‘Digital photography has led to a whole new generation of amateur photographers. They have good gear and they are talented photographers but they are just doing it for themselves. Sometimes on our wildlife-focused cruises half the guests are able amateur photographers who want to go to places where they might find that special shot that might end up framed on their wall.
‘We’re seeing really strong demand for that and I think this is an opportunity for agents.’
Russ was in Auckland yesterday, hosting an intimate lunch at Non Solo Pizza in Parnell for key trade partners – following on from similar events in Australia.
‘We see it as an opportunity to talk about a few of the projects we are involved in like our Ture Young Explorer scholarships, our partnership with Ngai Tahu and with the art community as well as our conservation work. It’s a nice way to share our story, look beyond the hard sell and the marketing headlines.’
The lunches come at a time when Heritage is looking forward to a significant milestone – the official entry in the market of its third vessel, Heritage Discoverer next year.
Agents are also encouraged to watch out for the line’s upcoming brochure (due in digital format next week), focusing on 2027-28 and including Discoverer for the first time.
Russ says the new vessel (formerly the Silver Explorer) is undertaking some trial voyages in the Arctic now and will have a pre-inaugural cruise to South Georgia Antarctica this southern summer. Its true inaugural will cover Spain, Portugal France and the Channel Islands, with its second voyage departing out of Portsmouth and taking in the Scottish islands. Voyage three will depart Glasgow for Iceland and the fourth expedition will circumnavigateIceland.
Russ notes that the demand for longer cruises with Heritage is continuing. ‘Our clients have the time and the money and they don’t want to miss anything, so 14 to 16 days is the sweet spot for us. However we also see demand for 18 days and we’ve added extra time to our Falklands-South Georgia itinerary to make it 22 days.’
Russ says the trade partners at yesterday’s lunch understand expedition cruising well.
‘I think every year as the exposure to expedition cruising grows, agents’ knowledge of the sector improves. However, it is still the case that sometimes the client can be more intrepid than the agents. It is important they don’t just offer clients options on the basis of what they themselves would like to do.’
