The Future of Cruising  

Travel is constantly evolving, and never so quickly as it is today. The high priority on everyone’s radar is to seize every opportunity to enjoy life while we can.

We can’t deny our insatiable desire to see more, do more, and experience more. So, as travel and cruising become more prevalent in all our lives, what should we expect to see in coming years? Advancements are happening at sea, so jump aboard – ship’s about to get real. Set sail with us into the future of cruising.

1. Tech Onboard 

Swiping your phone as a keycard to your cabin or suite? Sure! Shaking your phone for champagne? Yes please. Uninterrupted wifi? Check. Digital wallet wristbands? Done. The end of queuing? Pretty much here. Technology is revolutionising the cruise experience and savvy cruise lines are already onboard. With touchless facial recognition check-ins, virtual reality windows, and seamless service, you can now anticipate an elevated experience at sea. With their own Chief Digital Experience Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line takes tech to the next sea level by offering interactive initiatives, high-speed internet, and digital signage. Royal Caribbean is equipping their ships with tablet check-in, wristbands for guests, and a robotic bartender.

2. Sustainable Cruising 

The future of cruising asks for eco-awareness and action. Navigating this precious planet by sea comes with a responsibility for sustainability. Cruise lines are adopting important policies and travel is no longer just about external rewards but about our holistic approach to the longevity of Earth and its beauty. By offering a la carte dining instead of buffet options, Virgin Voyages is reducing food waste. Setting a new standard for sustainability is Hurtigruten with hybrid-powered, plastic-free ships. MSC has introduced the cleanest marine fuel available, as well as state-of-the-art water treatment facilities. Royal Caribbean has committed to OceanScope, sharing data on ocean and marine life to research and create change.

3. Personalised Experiences 

Tailored experiences will become the cornerstone of future cruises. Advanced data will allow cruise lines to understand their passengers’ likes, wants, and needs, helping to enhance the quality of service and experiences. The more they can understand what you like, the better the cruise lines can curate your personal experience on the ships. Celebrity Cruises understands that personalisation is a key component to the future of cruising, customising your onshore experience with exclusive visits, private cars, and individual guides. Royal Caribbean guests can plan and customise their daily activities and dining reservations on the mobile app and enjoy loyalty programs that offer perks.

4. Wellness Retreats at Sea 

A high priority for many travellers, cruise ships are embarking on a whole new journey at sea: wellness. Expect floating hotels to transform into premium floating wellness retreats, with offerings like sensory saunas, soak rooms, boxing rings, dreamy beds, Pilates therapy, spin cycling discos, onsen spas, sound healing, outdoor gardens, contrast pool therapy, breathwork and meditation classes, extended massages, mocktails, and digital detox areas. Cunard offers a couple’s suite for seaweed bathing rituals, and a meditation room with acoustic resonance lounges. Uniworld is saluting to the sun with twice-daily yoga classes, optional private yoga sessions, meditation, and organic food. Virgin Voyages invites you to work up a sweat with fitness classes in rooms like Build, Burn, Bike, and Balance. Celebrity Cruises provides 120 sea-spa treatments, hot yoga sessions, restorative light therapy, and the Crystalarium for healing meditation. That’s our kind of cruise!

5. Private Islands

Cruise lines are investing in private islands to elevate and personalise each cruising experience. Offering passengers customised, exclusive, and secluded environments for play and rest, the private islands each have a unique offering. Think intimate ambience, unheard-of experiences, branded products, planned cuisine, aligned atmosphere, as well as safety, cleanliness, and security. My Cruises encompasses itineraries through the Bahamas on MSC, visiting private island, Ocean Cay, covered in pristine white sand and surrounded by the clearest blue waters you’ve ever seen; a dedicated space to engage with nature and have the dreamy VIP experience of all-inclusive food, drinks, and entertainment on the island.

6. Expedition Cruising 

For life-long learners who are looking for bucket list moments, expedition cruising ticks all the boxes. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this type of cruising is garnering attention from explorers, hikers, photographers, artists, environmentalists, and those wanting more from their holiday. My Cruises curates perfectly packaged expedition cruises with Hurtigruten that will change your life. Discover fantasy lands like Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, and more. Come face to face with Puffins in the North Atlantic or witness grizzly bears among the breathtaking mountainous backdrops of Alaska.

7. The Repeat Sailors

We’ve seen a rise in cruisers rebooking the same or similar cruises, indicating that Repeat Sailors are leading the charge in the future of cruising. Unlike bucket list cruising, these travellers are completely obsessed with cruising. Whether it’s cruising itself, particular cruise lines or ships, or destinations, the Repeat Sailors have found something special in cruising: When you find a place that steals your heart, you want to return, to create more memories with family and friends.

8. Epic Onshore Experiences 

Cruise lines have recognised that travellers want more than just an incredible experience onboard. The future of cruising promises passengers thrilling adventures, hard-to-reach locations, off-track destinations, private tours, in-depth cultural experiences, specialist tour guides, privileged access to performances or museums, and exclusive natural landmarks. Norwegian Star invites guests to witness the iconic Northern Lights on a Discovery Cruise from Southampton. Princess Cruises offers off-beat path tours to unique attractions, where guests are treated as VIPs. If you’re ready to bond over bucket-list experiences, cruising is the perfect way to see more, do more, and experience more, on your agenda.

Getting Onboard

No matter which cruise you choose, you’re bound to make new and exciting memories, unleash your inner explorer, discover unforgettable destinations, and find yourself at sea. Discover more of the world with My Cruises where you’ll enjoy exclusive inclusions and Bonus Value. Contact your friendly My Cruises Expert to start planning your Unmissable cruise journey today!