This year, the cruising scene is all about customization, according to AAA, catering to the unique preferences and desires of every traveler. The move towards smaller vessels, the increasing appeal of solo adventures, and the luxury of opulent suites are leading the wave of cruise trends. It’s clear that the future of sea travel is in providing diverse, tailored experiences that resonate with individual tastes and expectations.
“Cookie-cutter trips are a thing of the past. Nowadays, travelers are looking for one-of-a-kind experiences, and the cruising industry offers that in spades!” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re seeing a boom in expedition cruises, a rise in solo cruise passengers, and an increase in sold-out balcony cabins and suites. All of that tells us travelers are willing to be adventurous and spend more to have an unforgettable cruise vacation.”
AAA Travel has also noticed another trend: more travelers are booking cruises earlier and earlier, in some cases more than a year in advance. “Savvy travelers are wasting no time getting their cruise vacations on the books to ensure they get the itineraries, cabins, and shore excursions they want,” Twidale added. She says because inventory is more limited, working with a trusted travel agent can be very important.
SMALLER SHIPS
Expedition cruises are growing in popularity with more travelers looking to get up-close and personal with nature. Top destinations include the Arctic Circle, Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Northwest Passage.
SOLO TRIPS
More travelers are booking cruise vacations just for themselves! According to CLIA’s State of the Cruise Industry Report 2023, cruise lines are taking notice and increasing the number of single cabins in new ships and retrofitting some of their existing ships to better accommodate solo passengers.
SPLURGE-WORTHY SUITES
Higher-priced cabins are selling out fast! AAA Travel has seen a spike in early bookings of balcony cabins and luxury suites. These prime categories are selling out faster than before, so travelers looking to splurge on their next cruise vacation should book well in advance.
Not a fan of cruising, but looking to save, consider booking a hotel or airbnb stay early. If you and your traveling partner have a lot of flexibility in your schedul, consider Frontier Airlines All You Can Fly deals. It’s not for everyone, but if it matches your lifestyle, it might be something to consider.
