Cruise travel predictions for 2019 are out. It looks like social media (#travel #cruise) and solo travelling is here to stay, but they are also accompanied with quirky newcomers like ‘achievement’ holidays and female-centred cruising.
The list of 11 predictions by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), covers new offerings onboard, where to travel, types of travel and who’s travelling.
Give it a browse if you find yourself running out of travelling ideas and need some help with planning your next adventure.
Australasia continues to be cruise lovers and CLIA is still expecting more travellers to take to the seas and rivers for their holidays.
“This region has the highest market penetration in the world and we are predicting that CLIA travel agents can expect to see a rise in cruise sales in the next twelve months,” said CLIA Australasia Managing Director, Joel Katz.
CLIA’s report estimates cruise passenger numbers to reach 30 million in 2019, bringing a 6% growth to the global cruise industry.
The 2019 cruise travel trend predictions by CLIA include:
Instagrammable Cruise Travel
Instagram posts are driving interest in travel around the world, so much so that on an average day, there can be close to 351 million posts with the tag #travel. With onboard connectivity, cruise passengers Instagram feeds fill with diverse travel experiences both onboard and when they get onshore at different cruise destinations.
Total Restoration
Stressed out from fast-paced lives, travellers are seeking ways to check out from daily responsibilities and rejuvenate more than ever before. Cruise lines are responding by offering total wellness in the form of restorative spa experiences, onboard oxygen bars, healthy menu choices for a wide variety of diets, and the latest in fitness innovations.
Achievement Over Experience
Experiential travel has evolved into achievement travel as holiday makers are looking to tick off their goal-oriented bucket lists that goes beyond sightseeing. Passengers can conquer Machu Picchu or complete culinary workshops hosted by Le Cordon Bleu chefs.
Female-Centered Cruising
With the number of female travellers growing, many tourism and travel companies are creating female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women.
Going Solo
There are more Google searches for “solo travel” and “travelling alone” than ever before and cruising allows for solo travel without the worry of arranging a ton of details while visiting even the most far-reaching destinations.
Conscious Travel
Travellers want to see the world in a conscious, mindful way. The cruise industry is more conscientious than ever, working with local communities to bring the benefits of tourism to local economies while preserving local cultures, landmarks and environments.
On-Board with Smart Tech
Cruise lines have adopted wearable technology for cruise travellers—including keychains, necklaces, bracelets, and more—in order to provide a highly personalised travel experience while on and off the ship.
Access is the New Luxury
Travellers are setting their sights on destinations that were previously out of reach, some only accessible now by cruise ship. They want to be among the first of their peers to experience destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.
Off-Peak Adventures
The off-peak season is rising in popularity and cruising offers some once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the colder months that include: excursions to see the Northern Lights, visiting a penguin colony, and touring European Christmas Markets.
Gen Z at Sea
Generation Z is set to become the largest consumer generation in the next two years—outpacing Millennials. Like the generation before, this age bracket prefers authentic experiences over material items and has an even greater wanderlust. The appeal of multiple destinations and unique experiences, such as music festivals at sea, is helping attract this new generation of cruisers.
Working Nomads
Combining work with leisure time is on the rise. Straying far from the notion of device-free travel, many modern travellers or “digital nomads” are opting for trips where they can work remotely which cuts down on time off and lost wages. With WiFi, desks and work-friendly cafes, travellers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise holiday.
