ELITE TRAVEL TRENDS
ELITE TRAVEL TRENDS CRUISES CRUISE TRAVEL 2019 CLIA foresees social media and restorative travel as top cruise travel trends in the coming year The cruise industry is projected to continue to grow throughout 2019 with an estimated 30 million travellers expected to cruise, up 6% from 28.2 million in 2018. In the coming year 18 new ships are on order from Cruise Lines International Association’s cruise lines. Through industry research, travel insights, and taking the pulse of travel agents, 2019 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report predicts overall top trends in cruise travel. In addition, the State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report reveals that cruise travel continues to grow and contribute to the overall global economy. 2019 CRUISE TRAVEL TREND PREDICTIONS INSTAGRAMMABLE CRUISE TRAVEL Instagram posts are driving interest in travel around the world, so much so that on an average day, there can be close to 351 million posts with the tag #travel. TOTAL RESTORATION Travellers are seeking ways to check out from daily responsibilities and rejuvenate more than ever before. ACHIEVEMENT OVER EXPERIENCE Experiential travel has evolved into achievement travel as travellers are looking for immersive, cultural experiences beyond sightseeing. ON-BOARD WITH SMART TECH Cruise lines have adopted wearable technology for cruise travellers— including keychains, necklaces, bracelets, and more—in order to provide a highly personalised travel experience while on and off the ship. CONSCIOUS TRAVEL Travellers want to see the world in a conscious, mindful way. The cruise industry is working with local communities to preserve their heritage and implementing innovations that decrease the environmental footprint of cruise travel. ACCESS IS THE NEW LUXURY Travellers are setting their sights on destinations that were previously out of reach, some only accessible now by cruise ship. GEN Z AT SEA Generation Z is set to become the largest consumer generation in the next two years—outpacing even Millennials. OFF-PEAK ADVENTURES Cruising offers some once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the colder months that include: excursions to see the Northern Lights, visiting a penguin colony, and touring European Christmas Markets. WORKING NOMADS Combining work with leisure time is on the rise. Straying far from the notion of device-free travel, many modern travellers or “digital nomads” are opting for trips where they can work remotely which cuts down on time off and lost wages. FEMALE-CENTRED CRUISING Female-centred cruises can create a female empowerment community at sea while allowing travellers to experience the world around them, as well as visit famous feminist landmarks. GOING SOLO Cruising allows for solo travel without the worry of arranging a ton of details while visiting even the most far-reaching destinations and connecting with other travellers, forming community bonds and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime things German cruise ship Mein Schiff berthed in Langkawi, Malaysia
Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #41 2019 Winter Edition 21 21 © Paavo01 Scenic Eclipse (left) Seven Seas Explorer (right) LUXURY CRUISING TAKES GREAT STRIDES IN 2019 The year is set to be spectacular when it comes to new launches and new itineraries PONANT BROADENS HORIZONS The luxury expedition specialist, Ponant, continues to broaden its horizons in 2019 with the addition of two new ships and with nearly 40 new itineraries across the fleet. From March – December, the ships will chart new courses through destinations such as North America, Africa, Europe, Caribbean, The Arctic, and more. The Ponant Explorers fleet will double this year with the addition of Le Bougainville and Le Dumont-d’Urville. Making their maiden voyage through the Baltic and Mediterranean, both ships will feature an innovative Blue Eye lounge – a multi-sensory space that allows guests to experience the subaquatic world through sight, sound, and feel. New itineraries include the Red Sea, North Africa & the Seychelles, Europe, Central America and the Arctic. SCENIC ECLIPSE PROMOTED AS “SIX-STAR LUXURY ON THE SEAS” Slated as the “world’s first Discovery Ship” - Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A Super), Scenic Eclipse, despite delays in construction, is continuing its fit-out at Uljanik Shipyard in Pula, Croatia, with delivery slated for Q1 2019. 114 all-veranda suites range in size from 32 sq m to 250 sq m with 10 dining options – from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a chef’s table to a poolside buffet. There are two six-guest helicopters and one six-guest submarine; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio. Innovative zero-speed stabiliser fins are 50% larger than standard to provide even greater stability; and a GPS dynamic positioning system allows for stationary positioning without the use of an anchor. “THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP EVER BUILT” HEADS FOR NEW WATERS Regent Seven Seas Explorer, described by the company as “the most luxurious cruise ship ever built”, is sailing to South America for the first time this year. After cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and Africa during her first two years, Seven Seas Explorer will visit picturesque ports in 10 South American countries January through March 2019 during five highly-anticipated voyages. Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite, all-balcony ship, offering accommodation for up to 750 guests. She features extravagantly designed theatres and lounges, a US-million art collection, and five lavish gourmet restaurants. The 375 suites range from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite. Nearly 90 suites on the Seven Seas Explorer offer butler service. The Regent Suite, with a private in-suite spa with steam room, and a custom heated spa on a private balcony, offers a car and driver in every port
