According to Abta more 16 to 24 year-olds are considering going on a cruise with friends than ever before, in fact Abta say that one in five young people are thinking about booking a cruise for this year, three times number of under-25’s who took to the sea in 2013.

Cruise companies for years have been trying to shake off the assumption that cruises are only for old people who are ‘considerably richer than you’ and it seems they are finally succeeding, if Abta’s figures are to be believed. Though targeting a younger demographic isn’t exactly a new thing as arguably the first ‘Superliners’ aimed at a much younger clientele were launched back in 2007/2008 with the Liberty and Independence of the Seas, and I suppose Carnival Cruise Lines have been doing it for years.

Maybe the trend towards late deals from the likes of P&O Cruises has had an influence on this, as cheaper prices invariably open up the market to a wider audience. Also in recent years on-board activities have been given a rethink, with surf simulators, zip lines and rock climbing walls installed for guests who don’t salivate at the thought of a game of shuffleboard.

Abta’s Victoria Bacon said: ‘These companies are now targeting younger people and it’s an attractive option in tough economic times. As you often pay everything upfront, you know exactly how much you’re going to spend.’

This includes drinks. Personally I think the recent advent of more mainstream cruise lines offering drinks packages has got a lot to do with it. Without meaning to stereotype (too much), it’s not exactly a secret that large amounts of young people like to get smashed! So being able to consume unlimited quantities of alcohol for between £20-£35 per day can seem like an opportunity not to be missed.

While I have heard a few more comments recently of some cruises being full of raving, what’s the phrase…‘drunk people‘, I think attracting a younger demographic and therefore tapping a previously neglected market can only be a good thing. Unless of course P&O Cruises start offering Kavos style booze cruises,  I’m not sure how well that would go down with the regulars!

I personally think if cruises are marketed correctly and of course are properly and responsibly sold everybody wins.

What do you think?

Have you had a bad experience with fellow passengers taking full advantage of the drinks packages? Are you one of those people who have paid for your booze and are therefore going drink every last beer available?

I would love to hear your comments.

Bye for now.