CLIA: Instagram, Restorative Travel to Drive Cruise Travel in 2019 by Newsdesk | Dec 13, 2018

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the 2019 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report predicting the top trends in cruise travel. Through industry research, travel insights, and taking the pulse of travel agents, CLIA foresees social media and restorative travel as top cruise travel trends in the coming year. In addition, the State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report shows that the cruise travel continues to grow and contribute to the overall global economy, CLIA said. In fact, more than eight out of ten CLIA-certified travel agents are expecting to see a rise in cruise sales in the next twelve months.

2019 Cruise Travel Trend Predictions

Instagrammable Cruise Travel: Instagram posts are driving interest in travel around the world, so much so that on an average day, there can be close to 351 million posts with the tag #travel. With onboard connectivity, cruise passengers Instagram feeds with diverse travel experiences both onboard and on land from several cruise destinations. 

Total Restoration: Stressed out from fast-paced lives, travelers are seeking ways to check out from daily responsibilities and rejuvenate more than ever before. Cruise lines are responding by offering total wellness in the form of restorative spa experiences, onboard oxygen bars, healthy menu choices for a wide variety of diets, and the latest in fitness innovations. 

On-Board with Smart Tech: Cruise lines have adopted wearable technology for cruise travelers—including keychains, necklaces, bracelets, and more—in order to provide a highly personalized travel experience while on and off the ship. 

Conscious Travel: Travelers want to see the world in a conscious, mindful way. The cruise industry is more conscientious than ever, working with local communities to preserve their heritage and implementing innovations that decrease the environmental footprint of cruise travel. The industry is also working with destinations to bring the benefits of tourism to local economies while preserving local cultures, landmarks and environments. 

Access is the New Luxury: Travelers are setting their sights on destinations that were previously out of reach, some only accessible now by cruise ship. They want to be among the first of their peers to experience destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica. 

Gen Z at Sea: Generation Z is set to become the largest consumer generation in the next two years—outpacing even Millennials. Like the generation before, this age bracket prefers authentic experiences over material items and has an even greater wanderlust. The appeal of multiple destinations and unique experiences, such as music festivals at sea, is helping attract this new generation of cruisers. 

Off-Peak Adventures: The off-peak season is rising in popularity, whether travelers are looking to escape the cold in a tropical place or embrace the chill in a new destination. Cruising offers some once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the colder months that include: excursions to see the Northern Lights, visiting a penguin colony, and touring European Christmas Markets.

Working Nomads: Combining work with leisure time is on the rise. Straying far from the notion of device-free travel, many modern travelers or “digital nomads” are opting for trips where they can work remotely which cuts down on time off and lost wages. With WiFi, desks and work-friendly cafes, travelers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise vacation.

Female-Centered Cruising: With the number of female travelers growing, many tourism and travel companies are creating female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women. Female-centered cruises can create a female empowerment community at sea while allowing travelers to experience the world around them, as well as visit famous feminist landmarks. 

Going Solo: With more Google searches for “solo travel” and “traveling alone” than ever before, traveling alone is rising in popularity. Cruising allows for solo travel without the worry of arranging a ton of details while visiting even the most far-reaching destinations and connecting with other travelers, forming community bonds and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime things.

2018 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook by The Numbers

The cruise industry is projected to continue to grow throughout 2019 with an estimated 30 million travelers expected to cruise, up 6 percent from 28.2 million in 2018. In the coming year 18 new ships are on order from CLIA cruise lines. A total of 272 CLIA-member cruise ships are projected to be in operation by June 2019. The cruise industry continues to make a positive impact on communities around the globe  by sustaining 1,108,676 jobs equaling $45.6 billion in wages and salaries and $134 billion total output worldwide in 2017.

Source: CLIA/TAC

Uniworld Announces New River Cruise Line for Millennials to Launch in 2018

Cruise Critic, 19th of December 2016

The luxury river cruise line Uniworld is launching a new brand -

U by Uniworld, designed for ages 18 to 40 - which will provide a more modern and youthful experience focusing on time spent on shore via longer stays in port.

