PRIVATE destinations are becoming the new battleground for the cruise sector, according to a new report from travel rewards platform Arrivia. The new View from the Cabin report found cruise lines’ proprietary destinations are now brand-defining assets which are influencing who pax book with. More than half of respondents to...
PRIVATE destinations are becoming the new battleground for the cruise sector, according to a new report from travel rewards platform Arrivia.
The new View from the Cabin report found cruise lines’ proprietary destinations are now brand-defining assets which are influencing who pax book with.
More than half of respondents to Arrivia’s polling say calls at private destinations influence their booking decision, while one-in-four would switch cruise lines just to gain access to more of these experiences.
Thirty-four percent said private distentions are somewhat of a factor, while 21% tabbed it as a deciding factor.
Only 24% said private destinations are not relevant to their booking decision at all.
Families and younger travellers find private destinations particularly appealing, Arrivia found, as well as those booking shorter cruises.
“These stops often function as an extension of the ship, providing a controlled environment where the cruise line can deliver consistent service, safety, and quality,” the Arrivia report stated.
Royal Caribbean is investing heavily in its private ‘Ultimate Destinations’ over the coming years, which will include its upcoming Lelepa beach club (pictured) in Vanuatu in 2027 (CW 19 Aug).
The cruise line’s private destinations in the Berry Islands and Haiti have been some of its highest-rating port calls for years.
Royal Caribbean is also preparing to introduce private destinations in Nassau, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line also operate top-rated private destinations, Ocean Cay and Great Stirrup Cay respectively. MS
