7 Travel Trends Driving Cruise Growth

Cruises continue to be very popular this year, especially with families and multigenerational groups. Here are seven travel trends that are helping to drive cruise ship vacation growth.

1. Emphasizing Value

The question on every vacationer's mind this year is, "What am I getting for my money?" The bargain hunting of recent years will continue since vacationers have been trained to seek out the lowest prices. With the economy improving, however, rock bottom price tags are become less important than value for money spent. Cruise lines have been a popular choice for travelers seeking great vacation values. Cruise ships offer travel to exotic destinations, meals and entertainment - all for one low price. In addition, ships now leave from over 20 homeports throughout the United States and Canada, eliminating expensive transportation costs.

2. Togethering

Taking trips with children, family and friends is a travel trend that has been growing each year. According the Ypartnership/Yankelovitch survey, seven out of ten travelers said, "I wish my family spent more time together." Maybe it's this trend that's causing the increase in family cruises - where each member of the family gets to try something on their own or together during the day and then get together over dinner to talk about it. Cruises are also a favorite choice for family reunions, and their popularity continues to grow.

3. All-Inclusive Vacations

According to a TripAdvisor travel survey, staying on a budget is the hardest park of vacation. As a result, travelers are opting for all-inclusive vacations since knowing the upfront cost makes budgeting easier. While many cruises aren't completely all-inclusive (shore excursions, some drinks, tips, and selected shipboard activities are additional), it's generally easy to plan out costs. In addition, activities such as children's and teens programs, most daytime and nightly entertainment and meals in the ship's main dining room are all included in the upfront cost of the trip.

4. Celebration Vacations

Many families are planning their vacations to celebrate a special occasion. According to an online survey conducted by Ypartnership, 70% of leisure travelers have taken a celebration vacation. The most common milestones for a vacation celebration were a major anniversary (78%), family reunion (70%), first vacation with children (67%), an important birthday (59%), Quinceaneras (54%), school graduations (51%) and bar/bat mitzvahs (50%). Cruises are very popular choices for celebration vacations. Special group dinners and events can be arranged onboard the ship and staterooms can be decorated to fit the occasion.

5. Voluntourism

More families are giving back on vacations these days. A recent Adventure Travel Trade Association study showed significant increased interest in voluntourism activities. Cruises are an easy way to give back in multiple locations. For those who wish to combine humanitarian activities with their cruises, Together for Good (www.togetherforgood.org) provides detailed information on over 90 philanthropic and cultural immersion opportunities for families in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

6. Kids Choose

For years, travel experts have advised that involving kids in the decision-making process makes for a more successful family vacation. Now, a recent Expedia family travel survey revealed that 61% of parents who took a family vacation make sure that the destination will please the kids as much as themselves. In addition, 28% of parents listen to the kids entirely and base their vacation choice solely on what will make their children happy. This trend is not lost on cruise lines. They understand that kids surf the web and have an impact on vacation decisions. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney appeal to kids and their families with children's and teens' clubs, rock climbing walls, onboard pools and waterparks, character appearances, and more.

7. Multigenerational Vacations

Vacationing with Grandma has become more popular than ever. According to Peter Yesawich, Chairman and CEO of Ypartnership, "28% of grandparents took at least one trip with their grandchildren during the past year, up from 22% in 2007. The current economy is contributing to another multigenerational travel trend. Workplace stresses and job security concerns are causing some parents to stay at work while their children take vacations with their grandparents. Cruises lend themselves to multigenerational travel, with or without the parents. Kids' programs and activities are available to entertain kids during the day or in the evening and all generations can come together at mealtime to share their experiences. In addition, ships also allow young and older vacationers to see a number of destinations without the hassles of packing and transportation.