Cruise holiday trends for 2008

A record number of British holidaymakers will be taking to the high seas this year as Cruise holidays experience an unprecedented boom. Where will they be going and what will they be doing - exploring the China coast or Greek islands, possibly hopping onboard a luxury cruise ship that caters to their every whim?

According to Cruise Critic (cruisecritic.co.uk), the world’s leading online resource for consumer-oriented cruise reviews and news which just launched a UK site, increased interest in European and Asian itineraries as well as luxury cruising are some of the hot cruising trends in 2008.

“Along with the increased popularity and availability of Asian and European cruises, other ’08 trends we are seeing include a greater number of fitness and spa themed cruises and the building out of new ports of call in the Caribbean,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief, Cruise Critic.

2008 Cruise Trends

Europe is Booming
Because of the popularity of Europe-based cruising and the need to alleviate gridlock at the busiest ports, in 2008, cruise lines are offering more exotic itineraries than ever before. Some of these new European itineraries will include ports of call along Croatia’s coast or around the Black Sea. Also cruising during the winter months in this region will only continue to gain in popularity as more itineraries are being offered that focus on the nearby (and southerly) Canary Islands, as well as Spain’s Mediterranean coast and North Africa.

Beyond your Fare
Cruise travel has long had a reputation for being an all-inclusive experience. However, its not so all-inclusive these days as passengers spending in excess of their fares grows for items such as casino gambling, shore excursions, art auctions, spa treatments, and more. 2008 will see more onboard spending opportunities than ever before for new items such as fine wine with dinner and a-la-carte restaurants.

Caribbean Conundrum
The Caribbean has long been the most popular cruise destination; however, some itineraries are getting a bit stale for long-time cruise enthusiasts. In 2008, look for cruise lines and other developers to continue investing in “undiscovered” ports of call. Carnival, a leader in this field, is developing places like Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos, and Progreso, in Mexico.

Focus on Fitness
Flying right in the face of cruising’s reputation for overwhelming indulgence is an effort by cruise lines to focus on health and wellbeing offering features such as boxing rings (Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships), private training sessions and yoga. In 2008, look for more spa-oriented cruises that include fitness classes and spa treatments in the price of the cruise. A handful of lines, pioneered by Costa, are even creating spa resorts at sea, which include special cabins and restaurants that cater to spa-minded passengers.

Luxury goes Mainstream
In 2008, more luxury cruise options will be available than ever before. Onboard a mass-market ship or a small niche liner, luxury accommodations and services are will continue to expand. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines has a reservations-only supper club that allows cruisers to dine at some of the finest alternative restaurants at sea. As big ship cruises continue to incorporate more luxury elements, the true luxury lines are also raising the bar with enhanced onboard enrichment programmes, shore excursion options and special dining.

Burgeoning Asia
Cruise lines are offering more opportunities to explore Asia by sea, as lines like Princess Cruises (with Sapphire Princess) and Royal Caribbean (with Rhapsody of the Seas) have moved larger ships into the market. In 2008, look for more cruise vacationers than ever to explore this region.

Top 10 Ports Not-To-Be-Missed in 2008

Cruise Critic travel experts have put together a list of the top 10 ports that should not be missed in 2008.

1. Amsterdam, Western Europe
2. Dubrovnik, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean
3. Hong Kong, Asia
4. Martinique, Southern Caribbean
5. Maui, Hawaii
6. Muscat, Middle East
7. Naples, Europe, Western Mediterranean
8. St. Petersburg, Northern Europe
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Vancouver, Alaska