Boutique NYC PR Agency Shares Five Cruise Travel Trends

The cruise industry is experiencing a record growth offering cruise enthusiasts more choices – small luxury ships to mega yachts to expedition vessels to ocean cruises and floating resorts.  Research reveals there will be approximately 96 new ships coming on board between now and 2025.
 
Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique New York City PR agency specializing in travel, stays on the pulse with current trends and counsels clients on how to grow in this market.  Cruise travel experience can be tailored according to the passengers’ preference – small ships offer more privacy and freedom while larger ships render the luxury ship experience.
 
Here are five key cruise travel trends.
 
Authentic Travel Experiences -- With the increase in the number of river cruise and luxury ships, cruise passengers are finding more authentic destination especially among active and younger tourists.  In fact, some river cruise ships are providing bikes guests can actually use to explore during on a shore excursion. 
The demand and popularity for cruise travel is evident, with so many upscale and luxurious ships set to discover the world’s most striking and alluring and hard to reach destinations.
 
Gen Z Passengers (consumers born between 1981 and 1996) are an emerging new market for cruise marketers as this group comes of age and embarks on adventures around the world on a wide range of new river, specialty and ocean cruises.  

These first-time passengers are attracted by “multiple destinations and novel experiences such as music festivals at sea” according to CLIA State of the industry report.
 
Cruise lines are also raising the bar by introducing interactive entertainment, high-tech shows and events, world class performances just to name a few amenities.
 
Instagram is turning out to be a leading source for inspiration when it comes to planning a vacation.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Trending hashtags from passengers posting selfies and amazing photos on their Instagram feeds are influencing first-time cruise passengers to book a particular cruise. 

Since many ships offer free Wi-Fi, it is easier than ever to post instantly on Instagram. 
 
Sustainable Travel – Cruise lines are using new technologies to “reduce exhaust pollution, more efficient hull and propeller design, improved water filtration and switching from diesel to liquid natural gas” says On the Luce Travel Blog. 

Did you know . . .
 
“The cruise industry is more conscientious than ever, working with local communities to preserve their heritage and implementing innovations that decrease the environmental footprint of cruise travel. The industry is also working with destinations to bring the benefits of tourism to local economies while preserving local cultures, landmarks and environments,” according the CLIA State of the Industry Report.
 
Specialty Markets – Cruise travel is a gaining in popularity with solo travel and female explorers, since it is a safe way to discover the world. 

According to the U.S. Census, “19 percent of the U.S. population has a disability and 49 percent of senior have a disability.”  Some cruise lines are making their cabins, on board amenities and shore excursions ADA accessible to accommodate the needs of physically challenged passengers – canes, walkers and wheelchairs.   
 
Corporate groups are also discovering cruise vacations are an excellent for team building activities and corporate retreats
 
Cruise travel has also been popular with multi-generational family travel, as well as family reunions.
 
Cruises are gaining steam with the personalized service, multi-destinations, as well as on board amenities such as freestyle and all you can eat buffet dining options , pools, water parks, gyms, and world-class entertainment.
 
Cruise vacations are more popular than ever as a way for globetrotters to explore multiple destinations at a time.  Our boutique NYC PR agency is here to help cruise marketers capture their share of market and share of wealth in this growing industry.
 
We are here to help.  Give us a call.
 
 

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