From what passengers can expect from the latest ship launches to the major travel trends happening in 2020, leading cruise CEOs reveal their cruise secrets for the year ahead.

Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean AVP

What can your guests expect in 2020?

We’ll be welcoming Anthem of the Seas back to the UK for the first time since 2015, with all its fun features like the skydiving simulator, dodgems and FlowRider surf machine. Meanwhile, Allure of the Seas is getting a $165 million makeover that will bring all-new thrills on board – including Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.

What cruise trends do you see happening in 2020?

Tech is a huge trend, so expect to see more advances on board. There’s also an ever-increasing focus on sustainability, though at Royal Caribbean we’ve been focused for many years on protecting the ecology of our oceans.

What are your predictions for travel in 2020?

More multigenerational cruising. As a family man, I predict this trend will continue to grow in 2020.

Where are you most looking forward to visiting this year?

Holiday time for me is all about our kids. They’d love to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. I’m looking forward to taking them there and enjoying a quality family holiday.

Giles Hawke, Cosmos and Avalon CEO

What can your guests expect in 2020?

We have a new ship – Avalon View – launching in April, which brings our European suite ship fleet to 16, but we’re also ramping up our operations in Asia and India as demand from the UK continues to grow.

What cruise trends do you see happening in 2020?

More people travelling to Asia. The likelihood of Myanmar coming back into our cruise programmes increases as the country stabilises. Also, more people are taking active and discovery cruises to get a closer experience of the places they’re visiting.

What are your predictions for travel in 2020?

An ever-increasing focus on sustainability, and a movement towards collecting experiences rather than possessions. That will mean a growing demand for authentic travel encounters that help to support local communities economically.

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises VP

What can your guests expect in 2020?

Our guests can look forward to travelling to some of the world’s most exciting destinations. If you fancy a cruise with a difference, try a trip down the Panama Canal – there really is nowhere better than the top deck of a ship to see this wonder of the modern world.

What cruise trends do you see happening in 2020?

Our OceanMedallion has proved hugely popular. Guests love this wearable device that gives them speedy check-in, touchless stateroom entry and the ability to order food and drink from almost anywhere on board. It’ll be available on 11 ships by the end of the year, including Grand Princess, which is sailing ex-UK in 2021.

What are your predictions for travel in 2020?

With its stunning scenery and bucket-list highlights – including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Napa Valley – California and the whole US west coast is going to be huge.

Where are you most looking forward to visiting this year?

West coast USA. I’ll be departing from San Francisco, calling in at Seattle and Vancouver, and I can’t wait.

Peter Deer, Fred Olsen MD

What can your guests expect in 2020?

Three of our ocean ships – Braemar, Balmoral and Black Watch – have recently undergone a multi-million-pound revamp, and in March we’ll be unveiling our new 2021/22 programme with a fresh look and feel to the Fred Olsen brand.

What cruise trends do you see happening in 2020?

More guests choosing our fly-cruises, which we believe are the most exciting and rewarding way to discover far-flung destinations, with expertly crafted itineraries of an achievable duration for those who work.

What are your predictions for travel in 2020?

An increasing desire for adventure, whether it be enjoying the great outdoors or simply visiting new places – especially those that offer cultural enrichment. In terms of destinations, Iceland has been very popular lately, and I think Greenland will follow.

Where are you most looking forward to visiting this year?

The French Alps, where we’re taking our kids for their first taste of skiing. I’m also looking forward to joining Braemar for a five-night cruise round Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.