Our favorite things from Cruise World 2024
/Ahoy!
Last week, Grace and I participated in the annual Cruise World conference, returning home brimming with fresh ideas, inspiration, and valuable industry connections. We had the opportunity to hear from cruise line executives discussing the future of the cruising sector, including exciting announcements about new ships and destinations. We also attended peer-to-peer panels, gaining insights into various resources to enhance our business operations. Additionally, we explored the expansive tradeshow, where we engaged in one-on-one conversations with numerous cruise lines and other land-based suppliers. It was a lot to take in, and we felt exhausted each day; however, we managed to squeeze in a delightful detour to the Funky Buddha Brewery for some quality bonding and relaxation!
Below are the top five aspects that have us thrilled about the future of the travel industry (beyond just cruises). We would love to know what excites you the most!
Cheers!
Leila & Grace
P.S.: Don’t wait for the New Year frenzy—grab the planning reins for your next vacation now! Trust me, once January hits, my inbox turns into a tidal wave of requests - they actually call it “Wave Season”!
Here are our five key insights from Cruise World 2024!
Explora Journeys - A new luxury small ship cruise line that embodies the atmosphere of a boutique hotel rather than that of a traditional cruise ship.
Japan! The idea of traveling to Japan always sparks excitement. We can tailor the land itinerary just like I do for Europe, or explore some thrilling new cruise itineraries.
(FYI: The exchange rate is in our favor at the moment!)
Culinary choices available on ships and at resorts or hotels have significantly improved. Dining on board is no longer reminiscent of the 80s or 90s (or even the 2010s!) —so if you haven't cruised since then, you'll be amazed at the changes! Partnerships with chefs such as James Beard, Michel Roux Jr, Jamie Oliver, Jacques Pépin and others can now be found at sea!
New Megaships - There are two main trends in the cruise industry - smaller ships and larger ships. Royal Caribbean is the leading cruise line when it comes to the megaships - they truly do have something for everyone (great for multi-generational vacations like family reunions!) Here’s a look at Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas which is sailing now!
Small Ships - On the other end of the spectrum, we have small ships – a new fleet of compact cruise ships set to launch over the next few years. Small ships typically accommodate fewer than 1,000 passengers, with some options available for even fewer than 300. Stay tuned as we will explore some of these ships in more detail in future newsletters!
