Top 8 Cruise trends 2017

3D Cruise Ship in Beautiful Ocean with Blue Sky

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) releases the 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook and Cruise Travel Trends Forecast

The 2017 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook details a steady pace of cruise travel interest and significant investment in the industry.

CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, is also predicting the top eight cruise travel trends that will have an impact on the industry in the coming year.

Increase in cruise travel is expected to continue throughout 2017, with an estimated 25.3 million passengers expected to sail in 2017, a strong surge from 15.8 million just 10 years prior (2007).

More ships will set sail in 2017 as well, with CLIA reporting that cruise lines are scheduled to debut 26 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2017 for a total investment of more than US$6.8 billion in new vessels.

From 2017-2026 the industry is expected to introduce a total of 97 new cruise ships totalling an estimated investment of US$53 billion through 2026*.

“The cruise industry is responding to global demand and we are highly encouraged by both the short-term and long-term outlook,” CLIA global President and CEO Cindy D’Aoust said.

“From technological advancements and deployment of new ships to new ports and destinations around the world, the industry continues to respond to desires of today’s travellers resulting in steady growth and strong economic impact around the world.”

Cruise industry expenditures generated US$117 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 956,597 full- time equivalent employees who earned US$38 billion in income in 2015.

Top 8 Cruise travel trends 2017

The trends set to have a big impact on the cruise industry this year:

1. New Generation Takes to the Water, including Millennials and Generation X

2. Travel Agent Use Increases

3. River Cruise Demand Increases

4. More Private Islands on Cruise Itineraries

5. New Cruisers Will Take to the Sea

6. Drivable Port Locations in Favour

7. Lure of Celebrity Chefs

8. Demand for Expedition Cruises

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