Cruise Planners-American Express Travel Releases Its Top Cruise Trends for 2014
Coral Springs, FL (PRWEB) November 19, 2013 -- The cruise industry continues to blossom into 2014 and new trends are driving that growth. According to an infographic from Cruise Planners - American Express Travel, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network, travelers are customizing their vacation experiences, people are using social media to document their getaways, families are traveling more together and cruise lines are introducing creative ways to entertain guests. Below is a list of what’s hot and what’s not for 2014, which accompany the Cruise Trends for 2014 infographic according to Cruise Planners.
Travel = Technology
What’s hot: Improved technological integration.
What’s not: The feeling of being disconnected.
The travel industry is always ahead of the curve and new smartphone applications make it easy for all travelers to stay connected. From booking travel easily online to checking social media sites through WiFi to streaming movies on airplanes, the travel industry continues to improve communication methods for travelers.
Multi-generational Vacations
What’s hot: Cruising for multigenerational families.
What’s not: Cruising just for Baby Boomers.
We’re seeing more and more families planning multigenerational vacations – and cruises are a popular option. From seasoned travelers to rowdy youngsters; these ships offer room for the whole family and there’s something that will appeal to every age.
Tapping into a Sense of Adventure
What’s hot: Full-on fun and immersive experiences.
What’s not: Armchair adventure.
While there is an option for leisure travel, it’s more about creating lasting memories and participating in once-in-a-lifetime events. Some travelers are becoming more adventurous and exploring new activities such as rock climbing, skydiving, zip lining and more.
Entertainment Galore
What’s hot: Broadway shows.
What’s not: Las Vegas-style revue shows.
The Great White Way has hit the high seas: Royal Caribbean has “Chicago: The Musical” (Allure of the Seas), “Hairspray” (Oasis of the Seas) and “Saturday Night Fever” (Liberty of the Seas); Norwegian offers “Rock of Ages” and “Burn the Floor” (Breakaway) and, coming in January 2014, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (Getaway).
Gourmet Dining
What’s hot: Foodies and winos abound.
What’s not: Generic food options and buffets.
Cruises are moving beyond the buffet and basic American fare to offer specialized and unique dining experiences, with international options from Brazilian barbeque to Chinese noodles, and from celebrity restaurants like Geoffrey Zakarian’s Ocean Blue on the Norwegian Breakaway to private Chef’s Tables like those aboard Princess Cruises.
Intimately Exploring New Destinations
What’s hot: River cruises and small ocean ships offering travelers off-the-beaten-path options.
What’s not: Returning to the same destination.
While some might think of the Caribbean as a primary cruise destination, today’s itineraries are truly global. Remote destinations for been there-done that travelers run the gamut from Iceland to Antarctica to the Galapagos. River cruising continues to be on the rise as well, bringing cruisers to the waterways of Europe and Asia and to cities that big ships simply can’t go.
Customizing Your Travels
What’s hot: Traveling with a customized travel itinerary.
What’s not: Being overwhelmed by the immense travel options out there.
With so many travel options, it can be overwhelming for travelers. Using a travel advisor can help ease the process since they can offer special offers, find the best rates and recommend activities and excursions available to suit your travel needs.
Locate a Cruise Planners-American Express Travel advisor near you by visiting http://www.cruiseplanners.com/franchises/locateAgents.
Cruise Planners–American Express Travel
Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur for the past 10 years and recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include a record 11 Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2013, Special Needs Group Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partners™ for 2012, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for eight years in a row (2004 – 2011), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2012), Royal Caribbean International President’s Award for Overall Achievement for 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2012) and Home-Based Agency of the Year (2010), Celebrity Cruises Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Globe Award (2008 – 2012), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009- 2012), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012), Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Member. For information, visit http://www.cruiseplanners.com.
Media Contacts:
Caitlin Murphy
Director of Public Relations, Cruise Planners-American Express Travel
P: 954-344-8060
CMurphy(at)CruisePlannerrs(dot)com
Caitlin Murphy, Cruise Planners, http://www.cruiseplanners.com, +1 954-344-8060 Ext: 117, [email protected]
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