2025 All advisors sell ocean cruises, and half also sell expedition cruises. First-timers are more likely to opt for contemporary cruises while repeat cruisers prefer luxury and ultra- luxury cruise vacations. The Caribbean-Bahamas (86%), Europe (77%), and Alaska (68%) are the top-selling cruise destinations. The average per person per day spend on cruise vacations is $666. Cost of vacations (78%), itineraries/destinations (78%), and included amenities (73%) are the most important factors while selecting an ocean cruise. In the next 24 months, advisors plan to sell ocean cruises to affinity/clubs (84%), multi-generation families (80%), and incentive/conference groups (79%). Crossing off a bucket list experience or destination is the most important motivator for taking a cruise vacation, said 7 out of 10 advisors. Other key motivators are to celebrate personal occasions (71%) and spending time together/family reunions (69%). Nearly 9 out of 10 advisors said Wi-Fi is an important amenity for an all-inclusive cruise experience. Other important amenities include entertainment/attractions (77%) and gratuities (75%). Nearly 100% of the advisors said offering drinks/ beverages as free add-ons helps improve cruise sales. Word of mouth/referrals (89%), current/past clientele (83%), and social media (54%) are the top lead generation sources. Text messaging (94%), phone calls (93%), and emails (92%) are the top channels that advisors use to communicate with clients. Facebook Messenger (55%), WhatsApp (45%), and Zoom (42%) are the most used messaging apps, but 17% of advisors are still not using any messaging apps to communicate with clients. More than 7 out of 10 advisors said that restaurant reservations, check-in/check-out, and booking onboard events and activities are the most important mobile app features that enhance a client’s cruising experience. Over half (54%) of the advisors said the total cost of the cruise was the biggest challenge for selling ocean cruise vacations, followed by itineraries not matching the client’s preferences (46%) and available inventory not fitting client needs (44%). Celebrity Cruises (83%), Royal Caribbean International (81%), and Norwegian Cruise Line (76%) are the top-selling cruise brands, said advisors. Advisors identified FAM trips (80%) and commissions on NCFs (62%) as the leading supplier support needed to improve ocean cruise sales. FAM trips (85%), virtual training (67%), and in- person conferences or tradeshows (65%) are the most preferred training formats. While 7 out of 10 advisors said that product or destination training is their most preferred training program, 4 out of 10 advisors also want training in social media. Most advisors (4 out of 5) said that they recommend ocean cruises based on the itinerary and the experience/reputation of the cruise line. Approximately 7 out of 10 advisors identified as an Iindependent contractor or affiliated with a host agency, franchise, or consortium. Most advisors predict sales growth in 2025, with 7 in 10 expecting double-digit increases year-over-year. KEY FINDINGS 4