An estimated 20 million people went on at least one cruise in 2013, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says, and the organisation, which represents 63 cruise lines, predicts that number could approach 22 million this year.
According to George Argyropoulos of South Africa-based Cruises International, here are six cruising trends to watch:
From September 2014, guests will be given 60 minutes complimentary internet access for every day of the cruise. For years, connectivity on cruise ships has been spotty at best, with painfully slow Wi-Fi networks and exorbitant charges for even a simple email check. Nowadays, even those guests who take a cruise to disconnect from the world need to stay in touch with the home or the office from time to time. As we see Wi-Fi becoming an integral part of the cruise experience, cruise lines will also see greater integration of smartphone and iPad technology.
The Quantum class of ships is a new leap forward in vessel design with ground-breaking innovations like RipCord by iFly - the first skydiving experience at sea and transformational dining venues like the Seaplex and Two70° that morph from day to night. Add to these the North Star - a jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends 90m above sea level and offers breathtaking 360° views of the sea and destinations.
In terms of first-time passenger growth, we see it coming greatly from younger-generation travellers, such as the Millennials (30 years old and younger). Not only are the first-time cruisers getting younger, but we see more and more multi-generational families sailing together to celebrate a significant milestone.
Cruise lines are actively working to create experiences that makes guests say "that's going up on Facebook" said Jim Berra, head of marketing for CLIA. Active vacations at sea with extreme- and soft-adventure excursions means longer stays in ports for added sightseeing and high-energy on-board facilities.
To add to the Caribbean, hot destinations for 2014 also include Trans Pacific, US Rivers, South America, Antarctic, Asia, Africa and Exotic Rivers. The addition of more exotic locations means a drive in new itinerary competition and cruise ship deployment. Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises has crafted a roster of new Crystal Adventures for 2014 Asia voyages. Monasteries, rainforests, royal residences, and tuk-tuks are among the 40 new shore-side outings showcasing both off-the-beaten-path port calls and major urban centres in Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, and India.
Both Crystal Symphony and the recently redesigned Crystal Serenity will be sailing 14 voyages in the region - twice as many as 2013. In all, the ultra-luxe line is offering nearly 200 Adventures throughout Asia, with options to book them with private car and driver in most ports.
"Our luxury cruise lines, such as Seabourn and Azamara Club Cruises have significantly improved their value offering by becoming all-inclusive, offering a much elevated lifestyle experience on board, truly unique and hard-to-emulate experiences ashore, superb dining, high-level interactive lectures and presentations, high-quality entertainment, as well as a choice of ultra-luxurious accommodation," said Argyropoulos.
A luxury cruise may seem more expensive upfront, but once one considers all the additional charges commanded by the contemporary and premium cruise lines the cost becomes very similar. Guests also seem to prefer all-inclusive rates not for the cost containment as much as for the convenience and the freedom of choice it provides.