There is perhaps a no better way to unwind than taking a great vacation. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but the preparations for where to go, what to do, and how to get there seldom is.
A cruise vacation offers endless flexibility to the traveler with a world of options in one location. This is part of the reason why cruises have become an increasingly popular solution for individuals and families who want the most for their money out of their vacation experience.
The 2020 CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) conference certainly proved that with industry figures soaring like no other holiday sector ever. Between 2009 and 2020, the number of cruise tourists worldwide rose significantly from 17.8 million passengers to 30 million in 2019 and predicted to double that again by the end 0f 2020 to 60 million or almost twice the population of Malaysia cruising every year by 2021. The CLIA identified various trends in the industry creating a $114 USD million dollar boost to the global economy. The biggest growth in passenger numbers will come from Asia. By 2027, 51% of cruise passengers will probably be coming from Asia. That means that the growth rate of cruise tourism in Asia is anticipated to be bigger than in the US and Canada.
Why the popularity? Let’s discuss the cruise option…
In recent years, the number of cruise lines, and cruise options, has expanded which is indicative of an overall trend in the travel world. Themed-cruises such as family cruises, singles’ cruises, Disney and golf cruises are available for travelers seeking a unique brand of fun and relaxation. There are many reasons why cruises are so popular. The following are the top five reasons why people choose cruises.
1. Value.
Cruises offer great value because everything can be purchased in one package, the majority of both your needs and your family’s needs, such as transportation and various accommodations, are included in the price. If you consider airfare, hotel stays, a rental car, and meals into the cost of a vacation, even a short trip can get expensive. Taking a cruise addresses this problem by consolidating these costs into one package. The CBRE 2019 report on the increase in cruising analyzed vacation spending and concluded that while the uninitiated initially shy away from the ticket price, on average, a cruise vacation is 30% less expensive than an equivalent land-based vacation. Fact.
2. All-in-One Vacation
There are no other vacation options which offer the all-in-one experience like a cruise vacation. While on a cruise you can visit multiple destinations while not changing rooms and having to constantly pack and unpack your luggage. A cruise vacation affords you the chance to enjoy a whole host of entertainment and fine dining options, all which are located steps away from your room. Cruises offer nightly entertainment, which may include comedians, dancing, night clubs, casinos, bars, live bands, and other live acts with seamless, monitored options for children. The deck offers sunbathing, swimming, shuffleboard, shooting and other outside activities. All of this can be enjoyed while traveling between destinations.
3. Food
Speaking of food, most cruise ships hire top quality chefs and cooks for their kitchens. Many of these chefs studied at very prestigious culinary institutes and come highly recommended. For instance, Georges Blanc, a world-renowned master chef from France, has become the signature chef for Carnival Cruise Lines. Most ships offer several cuisine options and several different restaurants. Menu options for every palette make the cruise experience great for families. Kid-friendly cuisine, alongside fine dining choices; make family dining an enjoyable event.
4. A Good Family Vacation Option
Many cruises also offer family-friendly entertainment for families who want to spend more time together. While on a cruise family can spend a week, or more, together with without getting in the way of each other’s plans. Everyone can go their own way and then come together as a family for meals and other events.
5. Pampering
Since relaxation and rejuvenation are often the ultimate goals of any vacation, the pampering options onboard a cruise ship is second to none. Massage, sunbathing, free childcare, spa treatments, and hot tubs are just a sample of the pampering options on a cruise ship. Both parents and children alike get pampered on a cruise. Parents can spend a relaxing afternoon of massage, hot tubs, and sunbathing, while the children can spend a day of running, jumping, swimming and playing while being taken care of by qualified persons, just down the deck from where their parents are. Later, the family can come together for some fine food and relaxation. Finally, everyone can retire to their cabins for a luxurious sleep, getting ready for another day of pampering and fun.
6. Savings clubs
There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that the cruise vacation industry has successfully strived to provide the perfect vacation in a way no other vacation sector has achieved. But, the initial ticket price was traditionally the only stumbling block. However, in the last ten years, clubs and mutual savings possibilities have made paying for a cruise so simple and cost-effective.
Many people choose cruises for their vacations because of their value, food, pampering, and family-friendly, all-in-one atmosphere. Romance, variety, reunions, new experiences, and simplicity also rank high on the list of reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. No matter the reason for choosing one, a cruise is a great value, offering relaxation and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and entertainment all in one unique location.
Watch this space. As we go to press we are preparing a Beginners Guide to Cruises including who to trust, what to expect and the best ways to pay for what is the fastest growing and most popular form of vacation on the planet.