The popularity of cruising just keeps growing. 2017 research by Statistic Brain says that 20.3 million passengers cruise each year from 2,000 embarkation ports around the world, and the industry has grown by 7.4% each year for nearly four decades. Will you join the ranks of cruisers this year? Here are five top cruise trends you can expect in 2018.

Technology Improves the Cruise Experience

Cruise lines keep innovating to improve the customer’s experience. They began with better Wi-Fi and mobile apps that allow you to stay connected on social media, plan your activities, and find your way around. Smart technology will continue to expand.

Royal Caribbean International offers virtual balconies in some inside cabins. It’s a floor-to-ceiling video screen framed by curtains that shows real-time ocean views. Robotic bartenders mix drinks and the cutting-edge Vistarama ultra-HD screen innovates entertainment productions.

Princess Cruises will offer their OCEAN Medallion fleet wide by 2019. The wearable tech acts as your stateroom key and onboard payment, plus gives directions to navigate the ship and allows you to order drinks from your pool chaise.

Not Your Mother’s River Cruise

River cruising immediately captured the interest of the Baby Boomer market. As its popularity boomed over the last decade, dozens of new river vessels were added to the global fleet. Itinerary options broadened from the original central Europe rivers to include Asia, Russia, South America, and the United States.

Now, river cruising is diversifying to appeal to other age groups. U by Uniworld is designed specifically for the 21 – 45 set by offering experiential travel and authentic adventures. Others such as AmaWaterway’s Adventures by Disney sailings and Tauck Bridges itineraries include children’s programming that appeals to families.

Expedition Cruising is Luxurious

Increasingly, cruisers are looking for authentic experiences in off-the-beaten-path destinations, but want modern amenities, great food, and stylish accommodations. Small-ship expeditions give you access to remote lands without compromising comfort or style.

Uncruise Adventures brings you close to nature and wildlife in Alaska, Hawaii, Galapagos and the Sea of Cortez with guided hikes, kayak excursions, and snorkel trips. They have set itineraries but often detour for spur of the moment nature opportunities.

You can sail to Antarctica with Zegrahm Expeditions in small ship comfort and elegance. Cruises include beer and wine with meals, lectures and film presentations, as well as all excursions and even medical insurance. Other expedition cruises take explorers to the Galapagos, the Amazon, the Arctic Circle, and the South Pacific.

Exclusive Add-on Experiences

Today’s cruisers want more from their shore excursions than just a bus tour of the port city with 48 of their shipmates. They want exclusive access to popular sights, a private tour, or an opportunity to engage with the local culture. While nearly all cruises offer scheduled shore excursions at every port (either included or optional), more travelers are choosing to rely on their travel advisor to arrange special experiences.

Your well-connected Covington advisor can arrange nearly anything you can dream up: a cooking class and dinner in a local’s home, a private after-hours museum tour, a car and driver for a custom excursion, VIP seats for a local performance, a personal shopping guide, or a photographer to accompany you and capture the memory in pictures. Travelers love the wow factor of custom excursions.

Not for Couples Only

Without a doubt, cruising is a romantic vacation for couples but it’s perfect for solo travelers and multi-generational families, too. For the person traveling alone, cruises make it easy to meet people with similar interests and solve the oft-dreaded problem of dining alone. Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line offer staterooms designed for single-occupancy and other lines often waive single supplements.

Multi-gen families love cruising because, with the right choice of ship and itinerary, there is something for all ages to enjoy while they make lasting memories together. There’s also a rise in grandparents taking their grandkids on a cruise – without the parents. Cruising makes it easy because you only unpack once, meals and transportation are taken care of, and there are plenty of activities onboard.

To plan your next cruise vacation, contact the expert advisors at Covington Travel.