The move, the first in the industry, aims to open river cruising to new travelers who like local experiences and nightlife. Uniworld will renovate two 116-passenger ships, River Baroness and River Ambassador, to have a more contemporary look and feel. New onboard features will include communal dining tables, a new culinary program, cocktail mixologists and international DJs.

A new U by Uniworld brochure and website will be released in 2017, with itineraries to go on sale in March 2017. The cruises will launch in 2018. A social media campaign, #AllAboutU, is being launched on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

"U By Uniworld will deliver the same superb quality of authenticity and personalization that the Uniworld brand is celebrated for, while offering a new way for exploratory, younger travelers to experience the pulse of Europe," Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld, said in a press release. "We are targeting an active traveler between the ages of 18 and 40, with everything from the decor, dining and cocktail service to the land activities thoughtfully curated to appeal to, and meet the needs of, this audience."

fvw Cruise Live 29th of September 2016 

fvw 14th of Oct 2016

The German Cruise Forum fvw Cruise Live was taking place this year in Cologne. Over 190 participants from travel agencies and cruise experts including Nancy Mehnert from barefoot projects (see picture left) had an excellent day of workshops, networking and exchange about the newest developments and challenges in the cruise industry in 2017. The next Cruise Live will be held in Hamburg in September 17.

Key topics:

• Keynote from Richard Vogel, Pullmantur
• Management of International guests on board, Michael Zengerle, MSC Cruises
• Cruise Sales (Udo Lutz, Travel Agencies TUI Cruises and Detlev Schäferjohann, e-hoi)
• Latest developments in River Cruises
• Entertainment at sea (Borris Brandt, Aida-Entertainment)
• fvw Exclusiv-Research - Cruise Market Germany 2016 (Juliane Böhme, FVW Medien)

SCENIC ECLIPSE – THE WORLD´S FIRST DISCOVERY YACHT DEBUTING IN  2018

Cruise Weekly 4th of Feb 2016

Taking ocean cruising to a whole new level, the 6-star ultra-luxury mega yacht for 228 guests provides the ultimate all-inclusive ocean cruising experience. Featuring 114 all-verandah suites – from the spacious 32sqm Verandah Suite to the truly luxurious 233sqm two-bedroom Owner’s Penthouse Suite, a wealth of public space including a choice of six on board dining options and a 450sqm spa sanctuary, and Scenic’s signature brand of all-inclusive luxury means guests will enjoy a superior level of inclusions.

Offering a whole new discovery experience, Scenic Eclipse will take guests to places previously thought inaccessible with two on board helicopters and a seven-seat submarine, adding a whole new dimension of wonder. These twin engine helicopters will take guests beyond the horizon whilst the custom-built submarine provides optimal sightseeing to a world below the surface.

Launching on 31 August 2018, Scenic Eclipse will embark on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice before sailing to The Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.

PREFERRED HOTELS AND RESORTS SIGNS VARIETY CRUISES’ MEGA YACHT VARIETY VOYAGER TO JOIN THEIR ICONIC LUXURY COLLECTION

New York 2012

The luxury purveyors Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Variety Cruises’ mega yacht, Variety Voyager, confirmed their co-oerpation. This exquisite ship is now a member of Preferred Boutique (small properties) and the first sea-going vessel to become a member.

“This partnership is a reflection of everything we represent here at Variety Cruises,” says Yiannis Vontas, Variety Cruises Senior Partner and Executive Vice President of Development & Marketing. “Preferred Hotels & Resorts shares a passion for travel with their guests, looking for the individualized experience, sophisticated style and superb service. We also celebrate the experiential, luxury vacation, and we’re very proud to have been chosen as their very first nautical ‘property’”. 

The new build 68m/223ft state-of-the-art Variety Voyager Mega Yacht accommodates just 72 passengers in 36 cabins. Built under the latest International “Safety of Life At Sea” (SOLAS 2010) regulations and classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.), the Variety Voyager guarantees guests safety with incomparable comfort and elegance.