NEWS
The new year is now well underway and already 2025 is shaping up to be an action- packed adventure for the travel industry. Of course, this time of year is always full of
energy and excitement because it brings a peak booking period, with travellers keen to beat the winter blues, secure their dream holiday at the best possible price and bank an amazing experience to look forward to later this year or next. Now is a great time for all of us to be
Giles Hawke VICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR UK, IRELAND AND EMEA, CELEBRITY CRUISES
Spur customers to book early to secure their perfect cruise
maximising sales opportunities, shaping the right holidays and helping customers create memories to last a lifetime – but it’s also a good time for a bit of reflection. Taking the time to look back at the year just
gone and review past travel experiences, you might find areas to fine-tune for even more amazing experiences in the future. When it comes to making
new year travel resolutions, one thing agents should encourage travel fans to think about is forward planning. While spontaneous travel can be incredibly fun and rewarding, and there will often be last-minute deals to be had, it’s not always the best option for securing a dream getaway. In fact, advanced booking, particularly when it comes to a cruise holiday, can be the element that turns a good holiday into an amazing one.
those who have specific requirements, it’s beneficial to book early so they don’t miss out on the things that are most important to them – whether that’s the cabin type or location on the ship, securing a coveted restaurant booking or nabbing a beachside hotel room with the perfect sea view.
Ease the stress The Royal Caribbean Group research also revealed that many guests are booking holidays as a stress management tool and a way to escape the fast-paced demands of modern life. While it can be tempting for people to book a holiday as an escape plan in the moment, advanced booking can help to take stress away and create a smoother and more simplified experience that doesn’t add a mountain of tasks to an already overloaded to-do list. For cruise fans, advanced
“While spontaneous travel can be fun and rewarding, it’s not always the best option for securing a dream getaway”
booking can often provide the best of both worlds. For those who love to plan every detail of their adventure, a cruise will typically allow for complete control of every element, from bespoke experiences to dream itineraries and even the type of pillow they rest their head on at the end of the day. Those who like to be a bit more
Extend the enjoyment Studies have shown that people gain enjoyment from the entire holiday experience, which includes the build-up to travelling, as well as the holiday itself. Setting the right tone with prospective clients now and encouraging them to book early will give them even more time to feel positive and anticipate their break for longer. Another big driver to encourage people
to secure their booking early is that they get exactly what they want. Research from the Royal Caribbean Group into the future of holidays revealed that many guests are now looking for curated, personalised holiday experiences. For
20 23 JANUARY 2025
spontaneous, but don’t want to miss out, can book their cruise early to secure a spot on board, then turn up and pick what they want to do according to their mood every day, safe in the knowledge there’s a huge variety of experiences waiting for them. With a host of new ship launches on
the horizon, including Celebrity Xcel sailing from November, and well-established cruise holiday experiences proving more and more popular year on year, early booking is becoming essential for savvy travellers looking to maximise their holiday experiences.
Read more columns by Giles Hawke:
go.travelweekly.co.uk/comment
travelweekly.co.uk
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