Cruising to New Heights: Record-Breaking Sales Surge for Cruise Lines During Holiday Season
The cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable surge in bookings, with record-breaking sales reported during the recent commercial holidays. Travelers, eager to plan ahead, have been snapping up cruise deals for voyages stretching into 2024 and 2025, demonstrating an enthusiastic return to sea travel.
Holland America Line witnessed its highest Black Friday booking volumes for two consecutive years, with a significant 20 percent increase in bookings compared to last year’s Black Friday, and an overall rise of 23 percent between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The line observed a trend of travelers planning for summer destinations in 2024, including Alaska, Europe, and Canada and New England.
Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, noted the enthusiastic response to their Black Friday offerings, highlighting the appeal of their award-winning service and extensive itineraries. “Breaking Black Friday records two years in a row tells us that guests are excited to plan ahead for travel and value our carefully crafted itineraries,” said Antorcha.
Similarly, Princess Cruise Line reported its highest sales period ever between November 20 and November 27. Their Black Friday deals featured discounts on global cruises, with attractive amenities like prepaid gratuities, WiFi, and beverage packages. John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, remarked on the exceptional value and appeal of their all-inclusive cruise packages, which resonated strongly with consumers.
Historic Cunard Line also shared in this success, recording its highest-ever guest bookings during the Black Friday period, with strong bookings for 2024 and 2025, particularly for European itineraries onboard the upcoming Queen Anne. Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, expressed excitement about the momentum building for Queen Anne, attributing the success to Cunard’s commitment to luxury and unique experiences.
The surge in bookings isn’t limited to Black Friday deals. Holland America reported its highest single-day booking record in its 150-year history this past July. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, encompassing NCL, Oceania, and Regent, also reported record earnings in the third quarter of the year.
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein spoke about exceeding historical expectations for booking numbers, noting a significant lead over the previous year and 2019. Carnival Corporation, overseeing Holland, Princess, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn, and others, also reported a record-breaking third quarter.
The trend suggests that despite higher pricing, travelers are increasingly drawn to cruises, possibly due to the desire to explore multiple destinations, the allure of all-inclusive packages, and growing confidence in travel post-pandemic. This enthusiasm is a positive sign for the cruise industry, signaling a robust recovery and a bright future ahead.