As cruises continue to grow in popularity, cruise lines are staying committed to maintaining growth by keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s driving traveler decisions when booking their next vacation.
Fast-growing global cruise brand MSC Cruises recently analyzed data from multiple 2024 travel trends reports to share insight from a cruise travel perspective on five growing travel trends.
Related: US shares 'reconsider travel' advisory for Caribbean cruise port
In similar insights shared last year, MSC Cruises reported increased demand for itineraries that offered more time in ports, cultural exploration, urban destinations and luxury experiences.
Looking ahead to 2025, the cruise line is now diving into top travel trends that are influencing the way travelers research their vacations and choose where and how to travel.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Hightail
‘Coolcations,’ sabbaticals, and ‘set-jetting’ are on the rise
More travelers are seeking out "coolcations" in cold-weather destinations, trading sunny beach escapes for icy landscapes in Antarctica and natural wonders in Northern Europe, according to the 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report. Alaska cruises also offer an ideal “coolcation” experience for travelers, and MSC Cruises is one of multiple cruise lines launching new Alaska cruise itineraries in 2026.
Citing the Globetrender Future of Luxury Travel Forecast: 2020-2025, MSC Cruises also highlights the “radical sabbatical” trend. With the rise of remote work and more companies offering sabbatical opportunities, more people are looking for ways to explore the world on an extended break from work. World cruises offered by MSC Cruises and other cruise lines can offer a journey of a lifetime for travelers taking a sabbatical.
Related: MSC Cruises to sail its first voyages from U.S. West Coast
Cruise lines are also working to increase their appeal to remote workers who want to see the world as they work from anywhere. Most cruise lines have upgraded onboard Wi-Fi recently, and some cruise lines like Virgin Voyages also offer amenities and special packages designed to make it simple for passengers to work at sea.
Another travel trend highlighted by MSC Cruises is “set-jetting,” traveling to TV- and movie-inspired destinations. Expedia Group’s Unpack ’25: The Trends in Travel report shows strong traveler interest in set-jetting spots like Dubai inspired by "The Real Housewives of Dubai" and New York City inspired by "And Just Like That..."
MSC Cruises suggests that set-jetters should consider a voyage through the Middle East aboard MSC Euribia, which includes calls to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), or a cruise sailing from New York City aboard MSC Meraviglia.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Culinary tourism and elevated all-inclusive vacations are trending too
A growing desire to explore destinations and cultures through food is fueling a boom in culinary tourism, leading travelers to plan trips specifically around food experiences. Many cruise lines sail to a variety of hot culinary travel destinations like Italy, Spain and Greece. In recent year, cruise lines have also placed a significant emphasis on elevating culinary experiences on their ships to appeal to more foodie travelers.
MSC Cruises’ ships feature up to 11 different restaurants on board offering unique and authentic gastronomic experiences from all around the world. Offering a mix of traditional favorites and new flavors, MSC cruise ship restaurants allow passengers to continue to explore the world through dining experiences that complement their culinary exploration on shore.
Related: MSC Cruises designs new ship to tempt the American palate
Along with seeking out culinary experiences, travelers today are becoming more inclined to spend more on luxurious, all-inclusive vacations that combine convenience and high-end exclusivity. Cruise travelers can plan these kinds of vacations at sea thanks to “ship-within-a-ship” concepts that bring small-ship luxury services and amenities to large cruise ships.
MSC Cruises’ version of an all-inclusive vacation, MSC Yacht Club offers passengers exclusive access to private facilities including a dedicated restaurant and lounge, 24-hour butler service and private sundeck. The experience also includes an unlimited premium drinks package, Wi-Fi, a fully-stocked minibar and access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal area, as well as access to exclusive areas on MSC Cruises’ private island destination in the Caribbean, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
