Australia’s burgeoning population of cruise passengers will continue to grow next year, according to the ship owners’ body.
In a State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says Australasia continues to have the highest market penetration in the world.
Cruise sales will continue to grow next year, meaning even more Australians will take to the seas and rivers for their holidays. A 6% growth is projected for the global cruise industry in 2019, with 30 million passengers.
“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.
The report also reveals some fascinating new trends – including the rise of social media, “achievement” holidays taking the place of experiences, a swing towards more environmentally sensitive travel and more female-centred and solo travelling.
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 with diverse travel experiences both onboard and on land from several 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.
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Agree with all of above. Never been on a cruise because the solo cost is prohibitive
I agree with above comments….a long held dream of mine is to go on a cruise, but because I am single, cost has been a huge drawback
I also agree with Rita. I love cruising and have had a companion on my previous cruises. However, I am not sure whether this companion would be available due to altered circumstances. I am quite happy to be on my own but find the single supplement is usually too much extra to pay.
I totally agree with the comments from the other ladies.Why should a single person be made pay 40% and more for a cruise or holiday after all the companies are only feeding one person and it is 1/2 the wear and tear on the cabins or hotel rooms.
It is time that some of the holiday industry woke up to the fact that a lot of people who are single still love to travel on holidays all around the world.
I agree with the remarks, re ” single/solo cruisers. It is time for cruise companies to realize just how many people now fit into this catagory. I love cruising, would do lots more if it were a little cheaper & easier for solo travel.
I agree with all these views. I myself have found after 60 years of
marriage and 14 cruises, that I too can not afford the prices of
single cabins. I thought that when my cruise was fully paid for,
that on my husbands death, the. cruise line would have deducted
a part of my husbands cabin share and then returned the rest to
me. Not so, i had to find someone to take up my husbands share,
which was difficult for me at a sad time.
I agree need to do solo traveller can see why we have to pay for two cuts down trave if paying for two instead of one time cruises do this
I agree with Mrs Rita Wells.Being Single/widow find it hard to
afford Single Supplement,and cannot always find right person
to room with.I have Cruised with Princess Line. quite a few times
but not able to always travel at the same time. I would love there
to be more Single Supplement rooms being made available to be
able to more cruising.
I would love to cruise again, both ocean and river. But as a single person, I cannot afford the prices quoted for a single person. I don’t see why we should have to pay for 2 people. And I wouldn’t share with a stranger either!!!! It is time the shipping companies wake up to the fact that there is a lot of business to be made if they cater to the solo travellers!!
I agree with Rita Wells. In a position of loving travel but not able to “secure” a like minded person to travel with, the cost outweighs the value on cruising. Give the solo travellers a better deal!!
The problem is that a single/widowed person can not afford the single supplement, after 5 cruises that is the position I find myself, it’s ashame you can’t allow so many cabins at just a fraction more for this reason.