Why cruises are drawing in younger travelers by the boatload

More than a fifth of cruise travelers are now millennials - and over the last two years, there's been a major uptick in first-timers coming aboard, drawn by entertainment and experiences that are trending younger. NBC’s Sam Brock reports for TODAY.
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#Cruise #Travel #Millenials

[@gabrielcarvalho6085]

Im 22 and taking cruise is one of the best choices when traveling! No worries about carrying bags up and down, taking flights to visit different places , switch hotels if you'r visiting multiple cities! It's so relaxing, and they have options for everything that you would ever want! Clubs, bars, pools, restaurantes, cassinos, shows, theater, theme nights ... all in one place. No worries about how you will come home after some drinks, or finding a place to take your breakfast in the morning! I love going on cruises.

[@billbrasky8860]

Don’t forget all the annoying drawbacks of cruising… Embarkation day takes forever to get onboard, worse than airport security and customs. Once you are on board you have to go to that maritime safety drill which takes nearly an hour. Mandatory gratuities for being there, expensive drinks and drink packages. Small cabins with toilets that barely work. Prearranged dinners with strangers, very crowded pools, nightly entertainment (which is a great breeding ground for bacteria) when you do arrive at your first port, it takes about 30 minutes just to get off the ship, metal detectors each way. You are only on the island for 10 hours max, and if you miss the ship you are on your own. Plus lots of families with young children or rowdy teenagers, plus you are stuck with the same people all week, so if you have a problem with someone or some group you will see them in passing and it is awkward. Lots of rules and restrictions. If you make a mistake they will throw you off the ship with no refund. And the staff is overworked and underpaid

[@gabrielcarvalho6085]

@@billbrasky8860 Well for me, it doesn't sound like you dislike cruises, it sounds like you don't like being around a lot of people! I never had dinner with strangers because I've aways travelled with family and friends, but I would love to meet new people - and even if I hated them, there are aways other restaurantes, the buffet or even you can change ur table or dinning time! Maritime safety drill: most of cruise ship companies now allow people to do it in their phones, inside their cabins or even before the trip. Small cabins: I'm not really traveling to be inside my room - both on land or at sea. So as long as it fits a bed, a toilet and a shower, it's working for me. I love the pools with a lot of people, I aways meet tons of new people in the hot tubs, and they aways spit the latest gossip about the things they heard that happened on the ship during out voyage. Also, I like to lay back and watch other peoples life around, the happy times, the fights, trying to guess what is going on! About the families with a lot of kids or teens: kids are not my favorite thing in the world, but (no offense) kids (and teens) in the US are really bad behaved. They are not as loud or cry as much here in Brasil or in the rest of the world, so it's not an inconvenience for me. Same thing with embarkation security, and security when leaving the ship to visit the ports, the rules are not as strict here in Brasil as they are up there, so we don't really have that problem, both in airports and ship ports ( I can't understand how people are fine with TSE taking 1 and 1/2 hours of their lives every time they travel?). And about the nightly entertainment (which is a great breeding ground for bacteria): Well if you don't want bacteria don't leave your home, because everywhere you go there will be a lot of people. I don't care, I aways lived in big crowded cities, aways went to the clubs, and I'm alive, I don't get sick a lot and If I do, well that's life :)

[@andrewcate7536]

@@billbrasky8860 I just got off Icon of the seas, and embarkation, and disembarkation was like less than 10 minutes to get on and off the ship. Super easy. Muster drills have changed as well. Now you just have to report to your assigned station and check in with the crew member stationed there. Takes minutes.

[@travelnomad2128]

​@@billbrasky8860 so how long ago have you cruised? Most of the drawbacks you said I haven't experienced in the cruises I took recently. Once we had some delay in embarking but I think we're partly to blame bc we were at the port too early. But once you're inside, it's all very convenient. Disembarking at ports is easy & fast & a day spent there in most cases is enough. So many entertainment & things to do on board plus the anytime anywhere food options. We love cruising!!

[@justadventures22]

Never thought about it this way. Cool!!

[@raphaeldelaghetto85]

Why are we still talking about “millennials” like they’re in their 20s. We’re officially middle aged. Late 30s/early 40s.

[@WestCoastCultured]

That is not “middle aged”😂

[@raphaeldelaghetto85]

@@WestCoastCultured Average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77 years. 77 divided by 2 = 38.5.

[@theazurerain]

Because the youngest millennials are 27. Millennials are anyone born between 1981 and 1996 so the youngest millennials turn 28 this year and the oldest turn 43 this year. So the average millennial is about 35 (mid-30s).

[@itsbiggully]

⁠​⁠@@WestCoastCulturedit’s not young 😂

[@kaydod3190]

@@theazurerainAnybody who was born before 2000

[@Dangic23]

I’ve been cruising since I was a teenager in the 1990s. Ready for a Japan cruise next month.

