Cruise & Cruise Line

Cruise Planners Releases 2023 Travel Trends Outlook

Image: Romantic couple at beach hotel. (photo via anyaberkut / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Romantic couple at beach hotel. (photo via anyaberkut / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Mon January 16, 2023

As the travel industry looks to continue its bounce back in 2023, Cruise Planners unveiled the top travel trends for the upcoming year and what advisors are focusing on during wave season.

After reporting purchases were up 15 percent in 2022, Cruise Planners officials said luxury travel is expected to grow 11 percent over the next four years from the $945.6 billion it was valued at in 2019.

The luxury cruise segment is driving an influx of growth, with the top destinations being European River itineraires, the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, Antarctica and Africa-Middle East-India.

"We know 2023 is the 'Year of Travel' just by looking at the incredible number of sales we have on the books and it is not even a month into the new year," Cruise Planners CEO and Founder Michelle Fee said.

"Luxury is at the top of the list and clients want to make memories and are sparing no expense to create them with loved ones," Fee continued.

Other key cruising destinations include Alaska (up 32 percent from pre-pandemic totals), the Caribbean (up 12 percent) and Europe, which is also seeing strong interest with 32 percent for 2023 departures compared to 2019.

The data from Cruise Planners also shows that other key travel industry trends include an increased focus on sustainability, the rise of domestic travel, the growth of remote work, multi-generational travel, personalization and wellness vacations.

In November, travel technology company Amadeus revealed the travel industry's new and changing developments, including exploring the metaverse, new biometric possibilities, the ability to work from anywhere, traveling light, and more business bonding opportunities.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Europe: Passport to What’s NextThursday, October 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we Discover Europe, your passport to what’s...
Upcoming Webinar
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...