Interview with Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat, Managing Director France of CLIA

How is the cruise market evolving?

Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat - The image of cruising has changed enormously in recent years. It's a fast-growing sector. In 2014, CLIA member companies are expected to welcome 21.7 million passengers worldwide. Between 2014 and 2015, they will be launching 24 new ships, representing an additional capacity of 37,546 passengers: gigantic liners, luxury sailing ships, privatisable and VIP ships, expedition ships, etc.

Is the offer suitable for corporate events?

C. R-P - Of course! The boats can generally be privatised and customised, in part or in full.
They have a team specialising in welcoming groups, and even in business tourism. At the same time, mini-cruises are becoming more widespread: after Costa, it's now the turn of Croisières de France to offer three- or four-night tours. Excursions are generally being redesigned to be longer, richer, themed and supervised by guest speakers. The major companies offer high-tech equipment on board, enabling customers to organise all types of meeting: seminars, conferences, congresses, product launches, etc. The range is expanding, both in terms of boats and themes: mixed cargo ships, polar expedition boats, top-of-the-range sailing boats, luxury catamarans, unusual excursions.

Are river companies as popular?

C. R-P - They are following the wave. Capacities are increasing, but remain lower than in the maritime sector, because they are subject to navigation constraints. Companies are renovating their fleets and launching new boats. For example, CroisiEurope, Europe's largest shipowner, has announced the construction of two ships and the purchase of a boat on the Mekong!