If there is one thing that’s amply clear for the cruising industry in 2023, it’s that this is a good time to sell cruise vacations. Across all categories and segments of cruising, the outlook appears positive, and the advisors are confident in their ability to connect with the client and meet their vacation needs. While cruising has always been popular in the US and Canada, the industry is set to grow further 4 . Themed cruises to attract different consumer groups are expected to drive the growth of the industry globally to $15.1 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 11.0% during 2022 to 2028. And the driver of this growth is expected to be Gen Z, in its search for unique and authentic experiences. Expanding the consumer net to reach a new audience will also mean offering different amenities. Wi-Fi, which will enable vacationers to stay connected with the world, even work, while on board a cruise ship, is one of the top demands, advisors have shared. The role of the advisors cannot be emphasized enough as we get ready to meet this new client base. With there being a sharp increase in the number of advisors turning independent over the last few years, there also seems to be a shift in perspective and willingness to connect over new media. Social media platforms, which is where the Millennials live, must be mined for leads to a different client market as well. How best each advisor can do this has to be provided in a training that will benefit all. Advisors also give consistent feedback on how to make the cruising experience better for the client, and their top requirement is for an all-inclusive product, so that the clients feel like they are on vacation. Ease- of-use on mobile applications should allow the client everything from booking the restaurant to boarding without having to stand in a queue. We hope that this outlook speaks to the cruise lines on behalf of the advisor community and helps bring about desired change. If the pandemic years showed us how integral the advisors are to the travel community, 2022 reinforced that trust. While social media can introduce us to new places, eventually it’s the advisor who makes the traveler confident of having a safe and happy time while miles out into the sea. CONCLUSION 4 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221026005823/en/Insights-on-the-Cruise-Global-Market-to-2028---Rising-Popularity-of-Theme-Cruises-are-Substantially-Driving- Growth---ResearchAndMarkets.com#:~:text=North%20America%20ranked%20first%20in,%2C%20recording%20around%2050.0%25%20share.

12192_03/30/23 Travel Market Report is a leader in the North American travel agency community with over 50 years of experience. Our award winning editorial team leverages scientific data to uncover compelling insights and an “Outlook” on the future for travel advisors. Travel Market Reports’ highly engaged audience is ideal for customized research on your behalf. RESEARCH AUTHORS: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUTLOOK RESEARCH PLEASE CONTACT SALES: Brian Israel, Publisher, bisrael@travelmarketreport.com Please go to the following link to view the downloadable pdf version of this outlook: https://www.travelmarketreport.com/library/TMR/CruiseTrendOutlook.pdf VIDEC Consultants Dan McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief, Vice President