Welcome to the world of cruising, a dynamic and evolving segment of the travel industry that has exploded in popularity since the pandemic. And as cruising heats up, advisors are challenged to stay in touch with the latest ships, routes and experiences available to cruisers. In this blog, we’ll explore some recent cruising trends and dive into why it’s become the hottest method of travel.
Types of Cruising: Exploring the Seas in Style
Cruising offers a diverse set of experiences tailored to satisfy every kind of traveler:
Luxury Cruising: For those who seek the finer things in life, luxury cruises offer unparalleled opulence and service. Gourmet dining, personal butlers, and exclusive shore excursions – luxury cruisers can look forward to an elevated, relaxing experience above and beyond what traditional cruises offer. Companies like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas are redefining luxury with their all-inclusive packages, offering exotic destinations and world-class amenities.
River Cruising: Offering a more intimate experience, river cruises provide a closer look at destinations. These smaller ships glide along the rivers of Europe, Asia, and Africa, enjoying scenic views and stops at quaint towns. The Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways are leading the way with their innovative itineraries and cultural immersion experiences.
Destination-Specific Cruising:
- Caribbean Cruises: A classic favorite, Caribbean cruises are synonymous with sunny skies, sandy beaches, and vibrant cultures. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a range of options from short getaways to extended voyages.
- Mediterranean Cruises: Experience the rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cuisines of countries lining the Mediterranean. MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises provide itineraries that include stops at ancient ruins and bustling markets.
- Alaskan Cruises: For the adventurous souls, Alaskan cruises offer breathtaking vistas, wildlife sightings, and unique excursions like glacier trekking. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are known for their Alaskan cruise experiences, combining luxury with adventure.
The New Era of Cruising: Innovations and Trends
For many years, travel was bogged down with old technology platforms and slow processes. Now, we’re happy to say the industry is adapting to new tech and new ways of thinking, and cruising is leading the way. And not only does this mean better, smoother experiences for cruisers, but it’s now easier and more accessible for all people who love to travel to have a great experience.
Modern cruise ships are marvels of engineering, offering state-of-the-art amenities, entertainment options, and luxurious accommodations. Quantum-class ships by Royal Caribbean feature skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders, setting new standards in onboard experiences. And it’s not just the guest experience that’s getting upgrades: experts predict artificial intelligence will soon be used to help ships determine the most fuel-efficient routes to take. And as environmental awareness grows, cruise lines are adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing emissions, implementing advanced waste management systems, and using cleaner fuels.
Cruising is increasingly appealing to a broader audience. The trend in multi-generational cruising sees families of all ages coming together for memorable journeys. Young professionals are also turning to cruising as a way to unwind and connect, especially as the work-from-anywhere trend continues.
How You Can Get Involved: Opportunities with Levarté and Beyond
For travel advisors, cruising offers a lot of opportunities to further your success. And one of the greatest benefits of working with a host agency like Levarté Travel is the exclusive relationships with cruise suppliers and industry associations that you can take advantage of. You can attend events like Cruise360 and CruiseWorld, which are invaluable for insights, networking, and firsthand experience on ships. Plus, when you join CLIA through Levarté, you’ll save $50 on your membership dues, enjoy four complementary training courses, and receive your own EMBARC ID which gets travel advisors special rates when cruising.
Cruising is more than a travel option; it’s a lifestyle that’s gaining momentum. For travel advisors, cruising represents a big opportunity to take your sales to the next level. Specializing in cruise travel allows you to offer tailored advice and unique cruise experiences to your clients. And with a host agency like Levarté Travel offering you training, networking and resources to help you navigate cruising’s deep waters, you can stay ahead of the trends and take your business to the next level. Join today, click here now!