1. Overview of Cruising’s Comeback
iBestTravel spoke to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and other experts for a closer look at cruising’s big comeback. After two-plus years of uncertainty—marked by cruise lines’ ever-shifting vaccine mandates and regulations—vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest trends in travel.
2. Royal Caribbean’s Perspective on Demand
Liberty expresses a positive outlook, stating, “We’re pretty normalized now. Yeah, we would like load factors to probably be a little bit higher,” referring to the percentage of cabins that are sold. He emphasizes that there is a clear demand for cruising, especially as travelers consider the cost of alternative travel methods alongside the convenience offered by cruising.
“We take a lot of the stress out of vacation,” Liberty notes, providing travelers numerous reasons to consider a cruise, particularly with elevated gas prices and air travel still normalizing after operational disruptions.
3. Insights from Industry Experts
Holland America Line president Gustavo Antorcha noted the company’s resilience during a similar celebration, stating, “We continue to learn from every challenge, to adapt, to improve, and ultimately, to thrive.” This sentiment is echoed by travel advisors who have observed a significant shift in interest toward cruises.
4. Increased Interest from Travelers
Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora, reports a surge in cruise bookings among travel advisors, highlighting a diverse array of preferences including traditional Viking cruises and newer options like Virgin Voyages. Vazquez states, “We’ve booked almost 100 cruises in four months,” showcasing the surprising volume of interest in cruises.
Concerns about traveling during COVID-19 have diminished significantly. According to a recent poll from the travel-insurance site Squaremouth, 65% of people considering a cruise now express minimal concern about COVID-19, a marked change from earlier in the year when it was a primary concern for 63% of respondents.
5. Expanding Operations and Expectations
Cruise lines are actively putting ships back into service and returning to previously off-limits destinations. Silversea has announced plans for four ships operating in Asia in the upcoming months, marking a significant reentry into an important sailing region.
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises reports unprecedented demand, with October being the strongest month for bookings in its history. Azamara is planning its return to South Africa and South America after a three-year absence, while Norwegian has launched its newest ship, which offers luxury amenities and will operate during the winter in the Caribbean.
6. Conclusion
As the cruise industry rebounds, it showcases a blend of new opportunities and heightened interest from travelers. The landscape of cruising continues to evolve, presenting enticing options for both seasoned cruisers and newcomers.
