Predictions for the Next Twenty Years

[cbr663]

There has been some great threads on how cruising has changed over the past several decades, so I thought it would be fun for everyone to dust off their crystal balls and share their predictions on what the next 20 years will bring to cruising. What are your predictions for the next 20 years and cruising?

 

I see larger ships with much more a la carte options on board. I see more speciality dining and even more speciality entertainment and more connected ships.

[Krazy Kruizers]

In 20 years I will not be around to see all the changes.

But I do agree -- there will be lots of changes.

[RuthC]

I see me not cruising. Whether that's because of my age, or the size of the ships, I don't know, but I do see the ships becoming far larger than my taste will accept.

[Copper10-8]

Some of us here will be on the great cruise ship in the sky then :cool:

[shrimp56]

Some of us here will be on the great cruise ship in the sky then :cool:

Where all the cabins have balconies...

[rkacruiser]

Where all the cabins have balconies...

 

....with comfortable furniture.:D

[Copper10-8]

Where all the cabins have balconies...

 

smoke free ;)

[kazu]

My crystal ball is not clear - but a lot will depend upon what HAL does.

 

As LAFFNVEGAS said (and I agree) they need to determine their target market - no one can appeal to all.

 

If the smaller ships are gone (and they will be within 10 years) and if HAL continues to do what we have seen done with the Signature ships then I am guessing we will be on another line - whether it be Seabourn, Crystal, whatever.

 

Only time will tell;)

[rkacruiser]

My prediction:

 

The newest, largest, most modern vessels will be sailing from ports in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. North America and Europe will still be important markets for the cruise lines, but only if they keep it a good value proposition for the family on vacation. Decreasing "standard fare product quality" in favor of urging guests to try various ala carte options that are up-scale will not be in the overall best interest of the companies in increasing their North American/European vacation market share.

[rothbury]

I think the biggest advancememnt will be in technology. More and more fiber optic cable is replacing copper. We took a Disney trip in October and they are using a technolgy called "Magic Bands" where EVERYTHING is encoded into a wearable wristband. We literally never did anything more than wave the wristband in front of a reader. Everything from admission to food and purchases was handled through this technology. What I was uncomfortable about is it allowed Disney to track my whereabouts everywhere on their property. At any given moment they knew where DW and I were.

 

I know the reaction is to say bigger ships. A lot of the Caribbean ports can't handle anything much bigger than is already out there. I don't see the island nations having the capital to improve their ports too much more. Just like Boeing with the 787 airplane I think you might see more use of composite materials which will make the ships lighter and shallower drafts but just the sheer size will overwhelm some ports.

 

And, like a lot of other posters....I doubt I'll be ehere to see it!

[travelinjones]

-larger ships but also more "niche" ships designed to appeal to specific demographics i.e. Families, solo cruisers, world travelers, smokers, etc

-the mass market ships are floating hotels with many a la cart amenities ( your fare only includes your accommodations)

-more diversity of guests from all over the world

- greater concentration of cruise offerings in China, India and throughout Southeast Asia

- onboard technology on-par with land-based technology

- continued growth of river cruising outside of Europe

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Katie333]

My guesses:

 

 

• More mega-ships
  
• Many 'for fee' extras, like dining venues, cabanas, and other perks you have to pay more for while onboard (maybe packaged together, like 'premium dining package')
  
• More ships built with inside and balconies only, no outside cabins
  
• Technology advances in onboard communications
  
• Ships with more casual ambience and 'splashy' features like on the RCCL mega-ships
  

[sail7seas]

Very large ships,

Far more marketing to Asia, South American and Australia/New Zealand

A la carte dining throughout the ship but for perhaps included buffet in Lido. That buffet will be more limited than presently offered.

Certainly more of the latest electronic updates.

Much less personalized service; more self reliance for guests. Serve your own wine from automatically dispensing and charging the account for the selection.

Carnival Corporation will be bigger and NCI will be gone.

Caribbean cruises will be entirely different than today.

[cbr663]

I think that appealing to solo cruisers is going to be a huge trend, especially with the large shift that is currently underway with home ownership. The number of adults living alone has tripled in the last 50 years, in North America more than half of us are single and a third of all our households have one resident. Single people now outnumber married people.

 

The technology that was mentioned on Disney is certainly very interesting. More and more travellers are demanding to stay connected and it is going to be interesting to see how technology is rolled out on cruise ships. Sounds like Disney is ahead of the curve. Gotta research that to learn more.

[LindaM]

I hope there will be a market for smaller ships. Look how well Oceania is doing. I don't think Viking would have gotten into that market unless they knew there would be a demand. Regent also has a new ship coming out. Forgot to mention Azamara, as well.

 

I do agree there will be more and more huge ships coming out. I won't be on one----no desire at all.

Edited February 16, 2014 by LindaM
addition

[aliaschief]

Twenty years? I'll be happy and really old or ?

 

With all the anger, rudeness, personal vendettas that are all displayed on a daily basis here on CC we may all be at war!

