Millennials love cruising

MILLENNIALS are
changing the perception
of cruising, proving that
it isn’t just for old people.
Ross Volk, md of MSC
Cruises, and Quinten Barnard,
head of marketing of Cruise
Corner, agree that cruising
has become more aspirational
across the younger market in
recent months. Ross attributes
this trend to a number of
factors: “Destinations that
allow for an international type
feel without the hefty price tag,
shorter cruise itineraries and
themed cruises all attract a
younger market.”
George Argyropoulos, ceo
of Cruises International, does
not believe that millennials
are changing the perception
of cruising, but rather that
cruising is changing the
perception of millennials.
 “A lot of millennials have
cruised with their parents
and therefore have had an
opportunity to experience
a number of cruises from a
young age. They have seen
for themselves that a cruise
is a perfect holiday for any
age group,” he explains.
“Millennials are now starting to
cruise on their own, preferring
to see the world by sea rather
than backpacking or taking bus
tours.”
Dannya Baiocchi, product
expert of Development
Promotions, thinks this
trend is due to millennials
documenting their lives
through social media.
“Millennials have a strong
social media presence and
their hashtags are the best
kind of advertising,” she says.
“For example, if you search
#NCL on Instagram, you will
see lots of incredible views,
delicious food and silly poses
that are mostly posted by
millennials.”
Quinten points out that
cruising is also more
accessible and affordable for
the young market than ever
before. Raymond Leibman,
owner of Just Cruising, adds
that some ships now offer
incredible, adrenalin-filled
activities just for millennials,
such as surfing, cycling,
go-karting, zip-lining and even
skydiving.
Dalene Oroni, groups
operational manager of
Development Promotions,
says the cherry on the top
for millennials when it comes
to cruising is that the latest
ships are fully equipped
with fast WiFi, iPads and
touchscreen technologies,
which makes the experience
more hip and ‘with it’.
“They want to be able to
connect to WiFi while they’re
on the ship’s sundeck with
St Tropez in the background
so they can post their selfie
moments. Social media circles
are very important to this
generation.”