Impressions of a cruise passenger
A growing number of people are discovering the benefits of a cruise holiday. In the Nordic Region, many providers have experienced an extraordinary increase in cruise travel. Preconceived ideas that cruise ships are filled with blue-haired old ladies and overweight men are gradually fading.
Art director Michel from Stockholm is only 36 years old, but is already a regular and loyal cruise passenger – and has been on 15 trips since his first cruise in 1999. Most of his cruises have been to the Caribbean, but he has also been to the Mediterranean and Asia. He has tried Princess, Costa and Celebrity, but his favourite company is without doubt Royal Caribbean.
In the last year, the Norwegian travel agency chain VIA Ferieverden has experienced a 70-percent rise in sales for cruises in general. Sales of the agency’s Mediterranean cruises have multiplied during the same period. Lower prices and cheaper air travel are believed to be behind the growing trend. Michel is not at all surprised about the enormous increase in the number of cruise passengers in recent years. When asked whether the clientele has changed over the years, he replies with a firm ‘no’.
Preconceived ideas that cruise passengers are blue-haired old ladies and overweight pensioners have never been justified. As a rule, age groups are spread very evenly, although one can see that the middle-aged group is smaller on short cruises and greater on long trips. On the other hand, it is common to have a large proportion of American passengers.
A cruise-experience varies with the size of the ship. Small vessels can feel more exclusive but normally do not offer a large range of activities like the larger ships can do. The largest vessels have everything from theatres and cinemas to climbing-walls and surfing machines.
“I like both. It depends on what one is looking for,” says Michel. “However, one thing in common for all sizes is that they are called ships, and nothing else. To call the ship a boat is forbidden, and should you use the word ferry, you will probably be thrown off!”
Prices vary considerably, depending on the time of the year. The most expensive periods are the summer and around Christmas and New Year. In the high season, cruises like those that Michel usually takes cost about SEK 1,000 per 24 hours. But according to Michel, if one is flexible with departure dates and look carefully, one can find the same cruises for half the price.
“I always use a travel agent when booking my trips. Making bookings oneself is complicated, and often more expensive,” continues Michel.
The vast majority of cruises include everything in the price, apart from alcoholic drinks.
“What attracts me most is the luxurious setting and the overall atmosphere. That almost everything is included in the price, together with the fantastic service, generates an unbelievable feeling of exclusivity. An additional bonus is that one always has a sea-view and visits many different places. I would have to spend considerably more money to gain the same feeling of luxury on a normal holiday.”
Michel normally takes his girlfriend with him on cruises, although he has occasionally travelled alone.
“One meets a large number of pleasant people. Americans are usually extrovert and very easy to talk to. It is also a tradition to sit at the same table for dinner, which enables one to get to know those sitting nearby.”
On the other hand, there are not many cultural experiences on a cruise.
“When the ship comes into port, most passengers go on the organised round trips that are often very shopping-oriented, which is a pity. But one can also of course explore each place by oneself if one wants to.”
Michel usually combines a cruise with a few days in the departure location, which is very common among cruise passengers. Cruise passengers are generally very loyal customers. According to Royal Caribbean, 50 percent of their guests have been on a cruise before. At the moment, Michel is planning his next trip across the Atlantic with the Costa Line in November.
According to Michel, the three best things about a cruise are:
- Guaranteed sea-view
- All-inclusive price provides a feeling of luxury
- Waking up in a new place each morning.
