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Hello everyone. How are you? I hope you've had a great week. Welcome back to The Travel Podcast. I have a real expert for you today. We're going to be joined by Andy from Clear, better known as the Cruise Line International Association. So they work with the entire cruise industry and are the absolute best.

experts on

on all things cruise. So whether you are a cruise addict like myself, whether you are brand new to cruise, whether you're a listener that thinks you would hate going on a cruise, please do stay to the end of the episode because I challenge you. I really hope that we can change your mind. Andy, welcome to the travel podcast.

Thank you very much. Nice to speak to you.

Great to speak to you too. Now, there is so much to talk about, but let's just start with the cruise industry. Obviously, working at Clear, you're at the forefront [00:01:00] of everything that is going on. That's going on and the cruise industry Has seen and is seeing phenomenal growth this isn't it?

Yeah, it's one of those industries I think that started as a real small niche.

So actually very few people took a cruise when I joined the industry almost 20 years ago. And we've seen a real growth in the number of people trying cruise, particularly in the last sort of two or three years. We really have seen that strength in people cruising. But also we've seen a real change in the types of people who cruise.

So I think. The best way to explain it is to say that maybe 20 years ago, cruise was the type of holiday that was done by other people. It wasn't done by you. And now it really is the type of holiday that can be enjoyed by everybody. So we've seen, um, Younger people cruising, we've seen couples, we've seen solo travelers cruising, we've seen lots of families cruising, um, and what we find is that once people have tried a cruise they will [00:02:00] absolutely cruise again.

So not only are we seeing new people coming into the cruise industry and trying it for the first time, we're seeing lots of repeat cruising as well and that's great for our industry.

And do you truly believe andy that there is a cruise out there for everyone?

Absolutely. Uh, and I defy anybody to, uh, find a cruise that, uh, you know, not find a cruise. And, and I think some of that is because of the way that the industry has developed. So, There are, you know, conceptions of cruise that it's big ships and that they, um, travel around the Mediterranean. Of course, there are lots of ships that travel the Mediterranean.

In fact, the Med is our most popular destination for Brits. Um, but there are types of cruising and destinations that really do appeal to everyone. So I guess I like to think about Clear membership. So we work with 60 different cruise lines in Clear and they all offer something different. All of their ships are different and have their own personality and that really does allow [00:03:00] us to appeal to everyone.

I think our smallest ship in membership takes just 50 guests. Our biggest ship in membership takes many, several thousands. Um, and there's everything in between. So whether you're looking for a big ship with lots to do, loads of choice of entertainment and dining and stuff that they've got, um, Family and younger kids as well as older guests then absolutely there's something for you If you wanted something more intimate and smaller That goes to some of those off the beaten track places.

There's also ships for you There's also river cruising, of course, and we don't talk much about river cruising But river cruising is also really growing very fast. And again, that appeals to a different type of audience as well So there really is absolutely A cruise for everyone. I think the important bit is to get that expert advice, you know, so that you find the right cruise for you early on, and then you will absolutely become a cruiser of the future.

I agree, and that's where

I agree and that's where our travel consultants come [00:04:00] in with their expert advice because it is so It's so important that you are expertly matched to a cruise that is going to meet all of your expectations, exceed your expectations, so you can have that dream cruise holiday and then become an addict, a cruise addict like Andy and I, um, Andy, I think one of the reasons for the surge in popularity of recent times is because people are really being, becoming more educated.

With regards to the value for money a cruise can offer now as you've said obviously there's there's a whole spectrum we'll talk about the luxury end of the market a little bit later on but when you compare what a cruise offers compared to the equivalent land based holiday, the value that you get with cruise is just on a whole other level, isn't it?

Yeah, absolutely. I couldn't agree more and it is really one of the things that's made cruising so popular and that is the great value for money. And [00:05:00] one of the reasons for that is because we are very inclusive in terms of what's on offer.

So once you book your cruise, actually most of your cost is then done. So of course we include all of your meals on board, all of your entertainment, your activities during the day, those kids clubs, if that's the type of cruise that you're on, uh, Many will include guest lectures and things like that. Some of them, certainly the luxury end of the market will include things like drinks and, and excursions.

