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Cruise Ships; Catering to a Younger Demographic
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A friend of mine once said, "death before cruise ships."
It was in response to the prospect of a group vacation in which someone suggested a cruise ship as one of our options.
Like my friend, I also have a negative impression of cruise ships. Since I have never been on one, this negative impression is based on unfounded stereotypes that have nonetheless been strong enough to keep me from stepping on board. I know, this is wrong, but I can't quite seem to shake it.
So, what are my beliefs regarding cruises? They are full of old, lazy people who eat all day and, if they are feeling particularly frisky, might play a round of shuffleboard between meals.
This is of course, not entirely true--at least according to Richard D. Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises.
In a recent New York Times interview, the CEO expressed dismay over the narrow minded view that people like myself have regarding cruises. He admits that cruises do skew towards the older demographic but that the industry is eagerly trying to change by incorporating more active activities on board, like surfing, rock climbing, and ice skating.
The result has been a decrease in the average age to just 42 years old.
Well, I suppose this is all great for the industry, but personally it's still not enough to sell me; until things drastically change, I'll remain part of the 85 percent of the American population that has never cruised.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MVT Aug 7th 2008 5:23AM
I'd like to know what would be the reason for the 30 somethings to cruise?
What usually are the age brackets of those who cruise?
Rachel Jul 25th 2007 1:43PM
Last year, I got a chance to cruise on the Freedom of the Seas (http://windowseat.travelocity.com/2006/11/flowrider_take_it_easy_the_new_cruise_ship_su.html#more), which is the ship with the surfing park onboard. I was skeptical, but it actually ended up being pretty fun (22 bars onboard). My guess is that the ages of passengers are skewing lower more due to an increase in kids onboard rather than that the 30-something crowd is suddenly taking to the seas, but that's just a guess.
Andrew Jul 26th 2007 11:57AM
I also found myself on a cruise recently, and I was amazed at how enjoyable it was. I expected blue-rinse and bingo, but was delighted to find the ship thriving with 30-somethings. Great people, great service, great facilities and a good time. Completely changed my opinion of cruising. :-) I'd go again in a blink.