Focus on cruise
What advisors are buzzing about
The most significant developments in cruising this year? We turned to travel advisors for their thoughts.
It’s been a year for cruising marked by record bookings, high occupancy and unbridled optimism for the coming years. And as 2024 heads into its final months, the industry remains full steam ahead.
While quarterly earnings calls give cruise lines the opportunity to talk up their performance, and analyst reports enable industry watchers to comment on the trends they are seeing, Travel Weekly wanted to hear from travel pros who are selling the ships on a
regular basis.
We reached out to a handful of cruise sellers to ask what they thought were the most significant industry developments of 2024 so far.
Many pointed to new and innovative ships and the development of private cruise destinations, while others called out more nuanced shifts, like embracing more overnights, environmental advancements and the addition of more solo accommodations.
Here’s what they told us.
Dilworth E. Daley
Owner and travel advisor, Daley’s Destinations, Severn, Md.
The biggest development is the delivery of the new ships, with Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas being such game-changers.
The constant cruise line ads help drive awareness — the calls and emails are coming in and helped lead to an increase in overall cruise business here. Some people who have never cruised before want to take a cruise for first time based on the new and “shiny things” they are seeing advertised on these new cruise ships.
Carlos Edery
CEO and co-founder, Luxury Cruise Connections, Miami Beach
From my perspective, the most significant development in the cruise industry in 2024 has been the continued evolution and growth of the luxury cruise segment.
We’ve seen substantial innovation, particularly with cruise lines focusing on creating deeper, more immersive experiences at each destination.
This trend of extending time in port and emphasizing local culture, cuisine and more unique excursions has been a key driver of growth. Our agency has seen a 30% increase in bookings this year.
Ellen Elkins
Branch manager, Central Travel, Toledo, Ohio
Many cruise lines are looking to stay longer in ports (offering overnights) so that their guests can dive deeper into the local culture and experience the lives of the locals. I feel that this is important to the guests, as they do not want to feel that they have had a whirlwind of a day and can’t really enjoy or remember all they did because it went by too fast.
When staying in port longer, you’re not only learning more of the destination but you’re supporting their local economy. And you’re able to explore many experiences, whereas on a tight schedule you’re not.
Angela Hughes
Founder and CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, Winter Garden, Fla.
One of the biggest developments in the cruise industry this year has been the increasing emphasis on sustainability and ecofriendly practices. Many cruise lines are taking significant steps toward reducing their carbon footprints, adopting cleaner fuels like [liquefied natural gas] and implementing advanced waste management systems.
Additionally, several new ships feature innovative technologies designed to minimize environmental impact, such as hybrid power sources and better energy efficiency systems.
Furthermore, the post-pandemic cruise landscape has seen a rise in more exclusive and immersive travel experiences, with smaller, boutique-style ships like Explora Journeys gaining popularity.
Beci Mahnken
CEO, MEI-Travel, Issaquah, Wash.
The greater emphasis on cruise lines developing private experiences has had a great impact on the cruise industry.
This year, Celebrity added calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay; Disney Cruise Line opened its second [private destination], Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; Carnival is generating a lot of buzz with Celebration Cay; and Royal Caribbean is working on a private beach in Nassau and announced plans for Perfect Day in Mexico.
Private destinations enable cruise lines to better control the experience and curate the visit to their guest’s wants and desires. It also offers an added layer of security that appeals to families and new-to-cruise guests. These new destinations will draw renewed interest in the usual Caribbean itineraries that many seasoned cruisers have visited so many times that they are either looking for new places to visit or the ship has become the destination. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, having new, unique options will stir curiosity and result in repeat business.
Rod Morton
Owner of Rod Lance Morton & Associates-Dream Vacations, Altamonte Springs, Fla.
I feel one of the biggest changes this year is the increase in group travel. The benefits of this trend are extremely positive for the industry, agents and cruise passengers. Group cruising drives much more revenue than individual cruise travel, and passengers enjoy the benefits of group discounts and more.
