When it comes to last-minute summer sailings, cruisers might find themselves out of luck this year. Cruise line executives and travel advisors are reporting record inventory that has been snapped up quickly, leaving limited space available for those looking to book. This surge in demand is pushing booking curves well into 2025, signaling a shift in the industry’s booking patterns.
Major cruise lines started the year with the highest number of bookings on record, resulting in a decrease in available inventory for 2024 cruises. This scarcity, coupled with robust revenue management practices, has led to bookings for 2025 cruises surpassing those for 2024. According to Alex Sharpe, the CEO of Signature Travel Network, advisors are witnessing an unprecedented demand for 2025 sailings, with a significant increase year over year in bookings compared to previous years.
Cruise Line Responses
CEOs of major cruise companies, including the Big Three, have acknowledged this shift in booking patterns during their Q1 earnings calls. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty noted that the company is rapidly approaching a point where bookings for 2025 cruises will outnumber those for 2024. Similarly, Carnival Corp. has seen a surge in bookings for 2025, surpassing expectations and paving the way for a strong start to the year.
Cruise lines such as Cunard Line are responding to this trend by releasing itineraries for summer sailings up to 2026. Matt Gleaves, vice president of commercial for Cunard North America, emphasized the importance of meeting the early demand for luxury cruises by offering bookings well in advance. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also reported record-breaking booking numbers, with their 12-month forward booked position at an all-time high, reflecting the shift towards longer-term planning by consumers.
Travel advisors have observed a significant change in consumer behavior, with clients opting to book cruises a year in advance rather than waiting for last-minute deals. Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations, highlighted the shift in mindset among cruise clients who are now more proactive in securing their desired itineraries well ahead of time. This change in booking patterns has been attributed to the limited inventory available for close-in options.
While cruise lines attribute the extended booking curve to inventory and revenue management strategies, advisors point to other factors influencing this trend. Cruise lines are releasing itineraries further in advance and focusing promotional efforts on 2025 cruises, driving early demand for future sailings. Additionally, changing airfare prices and consumer willingness to book further out are also contributing to the shift in booking patterns.
The cruise industry is witnessing a significant shift in booking patterns, with summer sailings in high demand and booking curves stretching well into 2025. Consumers are adapting to this change by booking cruises further in advance, recognizing the limited inventory available for last-minute options. Cruise lines are responding to this trend by releasing itineraries earlier and capitalizing on the surge in demand for future sailings. The industry is evolving rapidly, and both cruise lines and consumers are adjusting their strategies to meet the increasing demand for summer sailings in the years to come.