Why Cruises Are Popular Among Travelers During Winter Months
The allure of taking a cruise is easily seen by all travelers. From the endless onboard options to the exclusive destinations, travelers find cruises to be a first-rate vacation. Cruises were previously thought to be a summertime activity, but today’s travelers are changing the game. Winter cruises are in style and here to stay. If your travel business hopes to keep up with vacation trends, it’s best to understand the reasons why travelers are changing their vacation habits. The experts at Andavo Travel have created the following guide to why cruises are so popular among travelers during the winter months.
They Can Escape Cold Temperatures
The frigid months of winter bring much more than the cold and snow. Many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder and have an increased chance of getting sick. Additionally, the cold weather forces people to spend more time indoors, causing general restlessness or cabin fever. A winter cruise offers travelers the perfect medicine to the winter blues. Not only is it a great way to catch some Vitamin D in January, travelers find the escape of a winter cruise to be invigorating.
There Are Plenty of Options
With the hustle and bustle of the winter months, many travelers don’t have the time or resources to take a month-long cruise. Luckily, the winter months have many options for travelers. From 3-day and 4-day trips to 12-day and 14-day cruises, there’s a vacation for every schedule.
Winter cruises also have a variety of options for destinations. Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, and Australia are all sought-out cruise locations. While the Northern Hemisphere may be off the table, travelers have plenty of destination options for a winter cruise.
They Can Celebrate Holidays Away from Home
For most travelers, dreaming of a white Christmas isn’t the same as wishing for a white Christmas. Rather than staying at home to shovel copious amounts of snow and partake in dreaded fruit cakes, more travelers are spending their holidays on the sand and sea. They get to redefine old traditions by experiencing a new environment with their families. Cruise lines often celebrate holidays with their passengers through enjoyable entertainment and activities, giving travelers a taste of festivity without all the hassle. From Hanukkah to Christmas to New Years, travelers are celebrating more winter holidays than ever aboard cruise ships.
Cruise Ships are Less Crowded
During the summer, nearly every corner of a cruise ship is filled with families and their small children. Many travelers find the thought of being trapped on a ship with 1,000 passengers under 4 feet tall less than preferable. This makes winter cruises a much more attractive option. School in session means cruise ships are less crowded and passengers are tamer. With fewer lines on the boat and at destinations, travelers have a relaxed vacation and can sightsee more than in summer. Winter cruises are also preferred by families. With less passengers, children can participate in more individualized youth activities. Single people and families alike find the lack of crowds a primary advantage of the winter cruise.
No Hurricane Worries
A hurricane can bring a quick conclusion to any vacation, and cruises are no exception. Hurricane Matthew brought destruction to many of the Caribbean islands in 2016, affecting cruise schedules on a massive scale. Following in its wake, hurricanes have become a main concern for travelers and cruise companies alike. Fortunately, hurricane season runs only from June to November. Travelers are choosing winter cruises to avoid the chance of devastating weather conditions during their vacation.
They Want to Avoid the Summer Heat
Traveling in the summer is often the most obvious time to travel. Children are on summer break and vacations are at the top of everyone’s mind. However, cruises through the summer months can be miserable. Temperatures aren’t just hot, they’re downright sweltering.
With temperatures well-over 100 degrees, travelers often find themselves staying indoors to avoid the heat of their summer cruise, turning their vacation into more of an expensive cab ride rather than a luxurious trip to the Caribbean. However, travelers who take advantage of winter cruises avoid the pitfalls of a burning summer. Winter brings milder weather conditions to areas near the equator. It’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold. Travelers can still go swimming, sunbathing, and can embrace the outdoors on their winter cruise without being uncomfortable.
Travel Advisor Availability
In the end, travelers want the same things from any cruise: sundrenched beaches, a personalized experience, and lifelong memories. Travel advisors like you can give them just that, especially during the fall and winter months. However, you may not be able to grow your clientele to its full potential during the slow season unless you have the proper tools. Luckily, Andavo Travel is the premier host agency for luxury travel advisors. With our Virtuoso® Membership, advisor support and endless agency services, we can help transform your “slow season” into a thing of the past. Contact us today to learn more.