I am a proud member of the Cruise Line Industry Association. It represents 95 percent of oceangoing passenger ship capacity globally, and is seeking a gradual resumption of sailing.
While I would hop on today if they asked me, some cruise lines are starting with voyages containing crew members posing as passengers.
And if all goes well, the cruise industry will be poised to have an amazing 2021 season with a new set of trends.
Here are a few of my faves I am following.
Distant Destinations
A Virtuoso survey revealed that the number-one reason travelers are interested in cruises is the ability to travel to several destinations in one trip. The Caribbean and the Mediterranean will always remain popular but cruisers are looking farther afield to destinations such as Muscat, Oman; Manta, Ecuador, Galapagos and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Expand your horizons and the world will follow.
In-Port Immersion
More and more cruise lines are giving their guests new and more in-depth ways to explore and immerse themselves in a destination.Azamara Cruise Line is the perfect example, offering several ways travelers can depend on their connection when in port, offering late-night and overnight stays, evening performances in port and shore excursions that encourage engagement with local people, cultures and traditions. So much of what we are missing in this world is connection and realization of others and their ways.
Cold Is Hot
The Polar regions are catching fire, at least with cruise travelers. Virtuoso found that passengers seeking pure, scenic destinations are attracted to chilly locales such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland and Norway’s fjords. Cruise lines are also providing more once in a-lifetime experiences on these voyages as well as more expedition style cruises. Alaska needs us. And we need them. The sunbathing days of cruises will bow to the landscapes of the unknown in 2021.
Conscious Travel
Consumers are constantly growing their awareness of sustainability and cruise lines are beginning to respond implementing more environmentally friendly technology and programs to boost the destinations they visit, both economically and culturally.Leading the way with technologically advanced ships that are aimed at saving and preserving the environment are Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions, Aqua Expeditions and Royal Caribbean International. I could not be prouder to partner with RCCL on my affinity groups loving peace, love, Earth, and Rock n Roll.
Micro-Cruises and Small Ship Cruising
One of the newest trends among cruise travelers is the attraction of the micro-cruise, which are short jaunts for travelers who lack the time for extended sailings. Younger generations are looking for “experiences” and are committed traveler but want to commit to something shorter. .Several cruise lines, including Celebrity and Virgin Voyages, are offering two- to five-night Caribbean cruises.
For folks that want the intimate experience without the crowds, luxury yachts are on the rise providing personalized service and hand picked crew and company. Scenic Cruises takes the cake.
Americana
As much as far-flung destinations are trending with cruise travelers, so too are destinations closer to home. American cruise passengers are keen to discover regions such as the Pacific Northwest and the Mississippi on river cruises, which are growing in popularity among both an American and international clientele. I CAN NOT wait until Viking River Cruises launches their cruises from New Orleans to Memphis. Talk about rocking through the Delta Blues.
If cruising is your thing, considering it, or want to learn more, please contact me at How Far Adventures.
Portions of this article posted in Travel Pulse by Christine by Janeen Christoff
