Germany has remained Europe’s leading source market for multiple consecutive years, according to research from the Cruise Lines International Association. Its latest Europe Market Report indicates 2.57 million German nationals took a cruise in 2024. Two of Germany-based company TUI Cruises’ three cruise brands primarily cater to this source market: Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Targeted at the premium market, Mein Schiff sails to multiple regions around the world with its eight current ships and has three newbuilds on the way – Mein Schiff Flow in 2026 and two yet-to-be-named ships in 2031 and 2032. Meanwhile, its Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand provides luxury and expedition cruises for both the German and international markets onboard its five vessels. Both brands face a common challenge when planning itineraries and shore excursion programmes: finding ways to adapt them to meet ever-changing guest preferences and travel habits. We ask Marcus Puttich, director of destinations, and Maria Tauschke, head of shore operations, how TUI Cruises is overcoming these hurdles and what new opportunities it is opening up for ports and destinations in different regions around the world. How is guest behaviour changing the way you plan itineraries for both Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises? Puttich: We continuously adapt itineraries for both brands to meet evolving guest expectations by diversifying our products, extending seasonality and exploring new regions. We always maintain a focus on creating meaningful experiences and sustainable growth. Changing consumer behaviour has become a key driver of deployment planning. Guests increasingly seek either long, immersive journeys that allow for extended time away from home, or active itineraries focused on experiencing unique seasonal highlights. This trend David Selby asks Marcus Puttich and Maria Tauschke of TUI Cruises how changing consumer behaviour is impacting the way it plans itineraries for its Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleets Always adapting PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Tropical islands like Bora Bora in French Polynesia are popular with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ guests 154 Photo: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=