Look To The East!

Do you know the actual amount of people taking a cruise from Asia? Recent figures are showing the Asian cruise market increasing 24% from 2014 to 2015, but it’s not just the amount of people taking a cruise it is also growing in destinations and capacity.

This year there are 1560 cruises and voyages in the area, an increase of 43% compared to last year – that is pretty impressive.  Last year they were 52 cruise ships sailing in the area, this year it has increased to 60. This does not include the number of ships who are sailing in this area all year round!  Of course the destinations on offer in this vast area is fantastic, which again shows that the capacity of actual people travelling actually reached 3.2 million passengers – wow!

So where are the destinations which most people want to see and travel to? At the moment ( I am sure this will change!) Japan is in the lead with a staggering 1526 ports of call. Then we have China with 850 ports, then South Korea with 745, Vietnam with 466, Malaysia closely followed with 421 and finally Singapore with 391 ports. Interesting to read that the most popular ports are Jeju Island in South Korea, followed by Shanghai, Singapore and Fukuoka.

It is worth pointing out that the vast majority of clients are Chinese but also interesting to note that a awful lot more of the shorter cruises durations from 4 to 6 nights are very popular, also the average age, 42% are below the age of 40!

Of course the cruise lines are wanting to get a piece of the action in this ever increasing market. NCL cruises are returning to the area this winter for the first time in 15 years. Voyages Of Discovery are also coming back to the area and Seabourn has chosen Singapore for the christening ceremony of it’s new ship, the Encore in January 2017.  Princess cruises new Majestic Princess will also begin sailing from Shanghai to Japan and South Korea next summer. Of course Royal Caribbean Quantum Of The Seas already sails from Shanghai whilst Ovation Of The Seas will sail from Tianjin.

If you do fancy sailing around the Far East, when is the best time to travel? I would say December to March, they can overlap with the “rainy” season though but that is par for the course I think! Don’t forget that you can extend your time in that destination either before or after the cruise – worth noting. I would recommend you to look at our Tailor Made collection of cruises with some great ideas you may not have thought of yourself. click here

Let me know if you want to look at anything, I am here to help!