According to the 2023 Luxury Cruise Market Report, the luxury cruise market is expected to accommodate just over 1 million guests this year, a significant increase from 600,000 in 2019. cruise industry news.
About half of the new cruise ship class in 2023 will be small luxury ships, and Cruise will continue to be one of them. Fast-growing tourism sector.
Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, predicted strong travel trends in this fast-growing market segment last year. “My 2023 travel prediction: ‘off the beaten track’ cruises on luxury ships, especially smaller ships, are the future of the cruising sector,” he shared in the 2022 Prelog.
Rising interest in experiential travel and an estimated 34% increase in high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth travelers are contributing to the growth of the luxury cruise market. However, two important aspects that play a key role in the success of a luxury cruise are the level of service provided and the location.
For many luxury cruise passengers, it’s not just about the onboard amenities, but the overall experience. They want personalized attention, special and unique destinations, and a high level of service that meets their specific needs and preferences.
size matters
For passengers like Doug Fox and Marty Dickerson, whom I met while sailing, smaller is better. Windstar’s spirit of the wind in French Polynesia last month. It was the ninth or 10th time they had been on board the Windstar ship, and Fox couldn’t remember the exact number of times. Just four days after returning from a trip to French Polynesia, they were scheduled to sail again to the Caribbean on the Windstar.
“They do everything, they really do. You may not be wealthy at home, but here you are royalty.”
It’s no wonder Fox and Dickerson love Windstar Cruises so much.Condé Nast named Windstar one of the world’s best small ship cruise lines. 2023 Reader’s Choice Award. Windstar ships don’t have climbing walls or water slides and don’t want them. This luxury small-ship cruise line focuses on legendary service and sailing to ports inaccessible to larger ships.
Cruise reviewers named it Windstar for its supreme level of fulfillment. Editor’s Picks for 2023. This is surprising considering we employ award-winning professional photographers and book publishers like Pat Keogh and Rosemary Keogh as guest speakers for onboard enrichment and education seminars. Not.
Keogh’s List of honors and awards It’s so long that I was in awe after hearing just a few of their stories when we dined together at Wind Spirit one night. It wasn’t long before our paths crossed on a ship carrying 148 passengers. That’s part of the ship’s charm, as I discovered during my first voyage on her Windstar.
“Windstar ships are ‘happy ships’, and this is felt from the moment you step on board,” said Rosemary Keogh. “There’s a good reason why many of our crew members have been with the company for over 10 years, and even two years. Personally, I love Windstar’s casual atmosphere and the fact that the ship is a small cruise ship. We enjoy the fact that our guests are given the time and intimacy to form true friendships.”
The Keogh family travels with Windstar to two or three destinations, totaling about two months a year. They joined him in 2016 and just completed his fifth year at Windstar.
Navigation techniques for small ships
For travelers with a strong desire to explore a destination, especially a quieter, less developed area, choosing a small ship is ideal. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the charm and authenticity of the destination you are visiting.
Wind Spirit and similar smaller vessels may have limited onboard options, but they more than make up for it with their excellent itineraries. This means anchoring in ports that larger ships cannot access, giving you access to lesser-known destinations with fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
The level of intimacy experienced at the destination is something larger ships can never offer, nor is it their ambition.
Mr. Fox shared his thoughts on avoiding large cruise ships, or what he calls “floating cities.” “Once 4,000 people arrive at these destinations, it’ll be like staying on the ship. It’s a smaller ship so it won’t crowd the port, and I think that makes it more fun.
“I have spent a lot of time St. MaartenAnd if you’re in a major city and a big cruise ship comes in, they’re like locusts, they just swarm. ”
As construction of new “megaships” continues, port cities in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, French Polynesia, Florida, Alaska, Maine and California are Reevaluate your relationship with cruise ships. With a constant influx of tourists, these cities are now rethinking the impact of large ships.
While giant ships offer an unparalleled range of amenities, they often fall short when it comes to off-board experiences. Basically, the bigger the ship, the bigger the infrastructure needed for each destination.
Only selected ports can accommodate ships carrying more than 6,000 guests.Use CruiseMapper currently being reported 2435 port in databasethe range of ports available provides endless opportunities for small ships.
