Younger cruisers focussing on destination and value, study finds
The next generation of cruisers are basing their booking decisions on destination and value for money, according to new data
Online cruise specialist seascanner.co.uk found that destination and value – both at 39 per cent – are the most important considerations for those wishing to embark on a holiday-at-sea.
This was followed by onboard inclusions, such as drinks packages at 12 per cent, while shore excursions and cuisine scored 3 per cent.
Seascanner, which polled 320 customers, has an average passenger age of 42, which is 24 per cent lower than the average UK cruising age.
The site was launched three years ago to cater for younger cruise passengers and celebrated its most successful October to date, with bookings up 98 per cent and revenue up 124 per cent year-on-year.
The survey also found that 48 per cent of respondents look to cruise on a 2,000-4,000 capacity ship, which includes the likes of P&O Cruises’ Britannia, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and Celebrity Silhouette.
A quarter (26 per cent) opted for 1,000-2,000, 15 per cent 4,000 or higher and 11 per cent said they prefer smaller vessels of under 1,000.
The most popular length of stay was 14 nights, at 41 per cent, followed by seven nights at 30 per cent and 10 nights at 24 per cent. Five nights or fewer and 21 nights both scored 2 per cent, with 29 nights or more at 1 per cent.
Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of respondents said they are most likely to travel with their partner, while 21 per cent will sail with their wider family, 8 per cent will go solo and 7 per cent with friends.
Next generation of cruisers ‘have innate desire to explore’
Tony Andrews, managing director at seascanner.co.uk, said: “These findings demonstrate that the next generation of cruise goers have an innate desire to explore the world.
“Cruise lines are meeting this ever-increasing demand with innovative itineraries that showcase much-loved ports of call in new ways and lesser-known gems, giving guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local cultures and ways of life. A holiday at sea also offers unbeatable value for money, with so much included compared to land-based alternatives.”