[@jaywoods378]

Actually now, at this point, the Love Boat has been about two generations ago.

[@matthewporrini50]

I'm going on a cruise ship for the 1st time in my life this year in November

[@phux]

You’re gonna love it, what ship are you going on?

[@Cruise_227]

I've been on over 20 and have 3 more booked this winter. You'll love it. What line and destination?

[@brianna_lynch]

I’m 23 and I love cruises. So far my favorite ships are Carnival Panorama and Disney Fantasy.

[@VikDaVet]

As a millennial (31), I took a cruise in 2021/2022/2024 and I’ll be taking another cruise this year as well. I love it because after you pay you can 100% relax and enjoy. I don’t have to worry about paying for food or entertainment.

[@ciaojeffitalia]

Going on Holiday with 5000 other people is not my idea of getting away.

[@reddingmalik]

Right

[@AustinWang11]

You won’t catch me on a ship in the middle of the ocean

[@cordellshackelford4037]

I went on a cruise recently where the max capacity was only 2,000 people and it was only at half capacity so about a thousand people were on board. It was spacious and quiet the whole time.

[@karenmassey8354]

Cruises have gotten so nice now that they are top tier life experience. Why would you want to do anything else when you can be on a cruise?

[@billbrasky8860]

Cruises are bad for the following reasons Lots of rules, restricted items, very small cabins with toilets that barely work, thousands of other people to share the ship with, many of those people have children and rowdy teenagers they let run around unsupervised, once at the ports after you wait 30+ minutes in the crowded stairwell waiting to go through the metal detectors you only 10 hours there until the ship leaves with or without you. Over priced drinks and drink packages. Everything is rushed and crowded. At an all inclusive resort you have immediate private beach access, swim up bars attached to large beautiful pools, no schedule to follow multiple restaurants and bars and everything is all payed for and you do not need your wallet/id Plus the shore excursions are better organized and lots of adults only options

[@roachtoasties]

I've been on three, and that's enough. One was to go to Alaska, to see the coastal sites. The others were Mexican cruises. On those Carnival cruises, passengers got into fights. It was pathetic. You're stuck on a boat with a couple thousand obnoxious passengers. I've had enough, plus it's not a way to really explore what the world offers. I look at it as a Las Vegas resort on the water, but worse. If I want that experience I'll just go to Las Vegas. At least with Las Vegas, if you don't like one Las Vegas casino/resort, just walk out the door and go to another.

[@AGreyAlien]

Because we lost 3 years of traveling thinks to covid

[@dan9222scandiguy]

There are some mattress busters on that cruise. The all you can eat ribs is very popular.

[@Lstead15]

I've never been on a cruise....usually just All Inclusive trips.....maybe one day.

[@travelnomad2128]

Do it! At least once. It's so convenient for us, everything you need is there.

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

I have way too much student debt to enjoy this !

[@Zumcho]

They're actually really affordable. But I get it, I have significant student loans as well.

[@VikDaVet]

Cruising can be just as cheap as renting a hotel for the weekend but with food and entertainment included if you get an interior room.

[@javiruiz8365]

Well millennials are 40s and late 30s! So that makes sense! I just don’t want to be around children

[@billbrasky8860]

A cruise is not the place for you then…. Very few options for adults only. However all inclusive resorts have lots of options all over the Caribbean and you have more freedom there, no schedules, hidden charges, and no maritime safety drill or metal detectors/excessive security

[@WestCoastCultured]

@@billbrasky8860not true, they just need to stay away from Carnival and the newer Royal ships.

[@billbrasky8860]

@@WestCoastCultured so which cruise line has none of these problems? ( I admit that carnival is the worst by far)

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

I think there are child free cruises now.

[@AustinWang11]

I’m a millennial and I’m in my twenties

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

The reasons are obvious. The cruise industry makes millions of their drink packages and with breakeven points on 10 alcoholic drinks or more to breakeven, younger folks are needed to sustain the high consumption levels. Plus with their high disposable incomes to age, they’re a good candidate for cruise liners. Turning cruise liners into amusement parks for the kids is another revenue enhancement.

[@frenchiesaparis5741]

Wifi is better/faster but NOT cheaper, it’s very expensive

[@mozehy42]

This seems like an AD for cruises 😅

[@citygirl5705]

The video does, and so do a lot of the comments.

[@lothean2099]

Ohhh I wouldn't want to go on that 1st cruise.

[@lisai2110]

Best deals are any time school is in progress. When they are out the price are higher. If you like to gamble most cruise lines will give you big discounts. Even if you gamble on land let them know. Ask for casino promotions. You're welcome.

