All Aboard... Cruising Full Steam Ahead in NZ

Media Release
October 7 2016

All Aboard... Cruising Full Steam Ahead in NZ

The demand for cruising continues to grow year on year and as New Zealand’s 2016-17 cruise season sets sail, early figures show it's going to be the biggest yet.

Figures released today from Cruiseabout NZ show significant growth in the number of Kiwis cruising. Year-to-date the company has reported more than 20 per cent growth across all cruising, with river cruising in particular experiencing more than 30 per cent growth on last year.

Cruiseabout NZ brand leader, Danny Bodger, says it's predicted this growth will continue and that this is largely due to increased competition, consumer confidence, affordability and the variety of ships now sailing.

“All markers we have seen would suggest cruising is a burgeoning market and the increase in ships, cabin availability and itineraries tell us we're in for some significant growth in traveller numbers over the next five years.”

Cruiseabout will be holding a dedicated Cruise Expo in Auckland this Sunday October 9 and are picking the South Pacific and river cruises through Europe to be particularly popular with Kiwi travellers.

“The demand for cruising continues to grow year-on-year and we are consistently seeing an increase in travellers choosing this way to travel. Current popular destinations for cruising include Australia, Europe, the South Pacific and America,” Mr Bodger says.

For those who are new to cruising, for the first time ever Cruiseabout NZ will enable Kiwis to ‘virtually’ board four ships at Cruise Expo with the launch of their new virtual reality experience.

Powered by Samsung’s Gear VR headsets and on special display at Cruise Expo and in selected Auckland stores, the experience is perfect for those who are new to cruising and want to ‘try before they buy’. Seasoned cruisers will also be able to get up and close to their favourite ships and relive their experiences.

Ships available on Cruiseabout NZs virtual reality experience include the Pacific Aria, Carnival Spirit, Voyager of the Seas and the Golden Princess.

http://www.cruiseabout.co.nz/virtual-reality

DIARY DETAILS

What:Cruise Expo
When: Sunday, October 9 2016, 10am – 3pm
Where: Shed 10, Auckland Cruise Terminal, Queens Wharf

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