fastest sectors of travel to rebound post pandemic with 1.25 million Aussies having cruised in 2023, up on 1.24 million in 2019.

Cruiseabout general manager Brad Kennedy said the brand will be the only one of its kind with a national footprint offering both in-store and online travel services dedicated to the ever-popular cruise industry.

Cruising is becoming hugely popular among younger people. Picture: TikTok/msccruisesofficial

“We’re doing something that’s totally unique here in Australia. Our national retail network of specialist cruise experts, local call centre and online marketplace will give customers something they’ve been missing out on,” Mr Kennedy said.

“With record cruising numbers globally and the average age of cruisers decreasing, the pipeline of future cruisers is strong.

“We want to help new and experienced cruisers alike have the best experience by providing expert advice and offering industry leading rates and exclusive experiences to Cruiseabout customers.”

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Cruising is booming

The recent CLIA report revealed cruising has a much broader appeal than people realise with millennials the most enthusiastic about planning a cruise holiday.

The data also showed the average age of a cruiser is down to 46 with 36 per cent of cruisers under the age of 40.

The average age of a cruiser is down to 46 with 36 per cent of cruisers now under the age of 40. Picture: TikTok

Flight Centre’s latest move comes as cruising becomes one of the fastest growing travel segments globally. Picture: TikTok/msccruisesofficial

“Those aged in their 20s currently make up about eight per cent of cruise guests, and we can expect this to increase in coming years as this generation begins to travel more,” CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz recently told news.com.au.

Kate Gribble, 36, pictured with her family, is keen to jump on her first ever cruise.

“CLIA’s consumer research shows that of people who have cruises previously, Millennials are the most likely cruise again. 88 per cent of Millennials say they will cruise again, followed by Gen-Xers at 86 per cent.”

Aussie mother-of two Kate Gribble, 36, said cruising was never something she considered until her six-year-old son begged to go on a Disney cruise.

“I have absolutely no idea where he picked up on the idea but he keeps bringing it up so I’ve started looking into it,” Ms Gribble said.

“I love the idea of everything being included, it makes it an easy holiday to budget for. There just seems like there’s so much on board for everyone in the family, the entertainment, the pool, the spa not to mention not having to cook the whole time.”

Ms Gribble said she likes the sound of the new Cruiseabout, adding that as a first time cruiser, it can be a bit overwhelming.

“They [travel agents] can help me navigate which ship to choose, what kind of room would suits us, which extras to include and all the complex things like passport and visa requirements.”