Passengers can read, look at jaw-dropping scenery, watch movies, gamble, attend lectures, work out, relax in a spa, choose from a range of dining options, and perhaps most crucially, says Ball, enjoy family time together without any hassles over lodgings, meals, or transportation. Child activity centers are another popular feature on large ships. Shore excursions include Native American cultural demonstrations, kayaking, fishing, hiking, scenic small plane outings, shopping, and more. As demographics drive market expansion, carriers large and small know the competitive stakes are growing too. An increasing priority is capturing first-timers that have the time and money but not the inclination to take a cruise vacation.
Ball says among barriers are perceptions that cruises are pricey and just for older folks.
But he notes that's changing as trip options include increasingly shorter itineraries and become more affordable and attractive to active Boomer couples and families. Elite trips More affluent and experienced travelers often prefer smaller cruise ships of 50 to 250 passengers. These may highlight premium service, like Carnival empire subsidiaries Windstar Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line, or up-close encounters with local settings, such as Cruise West. One repeat customer on small cruise ships is Robert Dunlop, former CEO and owner of Mutual Travel, a Seattle-based corporate travel agency he sold to what is now Navigant Northwest in 1997. It's mostly adult.