 

We can change that by being respectful to our other members as thy self or if you have nothing good to say just be quiet.

 

Other than that not a clue.:rolleyes:

[Krazy Kruizers]

As I think about it -- I see the cruise lines charging for every item you order -- no more free food. They may even charge for butter and rolls.

You will pay to see the shows.

Just like going to a restaurant.

[Hlitner]

As I think about it -- I see the cruise lines charging for every item you order -- no more free food. They may even charge for butter and rolls.

You will pay to see the shows.

Just like going to a restaurant.

 

Hmmm. I have out my crystal ball and do changes. On HAL they will start charging a "Scooter License Fee" for those with scooters and have the use a metered electric charging station so they can be charged for electricity. There will be some elevators reserved for those willing to pay for each ride (charged to the cruise card) although it will be possible to purchase a multi-day or full cruise "elevator card."

 

There will be an extra fee charged for anyone wanting to dine before 7:45 pm. Deck chairs will still be free, but for those wanting a comfy cushion there will be a daily fee. Basic MDR dished like gruel will continue to be included in the cruise fare, but there will be optional items such as "flavored gruel" that will have an additional charge. Any salad dressing other then the basic house dressing will also have an extra charge with an even higher charge for real Blue Cheese dressing.

 

There will be a tender fee for anyone wanting to use a tender to get off a ship (the return tender will still be free). Those that decide to stay aboard and not pay for the tenders will be charged a daily "service fee."

 

Cruise ships will spend more time in ports and less time cruising in order to pay fuel. 5 Night port stays on a 7 day cruise will become common.

 

There will be a 15% gratutity added to any slot play (to compensate the casino staff) and BINGO cards will be sold at the bargain price of 3 cards for $50 (plus a 15% gratutity to pay the person who hands out the cards).

 

Oops...the crystal ball's battery needs charged so that is all for now :)

 

Hank

[sail7seas]

I think that appealing to solo cruisers is going to be a huge trend, especially with the large shift that is currently underway with home ownership. The number of adults living alone has tripled in the last 50 years, in North America more than half of us are single and a third of all our households have one resident. Single people now outnumber married people.

 

<snip>

 

 

 

Very good point.

I think there will be more cabins for solo travelers.

 

I think it will be necessary for everyone to spend on board if they plan to eat, see a show, use a tender etc, and the push for onboard spending won't be as strong as much spending will be required. No more complimentary iced tea, coffee or ice cream. Pay as you go.

 

[sppunk]

Ido t see ships getting bigger. The number of ships that are large will increase, but I doubt many at all ever get past Allure/Oasis as RCCL has ceded they are the point of no return and limit what they offer as a cruise product

 

I think you'll see a growing trend of cruises to nowhere for a week. It'll save on port fees, the ship can ambient slowly to avoid burning fuel and still have al revenue producers open. I'm honestly surprised RCCL or NCL hasn't tried this yet. It'd essentially be a floating resort.

[Tarpeian Rock]

Many more crew members on all ships serving the U.S. market will be bilingual in Spanish.

[sail7seas]

Ido t see ships getting bigger. The number of ships that are large will increase, but I doubt many at all ever get past Allure/Oasis as RCCL has ceded they are the point of no return and limit what they offer as a cruise product

 

I think you'll see a growing trend of cruises to nowhere for a week. It'll save on port fees, the ship can ambient slowly to avoid burning fuel and still have al revenue producers open. I'm honestly surprised RCCL or NCL hasn't tried this yet. It'd essentially be a floating resort.

 

 

Maybe they'll just leave the ships tied up in Port Everglades/Miami or wherever and call it a floating hotel. No need to leave the dock. :D

 

Oh, yes...... I forgot. Have to sail out to International water so they can open shops and casino. Then they can 'ride the tide' and not go anywhere until time to return to get current herd off and load on the next.

 

[/b]

[sppunk]

Maybe they'll just leave the ships tied up in Port Everglades/Miami or wherever and call it a floating hotel. No need to leave the dock. :D

 

Oh, yes...... I forgot. Have to sail out to International water so they can open shops and casino. Then they can 'ride the tide' and not go anywhere until time to return to get current herd off and load on the next.

 

[/b]

Yup, gotta get into international waters! I really am surprised it hasn't been done for a 5 day cruise at least. I think the market is there.

[Copper10-8]

.........................Oh, yes...... I forgot. Have to sail out to International water so they can open shops and casino. Then they can 'ride the tide' and not go anywhere until time to return to get current herd off and load on the next.

 

[/b]

 

 

They do just that in Asia out of Hong Kong and Singapore on a daily basis. One of those "gambling/casino ships" is Norwegian Cruise Line's former Skyward and another is then RCCL's former Sun Viking

[sail7seas]

They do just that in Asia out of Hong Kong and Singapore on a daily basis. One of those "gambling/casino ships" is Norwegian Cruise Line's former Skyward and another is then RCCL's former Sun Viking

 

 

Interesting. :)

 

I thought I was being facetious but apparently not. :cool: