You’re only young once!

Recently cruise.co.uk have been looking into the booking habits of our very loyal customers. During this investigation we have found out that the average age of first time cruisers has dropped in recent years. In 2004 the average age to take your first cruise was 60, giving those just retiring a chance to rediscover themselves and see the world. Ten years later we have found, this has now dropped to 55 years old.

Our very own managing director Seamus Conlon explained “Cruise ships have become so advanced that they’re now essentially floating holiday resorts, with affordable rates to exotic destinations and an unlimited range of entertainment and activities, it’s hardly surprising that first time cruisers are now a lot younger than they were in 2004, with a number of cruise lines now catering to both younger and older passengers alike.”

I think I would agree. With the likes of P&O’s New Britannia and the technical wonders of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Anthem soon to grace our seas. Cruising has suddenly become the modern travellers preference, and how can we disagree. With Waterparks, Celebrity Chief restaurant’s, Bumper cars, Indoor sky diving, Robotic bars and a whole host of other exciting activities to fill your day plus the ability to visit a number of different destination in one holiday. I am quite surprised this age is not a lot lower. I feel confident that over the next few years we will see that age drop possibly to 40’s maybe even 30’s. Cruising is simply becoming more fun and interesting attracting younger couples, families, groups, honeymooners even hen and stag parties on shorter mini cruises. I myself  celebrated my 30th Birthday with a group of girlfriends on board P&O’s Aurora.

Other research which we have discovered reveals  that 10 years ago our customer  booked on average  218 days prior to departure, this has now taken a dramatic change with an average of 168 days now as tech-savvy customer use the latest devices to track down the best deals. Mobile phone and tablets make keeping up with the best offers on the go much easier allowing them to get the most up to date information where ever they are. I regularly have customers  call and say “I am just in the supermarket and just received your email regarding this fab offer” or “I am sitting in the hairdresser’s and see this cruise has been reduced”. So Information at our finger tips is changing the way we booking our holidays.

Another factor I would say is a big influence on these statistics is the “PRICE”, cruises are often a lot more reasonable than 10 years ago. With companies such as P&O bringing in Saver fares and other cruise lines offering free drinks package, last minute price cuts, flights, gratuities ect…, cruise holidays are simply a lot more affordable giving more people chance to experience them.

So what do you think is making cruising appeal to younger passengers? Value? Technology? More choice?

What is the biggest change you have seen in the cruise industry over the last 10 years?

If you would like to know more about first time cruising my direct line is 0330 303 8260 or email me at [email protected]. I will be happy to help with your enquiry.