The Changing Face of Cruise Holidays

Going on holiday with septuagenarians; an expensive luxury holiday; sitting at the captain’s table in a penguin suit. These are just some of the stereotypes that have attached themselves to cruise holidays in the past.
But the past decade has seen a revolution in the very nature of cruise holidays.As the popularity of all-inclusive holidays ramps up in the current economic downturn, will modern cruise holidays become the new package resort holiday?

The Global Cruise Industry: Some Facts and Figures

The global cruise industry has been experiencing dynamic growth for more than 25 years, with 110 per cent growth from 1998 to 2008.The trend has been away from the North American market but up in the European market, with the European cruise industry seeing growth of 165 per cent between 1998 to 2008, and 41 per cent in the past three years.By comparison, land-based tourism expanded by only 33 per cent during the same period.The cruise industry generated a significant €14.2 billion in Europe in 2008.

So Why Are cruise Holidays Increasingly Attractive?
It seems the image of cruise holidays as too boring, too luxury, too expensive, too formal and generally for old people is changing.In the past ten years the mass-market three-star cruises have broken the mould, relaxing the dress code and attracting first-timers to affordable, all-inclusive cruise holidays.One example of this is the Italian-based MSC Cruises, which is riding the wave of the changing public perception of cruise holidays.

MSC Cruises

MSC claims that the average age on its ships is 45 years old (the industry average is 53.8 years old). This marks a significant departure from years past when the average age was around 70 years old.Cruise companies like MSC offer cosmopolitan, stylish and sophisticated cruising that is family-friendly and does not compromise on the quality of facilities.

MSC Fantasia Cruise Ship

The Italian, family-owned cruise holiday company also has ambitious expansion plans to match the opportunities for growth in the market, despite the economic downturn.

Cruise Holidays in the UK Market
The UK is the largest market for cruise passengers in Europe with 21.5 million Britons going on a cruise holiday in 2008.British port departures are also growing in popularity, with the UK being the third most popular embarkation port.And Britons are cruising for longer, with an 18 per cent increase in bed nights in 2008.Interestingly, the southeast of England has the highest number of people taking cruise holidays, although it is also an increasingly popular form of holiday in Scotland.

So Where To Now for Cruise Holidays?
Cruise holidays are emerging as a good value option for families. There is free passage for children under 18 years of age on MSC cruise holidays and the ships have entertainment for all ages. From 4D cinemas and Formula 1 simulators to baby sitting services and secure kids clubs for various age groups.Cruise ships have spas, children’s areas, gyms, cinemas - everything a good resort would have and more.

MSC Fantasia - Spa and Fitness Center

“People are discovering that cruising is for everyone,” says Giulio Libutti, managing director of MSC Cruises for the UK & Ireland.And on the evidence it would seem this is true.

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