The travel industry is witnessing a surge in demand for premium and luxury cruise lines, with a particular focus on trips to Asia and South America. According to a report from parent company American Marketing Group (AMG), Travelsavers and NEST are experiencing significant growth in cruising sales. Notably, premium cruise line sales have increased by 25% compared to the same period last year.
Clients are increasingly drawn to less-typical itineraries, as indicated by the significant spikes in premium cruise bookings to Asia, Canada, New England, and South America. Premium cruise bookings to Asia alone have seen a remarkable 123% increase compared to the previous year. This trend suggests a growing interest in exploring unconventional cruise destinations.
Despite the emphasis on premium and luxury cruises to Asia and South America, more traditional destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe are also experiencing growth in bookings. AMG highlighted that overall cruise bookings have seen positive momentum, with contemporary, expedition, and luxury cruise sales all on the rise.
Nicole Mazza, Travelsavers’ chief marketing officer, pointed out that the current popularity of cruising is driven by its value proposition. Special offers, shipboard credits, and other inclusions are appealing to a large number of consumers and are successfully converting them into cruisers. This value-centric approach has contributed to the overall growth in cruise sales.
The positive trend in cruising sales is expected to continue in the coming years. Bookings for 2025 sailings have already seen a 30% increase compared to the same period last year for 2024 sailings. Carnival Corp. also reported record booking volume for 2025 and 2026 departures, indicating a strong outlook for the cruise industry moving forward.
The travel industry’s focus on premium and luxury cruise experiences to Asia and South America reflects a shift towards unique and unconventional travel destinations. With a growing emphasis on value-driven offerings and continued consumer interest in cruising, the future looks bright for the cruise industry.