The Growing Trend of Premium and Luxury Cruises in Asia and South America

In a recent report by American Marketing Group, it was noted that there has been a significant increase in sales for premium and luxury cruise lines, particularly in less typical destinations such as Asia and South America. Travelsavers and NEST have seen a surge in bookings in these regions, with a 25% increase compared to the previous year. The popularity of more unique itineraries, including Canada and New England, as well as South America, has contributed to this growth.

Premium cruise bookings to Asia have skyrocketed by 123%, showcasing a growing interest in this region among travelers. Similarly, South America and Canada and New England itineraries have seen significant increases in bookings, up by 90% and 93% respectively. Luxury cruise sales to Asia have also experienced a substantial boost, with a 65% increase recorded in bookings. These numbers indicate a shift towards exploring new and diverse destinations among cruise enthusiasts.

Continued Growth in Traditional Destinations

Despite the rise in bookings to Asia and South America, more traditional cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe have also seen an upsurge in popularity. Contemporary cruise bookings have increased by 15%, while expedition cruises and luxury cruises have seen a growth of 14% and 13.5% respectively. This shows that cruising remains a popular choice for travelers, regardless of the destination.

Reasons Behind the Surge in Cruise Bookings

Nicole Mazza, Travelsavers’ chief marketing officer, attributes the increase in cruise bookings to the value that cruising offers to consumers. Special offers, shipboard credits, and other inclusions have encouraged more people to consider cruising as a vacation option. The affordability and accessibility of cruising have made it an attractive choice for travelers looking for a memorable and budget-friendly experience.

Both American Marketing Group and Carnival Corp. have reported strong numbers for the Wave season, with an increase in new cruisers and record booking volumes. Bookings for future sailings in 2025 have already surpassed those for the same period last year, indicating a positive trend in the cruise industry. Carnival Corp. has also reported record booking volume for 2025 and 2026 departures, highlighting the anticipation and excitement surrounding upcoming cruise travel.

The growing trend of premium and luxury cruises in Asia and South America reflects a shift in travelers’ preferences towards more unique and immersive experiences. With an increase in bookings to less typical destinations and a rise in interest in traditional cruise locations, the cruise industry continues to thrive and attract a diverse range of travelers. As the demand for cruising remains strong, both cruise lines and travelers can look forward to exciting and rewarding experiences in the future.