Cruise operator firms like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corp have sent an armada of luxury vessels to China to tap the world’s fastest-growing market, but they face turbulent waters.
HNA Group is eyeing a major acquisition in the cruise line business, according to a report by the Cruise Industry News.
Interesting move by Royal Caribbean as it looks to compete head-on with the likes of Viator with the launch of a standalone brand – GoBe – for activities.
Chinese already account for half of Asian cruisers and are predicted to grow from 1 million passengers to 5.4 million in 2020, reported Trbusiness.
The world's leading cruise operators hope that China will become a major revenue source, as they look for middle-class customers to make up for the stagnant and mature American and European markets.
Dreamlines is aiming to accelerate its growth with a focus on new markets and additional services following a top-up investment round of €18 million.
The number of cruise passengers from China surged 91% in 2016 to a record high of more than 2.12 million. Yet the industry has to grapple with issues of deteriorating experience and homogenized itineraries.
In November 2017, the Princess Cruises’ ship Regal Princess will debut wearable technology for guests.
