Photo Credit: Don McCullough
If you’re thinking of taking a vacation, cruises have become a fad in the travel industry, attracting people of all ages.
The cruise ship industry has grown over the past few decades. According to Cruise Lines International AssocIation (CLIA), the industry is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. In the ’70s, an estimated 500,000 people took a cruise; since then, the numbers have skyrocketed.
In the last decade, demand for cruises across the world has increased 77 per cent, from 12 million to 21.3 million passengers.
The increased demand for cruises is not surprising because of what they offer on board. Whether you want to enjoy the entertainment, lounge by a pool, shop or eat, there’s an range choices on a cruise.
“I think cruises give you more options, even if you go with a big group,” Jillian Wiebe said. “Even if you have some older people in your group, it is good for everyone in your family. There are so many activities to take part in, so it would be impossible to get bored.”
Marian Rozanc, an Air Canada employee, has tried to explain the benefits of cruising to co-workers and friends, but they don’t seem to believe that cruising can be fun. She laughs when people ask her if cruising is boring, because she knows that it’s the opposite of that.
“There’s always something going on at any given time of day,” Rozanc said. “Cruises offer you a variety of choices of entertainment and excursions, whereas on a regular vacation you need to plan out everything from start to finish.”
Haley Kusumoto went on her first cruise this year and she can’t wait to go on another one. She loves everything a cruise offers. “I love being on the water and getting to visit so many places at once, rather than just staying in one place,” she said.
Another highlight of cruises are the destinations. The top three destinations on cruises include the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe, yet, there are many more places that people can visit while they’re on a cruise. And the best part about it is that you can travel to all the ports in one trip.
Dean Banks from Dargal Interline, said that cruises are convenient because people can easily explore the ports, either by themselves or with a tour. “You can pre-arrange tours or you can just walk around on your own,” he said.
The cruise ship industry has evolved from the time when only adults and the elderly travelled on cruises. The age demographics on cruises have shifted over the past few decades, with more families and their children on cruises. “Cruise lines really are catering to families,” said Banks. If children and young adults went on cruises in the ’70s, they would probably be bored, because cruises did not have the features that they have now.
Cruises are also catering to young adults, which is why many of them are choosing to cruise these days. According to a study by Cruise Market Watch, the main reason why young adults want to go on cruises is because of the activities offered on board.
Steph Curtin, Cruise Development Manager at bonvoyage.co.uk said that she’s not surprised that the 18- to 30-year-olds are choosing this type of vacation.
“This age group is clearly bored with the traditional types of beach holidays that seem to be associated with their age groups,” Curtin said. “There may be some sort of stereotype that cruises are only for middle-aged and elderly [travellers], but cruise companies are continually introducing new activities and forms of entertainment on board.”
The cruise ship industry is benefiting from its ability to cater to all ages. Disney Cruises for instance, has made a major impact on families choosing cruises. It’s one of the most popular family cruise lines. It is enjoyable for the parents too, and not just for the children.
Banks says that Disney doesn’t really need to bring down its prices for its cruises because they know that families will come regardless of discounts. “They only have a few ships, but they’re always full and they don’t discount [the ships],” he said. “The parents know that their kids are safe, and that they can relax and not worry.”
Taylor Lima
I had no idea cruises getting more popular. From what I’ve heard from people I know that have been on cruises, I would have guessed that they might’ve been waning in popularity. Personally, I don’t know if a cruise is the right vacation for me. I tend to like to spend more time in one place than lesser amounts of time in multiple places. But for those who want to see as many places as they can in one go, a cruise seems like the best way to go!
Daniella Javier
Taylor, I agree with you because sometimes passengers don’t have enough time to explore a certain port. On a personal level, I’ve been on a few Princess Cruises and in May, I went on a Pacific Coastal repositioning cruise. The cruise went to San Francisco and Victoria before it arrived in Vancouver. However, when I was in San Francisco, I felt like I didn’t have enough time to see a lot of things because the ship arrived so early in the morning ,when I was still sleeping. So, I didn’t have the whole day to go to far in San Francisco. Despite that, it depends on the type of cruise that you go on. Next year, I’d love to go on a Mediterranean cruise because I want to be able to visit a few places on that cruise as opposed to going to those places individually.
Lauren Rudy
I really enjoyed your article! I have been on six cruises and have noticed that they are becoming popular with younger age groups. That being said, it also depends on where the cruise is going to. Another factor is also what cruise line you choose and what type of activities they offer. I have tried three different cruise lines and noticed some definitely cater to certain age groups.
Daniella Javier
Lauren, that’s awesome! If you don’t mind me asking, which cruise lines have you been on? I’ve only cruised with Princess so far, so I haven’t seen what the other cruises look like. I also went on a Disney ship when I was five years-old and I absolutely loved it!
Lauren Rudy
I have been on two with Celebrity, one with Norwegian and the rest with Royal Caribbean. I have to say that Norwegian had the most involved and energetic staff. It also had a large amount of people in their 20’s. There was always so many activities for any age group to participate in. The cruise was out of New York, and went to the Bahamas, so this could possibly be a factor.
Sarah Khan
Awesome article Daniella! It’s really interesting to see the stats on how popular cruises have gotten. I myself have gone on one and I really enjoyed it, there is just so much stuff to do that you’re never bored. It’s also so convenient not having to book several flights or arrange transportation since cruises usually stop at main ports that lead right to the city.
Sascia Smith-Jensen
I think your article brings cruising to a beautiful light. I like that you spoke with the cruise development manager about the intrigue of a cruise to young people. I have never been on one myself, but I have always wanted to go on a cruise to the Caribbean. I didn’t realize that it was a top three destination but it certainly makes sense! Great article. I might have to book a cruise now!
Pricilla Westlake
I enjoyed reading your article. I have never been on a cruise before, but you made them sound like so much fun I may just have to go on one. I like how you included relevant quotes from four or five people from the cruising industry to back up your article. I think it may have been beneficial to have examples of the kinds of activities that are available on cruises as you mentioned the variety of activities they have on them as a major selling point in their rising popularity. Great picture by the way. Overall job well done Daniella!
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