“What is the appeal of themed cruising?
Today’s more discerning travellers are no longer satisfied with run-of-the-mill volume voyages. Purposeful and more personalised travel is now a prerequisite – and the more exclusive, immersive and unusual the better.
Whether it’s a wildlife-focused cruise through the Amazon with a renowned naturalist or a culinary cruise through the Mekong with a world-famous chef, these special-guest-hosted itineraries transform each trip into a genuinely educational, expert-led experience.
With the niche’s popularity and competition for passengers soaring, we are seeing operators attempting to differentiate themselves and tap into new market segments with themed sailings.
For those on the fence about choosing a particular destination, the perceived extra value of having a special guest on board, or additional activities available, may be the thing to tip the scales and get them to convert.
Tell us more about what special guests add to the voyage?
The appeal of special guests cannot be underestimated. Some of the destinations we offer, like the Amazon or Upper Mekong, are once-in-a-lifetime type trips. Our most affluent and time-poor guests will pay a premium for the most definitive, expertly guided experience that their limited time allows.
You can’t put a price on learning directly from the world’s preeminent experts on certain species, civilisations or cuisines. These personalities can elevate the experience from your typical tour to a genuine, expert-led, educational journey.
Then you have the new-to-cruise audience who are passionate about a particular theme, such as wellness, gastronomy or herpetology. They may never have considered a river cruise before.
The allure of participating in their preferred pastimes in a completely new and exciting environment or format can be hard to resist.”
Full interview here.