During our 10-night voyage through French Polynesia, there were no lines anywhere. I was even more surprised that we were on a small boat and didn’t feel crowded at all. Every morning my latte was made in the cafe without any passengers. Every afternoon we were able to relax on the loungers on the pool deck, and each evening we were able to sit right at the dinner table without a reservation.
When faced with limited restaurant options, working with a James Beard Award-winning chef is the ultimate choice. The partnership between Windstar Cruises and James His Beard Foundation brings together some of the most talented chefs. theme cruise And in that meal program too.
Perhaps the most surprising benefit on board is the connection you have with your fellow passengers. 148 like-minded travelers share stories of past adventures around the world, almost always involving his Windstar.
“I struck up easy conversations with other passengers over drinks and while enjoying activities like artistic workshops, line dancing lessons, and galley tours. By the end of the week, I felt like I had made a new travel companion. I felt that way,” said Timon van Basten.
I was truly amazed by my fellow passengers aboard Windstar and their insatiable desire to immerse themselves in local culture as well as the world. Each cruise seemed to further inflame their yearning for adventure into unknown territory. One particular traveler, Carolyn Morrison from Louisiana, experienced travel writer You must be jealous.
There were 31 passengers on board. spirit of the wind There were repeat customers and 30 continued customers. Tahiti sailing twice We will be staying another 8 nights. On subsequent voyages, she welcomed 49 returning guests, an impressive proportion for a small ship cruise line.
“We are grateful to have such a supportive and excited fan base,” explains Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer at Windstar.
“We offer our repeat customers, Yacht Club members, benefits such as cruise discounts based on membership level, advance notice of new products, onboard credits, exclusive parties, unlimited laundry, and free Wi-Fi. We want to reward their continued loyalty.”
unique features
In addition to superior options for onboard enrichment, all Windstar ships have an open bridge policy. Passengers can visit the bridge, learn about navigation from the police officers on duty, and take in spectacular views from the water.
This level of access is not commonly found on larger ships, and according to Windstar passengers, it’s a feature they really like.
“Last January I sailed star legend A week in the Southern Caribbean. I quickly realized that this was no ordinary cruise. One of her most amazing perks is being able to visit open bridges and see how the captain is sailing. “I was a bit of a nerd when it came to sailing, so I loved learning what it takes to operate a big ship like this,” said Wayne Cusk, founder of Always on the Shore.
Daniel Carter, chief information officer at Eco Motion Central, agrees with Kask. “This is something that is not normally possible on large cruise ships, and it brought us closer to the journey and the sea.”
My personal favorite feature aboard a Windstar vessel is a water sports platform that deploys from the aft deck while the vessel is at anchor, weather permitting. After a fascinating but scorching e-bike tour on Fakarava Island, I hopped into the tender and headed back to the ship, jumping into the turquoise waters from her private marina and relaxing on a large bubble floating island for the day. It’s done.
Sharon Benoff, owner of Vacationeeze, agrees with me. She said: “The swim platform, where you can jump into the sea, is a very unusual experience and a thrill for many of my guests, just like I am. There is nothing quite like jumping off the back of a ship and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.”
legendary service
One of the biggest attractions of luxury cruises is the personalized attention given to passengers. With fewer passengers, staff can provide more personalized service and cater to individual needs and preferences.
Libbi Roed shared how personalized the service is. “One night we encountered 10-foot waves as we crossed the section, and her husband wasn’t feeling well at dinner. The server cut him an apple and asked him to take it back to his room. He gave me ginger ale.
“The next morning, the waiter was a barista at a coffee shop, and he greeted my husband with, ‘Good morning, Andy, how are you doing this morning?'” You probably don’t remember being sick. They really went above and beyond. ”
But it’s not just the staff who provide personalized service. I was perplexed as I witnessed the personalities of the officers shine on board.
Captain Tom Schofield entertained both on and off board with his witty and comedic jokes. He did not hesitate to interact with his passengers and entertained many of his passengers at dinner parties several nights during his voyage.
When asked what she enjoys most about dining with guests, she said, “I always get to learn from my guests and really look forward to the impromptu lunches and drinks each cruise.”
Windstar guest Carles Barcelo sails to Santorini at sunset, taking in breathtaking views of the iconic whitewashed buildings against an orange and pink sky, enjoying a typical day at sea. Summarize your day. “Because the ship was the perfect size, we were able to dock close to the port and have a front row seat to this enchanting view.
This article was created by Media decisions Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.