Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2019 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook that predicts the top trends in cruise travel.
Through its research and insight from travel agents, CLIA foresees social media and restorative travel as top cruise trends in the coming year.
"Research and forecasting the year ahead allows the cruise industry an opportunity to take a big picture look at the cruise and travel industries to evaluate and predict all of the exciting things to come," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. "The coming year's trends truly reflect the intersection between the experiences travelers seek and the cruise industry's innovations."
CLIA projects that the cruise industry will continue to grow throughout 2019 and estimates 30 million travelers will to cruise next year. This is 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 currently sustains 1,108,676 jobs around the world, equaling $45.6 billion in wages and salaries and $134 billion total output worldwide in 2017.
CLIA outlined 11 trends it believes cruise travelers will see more of in the coming year.
Instagrammable Cruise Travel
With enhanced onboard connectivity on cruise lines, passengers will be able to more frequently popular Instagram feeds with the diverse travel experiences onboard and on land from cruise destinations around the world.
Total Restoration
One of the most enticing trends is the restorative opportunities that cruise ships present for passengers. Those who want to disconnect and rejuvenate onboard will find an abundance of wellness offerings, including spa experiences, onboard oxygen bars, healthy menu choices for a wide variety of diets and the latest in fitness innovations.
Achievement Over Experience
CLIA believes that bucket lists have become more goal-oriented, and cruise lines are meeting these demands. Passengers can conquer Machu Picchu or complete culinary workshops hosted by Le Cordon Bleu chefs, racking up important achievements and conquering life goals along the way.
Onboard with Smart Tech
Wearable tech will be part of the experience for many cruise travelers. Keychains, necklaces, bracelets and more have personalized the cruise experience for passengers.
Conscious Travel
Cruise lines are working to become more conscious of local communities to preserve their heritage, and they are implementing innovations that decrease the environmental footprint of cruise travel.
Access Is the New Luxury
Travelers want to be among the first of their peers to experience destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica, which are only accessible by cruise ship.
Gen-Z at Sea
CLIA notes that Gen-Z will become the largest consumer generation in the next two years, and cruise lines are working to provide the experiences that these young travelers seek, including authentic experiences rather than material things.
Off-Peak Adventures
Shoulder season is becoming a thing of the past as travelers are more often looking to experience destinations during off-peak times. Cruise lines are providing tropical getaways and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for its guests.
Working Nomads
More and more travelers consider themselves digital nomads. With Wi-Fi access, desks and work-friendly cafes, travelers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise vacation.
Female-Centered Cruising
CLIA sees the number of female cruisers continuing to grow, leading to female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women.
Going Solo
Traveling alone continues to rise, and cruising is a unique way female solo travelers can travel on their own while forming community bonds and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
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