Um, but it really is very, very inclusive. And I've always said that actually the cost of a holiday is not what you spend when you book, The holiday is what you've spent by the time you get back and because cruise holidays are very inclusive Then actually most of your cost is up front and that does allow you to then budget for your holiday as you go through the Year, we know we have to take our holidays every year.

We love the holiday. We need to escape And so it's important to budget for them So some people find that the cruise is great for that because you've done most of your spending up front Um, [00:06:00] of course, the inclusions will vary by ship sometime down by cruise line. So it's worth knowing that before you book, but absolutely.

And we know the food on board is amazing. Uh, the service on board is another reason people come back time and time again. The crew on our cruise ships are absolutely amazing. Regardless of which cruise line you go with, the crew are amazing. And of course, cruise has the added advantage that it takes you to multiple places in one holiday.

So unlike other types of holiday. The ship does the hard work it moves you from one destination to another so when you wake up in the morning There's nothing more exciting. I don't think than waking up in the morning pulling back the curtains thinking where am I today? What new place have I got to explore?

And of course that travel in between is done whilst you sleep. So, um, yeah another reason to cruise

And I think the entertainment, Andy, as well, because the cost of going to a West End show, um, and having a lovely meal and drinks and, and being looked after, um, for a [00:07:00] family especially is, you're talking hundreds and hundreds of pounds for, for one night out and, uh,

it's included Yeah Yeah, I mean, the cruise industry has done a great job of investing in entertainment and investing in the theaters that are on board the ships as well. So actually, when I talk to people who work in the West End or work in movies, they kind of can't believe the quality of the theater experience that you get on board a cruise ship.

And as you say, it's included. Which is amazing and then if you as you say combine that with with some of the other activities that are available during the day as well Then actually it's such great value for money and people people As you say need to add up what they would spend on a on a different type of holiday Compare it to what the cost of a cruise is and you absolutely then [00:08:00] understand the value

I agree. And you touched on this earlier, Andy, but clearly you work with, um, you know, looking at the trends in cruise. So I'd love to. to look into sort of like the trends in cruise, the guest profile, how that's kind of evolving and changing. What are we seeing at the moment?

Yeah, it's really interesting actually. So if you take the UK, we are one of the biggest, um, markets for cruise in the world. And that's because I think we all love a holiday. And so the UK is well set up for that. I think the other thing the UK has going for it, of course, is that you can actually head down to a local port or down to Southampton, you can jump on your ship and your holiday starts straight away.

And that's great for us. And actually the number of ships that now sail from the UK is growing. So we have that great choice of ships as well. So that's, that's, That's certainly happening that more people are starting their cruise from a UK port. Everybody else, of course, can then jump on an aeroplane, head down to the Mediterranean or across to Florida or [00:09:00] Alaska, et cetera, and start their cruise there.

So that that choice is great for us. Um, the average age of a cruiser is coming down. So, um, I guess many years ago, it was seen as a holiday just for old people, but that certainly isn't the case anymore. There's a huge diversity in the age, but there are certain cruise lines who appeal very much to younger people.

And so they've done a great job at appealing to younger people. And so we're seeing more of those take a cruise and actually multigenerational travel is becoming a big trend. And I guess some years ago when we weren't able to travel, we missed that opportunity to really connect to our longer And, uh, wider families, but now families are cruising in a way that they haven't done before.

Um, and in fact, about a quarter of all cruisers last year did so in a multi generational group, and that's grandparents with parents and kids. And one of the reasons for that is during the day, you can go off and do and have your holiday that as you wish. And then you can all come together in the evening over dinner and talk about what you did that day.

And that's because the cruise [00:10:00] lines have done such an amazing job at creating these experiences that appeal both to young people and to people of all ages, which is really exciting. Um, and I guess the other trend we're seeing is, um, solo travelers. Cruise is a really, if you want it to be, cruise can be a really sociable way of traveling.

Um, again, you get to know your, the, the, the crew that work on board, but also you get to know the people in the cabins next to you, or the people at dinner, or people over drinks. So actually, it's a really sociable way to travel if you are someone who prefers to travel or travel on their own. And so, solo travel again is, is really on the increase in, in cruise.

