The hottest Cruise Industry Substack posts right now

Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.

Cruise ships are getting bigger mainly because larger ships can serve more passengers at a lower cost per person. This helps cruise companies make more money but also leads to some criticism.
Sustainability is another big reason for bigger ships. As companies aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, larger and more efficient ships help them meet those environmental goals.
Despite the trend of bigger ships, there are limits. Some destinations can't handle large ships due to physical restrictions and tourism infrastructure, which may keep smaller ships in demand.

Travel agents play a crucial role in selling travel products, especially cruises and luxury vacations. Many travelers still rely on agents for guidance and expertise when planning trips.
The rise of the internet negatively affected the airline commission model, but many travel agents adapted by focusing on high-commission products like cruises. These products often pay agents better than airline tickets.
Consumers appreciate the free support that travel agents offer. With so many choices in travel, agents help people navigate options and build trust, making the planning experience easier for travelers.

Viking Cruises started with a focus on river cruising in Europe and became very successful by offering unique experiences that appealed to English-speaking travelers. They really understood their audience and tailored their offerings to fit their needs.
The company grew rapidly by investing heavily in marketing and building a strong brand presence. This made them the leading name in river cruising, kind of like how Kleenex is for tissues.
Viking expanded into ocean cruising and kept their style simple and inclusive, which attracted more mature travelers. They focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience without the usual formalities seen in luxury travel.

Viking Cruises grew quickly by taking smart risks and thinking long-term. They started by buying existing operations to reduce risk and focused on profitable markets early on.
They kept their cruise ships and itineraries very standard, which makes it easier for customers to understand and enjoy their products. This also lets them market their offerings more effectively.
Viking clearly defined their target audience as older, English-speaking travelers. This focus helped them create a more appealing experience for their guests, leading to greater satisfaction.

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