Cruises are becoming an increasingly important part of leisure travel around the world. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) has revealed that cruise holidays are becoming increasingly popular - 23% more popular than land-based trips, based on a study conducted from 2004 to 2014.
According to the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Industry Outlook 2016, the cruise industry is expected to grow further with an estimated 24 million passengers in 2016 compared to 23 million in 2015.
"Cruise lines are constantly renewing their offers and offering unlimited itinerary options for travel, so it's not surprising that cruises outperform other types of holidays. Cruise holidays offer extraordinary experiences in places around the world at an excellent price/quality ratio" said Cindy d'Aoust, Acting Executive President of CLIA.
But why is the cruise so popular? Apart from the ease of travel to many destinations, here are the 10 reasons that make the cruise so successful.
- Diversity
Over the past 15 years, cruises have evolved and diversified. Today, there is something for everyone, from family cruises with numerous activities for children to luxury cruises with spas and top-of-the-range service. Everyone can find the cruise that suits them.
- Best value for money
Cruise passengers believe that the"experience feedback" provided by cruises is better than on any other type of holiday. Generally, on board everything is included in the starting price: accommodation, meals, activities on board. But cruises are also a way to visit as many destinations as possible on a single trip.
- On the rivers and beyond
The river cruise is experiencing a strong boom in popularity and allows travel to previously inaccessible destinations. The river cruise allows a more intimate navigation in places rather difficult to access.
- A tailor-made trip
The cruise allows each traveller to personalize his trip as he wishes: idleness by the pool, spa treatments or exploration of distant destinations.
- A cruise in every corner of the globe
Cruises make it possible to visit many countries, but also to make certain destinations more accessible, by making them less intimidating. Cruises also allow you to travel to distant lands without the hassles of airports or tourist sites.
- Never a boring moment
Many activities are proposed on board to entertain passengers, day and night: surfing simulation, parachuting, tasting... The entertainment offers are numerous.
- Multi-generational cruises
It is often difficult to please everyone when it comes to holidays, but the cruise, with its many activities, pleases everyone.
- Stay connected at sea
Even if for many, holidays rhyme with disconnection, others on the contrary want to stay connected. Cruises now offer a multitude of Wi-Fi and onboard messaging options.
- Healthier holidays
Cruises offer more and more benefits for health and well-being, physically or psychically: clean ocean air, spa, fitness room..
- See the world without having to pack again each time
The cruise allows passengers to discover many places in the world without having to pack and unpack at each new destination.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is a professional association of cruise industry and the leading authority in the global cruise community.