I guess the other, the only other trend we're seeing that's, that's really growing quite fast and that's expedition cruising. So cruising to those really off the beaten track places such as the Arctic or Antarctica plus places such as Borneo or Galapagos and I think we're seeing more and more TV programs where they go to these really exciting places and cruise is either the only way to get there or [00:11:00] the best way to get there and so we've seen an increase in interest there It really struck me that

It's really fascinating. I'm always interested in the trends and

The

after the pandemic, I think there's just been in the travel industry such a huge shift and I think there's a deeper appreciation for travel now than perhaps there, there was before and it does seem to be that even with the cost of living and we know that there are struggles for people that they are choosing to invest the disposable income that they do have into travel, into making memories because I think there's a deeper appreciation because it was taken away from, from us and we now kind of realize actually.

It's probably one of the most important things, um, in, in the year and, and it has, has even deeper meaning and value now, I think.

Yeah, yeah, I couldn't agree more. And you, you, you hit the nail on the head when you said it's about making memories. I think [00:12:00] we'll always remember our holidays and our past holidays. And I think it does become that real milestone in the year that we're going on holiday. Um, and again, one of the reasons that cruise has grown so much is because actually people are hearing from friends and family that they've been on a cruise, that it was great value, that it was a perfect way to travel and to see the world.

And so they'll then try it themselves. So I think we like to brag and boast about where we're going and our holiday to our neighbors and the people we work with as well as our family. And I think that's done Cruz a lot of favors as well. So yes, I agree. I think we all value our holiday, the opportunity to travel, the opportunity to see new places and Cruz certainly delivers that for people.

Yes, it really does. And we did talk at the start, Andy, about wanting people to stay to the end of the episode, even if they think they hate grooves. So let's talk to those listeners right now. I was one of those people, believe it or not, Andy and I [00:13:00] were talking before we began recording. And for those of you don't know, I began my career working at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines before I went to university and then was trained in all departments and worked there for three years, also along alongside doing my degree.

And as much as I found it fascinating,

always thought

I always thought originally, oh, I don't think cruise is for me. Um, just sort of being on, on, um, ships in the past, um, when they weren't even moving, I felt a little bit queasy and I thought, oh no, no, no, I don't think I'm going to enjoy it. Going on a cruise as much as I like working for them, but the lure of the Caribbean was enough to persuade me and The value and and I knew I couldn't afford to do that kind of trip if I didn't take advantage of going with friends Um, so I went on my first Caribbean cruise.

I can genuinely say I have not looked back I have cruised Everywhere for [00:14:00] years and Andy you were saying

there? You

there were a lot of cruise myths, aren't they? We just want to kind of we want to convert any listeners that really think cruising isn't them because I don't want you to miss out I really feel like you're missing out if you don't give it a go.

I've never met anyone who's tried a cruise and not then become addicted. It's like a thing, isn't it, Andy?

a cruise and not then become addicted. It's like a sea of candy. You know, if you're going for a week, you get to visit five different islands, for example. Or if you're going for two weeks, about ten different islands, and they are all different.

So what a great way to test the Caribbean, to try out whether you like it, to visit lots of different places. And the good news is that you can have a great day on the island, uh, in the Caribbean, and enjoy yourself and relax and sunbathe or shop or do whatever you want to do. The ship is there waiting for you when you [00:15:00] get back and you go back onto the ship that friendly welcome that you're used to You get changed for dinner You have a nice cold glass of wine on your balcony and looking out across the caribbean And then the ship will sail and do the hard work for you get you to the next destination It's the perfect way to travel and actually it is it's that destination experience.

I think that a lot of that brings a lot of people back to cruising because The ships are amazing. They are absolutely incredible in terms of what they offer But actually that chance to visit lots of different places and to have different experiences each day You know to wander off the ship and as I say taking some culture and some sightseeing or to go shopping or to relax At a bar or whatever you want to do but the ship is there to take you again back to the next destination in the evening and that's something quite special.

So yeah, if you, and actually if you haven't cruised before and you want to try and you're not quite sure whether it'll be for you or not, you will find a lot of the cruise lines offer short mini breaks on a cruise. So you can do maybe two nights or three nights, [00:16:00] dip your toe in the water as it were, and you can try out a cruise and then we're sure you will then get back and want to book a much longer trip.

