When you picture a cruise, the people onboard are no longer likely to all be silver-haired. The cruise industry is experiencing a dramatic shift in passenger demographics. Today’s cruisers include everyone from parents with toddlers to honeymooning couples, adventure seekers, and multi generation families. In response, cruise lines have expanded their offering to suit varying budgets and interests. There’s something for everyone - here’s a quick look at the evolving cruiser demographics and the options available to them.

Younger Travelers Embracing the Cruise Experience
The average age of cruisers has lowered considerably. Today, you’ll find plenty of people in their 30s and 40s relaxing on a weekend cruise from Singapore or Dubai. In the summer, you will also find these Gen Z and Millennial cruisers embarking on a Mediterranean or Scandinavia cruise with their kids, where cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean entice them with ‘kids sail free’ offers. Apart from the offers, they prefer large cruise ships as they feature onboard casinos, theaters, clubs, kids play zones, aquaparks and other attractions as compared to smaller cruise ships.

Multi-Generational Passenger Groups Sailing Together
Many people are beginning to see cruises as a great option for multi generation family holidays. And why not – they’re a convenient way to explore new places and reconnect with each other without anyone having to take on the burden of day-to-day management.

Cruise ships like those run by the Disney Cruise Line ensure there’s something onboard for voyagers of all ages. They even have kids' clubs and offer onboard babysitting services. At the same time, adults can head over to the adults-only pools, bars, and spas. Short Caribbean and Mediterranean Cruises, like the 4-night Iconic Aegean Summer cruise and the 3-night Bahamian Cruise, are the most popular for multi-generational holidays.

Voyagers Embracing the Joys of Solo Travel
While it may seem contradictory to the above point, solo travelers are also gravitating towards cruises. For them, cruises are a good way to relax, explore the world at their own pace, and maybe make new friends. Carnival cruises like the 8-night Mediterranean cruise, are very popular with solo travelers who like to party, while cruises by Virgin Voyages like the 7-night Spanish and Italian Hot Spot cruise, are preferred by solo travelers wanting to avoid running into kids on their holiday.

In response to this changing demographic trend, cruise lines like the Norwegian Cruise Line have introduced solo cabins that can be booked without paying a ‘single supplement’ fee. P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and other cruise lines also offer periodic cruise deals waiving this fee for solo travelers.

Cruisers Seeking a Holiday on a Budget
While the demand for luxury cruises is growing, budget conscious travelers are looking at affordable cruise deals as an option to the more expensive land-only holidays. Many of these travelers are first-time cruisers and are enticed by the ‘all inclusive’ nature of a cruise holiday where they get to explore multiple destinations on the trip with accommodation, buffet meals, entertainment, and sometimes, even a few on-shore activities included in the cruise price. Budget-conscious voyagers prefer short cruises to nearby destinations like Singapore, Dubai, Sri Lanka like the 3-night Phuket Cruise and the 2-night Weekend Getaway. To make their itineraries more attractive, many cruise lines offer off-season discounts, credit vouchers, and discounted rates for companions.

Adventurous Voyagers Embracing the Call of the Sea
Cruises are often portrayed to be the ultimate way to relax, but for many adventure seekers, the thrill of exploring the unknown is one of the main driving forces behind booking a cruise. A large number of adventure seekers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are picking expedition cruises that offer a unique holiday experience.

Cruises to Antarctic and Arctic like the 11-night Highlights of Antarctica cruise and the 10-night adventure in North East Greenland are at the top of this list. Given the longer cruise duration and higher price tag, most expedition cruisers are successful entrepreneurs, the high achieving corporate leaders in their 40s and 50s and the semi-retired, or retired professional consultants.

Hobbyists and Enthusiasts Embracing Themed Voyages
Irrespective of their age, an increasing number of travelers are looking at cruises as a way to explore new places while enjoying their hobbies. We’re talking about golfers booking the Golf Spotlight cruise with Annika Sorenstam and science fiction fans booking Royal Caribbean holidays like the Star Trek cruise. Cruisers see these itineraries as a good opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends. During the festive season, many cruisers also opt for river cruises around the Christmas markets. There are several exciting options by cruise lines like Uniworld, Avalon, Ama Waterways, and Viking Cruises.

Best Way to Book a Cruise
Whether you’re 30 or 60, booking a cruise has never been easier. At Cruisebay, we put it all at your fingertips. We’ll help you find a cruise to your dream destination, pick the best cruise line and cabin for your budget, and plan shore excursions to make the cruise a memorable one. We’ll even help you plan your flight tickets to and from the end ports and navigate the insurance and visa paperwork. It’s the simplest, most stress-free way to go on a holiday!