STUDY: Cruises cheaper than backpacking for Aussie Millennials

cheerful couple taking photo of themselves on cruise ship

Cruises could surpass backpacking among young Aussies, with new research revealing a trip across the seas can be up to 37 per cent cheaper.

According to a study by Travel Insurance Direct (TID), young travellers could save $685 on an eight-night round-trip to Fiji by opting for a cruise rather than a backpacking holiday, and as much as $439 for a 14-night trip to South East Asia, starting in Singapore and including Bali.

Across both trips, TID found that cruisers could save up to 38 hours that they would otherwise spend in airports, planes or buses to free up more time for activities and sunbathing.

Travel Insurance Direct study

The study follows the Cruise Lines International Association’s annual travel report for 2018, which found that around one in four Millennials have sailed on a cruise in the last three years.

The percentage of Millennials who said they would definitely book a cruise for their next trip increased from 63 per cent in 2017 to 70 per cent in 2018.

What’s more, a CLIA market report revealed that younger audiences are now favouring trips with shorter one or two-week itineraries, which is the usual length of a cruise holiday.

Joel Katz, managing director of CLIA for Australasia, said: “Young people are discovering the modern cruise experience has changed considerably from that of the past and many cruise lines now appeal to a much greater age range.

“A lot of cruise lines have put a greater focus on things like contemporary design, modern food and craft beverages, more advanced on-board experiences and more engaging excursions on shore, which have been very successful in attracting younger passengers.”

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