Q – We are based in Wales and very much enjoy the information and the insights. Quite frankly, we learn a lot about Americans going over the Q and A. That leads to a query regarding travel to Europe this summer. We are wondering what trends are being noted in terms of cruises and tours. What appears to be hot and what areas are suffering as a result of Euro-zone challenges?
A – Welcome. We are, quite frankly, rather surprised at the scope of our international readership, and we especially welcome visitors from abroad.
Virtually every major five-star cruise line and tour operator is reporting that sales to the Mediterranean countries, particularly Spain, Greece, and even Italy are down by anywhere from 5-30%. In contrast, Baltic Cruises and tours to Great Britain and Scandinavia, along with the Alpine Region, are up substantially. Several lines wish they had reassigned an additional vessel to the North of Europe to handle the demand.
There are some notable exceptions to these trends. European River Cruises are still on a growth spurt with no sign of ending. Cruises to Croatia, if you can find one, are extremely popular.
It is not that Americans do not want to cruise the Med. In fact, there is little evidence that potential cruise travelers are concerned about ports in Italy, Greece or Spain. The problems have more to do with pre/post cruise extensions and the feeling, among a significant number of Americans, that the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, or even, Venice, may be filled with rioters ‘as a result of government-imposed austerity programs. But Greece is the primary recipient of negative press in the States and pre/post programs in Athens are becoming problematical for many Americans.
It would be easy to exaggerate American concerns about the future of the Euro and the impact it might have on public behavior as they tour Europe. We think that a more plausible explanation for the slowdown in bookings to southern Europe this summer has to do with a “been there done that” trend. Most cruise itineraries in the Med haven’t really changed in the past two decades. Americans with the means to travel are seeking more exotic less touristy destinations.
Perhaps some would like to visit you in Wales.
