Cruise Industry Survey

A new survey published by Cruise Lines International Association reveals some fascinating new trends. Family travel is the big thing! In 2008, 25% of cruisers travelled with family members under 18, compared to 13% in 2002 – which probably explains why the average age of a cruise traveller has dropped to 46 in 2008 from 49 in 2006. This may partly result from new cruise line offerings, including video arcades, rock climbing walls and ice rinks, special places for teens to sunbathe, and Mum and Daughter spa packages. While close to 90% of passengers are white, specialist cruises based on hobbies like sewing or gambling, or even lifestyles such as Christian or a gay and lesbian cruises mean that diversity is starting to spread through the cruise holiday industry. Cruise lines are increasingly marketing to new countries, especially India and China, so many ships have more of an international mix among the guests on board their Asian based itineraries.