Alternative Cruising:

Cruise Holiday Experiences With a Difference

By Melissa Wilcox

There is no doubt about it, cruising is still one of the USA’s favorite pastimes. With the holiday cruise sector experiencing 7% growth in the last 30 years, and with millions of US citizens booking cruise holidays each year, it is clear that for North Americans, cruising remains a highly popular choice for a holiday break, ahead of many other forms of holiday experience. Whether it’s the luxury of the accommodation, the ready availability of entertainment and facilities on board or the convenience of seeing different parts of the world on one trip, one thing is apparent; the cruise holiday industry is firmly resisting the recession and maintaining its popularity. However, in the 21st century, the needs of the traveler are shifting. Instead of booking the ‘traditional’ style of cruise, more and more Americans are opting for ‘alternative’ cruises; cruises that offer something a little different and add diversification to the cruise experience.

What Makes Cruising So Appealing?

According to Eturbonews.com a ‘record’ 20 million people across the world enjoyed a cruise in 2012. With over half of that number being North American, it is plain to see that, in the US, cruising has really captured the heart of the nation. So what is it exactly that ignites the passion of the US for cruise holidays? A significant contributing factor may be that “the cruise industry continues to innovate and deliver on the cruise product promise” and that the industry also has an uncanny knack of moving with the times and recognizing current trends and current desires of the target market.

Traveling ‘Alternatively’...

In the 21st century, there is now a wide range of cruise options available for North Americans, offering a whole host of novel and exciting experiences. From cultural art experiences to adventure cruising, cruise companies are now recognizing the importance of offering cruise trips that ‘think outside the box’ and cater for a variety of tastes and preferences. Increasingly, creativity has become a major factor in cruise holidays; and companies are coming up with more and more intriguing concepts for holiday-makers. One recent notable example is the “Top Chef-The Cruise”, where cruise passengers can experience a holiday based around the hit TV show. In fact, according to the NY Times article, themed cruise breaks are very much on the rise, and it is estimated that over half the bookings taken at present from ‘first-timers’ comprise of bookings for themed cruise holidays. There is also a growing appeal in ‘cruising on your own doorstep’ and exploring the US by boat, rather than heading overseas, as more people recognize the value in their own country, and the experiences available within it. Some companies combine the elements of theme and inland exploration to great effect. For example, the Spirit of the Peoria offers Mississipi River Cruises whilst traveling aboard a traditional paddlewheeler; offering an experience that extends beyond simple exploration and becoming an experience in its own right.

What to Look for When Booking Your Next Cruise

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or a newcomer to the scene, opting for an ‘alternative’ cruise may well be a great option for your next break. Alternative cruising can offer a number of benefits that a more conventional cruise simply cannot, such as:

• Variety. Alternative cruises will actively seek to deliver a fresh and exciting new experience to you, which differs greatly from the more expected cruise itinerary.
• Tailoring. Unlike the conventional cruise experience, cruises that dare to step outside the ‘comfort zone’ are likely to offer something that appeal to you directly. Whether you’re into adventurous exploration, cultural education or simply looking for a great time with people your own age, there is sure to be a cruise that caters for you appropriately.
• Excitement. There is undoubtedly something exciting in experiencing a cruise itinerary that offers a holiday that is a little bit different, and for many people, the thrill of trying something new has great appeal.

How to Discover the Cruise For You

There are a variety of things to consider, but above all else, think about what sort of experience you want to enjoy. Dare to deviate from your regular form of holiday and venture out of your comfort zone. If there is an activity that you revel in undertaking, search through cruise trips online, to see if there are any cruises out there that offer an experience that can match your requirements. Sometimes, the most rewarding holiday experiences are those that offer something surprising and memorable, so with that in mind, go forth and explore!

Reproduced by permission.