So, but it is worth if you're not sure it's for you. You know, give it a go by trying one of those shorter cruises. Yeah, and you

Yes, again, and your travel consultant can help you plan a trip. And if you do want to go further afield, it is about picking the right destination. So if you have got concerns whether or not you'll um, feel a little bit queasy on the ship, um, then you can go where there's smoother water

they're kind of cheap. I

the stabilizers, they're so big, I mean, you barely know that you're moving half the time.

It is incredible. I think that's the big, biggest myth that we need to bust, Andy, is people worrying about seasickness because

because I

I worried about that and I really wish I hadn't because I've never had any problems and I've, Sails in all sorts of seas at all

enjoyed the views, uh, the

the North Sea and, um, [00:17:00] I love it.

I absolutely love it and I've never had any problems at all.

No, you're quite right. Actually, cruise ships generally sail in warm waters. They sail in calm, warm summer water. So if you're in the Mediterranean, the ships tend to stay fairly close to the coast so that you're not in open sea.

Um, and that makes for calm sailing. But as you say, even in places like the North Sea or doing a transatlantic. The way you are in open water. The ships have been designed and built to give you a smoother ride as possible. So, so we generally don't hear people, um, get seasick. If you do, there is always medical facilities on every single ocean ship.

So you will have the opportunity if you need to, to take some medication or get some care. But I, I've never suffered, I have to say, and generally you find most people, most people don't. Okay, I

I think it's something that your body very quickly adapts to and gets used to. So, please don't let that put you off because it's such [00:18:00] a magical experience cruise for all of the, um, uh, reasons that you've mentioned, Andy, the food, the service, the staff, the excitement of exploring a brand new destination.

When you wake up, where are you today? And what are we going to do? So many different options, as you say, lovely to experience as a, a multi generational family trip or a solo traveler to whether you like your own company or you actually want to go and meet new people. It's a great opportunity to make.

Friends meet people from all over the world as well. If you're a real people person, then I think cruising gives you that opportunity. Um, you never on your own, the staff is so warm and friendly. They almost feel like family on these, the cruise ships. Don't they? They make you feel so welcome. They know your name.

They're just phenomenal.

Yeah, they are. They're wonderful. And I, you kind of, I think the downside is when you get off a ship at the end of your cruise and you're in a normal restaurant in the UK [00:19:00] or you expect that level of service, you just don't get it. But they are so lovely and warm and friendly and helpful that you, you really do absolutely fall in love with, with cruise.

It's it's a wonderful experience and I do recommend people try it because you are missing out if you don't and there are loads of options available. Lots of different ships of all shapes and sizes. They are all different. They all have their own personality. So there will be a cruise that meets what you need.

So it's worth having a look and then look at some of those places that you've always dreamt of going. So. Alaska is a really popular cruise destination. For example, great for wildlife, great for scenery. It's a wonderful place to visit. And again, you can only really do it on a cruise. Um, the Mediterranean I've mentioned before, great for Great for everything that we love about Europe and the Mediterranean, but lots of different places to visit all at once Um, and then northern europe, we shouldn't forget those places close to the uk as well So the norwegian fjords absolutely stunning.[00:20:00]

Um, iceland just north of the uk again, beautiful destination Um, and actually round britain even we get lots of people from the uk who take around britain cruise So a great opportunity to visit some of those places in the uk. You may have never been to Been to before. Um, so loads and loads of different options.

Um, whether you like sunshine or you like cold water Or you like culture or history or whatever you like. There'll be a cruise and a destination to meet those needs Yeah

and we have some incredible luxurious cruise ships. I recently went on, um, Regent Seven Seas, one of their cruise ships, and there was bespoke Versace dinnerware.

I mean, there was, um, incredible art, um, in the suites. The [00:21:00] size of the suites were, uh, you know, bigger than some the places I've lived in in the past, you know, just

been

a whole other level. Um, when you luxury, um, go luxury cruising and, uh, and, and again, still, although you're spending more, the value is still very much there as well.

No, you're absolutely right. And I think because luxury cruising tends to be even more inclusive than, uh, other types of cruising, then actually the value for money is there.

