Boutique Travel Lifestyle Public Relations Agency Highlights Five Key Cruise Trends For 2025

​The cruise industry is changing to fit the needs of the 21st-century traveler by 2025. In fact, the cruise industry is now offering remote work and work-life balance, well-being initiatives, multi-generational experiences, and cooler vacation cruise tours.

Did you know . . .

• “The cruise industry is expected to generate $44.39 billion in revenue in 2025.” (Source: Statista)
• “18.9 million Americans will cruise, but there has been a decline in the growth pace from the previous years. The changes are a result of shifts in economic patterns, changes in customer preferences, and regulatory policies on travel. (Source: CLIA)
• “Multigenerational travel is a growing trend in the cruise industry, with more than 30 percent of families traveling with two generations.” (Source: Expedia Cruises)
• “The cruise industry has taken to providing cleaner fuels, carbon offsets, and low-impact shore activities.” (Source: MSC's Sustainability Report)

In this blog, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique travel and lifestyle public relations firm based in New York City, spotlights five cruise travel trends for this year.

Soft Travel: Wellness-Focused Cruises

Soft travel is a new wellness trend incorporating wellness experiences such as self-care and relaxation as individuals explore the world. Cruise line companies are incorporating soft travel experiences as an “added value to travelers by including therapeutic forms of treatment.

"Cruise lines have integrated features like hydrotherapy pools, yoga, and even diet-friendly meals into their wellness programs. Further, it is uncovered that there is a growing interest in wellness tourism that has led to the incorporation of free meditation classes occurring on the ship and local spa treatments.” (Source: Mundy Cruising) Cruise vacations are an incredible segment that helps vacationers attain their dreams and health goals since holidaymakers are becoming health-conscious.

Coolcations: The Rise of Cooler Destination Cruises

Coolcations is simply a vacation to a cool destination during the warmer summer months. Research shows that people are taking trips to Alaska, the Arctic, the north of Europe, Scandinavia, or even Antarctica to enjoy the cold and marvel at the landscapes and animals.

“Companies are modifying their schedules to fit into this trend, spending more time in the northern areas besides discovering itineraries containing the nature of far-off areas.” (Source: Reuters). The increasing trends of adventure and environmental conservation, “coolcations,” are believed to be a valuable attraction to cruisers.

Bleisure And Sabbatical Travel: Merging Work With Wanderlust

Remote work continued to remain possible for many, which has led to an effective combination between business trips and leisure ones, known as bleisure. “There has been a marked trend towards longer trips that encompass working, as companies edged towards allowing their employees to work from home.” (Source: MSC Cruises). These cruise lines are adapting to this new trend by providing Internet access to enable the use of Wi-Fi, business centers, and better work facilities for the delegates while at sea.

Cruise And Rail Combinations: Expanding Beyond The Sea

Cruise and rail combinations are becoming popular among luxury travelers. Research reveals “travelers are keen on long-haul trips, which incorporate on-shore and offshore trips.” (Source: Mundy Cruising). A passenger does not have to take several flights to reach an inland destination.

“New trends have also been noted, namely pre- and post-cruise rail packages that offer tourists the opportunity to continue their voyage beyond the cruise routes.” (Source: MSC Cruises). Cruises and rail travel reflect a growing interest in personalized and softer experiences.

The new cruise trends are inspiring cruise lines to provide cruise enthusiasts with customized, flexible itineraries to cater to travelers changing preferences.

Multigenerational Trips: Family Cruises on the Rise

Multigenerational travelers—grandparents, parents, and children—are embracing the cruise industry for their family vacations. Cruise lines are appealing to multigenerations because of the wide range of activities, such as theme parks and slides for children and live entertainment for adults on board. Other amenities include family-friendly staterooms and, of course, a diverse selection of food choices.

Our team of savvy travel public relations professionals and social media strategists can help cruise lines stay relevant and grow in the competitive cruise industry.

​By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.