Cruising back on track

It is apparent that cruising will emerge with a brand new outlook. Marta Cambiaggi, Business Development Manager New Markets, Sales & Marketing, Mediterranean New Markets, UK, East Europe, Africa and ME, Costa Crociere S.p.A, shares views with TRAVTALK.

Shehara Rizly

How do you see cruise tourism picking up in this year?

Cruising is coming back a lot after COVID years, people want to travel and the possibility to do it departing from a port close to home is very convenient. Cruising is like travelling without having to pack and unpack your luggage, travelling on a 5-star hotel, all included, top food, super service, and different entertainment every night.

What new trends do you see in terms of booking patterns?

Cruising is not anymore for old couples only, it is something that young couples, families, singles and group of friends do consider as well. Booking curve has become very lastminute and short cruises are more and more popular.

Could you share the lessons learnt and what will be different post pandemic from the side of the cruises?

Ah we learnt a lot of lessons in these two years. First of all, hygiene, that was at a maximum standard onboard before as well, but now we have the cleanest environment that one can imagine. Then space: we have built larger ships that even when they are full, you have your own space. You can join one of our marvellous guided excursions on the Ramblas or decide to explore Barcelona on your own, away from the other guests. Choices are a lot, each one of our guests decide how to live their cruise holiday.

How will you attract customers, especially from the ME?

We have Costa Toscana in Emirates this year, our flagship, the most beautiful and big among our fleet and the most sustainable one (LNG fuelled). She will be docked in Dubai Marina Harbour, right aside Palm Jumeirah and in front of the heart of Dubai. Can you imagine spending the New Year’s Eve or any other night in such a position? The view is stunning even if you live there. You can cruise seven days or decide to take a mini break for three or four nights as well, visiting Doha and Muscat. Have you compared the rates of a 5 star Hotel in Dubai and the rates of Costa Toscana? Notwithstanding the fact that on Costa everything is included, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertainment and top service onboard.

You sell through agents from ME, what sort of new marketing initiatives will you both be working on together to get the industry back on track?

Costa is not known in this area, therefore, the aim is to create brand awareness, organise ship visits while the ship is here, reaching out media partners and work a lot with influencer marketing. The ship is a perfect location for bloggers and influencers.

Will you be able to attract the GenZ travellers?

Of course! We are planning to explain our ships in the most possible modern way.