Cruise appeal to “new generationâ€
Factors behind the growing trend of cruising: value coupled with a “new generation†of cruise offerings providing more variety and flexibility than ever before, say American Express Travel’s Cruise Specialists.
The later includes “new and increasingly exotic ports-of-calls around the world; a jaw-dropping roster of onboard luxury upgrades and amenities; and customized excursions and private experiences,†says the group which is almost exclusively dedicated to booking cruise travel.
Among the growing number of first-time cruisers, Cruise Specialists report an increase especially among multi-generational families, young couples/newlyweds, young families with children, and people looking to “test-drive†or sample destinations via a cruise before planning an entirely land-based vacation there.
Cruise Specialists also report working with a large number of repeat cruise customers. While these repeaters enjoy the cruise experience enough to do it over and over again, Cruise Specialists say when it comes to the itineraries, they like to mix it up – from destinations to ship experiences.
The group says cruisers are particularly seeing an interest in new far-flung cruise destinations, including Dubai, the South Pacific and Vietnam. They’re also reporting an increased interest in different ship experiences, such as yacht and river/barge canal cruises.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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