Cruises. They sell certainty.
Passenger numbers are above 2019 levels and bookings are still rising. In a volatile travel market, one price covering everything is what people are buying.
THE GIST ON CRUISES: "Cruises Are Back"
Are cruises really booming?
The cruise industry is booming again. Annual passenger numbers have climbed more than 30 million worldwide, exceeding 2019 levels, and bookings for next year are still rising.
Major lines have reported record profits and have new ships on order that dwarf their pre-Covid fleets. The average cruiser is younger too, with median age sliding into the 40s as millennials and Gen X step on board.
Why is that surprising?
Given where cruising was a few years ago: environmental backlash, ports banning ships, reputational damage, and a pandemic that hit ships harder than any other part of travel.
So why are people coming back?
Because cruises solve a very modern problem: travel is volatile. Flights and hotels fluctuate daily, and restaurants, transport and activities are all variable and add friction.
A cruise offers something rare: certainty. One price covers accommodation, food, transport and entertainment. You know the cost before you go, and it doesn't change on board. It also removes the admin of planning, comparing and constant decisions.
Younger cruisers see it as a social, experiential holiday, with wellness trips, foodie routes and music cruises. In an inflationary, high stress economy, the travel products that win are the lowest stress.
Would you go on a cruise?
Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.
Quick answers
Are cruise numbers above pre-Covid levels?
Yes, according to Huw: annual passengers have climbed more than 30 million worldwide, exceeding 2019.
Who is cruising now?
A younger crowd, with median age sliding into the 40s as millennials and Gen X step on board.
Why do people choose cruises?
One price covers accommodation, food, transport and entertainment, with less planning and stress.
See you on the next one.
What should the next one be? Suggest a topic for Huw to explain
The conversation
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