TIM eMagazine Volume 1 Issue 11 | Page 18

Maritime

CLIA Releases Report on Attitudes , Behaviors And Travel Preferences Of Cruisers And Non-Cruisers

C ruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ) has released the Cruise Travel Report a revealing look at the attitudes , behaviors and travel preferences of cruisers and non-cruisers . The report delves into a variety of topics ranging from travel planning and the use of travel agents to vacation companions and destination preferences . A key highlight of the study defines a new “ Cruise Generation ,” outlining the growing number of Millennials and Generation Y travelers embracing and enjoying cruise travel .

“ The cruise industry is growing at an incredible pace and on a global scale . For that reason , it is critical to continue to conduct research to gain the best understanding of the attitudes and behaviors around travel as a whole and particularly around cruise travel ,” said Cindy D ’ Aoust , president and CEO , CLIA . “ While there is a wealth of findings in the 2017 Cruise Travel Report , one that stands out is that cruise industry has been successful in engaging younger generations .”
Today , cruise travel has become the most popular travel preference among younger generations , including Millennials , creating a new “ Cruise Generation .” This generation rates cruise travel as the best type of vacation compared to land-based vacations , all-inclusive resorts , tours , vacation house rentals , and camping and 90 percent that have experienced cruise travel say they will continue to cruise . The results of the Cruise Travel Report also indicates that cruising is experiencing a rejuvenation as Millennials and Generation X are becoming enthusiast cruisers and the “ Cruise Generation is adopting the cruising lifestyle .
Additional findings of travel behaviors of cruisers and non-cruisers from Cruise Travel Report : Attitudes , Behaviors and Travel Preferences of Cruisers and Non- Cruisers report include :
A New World – Four out of ten ( 42 percent ) of both cruisers and non-cruisers alike seem to agree that they go on vacation to see or do new things , while many other travelers ( 33 percent ) look to relax and disconnect from their daily stressors . Nearly all ( 88 percent ) of cruisers say cruises are better for total relaxation over land-based vacations .
Diversity at Sea – Contrary to common perceptions , according to the study sample , people who take cruises are younger than those who take land-based vacations . The Cruise Generation is also more diverse than the Non- Cruisers . Three-quarters of Cruisers are White / Caucasian compared to 84 percent of people who take land-based vacations . African Americans represent 11 percent of Cruisers , versus six percent of Non-Cruisers .
Proper Planning – The vast majority of cruisers plan a trip between four and 18 months prior to departure , as

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