And again, if you start comparing what you would have spent on the land based equivalent and compare it to the cost of that luxury cruise, then it is incredible value. So there are lots of luxury lines available. They tend to be smaller ships and they tend to offer, however, Really good choice in dining particularly, but also in great entertainment great destinations, of course lots to choose from Even if you want to go to some of those places that some of the biggest ships go to as well So the mediterranean or the caribbean etc, [00:22:00] but they do offer great value Don't save it as a special occasion.

Do look at them because again, that level of inclusivity does make it great value. Um, and then as you said, as you mentioned earlier, similar to that expedition cruising is doing really well. So my last cruise actually at the end of last year, I took an expedition cruise down from South America to Antarctica, which is a, you know, somewhere I've always dreamed of going.

And it is an incredible experience. And there are lots of options. to go really off the beaten track like Antarctica or the Arctic, but also to try expedition cruising even close at home, but also in places such as Asia or Australia or Galapagos. So these, these places are amazing, only best explored on these small ships.

So expedition cruising tends to be small ship sailing. So I think on my Cruise there was only about 150 people, but you really immerse yourself in the destination It's all about the destination experience. So again, if that's something that interests you there are cruise [00:23:00] options available

Great way to do it because sometimes going further afield can be quite daunting if you've got Civic tours and experiences that you want to trying to um, Sort of make arrangements for that Obviously that's where your travel consultants can come in and they can do a whole bespoke trip for you but It does make it easier when you've got that base of a cruise ship and you're going to all these incredible places But you don't have to fly from one place to another or get lots of transportation.

You are taken there in your sleep, you wake up, you arrive in these incredible destinations. And it can be a more relaxing way of exploring the world.

Yeah, it absolutely can. Actually, on an expedition cruise, they tend to include all of your excursions because a lot of those will be in these smaller boats that take you out to explore. Uh, but on my cruise, for example, there were 20 different expedition experts. So there's everything [00:24:00] from an ornithologist to a historian.

geologist, and so you get to really learn about the places that you're going to as well as well as going ashore and experience it and seeing it for yourself. And as you say, the ship takes all the hard work away from you. So you get into these amazing places, but you're in the safety and comfort of your ship and you have amazing food, of course.

Um, and it also tends to be really sociable these expedition and smaller ship cruising because there's less people and so you get to Know people each day as you're exploring. So again for those people who Want to meet other people or want to travel solo. These are great options as well So, um, it's worth thinking about cruise maybe in a different way if you've not tried it before Think about where you want to go think about the holiday experience you'd like and there'll be something that is right for you so much.

Brilliant, Andy. Thank you so much. Um, just before I let you go, I What do you think is the future of cruising? What are your predictions?

Gosh, that's a really difficult question. I think it will continue [00:25:00] to change and evolve. So actually, this year alone, there are 24 new ships being launched. Uh, each of them will have something new and something that meets the needs of people. So I think, uh, What the cruise industry does really well is listens to its customers.

It kind of needs to know what its customers want and are looking for in a great holiday. So every time that a new ship is launched, they will meet that need and they will exceed those expectations. So I think it's continued, continued growth, but also continued variety of choice as well. So everything from that small ship cruising all the way up to some of that bigger resort style cruising, uh, And lots of new destinations as well.

We like to visit places we haven't been to before. So I think cruise again, we'll do a great job at taking people to places that they are on their bucket list. Maybe, or that they never even knew existed. I look forward to that.

I look forward to that. Andy, thank you so much for taking the time to join us on the travel podcast. It's been lovely to have your company [00:26:00] and uh, it certainly made me want to book a cruise right now. I, uh, I'm imagining myself on deck cruising around the Caribbean with a little pina colada.

There you go.

Sorry,

join

in my hand is all I meant to say.

I'll join you. I'll have, I'll have, I'll have a drink with you. Certainly. Yeah. No, nice to talk to you. Thank you.

Thank you. And thank you so much for listening. We really hope we have converted you. If you are thinking about cruising, if you think cruising isn't for you, we hope we have changed your mind. Please take our advice and go for it this year. Try it out. Try one of those mini cruises. Get in touch with the travel consultant that sent you this podcast.

They are the experts and they have access to. everybody in the industry and they can help you plan something really exciting. If you have a cruise booked this year, have a fantastic time. Thank you so much for listening. If you could rate, review and share this podcast, we'd be so, so grateful. I look [00:27:00] forward to seeing you next week.

again soon.

Brilliant. I will just