Cruises are popular vacation options for many people. Cruises offer a unique travel experience that cannot really be replicated elsewhere. These floating cities have much to offer and are typically packed with features…and people. The largest complaint that people have with going on a cruise, is that they feel they are packed on the boat like sardines. The larger cruise ships hold a few thousand people, which for many people is a put-off as there is a lack of intimacy. Well luckily we see a few cruise lines adopting new boats that will operate at much slower speeds.
In an effort to attract high-end travelers, many cruise lines are slowing down the experience, for a more intimate cruise. Additionally these cruise lines are using much smaller boats for these slower cruises. They are offering these more intimate, more expensive cruises on boats that hold maybe 700 people or fewer, as opposed to the larger ships that can hold 3,000. These boats travel at a much more comfortable pace, and are in no hurry to get done. From both a consumer and a business perspective, there are many advantages for these smaller, slower cruises. First they are more exclusive, so cruise lines can charge more money for these cruises. Since they are exclusive, passengers get a more intimate and comfortable experience. Also because these boats are much smaller, they can dock at smaller ports, at desirable locations that are less traveled that tourist hot-spots.
There are many other advantages of these slower cruises as well. Since the boat is in no rush, guests can spend multiple days at a docked location without feeling rushed. Participating cruise lines that offer these slow cruises such as Ponant, Croisières de France, and Costa Cruises are also offering more exclusive activities onboard. Rather than traditional shows and activities, these exclusive slow cruises will have things like master classes, wine tastings, and cooking classes. While these cruises will cost more money, the benefits are pretty evident. In the end both the cruise line and the consumer wins with these slow cruises, and we hope to see more cruise lines follow suit.
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