Cruise industry: Well-traveled consumers ready to start cruising

A new survey of the cruise line industry has uncovered some interesting insights about new attitudes among travelers.

The fact that well-traveled consumers are so ready to start cruising speaks volumes for the health of the industry.

When asked if COVID-19 has changed how they will choose their next cruise, 58.7% report that they will compare the onboard policies of cruise lines before deciding which line they will book.

However, the vast majority of survey respondents plan to cruise again before the end of 2021, (86.6% at least somewhat likely, with 62.3% definitely or very likely).

Top destinations (respondents were encouraged to select all that apply) are Caribbean/Mexico (57.2%), Europe (43.5%) and Alaska (13.7%). Other destinations of interest include Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific, Canada / New England, World, Transatlantic, Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Panama Canal and Asia. Respondents also expressed a “write-in” interest in river cruises and small ships.

Majority of cruise passengers know the onboard experience that they’re looking for, and they will definitely consider how COVID-19 mitigation will affect that when choosing their next cruise vacation.

Other attitude changes in this new era include more interest in cruises requiring fewer flights (20.8%) and smaller ocean ships (17.7%).

Only 12.8% expect to have less money to spend, and just 10.3% have an increased interest in river cruising.