Ironically, individual cruising is also on the rise. However, they are not mutually exclusive. An individual cruising passenger may travel alone, without family, work or other associations, yet still join an affinity group to enjoy group discounts, added safety and being with like-minded people.
Ellen Overcast
Vacation specialist from Dream Vacations, Kutztown, Pa.
There is a surge in solo travelers setting sail. Many cruise lines are adding more solo cabins, making it easier for cruisers to set sail.
With a growing number of tech-savvy passengers, staying connected is a must. Cruise lines are also investing in cutting-edge technology and shipbuilding to ensure seamless connectivity for guests who want to stay in touch with the digital world. Internet access is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Ashton Palmer
President of Expedition Trips, Seattle
I think that the biggest development in the expedition cruise industry in 2024 is the decision for Lindblad Expeditions to partner more closely with Disney-owned National Geographic Expeditions.
Moving forward, the company is now identified as National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions. The decision to lead with the National Geographic brand positions both companies at the forefront of the expedition industry and creates a significant value proposition for both the trade and consumers.
Jasmine and Richard Ramnarine
Founders of A Rich and Jazzy Life, Atlanta
One of the standout developments in the cruise industry this year has been the growing focus on diversity, inclusivity and creating more immersive and personalized experiences for cruisers.
From themed cruises to cultural enrichment opportunities, cruise lines are really starting to cater to niche markets, like our own Melanin at Sea community. This is significant because it reflects a broader industry shift toward recognizing and celebrating diverse traveler groups. These tailored experiences not only enhance passenger satisfaction but also help attract new demographics to cruising, expanding the market.
Jamie Ross
Owner of Moms at Sea, Carmel, Ind.
Royal Caribbean adding a brand new Oasis-class ship and taking it directly to a three- and four-night itinerary was something I never had on the bingo card.
What an innovative and bold decision for a new ship. This gives me the opportunity to send my guests, both families and kid-free, on a sailing that gives them a taste of cruising on a top-notch product that highlights the best of what the brand has to offer. Not to mention, every sailing visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, which just added a phenomenal adults-only space with Hideaway Beach. This move is pivotal for my business, and the industry, as it gives the cruise-curious a great way to dip their toes into the cruise life and will ignite a passion for cruising into the next generation.
David Slivken
Co-founder and travel advisor, Huckleberry Travel, Brooklyn, N.Y.
This probably only feels like a trend because we’re still recovering from Covid, but it has been really great to see cruise lines increasing their focus on new destinations (or returning to former ones) more this year than we’ve seen over the past few. A couple of good examples are how Windstar is opening up the Canary Islands to markets that are not familiar with their charm, and Viking’s return to China is really a fantastic sign that the world is truly opening up again for folks to explore cultures and destinations in ways they are comfortable with. My cruise clients get very excited about “new,” and this year I’ve had a lot of opportunities to put ideas in front of them.
Lynette Waller
Founder and travel advisor, Code Fun Travel, Glen Allen, Va.
One of the biggest developments in the cruise industry this year has been the introduction of newer, larger ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, paired with Utopia’s shorter itineraries. These shorter sailings cater to travelers looking for quick getaways or those opting for back-to-back sailings to create a more traditional seven-day cruise experience. However, with ships as large as Icon of the Seas, there are some limitations in terms of docking at smaller ports, which impacts its itinerary options. This creates a bit more exclusivity for the ports it can visit but also means fewer options for guests. The upcoming Star of the Seas will likely face similar limitations.
Adam Wolf
Managing member, Adventure Horizons, an independent agency in the Avoya Travel Network, Baltimore
For my business, the industry’s shift toward sustainability means an opportunity to enhance our luxury offerings by emphasizing ecofriendly, high-end travel experiences.
For the trade, it creates a new selling point that aligns with rising consumer demand for responsible tourism. For the broader industry, it signals a move toward innovation and environmental stewardship, which will likely redefine how luxury travel is marketed and consumed, making sustainable practices a core part of the value proposition.
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