Current Trends in the Cruise Industry

We were excited to attend another annual Cruise 360 conference in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to going on ship inspections, we always love to hear current trends in the cruise industry.  At this conference, the Presidents/CEOs of all the major cruise lines were there to discuss current and future plans. Here are the five top takeaways from this year’s conference:

New Ships

Many cruise lines have new ships that have just gone on their maiden voyage or are scheduled for one in the near future. These ships range from mega-ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, to small and intimate ocean and river cruise ships.

New Destinations

Many cruise lines are adding new and different destinations to their itineraries. Two examples of new itineraries are the cruises that go to Eastern Russia and the increasing number of African safari cruises. Cruise line itineraries are also being fashioned to allow people to spend more time in port. Overnight stays are becoming more common.

Exploration Ships

Cruise passengers are more frequently seeking adventures not just cruises. There is increased interest in exploration cruises to places like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. The cruise lines are responding by adding new exploration ships to their fleets. Many of these exploration ships impressively meld luxury and comfort with mud rooms, underwater viewing areas and other technology to enhance the exploration experience.

Eco-Friendly Travel

The cruise lines are taking steps to protect our bodies of water and the animals and plants in them. The keen interest in protecting the environment and in appreciating marine life was evident when Jeff Corwin of Ocean Trek and Fabian Cousteau were the Conference’s two hallmark speakers.

Inclusiveness

Cruises are attracting younger passengers. The cruise lines are designing new ships including river boat vessels with millennials in mind. Many cruise lines are actively welcoming  and marketing to LGBT passengers on their mainstream cruises. Celebrity Cruise executives proudly announced their support of the LGBT community at Cruise 360.

If you are interested in booking a cruise, please contact us. With our up to date knowledge of the options out there, we can find you the best ship and deal for you.

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