by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Wed December 11, 2024
Coolcations, TV-inspired bucket list trips and extended sabbatical breaks in new locales are just a few of the trends MSC Cruises thinks will inspire travelers next year and beyond.
MSC Cruises combined data from the 2025 VIRTUOSO LUXE REPORT, the Globetrender Future of Luxury Travel Forecast: 2020-2025 and the Expedia Travel Trends Report, 2024 to identify the below trends.
Coolcations: Cooling Down During Record-Hot Years
With traditionally popular summer locales getting increasingly hotter each summer as the globe heats to record temps, travelers might instead opt for coolcations, replacing a beach getaway with a trip to the mountains, for example.
This means that MSC Cruises’ new 2026 itineraries to Alaska come right on time for this trend to really peak.
Sabbaticals: Long Work Breaks With Zero Guilt
Let’s face it: we’ve all been working too much, whether we work remotely already or are still in the office or out in the field. More companies are offering sabbatical opportunities, and those with these perks—or savvy freelancers—are taking some much-needed time off to reset and travel on what MSC Cruises calls a “radical sabbatical.”
Those with the cash to see the world can visit up to 50 different destinations on MSC’s World Cruise itineraries.
Pop Culture Set-Jetting
“Set-Jetting” is traveling to a destination because of a book, movie or television series. While it’s been a popular trend since the end of the pandemic, it’s expected only to grow in the next few years as more popular shows continue inspiring travelers with their scenic filming locations, often out of the country, like Emily in Paris or Bridgerton.
Travel For The Taste Buds
Culinary tourism has grown dramatically in recent years, thanks to social media’s ability to connect millions across cultural and gastronomic divides. More travelers are now choosing to visit destinations based on their culinary offerings and experiences, and are more interested in taking cooking classes or tastings.
MSC Cruises’ offers a variety of food-centric shore excursions, like winery visits in the Italian countryside, tapas tastings in Alicante, Spain and cooking classes at an olive oil mill in Katakolon, Greece.
All-Inclusive, No Fuss Vacations
Convenience is key next year, and all-inclusive vacations have been known for their easy, no-fuss format for years. As travelers increasingly value their experiences and will pay more for convenience, all-inclusive trips, like cruising, are attractive options for next year. MSC Cruises’ MSC Yacht Club experience includes 24-hour butler service, private facilities for Yacht Club members, free Internet, unlimited premium drinks package and access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal area.
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