[@blakeaaron5698]

Looks like a nightmare to me… where’s the serene yoga and reading cruise?

[@krisandres2011]

There's that as well. Cruise lines provide every activity for every-doers to no-doers.

[@karenmassey8354]

You can find yoga, meditation, wellness, and a calm atmosphere on Celebrity.

[@michelleb749]

​@karenmassey8354 Yes, Celebrity is great and is great for adults.

[@blakeaaron5698]

@@karenmassey8354 Good to know, thanks.

[@MattSezer]

Really sad to see this happening. Cruises are predicated on violating US labor, environmental, and tax laws.

[@PatrickWagz]

yea, but they sure are fun!

[@leannedelaney3933]

Remember the add a Travel Agent who can add value and promotions to your cruise!

[@guybeingaguy]

They killed off their customers. Kinda like cigarettes!

[@davidthaler7018]

Why? Unlimited alcohol. Period.

[@poseiidon674]

Not unlimited but okay

[@chickenflinger5002]

All i know is that these younger gens are more disrespectful so i just go where ik im not gonna have to throw one to ariel

[@rawhenrnh]

Because who wants to pay BS "resort " fees to stay in one place and nothing is complimentary when you can visit a few countries, eat fro free, drink for free

[@m.m.4645]

Eat and drink for free? Man, you pay for it! Remember the amount you pay for your cruise? Plus all the extras on board for the activities? Tell me you are not one of the young cruisers that doesn't want "to experience it all when on a cruise" ?

[@billbrasky8860]

Resorts are not that expensive… $230 a day per person is the average price for a resort stay which covers food,drinks,nightly entertainment, non motorized water sports, and sometimes ground transportation from the airport. Plus they come with a mini fridge stock with bottled soda, juice, beer, water and they restock it daily at no additional charge. Cruise ships will try to trap you with that stuff, leaving all kinds of snack food and drinks on the shelf and mini fridge at sky high prices. Cruise ships try to charge extra for every little thing. Plus they attract low class people who can barely afford to be there who get drunk loud and rowdy and start fights with other guests Plus you have a grand total of 10 hours at most for every port you stop in Not to mention the high risk of infection and illness with thousands of people stuck together on a ship

[@jayhurley8370]

Oh my god. You couldn’t pay me to go on a cruise. Let’s put 5,000 people on a 4,000 person max boat. Save space and remove a few lifeboats.

[@Ricecooker112]

Not nearly as bad as you think. At any given time half the passengers are napping in their room and another 30 percent is at the buffet, that leaves just a couple hundred people spread across shows, the casino, shops, public spaces, spas, pools, etc. it’s more than enough room

[@luckypatricklopez8644]

These people complain about why they can’t afford homes now. Their priorities are certainly a big deal of the reason.

[@tbd-5160]

I'd like the answer the question : ...they're afraid of actually traveling & too poor to afford a passport?

[@sharon6981]

With 4 kids, cruising is the BEST way to vacation. No packing diaper bags, no car seats, no driving, no forgetting anything in the hotel.. I can walk back to the room when the kids need or want a nap.. it’s AMAZING. We aren’t taking our kids on a “regular” vacation until our youngest is 5/6.

[@JaymoFiasco]

not necessarily true. I’ve been all over the world (check the channel for a few of my adventures), and cruising is still my favorite way to vacation.

[@tbd-5160]

@@JaymoFiasco Same, I've been to 37 countries, my passport looks like an old bible. I understand. I just think a cruise isn't as exciting as going to a country far away and eating at a local restaurant

[@Punisher6791]

nothing in this world could get me to want to be on a boat with a ton of people. no thank you.

[@MrCobolt]

We getting old 🥲

[@Arid379]

Dont let those teenagers destroy the ship with drug and alcohol abuse

[@l.v.6384]

Millennial are like 30s and 40s

[@rickyayy]

Millenials are teenagers, cute

[@blahco4tt]

Why the focus on millenials when literally more Gen Zers are cruising?! This doesn't make sense.

[@javiruiz8365]

When you book a cruise make sure it’s not fake! We saw that lady that took advantage of many people. She was bLK and took advantage of them

[@lilwaynelova4eva]

What being black got to do with it???? They care scammers in all races

[@roan6125]

Her name is Monica Lorena Faulkner. She’s a travel agent that swindled many of her customers.

[@SlickSlver]

That's why book everything directly from the main website. Honesty, now these day with all the technology and the internet. Do we really need travel agents anymore.

[@katrinagarrett9612]

Craig is so out of place...always.

[@scmpmr8415]

Did you notice the obesity of all the people interviewed for this piece? Then we wonder why there is so much diabetes, heart disease and hypertension in this country??? My god.

[@bradfordjhart]

everyone in that story was fat, they should team up with ozempic and hand it out on the ship