What To Expect From The Cruise Line Industry In 2018

Cruise Lines International Association Expects More Passengers & Ships

 

The cruise line industry is cruisn’ and will continue to do so in 2018.

That’s the conclusion of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which has released its 2018 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook.

According to the CLIA,  cruise travel is steadily on the rise with a projected 27.2 million passengers expected in 2018. In 2017, an estimated 25.8 million passengers cruised compared to 24.7 million in 2016. To meet this growing demand, cruise lines are scheduled to add 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2018.

“It is without question that the cruise industry continues on a growth trajectory, gaining in consumer interest and creating a positive impact on the global economy,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “The 2018 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook is a way for us to keep a finger on the pulse of the global cruise industry and its impact on the global economy and identify new travel trends that will influence cruise travel in the future.” 

Here’s what else to expect for 2018, as CLIA looks at the the top nine cruise travel trends for 2018:

1. All Budgets Will Cruise – All income brackets are cruising.
2. Transformational Cruise Travel – Travelers are seeking “transformational” experiences. Some upcoming cruise itineraries include eating local cuisine, going on guided tours through small villages and even visits inside private homes. Thrill-seekers can swim with sharks in South Africa, ride a Harley Davidson in Alaska or mingle among penguins in the Arctic.
3. Sustainability at Sea – In the coming year there with be an even greater focus on sustainable tourism.
4. Millennials Take to the River—River and small ship cruising continues to gain traction among travelers, specifically the Millennial set.
5. Skip-Gen Cruising – Multigenerational cruising is projected to increase in popularity. But there’s a twist: “skip-generation” trips, with grandparents and grandchildren traveling together without their parents, are predicted to be highly popular in 2018 and into the future.
6. Cold Climate Destinations Are Hot –  Colder climate destinations including the Baltics, Canada, Alaska, and Antarctica are heating up, in large part because of an array of unique excursion options from penguin watching to ice fishing.
7. Healthy Travel – On-board health wellness seminars led by popular health experts, custom fitness programs, stress management, and spa services are now in demand and cruise ships are responding by offering cruises dedicated to heath and fitness.
8. Increased Technology— There will be a rise in traveler-friendly onboard technologies such as wearable bracelets and keychains with sensors that do everything from tracking purchases to turning on the lights in passenger cabins.
9. Good Times For Travel Agents – Travelers will continue to utilize agents for their expertise in ships and destinations, planning and getting the best deals.