In a new “Cruise Travel Report” for 2017, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) takes a look at the attitudes, behaviors and preferences of cruise travelers and non-cruise travelers. Particularly in the spotlight once again are Millennials, also known as Generation Y, including yours truly, and Generation X.

“The cruise industry is growing at an incredible pace and on a global scale. For that reason, it is critical to continue to conduct research to gain the best understanding of the attitudes and behaviors around travel as a whole and particularly around cruise travel,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, in a statement. “While there is a wealth of findings in the 2017 Cruise Travel Report, one that stands out is that the cruise industry has been successful in engaging younger generations.”

CLIA refers to this newfound market as the “Cruise Generation,” and I’m happy to be a part of it. According to its report, my demographic ranks cruising higher than land-based vacations, all-inclusive resorts, tours, vacation house rentals and camping, and 90 percent of those who have cruised intend to continue doing so.

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This is contrary to the popular belief that would have you think cruising is for old people. In fact, cruisers are younger than those who take to the shore for vacation. In my estimation, this is happening because we understand the great conveniences and values of cruising. It’s one-stop shopping with all accommodations, dining, entertainment and transportation perfectly rolled into one.

The CLIA report also goes on to highlight a number of other interesting discoveries including why we travel. A total of 42 percent of cruisers and non-cruisers collectively say they vacation in order to see or do new things while another 33 percent just seek relaxation. After all, 88 percent of total cruisers believe cruising is superior to shoreside relaxation, and the benefit of the travel type is that you can relax as well as try new things.

Cruising is also great for taking the whole family as 46 percent take their kids with them versus only 29 percent who do the same on land. Statistically, cruiser groups have on average more than two children, almost half of which have kids under 18. Having been cruising since before I was two, I was once one of these children myself, and perhaps many of us have grown up similarly onboard to become this new generation of cruisers.

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As to be expected, the report also recognizes preplanning among cruisers as most plot trips out four to eighteen months in advance, and when children, other family members and travel agents are involved, they are that much more likely to book a cruise over a land vacation. Plus, a staggering 82 percent of cruisers employ the services of a travel agent versus only 40 percent of non-cruisers, great news for industry professional making cruising their focus.

The most important factors when selecting a cruise are led by the destination according to 68 percent of cruisers followed by cost and value as the second criteria among more non-cruisers (37 percent) than cruisers (24 percent), interestingly enough. It would seem that will also drive those who have not cruised to try it out eventually, as 13 percent of novices consider an ocean cruise an ideal vacation.

After all, once they do take a cruise, most of us remain loyal to the travel form. 63 percent of my Generation Y (Millennials) will cruise again, 69 percent of Generation X will also and so will half of Boomers.

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