CLIA releases first Cruise Industry Consumer Outlook

Cruise travel is becoming more popular and many travellers believe cruising is worth the money, according to new statistics released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The report, released May 4th, aims to reveal traveller insights, outlook, and attitudes regarding cruising and land-based travel. The survey was conducted in partnership with J.D. Power and marks the first of three 2017 outlooks.

“Each installment will help the industry, as well as cruise travel agents, continue to adapt business practices and offerings to coincide with the desires of travellers and propel the cruise industry forward,” Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, stated in a release.

One of the report's findings is that cruise popularity and awareness is on the rise. Of 500 consumers who were surveyed in the study, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) said their overall awareness of cruise vacations has improved within the last two years, the study claims.

Additionally, within the last four months alone, 30 percent of respondents said their awareness of cruising and ship-based excursions “increased greatly” compared to year or two ago.

The number of vacationers who are interested in taking a cruise vacation is up to 63 percent, with travellers have a “solid interest” in both ocean cruising (50 percent) and river cruising (30 percent), the study claims.

The outlook also found that travellers believe cruising is well worth the money with over half (67 percent) of travellers saying they believe that cruising offers a high value experience for the money, whereas a lower 47 percent said the same for land-based vacations.

J.D. Power conducted the North America Cruise Industry Consumer Outlook through web-based surveys in August and December 2016, targeting consumers who earn more than $50,000 annually and had taken a vacation within the past three years. The survey will be conducted three times per year to establish industry trends.

To view a detailed infographic of the study, go here.