Earlier this year, UK-based online travel agency Cruise 118 conducted independent research into booking trends across the cruise industry.

The agency’s data shows that the Far East, Middle East and Polar Regions are all up-and-coming destinations, while itineraries that enable passengers to discover exotic locations, such as Alaska, Japan and Sri Lanka, are also on the rise.

The numbers also show that cruising is becoming a more popular choice amongst solo travellers, with the company finding that cruisers in their 30s are more likely to travel to exotic destinations.

The rise in cruise bookings in the Far East for 2019, compared to 2018.

The growth in cruise bookings for 2019 across the Polar Regions.

The increase in cruise bookings on routes throughout the Middle East.

Year-on-year increase in the number of solo passengers to the Middle East.

The number of passengers expected to cruise globally in 2019, according to the Cruise Lines International Association’s State of the Cruise Industry report.

Alan Williamson, Marketing Director, Cruise 118 commented, “These cruise packages have been designed for people interested in exploring a variety of destinations and immersing themselves in the local culture and hidden charms of multiple places.”

“This shift towards experience led holidays is hugely prevalent across the entire travel industry right now and for a very good reason. It’s great to see so many people looking to broaden their cultural awareness through experiencing as much of the world as possible. People are seeking to get back in to nature, be adventurous and explore the world, and cruising is an excellent way to facilitate those desires.

“Adventure excursions can facilitate once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as dolphin watching in Muscat, cycling tours through rustic villages and scenic landscapes in Kochi as well as visiting the Taj Mahal, sailing through the Suez Canal, touring the ancient city of Petra, walking the Great Wall of China or experiencing the Cherry Blossoms of Japan.”