
These sentiments are reflected in the business.
Reports said that in 2023, the cruise industry
surpassed 2019 levels, breaking sales records “in
a furious, post-pandemic comeback”.
2
This has happened in tandem with advisors who are
understanding the client sentiment and investing
in understanding the product. The most popular
specializations are therefore the most sought-after
packages by clients. Ocean cruise, family/multi-gen
travel, and luxury travel occupy the top three spots.
Destination, river cruise and group travel are other
sought-after segments. While niche segments such
as adventure, women, LGBTQI+ have fewer takers,
their share is likely to increase as destinations look
to woo clients with different itineraries
3
.
One advisor said,
When the market opened and expanded post pandemic,
some of the most popular segments were ocean and
river cruise. Cooped in at home, possibly away from
family, many people wanted to use vacation time to
bond with their loved ones. Money was not a big deal,
if you could spend.
8
|
CHART 1
DISTRIBUTION TRENDS
PRODUCT SPECIALIZATION
Ocean Cruise
Family/Multi-Generational Travel
Luxury Travel
Specific Destinations
River Cruise
Group Travel
Wedding/Honeymoon/Romance Travel
Adventure Travel
Solo Travel
Expedition Cruise
Church or Other Religious Affiliations Group
Women only
Wine and Culinary
Wellness Travel
Sustainable Travel
Villa/Private Homes
LGBTQ+
No specialization
51%
39%
34%
32%
30%
30%
17%
7%
6%
5%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
7%
2 https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/huge-demand-on-the-high-seas-cruises-are-back-in-2023/
3 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wooing-lgqbt-golf-niche-travel-markets-africa-travel-week/?trk=public_post
We will do groups when they come to us, but that’s not our focus! We are 100% focused
on FIT. I think it is dumb to think an agency would only focus on three types of travel. We
are 100% full-service travel agency.