Instagram photos are driving interest in travel around the world. With onboard connectivity, cruise passengers are filling Instagram feeds with diverse travel experiences both onboard and on land from several cruise destinations.

TOTAL RESTORATION Stressed out from fast-paced lives, travelers are seeking ways to check out from daily responsibilities and rejuvenate more than ever before. Cruise lines are responding by offering total wellness in the form of restorative spa experiences, onboard oxygen bars, healthy menu choices for a wide variety of diets, and the latest in fitness innovations.

ACHIEVEMENT OVER EXPERIENCES

Experiential travel has evolved into achievement travel as vacationers are looking for experiences beyond sightseeing. Bucket lists have become goal-oriented and cruise lines are meeting these demands. Passengers can conquer Machu Picchu or complete culinary workshops hosted by Le Cordon Bleu chefs.

Travelers use tech in daily lives and are expecting smart tech when vacationing as well. Cruise lines have adopted technology for cruise travelers—including keychains, necklaces, bracelets, apps and more—in order to provide a highly personalized travel experience while on and off the ship.

CONSCIOUS TRAVEL

Travelers want to see the world in a conscious, mindful way. The cruise industry is more conscientious than ever, working to local destinations to local cultures, landmarks and minimize environmental footprints

ACCESS IS THE NEW LUXURY

Travelers are setting sights on destinations that were previously out of reach – some only accessible now by cruise ship – from the Galapagos Islands to Antarctica.

GEN Z AT SEA

Generation Z is set to become the largest consumer generation by the year 2020—outpacing even Millennials. This generation like the one before, prefers experiences over material items and is seeking out travel. The appeal of multiple destinations and unique experiences, such as music festivals at sea, is attracting this new category of cruisers.

OFF PEAK ADVENTURES The off-peak season is rising in popularity whether travelers want to escape the cold in a tropical locale or embrace the chill in a new destination. Cruising offers some once in a lifetime experiences during colder months including excursions to see the Northern Lights, visiting a penguin colony and touring European Christmas markets.

WORKING NOMADS Combining work with leisure time is on the rise. Straying far from the notion of device-free travel, many modern travelers or “digital nomads” are opting for trips where they can work remotely which cuts down on time off and lost wages. With WiFi, desks and work-friendly cafes, travelers can keep up with work while enjoying a cruise vacation.

With the number of female travelers growing, many tourism and travel companies are creating female-centered itineraries based on interests and connecting women with other women. Femalecentered cruises can create a female empowerment community at sea while allowing travelers to experience the world around them, as well as famous feminist landmarks.

Going SOLO

With more Google searches for “solo travel” and “traveling alone” than ever before, solo traveling is rising in popularity. Cruising allows for solo travel without the worry of arranging a ton of details while visiting even the most far-reaching destinations and connecting with other travelers, forming community bonds and once-in-a-lifetime experiences