As with all the travel industries, the cruise industry felt the effects significantly during the periods of lockdowns and restrictions. What was once a booming industry, became a shadow in the water, and many cruise lines had to close down due to the few options they had left to sustain their businesses. Unlike other travel businesses, airlines and cruises had no space for wriggle room when it came to creative solutions.
Hotels were able to offer their facilities as quarantine quarters, businesses selling goods could sell online, and restaurants relied on takeaway. Airlines and cruises had to simply stop operating, which was perceived as unfair and cruel to the millions of people employed in this industry.
However, the luxury experience market is making a comeback, and the cruises are at the frontline. New introductions of technology onboard for seamless communication to passengers, plus the intense safety protocol followed by all cruise lines ensure that passengers are safer now more than ever, and cruises may even be the best holiday attraction to consider in a post-pandemic world.
Let’s take a quick look at where luxury cruise trends are heading:
- Yearly comparisons show an increase in luxury cruise customers
- Luxury cruises are a great experience for the whole family, and Gen Z is taking an interest
- The Azamara Journey cruise is a popular choice for those looking for a luxurious experience
- Trends in luxury cruises show a more sophisticated boutique hotel style
- The cruise industry employs an impressive amount of almost 2million people worldwide
- Cruises are now accommodating to the rise in craft beer trend, and some feature microbrewers on board
- MSC is taking on the digital scope and has released a virtual cruise assistant named “Zoe”
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Luxury Cruises Industry Facts – The Yearly Comparison
After the cruise industry took such a beating, and many lines saw the last of their days in 2020, bigger cruise ships want you to know that the floating hotels are not going anywhere anytime soon. They’ve invested in producing bigger, better and more luxurious cruise ships in order to show they aren’t scared of unprecedented times and to attract a new generation of holidaymakers.
The cruise ships that were ordered pre-pandemic are slowly starting to make their way to the consumer, as an order this huge can not realistically be cancelled, despite a global health issue. However, it’s a good marketing strategy to let people know the luxury cruise industry is hopeful and willing to adjust to a new way of holidaymaking and thinking of ways to adjust to a new consumer.
Luxury cruises statistics show that there was a 96% increase in passengers following the difficult years of 2019-2020, and although that sounds incredibly positive, it will still take a while for the cruises to be as successful as they once were. However, this significant increase still says that the demand is there, and the luxury cruise industry will still remain relevant for years to come.
Luxury Cruises Facts: Families And Younger Generations Sustained Interest
Luxury cruises industry facts highlight that the biggest market for cruises was families and couples. With 83% of the customers being married, it’s clear to see that cruises are a popular choice for those falling in that category. However, luxury cruises intend to attract a market of people that might be difficult to do: Singles in their early 20s.
Gen Z is an unlikely group to take a cruise as a holiday destination, but the numbers are looking up. The reasons gen z may not be attracted to cruises are because of the family atmosphere, the many kiddies attractions, and the adult social activities involving a majority of people in their mid-40s. Cruiseliners have begun to notice this and are taking the time to adapt their ships for a younger adult audience.
The reason why many travel companies are attempting to attract a younger audience is because of the global health crisis. Unfortunately, the elderly have been at a higher risk of fatal results when catching a virus, and although the cruises are doing everything in their power to make it a safe space for everyone, there is still scepticism from older generations. It’s more likely that younger people will want to travel again and the number of luxury cruises has increased from 17% to 21% of passengers under 30.
The Most Luxurious Cruises
If extravagant water slides and casual attire dining isn’t your thing, there are still many cruises that are staying true to the intention of the cruise industry. When cruises came about in the 1800s, it was a way for society’s elite to experience a unique holiday where the journey becomes a destination. Of course, this had its negative side, and cruiseliners have changed to appeal to the masses, but some may argue that they’ve lost their luxurious feel.
Cruises like the Azamara feature high-end dining, stunning interiors, first-class entertainment and an intimate amount of passengers, this cruise is a great way to sail around the Mediterranean in style. The Seabourne Odessey is the height of cruise line luxury and is suggested to be avoided if travelling with young children.
The Seabourne is known for its highly sophisticated vibe and incredible quarters, boutique hotel-style rooms and fine dining experiences. Many of the suites even come with private balconies overlooking the shores, in addition to marble bathtubs and huge luxurious beds. This cruise line is perfect for honeymooners. Luxury cruises trends ensure that there really is something for everyone to enjoy on the water.
Luxury Cruises Trends: Microbreweries On Board
Just when you thought cruises couldn’t anymore be extravagant, a new trend of microbreweries on cruise lines proves that sentiment wrong. Much like how cruise ships in the olden days had cows on board to provide fresh milk, now cruises are seeing the importance of fresh beer. There are a whole ton of beer cruises to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about finding a designated driver to take you home after a tasting.
MSC Introduced Virtual Cruise Assistant “Zoe”
The MSC app allows its voyagers to experience a hassle-free communication system to allow for relaxed and stress-free travel. With the capacity the average cruise ship holds, and the number of safety instructions to be aware of, it can be seen as the worst part of choosing a cruise as your holiday.
With advancements in technology, cruises now rely on apps and apple watches to ensure all passengers will enjoy their cruise to its fullest potential. “Zoe” is MSC’s virtual assistant, which offers 24-hour assistant services. Facilitated by touch screen technology all around the ship and in each cabin, in addition to the app that can be downloaded for your stay, there’s no way you’ll be at a loss for information or miss any of your scheduled activities.
The luxury cruises industry facts for 2022 prove that spending time on the water is back on the rise. Now is a great time to book that cruise!
Nathan has always been captivated by numbers and patterns. With a Master’s degree in Statistics, he’s honed his skills to decipher complex data sets and discern market trends.
Over the past decade, Nathan has worked with various firms compiling and analyzing industry spending figures to forecast market movements.