When planning family holidays, cost, safety and activities were the top global considerations according to Agoda’s “Family Travel Trends 2018” research.
With the mid-year school holidays around the corner, as a travel agent, reinforce to your customers the message that taking a cruise remains one of the safest forms of travel.
Based on statistics, a recent study found that although cruise capacity rose almost 55% from 2009 to 2018, the number of operational incidents in that time fell 37%. Compared to other forms of travel, serious crimes are also extremely rare on cruises.
The low level of incidents is because cruise ships today are the safest that have ever sailed, thanks to the stringent rules and regulations that govern their design and operations. With each new ship comes new technology and other innovations that help boost safety, while multiple levels of international regulation and oversight ensure procedures and standards are maintained. For example, cruise ships are equipped with video surveillance throughout.
A fact that is not widely known is that although rarely needed, ships must provide survival craft for 25% more guests than are actually on board. In addition to this, 100% of passengers, crew and luggage are screened before boarding.
Safety is not something to be taken lightly. Hence a cruise vacation takes the stress out of worrying for the family, allowing your customers to sit back and enjoy the family holiday.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s membership offers a globally recognised online training and accreditation programme – specially designed for travel agents – with modules dedicated to cruising related topics, river cruising and key destinations.
Visit www.cliaasia.org to join. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest cruise news.
By Jiali Wong, Regional Manager for Asia, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
