The world economic crisis can be a catalyst to grow the German cruise market, according to Phoenix Reisen’s COO Benjamin Krumpen.

“I see the market here increasing within the next few years even more than it would under ‘normal’ circumstances, as a result of cruise prices being as low as they are now,” Krumpen said. “It presents more opportunity for first-time cruisers to sail, and if they enjoy their experience, they’ll be back again. Not only is that good for us, but for the German cruise market as a whole.”

Phoenix Reisen expects roughly 35,000 passengers to sail on its ships in 2009 – considerably fewer than German market leader AIDA – however, the line is the third largest operator in Germany (in terms of cruise passenger capacity), behind newcomer TUI Cruises.

The Phoenix Reisen fleet consists of the 600-passenger Amadea, the 830-passenger Albatros, and the 470-passenger Alexander Von Humboldt II.

As for the acquisition of a fourth vessel, Krumpen said he is “always looking.”
Phoenix Reisen also charters some 50 river boats on the Nile, Danube, and Volga rivers.