The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) are looking ahead to next year and all that 2020 might bring.
The CLIA have announced that there are set to be as many as 25 new ship launches in 2020. Four of those are from the UK. These include, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex, P&O Cruises’ Iona, Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess and Saga’s Spirit of Adventure are all set to launch from the UK.
The new ship launches are testament to the strength of the British cruise sector.
Furthermore, Virgin Voyages will welcome UK travel agents onboard its first-ever cruise ship – Scarlet Lady – in February, after her launch in the States.
This will be followed by Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras. Moreover, the ship will welcome onboard CLIA travel agents who attended this year’s CLIA Conference when the ship visits the UK in September.
Andy Harmer, Director at CLIA, says:
“Looking ahead to cruise trends we can expect to see in 2020, this year we talked a lot about the ‘next generation’ of cruising, and this theme is set to continue. Technological advancements are changing the guest experience as we know it, as cruises lines find new ways to use technology in order to smooth the ‘ship to shore’ experience, creating holidays that are more in line with how guests’ are used to living back at home.
“Next year will see continued investment and innovations by cruise lines to create these ‘smart ships’, with the deployment of new apps, wearable technology and installations of high-tech experiences onboard. Ashore, cruise lines are placing a particular importance on unique land experiences, as adventurous and immersive travel rapidly grows in demand, and the number of people seeking ‘fly and flop’ holidays diminishes.
“New land experiences that are unique to the cruise industry are being added to itineraries, such as investing in private islands. Cruises lines have become experts in creating experiences tailored to what their guests will enjoy, and private islands allow lines to mirror the onboard experience ashore.
“Private islands are also appealing as they give guests a sense of exclusivity and luxury, as they offer a unique space solely for the use of guests on that particular cruise. We can expect to see the number of cruise lines owning private island continue to increase, and those who already have their own private islands invest in new infrastructure and experiences.”
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) were established in 1975. They are the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, proving a leading authority to the global cruise community.