Cruise Trends: How the cruise industry is embracing 2018

Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in the number of new luxury ships being launched. “These new additions have raised the profile of the luxury cruise sector, and of the vast array of innovative enhancements available onboard, meaning there has never been more choice for agents selling luxury cruises,” says Andy Harmer of CLIA UK and Ireland.

The thirst for luxury ‘experiences’ is now outpacing demand for high-end goods, and the cruise sector is well-geared to meet the changed trend, according to Carolyn Childs, co-founder of travel and tourism research consultancy MyTravelResearch.com.

While many High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) still prefer the privacy offered by taking holidays on their own mega-yachts or private islands, others are engaging with more socially-responsible holiday options like eco-friendly, sustainable resorts and helping local communities through `voluntourism’.

“People, the planet and self-improvement are now as important to upscale travellers as indulgence and conspicuous consumption,” says Childs, who says increasingly savvy luxury travellers are also signing up for more ‘wellbeing’ and ‘learning’ experiences – which the cruise industry is able to deliver in spades.

Childs divides HNWIs into a range of luxury travel `types’ with different aspirations.

At one end of the scale, ‘Hedonists’ and ‘Lotus Eaters’ want fun, pampering, bling and non-stop indulgence, while at the other end ‘Replenishers’, ‘Dynasts’, ‘Enrichment Seekers’ and ‘Philanthropists’ with established wealth are starting to focus more on personal growth and connection with the world about them.

Somewhere in the middle come ‘Pioneers’ and ‘Jet Setters’, who want to be the first to try new and offbeat experiences. “Pioneers want to test themselves, even on holiday, so they’ll be the ones to pilot their own balloon or join a space mission.”

The spending patterns and expectations of luxury consumers are changing but the cruise industry is poised to meet

demand, says Maria Harding