Cunard, the luxury cruise line, has shattered its previous Black Friday booking records, marking an unprecedented high in guest reservations. This surge in bookings spans across their 2024 and 2025 itineraries, with particular interest in Queen Anne’s European journeys. The rise in demand follows a successful year-start and a strong wave campaign for the brand, indicating a robust market presence.
- The momentum for Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, is accelerating rapidly, underscoring its sustained appeal among luxury cruise enthusiasts.
- Cunard president Katie McAlister attributes this success to the brand’s unwavering dedication to luxury and unforgettable travel experiences, promising a prosperous start to the upcoming year.
- The cruise line plans to capitalise on this demand by engaging travel agents through exclusive onboard experiences, boosting its operational sales efforts.
- The Shine Rewards Club platform will provide further details for agents on how to participate in these unique opportunities, reflecting Cunard’s strategic commitment to strengthening industry partnerships.
Cunard, renowned for its luxurious travel offerings, has reported a record-breaking number of guest bookings during the Black Friday period, marking the highest in its history. The surge of interest extends into 2024 and 2025, with a significant focus on the European itineraries of its newest ship, Queen Anne. This trend signifies a strong rebound and continued interest in high-end cruising experiences.
Under the leadership of President Katie McAlister, Cunard has achieved a notable streak in its marketing efforts, particularly with its wave campaign touted as the strongest in a decade. McAlister expressed delight at this achievement, describing the bookings as ‘unparalleled’ and attributing them to Cunard’s dedication to delivering ‘unrivalled luxury and unforgettable holiday experiences.’ The anticipation surrounding Queen Anne’s inaugural voyage in May next year also indicates a successful year ahead.
Moreover, as part of its strategy to maintain this momentum, Cunard has announced plans to host up to 500 travel agent partners onboard Queen Anne shortly after its launch. This initiative, including overnight experiences from Southampton, is designed to enhance agent familiarity with the brand’s offerings and to drive sales.
Further engagement with the travel industry will be supported through events such as the 2024 CLIA UK and Ireland Conference in May, where approximately 200 agents will have the opportunity to board Queen Anne. Emphasizing the importance of these partnerships, Cunard has indicated that detailed participation guidelines will be available via the Shine Rewards Club platform, highlighting its commitment to nurturing industry relations.
Cunard’s remarkable Black Friday success underscores its strategic market positioning and commitment to luxury hospitality.
