According to Canadian advisors with First in Service (F1S), cruising is back to pre-pandemic levels. The results come from a newly released survey by First in Service Travel LTD, an independent travel agency.

When F1S Canadian advisors were asked to compare their cruise bookings to the same time in 2019, 64.7 percent indicated that they were even or up compared with four years ago, with a plurality (41.1 percent) characterizing bookings as “up.” When the same advisors were asked to compare their cruise booking for this year versus 2022, 64.7 percent said they were “up.”

As for hot destinations, the Mediterranean ranks as the most sought-after itinerary among F1S’ Canadian clientele as 58.8 percent of the F1S cruise advisors named it among the top three cruise destinations they are booking in 2023.

The rest of the top five includes: Caribbean (41.2 percent), Alaska (29.4 percent), European river (13.0 percent) and Maritime Canada/New England (8.7 percent). Other cruise itineraries that were named include: Antarctica, Arctic, Baltic, Greenland, Japan, Mekong, South America, and world cruises. According to the F1S advisors, Barcelona is the most popular pre- or post-cruise destination (18.8 percent), followed by Fort Lauderdale and Miami (tied with 14.7 percent each).

“While the cruise industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, it is now proving its tremendous resilience among our Canadian clients, who are literally seeking out opportunities around the world and from pole to pole,” noted Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of First in Service. “Although many of our customers are taking to the sea on some of the latest, greatest mega-ships, a large cross-section is opting for the smaller, more intimate ships, whether for river or seafaring cruises.”

When F1S advisors across Canada were asked to share the style of cruise they were booking for their clients with the option of selecting all options that applied, an overwhelming 76.5 percent named “ocean” among their choices.

The following selections were made:

• Ocean – 76.5 percent
• River – 47.1 percent
• Small Ship – 47.1 percent
• Expedition – 23.5 percent
• Specialty – 11.8 percent
• Yacht – 5.9 percent

According to the survey, 8-14 night cruises are the most popular length of cruise itineraries booked by a huge majority (88.2 percent), followed by 7 or less (5.9 percent). 

F1S advisors were also asked to name any additional cruise trends they are experiencing, with a consensus noting the increase in demand for high-end, luxury cruise experiences.

“Clients are booking higher cabin categories to truly enjoy the onboard experience, including priority dining reservations, private transfers, access to exclusive lounges and pools, and enhanced in-room features with spa-like bathrooms,” notes Linda Montemarano, F1S Canada advisor. “Luxury cruising is very popular, specifically on Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” adds Vivien Rethazy, F1S Canada advisor.

First in Service surveyed advisors across the three segments its serves: business, luxury/premium leisure, and entertainment travel; 79.3 percent of the advisors who completed the survey actively book and sell cruises.