Social media and restorative travel will be 2019's biggest cruise trends, CLIA says

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the 2019 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report predicting the top trends in cruise travel. 

Through industry research, travel insights, and speaking to travel agents, CLIA foresees social media and restorative travel as top cruise travel trends in the coming year. In addition, the State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report reveals that the cruise travel continues to grow and contribute to the overall global economy. In fact, more than eight out of ten CLIA-certified travel agents are expecting to see a rise in cruise sales in the next twelve months.

“Research and forecasting the year ahead allows the cruise industry an opportunity to take a big picture look at the cruise and travel industries to evaluate and predict all of the exciting things to come,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. “The coming year’s trends truly reflect the intersection between the experiences travelers seek and the cruise industry’s innovations.”

READ MORE: Kelly Craighead appointed as CLIA President and CEO

2019 cruise travel trend predictions

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Achievement Over Experience: Experiential travel has evolved into achievement travel as vacationers are looking for immersive, cultural experiences beyond sightseeing. Bucket lists have become more goal-oriented and cruise lines are meeting these demands. 

4) 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 personalized travel experience while on and off the ship.

5) 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 preserve their heritage and implementing innovations that decrease the environmental footprint of cruise travel. The industry is also working with destinations to bring the benefits of tourism to local economies while preserving local cultures, landmarks and environments.

6) 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.

7) Gen Z at Sea: Generation Z is set to become the largest consumer generation in the next two years—outpacing even 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.

8) Off-Peak Adventures: The off-peak season is rising in popularity, whether travelers are looking to escape the cold in a tropical place or embrace the chill in a new destination. 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.

1. Working Nomads: Combining work with leisure time is on the rise. Straying far from the notion of device-free travel, many modern travelers 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, travelers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise vacation.
2. Female-Centered Cruising: With the number of female travelers growing, many tourism and travel companies are creating female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women. Female-centered cruises can create a female empowerment community at sea while allowing travelers to experience the world around them, as well as visit famous feminist landmarks.
3. Going Solo: With more Google searches for “solo travel” and “traveling alone” than ever before, traveling alone is rising in popularity. Cruising allows for solo travel without the worry of arranging a ton of details while visiting even the most far-reaching destinations and connecting with other travelers, forming community bonds and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime things.