Canadians Cruise Into Immersive Experiences in 2024
Toronto, October 3, 2023 - As Canadians yearn for all-encompassing vacations, cruise demand is
making waves into 2024. TRAVELSAVERS Canada offers insights into trending immersive cruise
ship experiences that offer elevated onboard activities and unparalleled shore excursions.
From luxury onboard offerings and curated cultural experiences to exploring nature and wildlife
on a grand scale, the cruise industry is evolving. New massive ocean liners and small ships alike
offer premium accommodations onboard and off-ship - for families, adventure seekers, retirees
and young explorers. Whether it’s an activity-packed itinerary for a multigenerational family
vacation or a laissez-faire romantic voyage, these cruises take guests to new places - both
virtual and real.
“Our affiliates tell us their clients yearn for heightened immersive experiences, and modern-day
cruise ships are making a big splash offering authentic Japanese teppanyaki dining experiences
where dishes come to life right before your eyes, hit Broadway musicals like MAMMA MIA, and
glacier excursions by helicopter in the remote area of Taku Glacier and River north of Juneau,
Alaska, to name a few,” said Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager,
TRAVELSAVERS Canada.
Cruising Makes Waves Among Canadians
According to Statistics Canada, cruising popularity continues to increase among Canadians
with 39.7 per cent more cruise vacations taken in 2023 in comparison to 2019. Heading into 2024,
the segment is predicted to expand as consumer demand keeps growing.
“We’ve seen record-breaking sales across the board, surpassing our 2019 bookings with a spike
in our more exotic and unique itineraries in recent months,” said Allan Brooks, National Director
of Market Sales, Canada at Celebrity Cruises®.
A Bucket-List Family Cruise
Next-level experiences turn bucket lists into must-dos for families planning their cruises. Elevate
your night out at the AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hotspot by night, or watch
all-star performers at the Absolute Zero Ice Arena on a Royal Caribbean® Icon of the Seas cruise
ship. Enlist your little cadets in a nautical camp at sea program on a Celebrity Cruises® ship. Ride
a pedal-powered suspended bike, SkyRide® high above the sea or partake in a real-life Family
Feud™ game on a Carnival Cruise© Line ship.
Sailing Spotlight: A first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean® adventure is arriving in 2024, Icon of the
Seas, a next level thrill you never dreamed possible. The Royal Caribbean® Icon of the Seas
cruise is an adventure for the ages with a kid-approved sprawling aquapark, a pool just for
grownups, plus plenty of bites and next-level nightlife to bond over. “Royal Caribbean is known
for the best family cruises with extraordinary activities and programs for all ages,” said Lisa
Connell, Director of Sales at Royal Caribbean International. “We are seeing record breaking
growth and multigenerational travel skyrocketing.”
A European River Cruise Fairytale
River cruising continues to raise the luxury standard with slower-paced, culturally rich immersive
experiences. Listen to traditional Bavarian musical performances, pamper yourself with an
onboard massage or a fine-dining, culinary affair. “Board a river cruise, unpack once, indulge in
fabulous food and wine, and enjoy the ease of hopping on and off the ship at your leisure,” said
Faith Sproule, Owner of Niche Travel Group Inc., a TRAVELSAVERS affiliate. “River cruising is a
more relaxed way to explore Europe, avoiding the crowds and experiencing intimate local
traditions.”
Sailing Spotlight: Cruise along the Danube River with AmaWaterways™ during the festive winter
season, experiencing enchanting Christmas market tours in five European countries while sipping
hot mulled wine, eating gingerbread cookies and shopping for hand-crafted gifts.
Discerning Explorer at Sea
Seasoned travellers exploring pristine areas of the globe are discovering engaging experiences
on board today’s expedition cruises.
“Once upon a time, expeditioners had to sacrifice certain comforts, settling for porthole
windows, shared bathrooms and confined spaces,” said Kristin Erz, Sales Director, Hurtigruten
Expeditions. “Today, Hurtigruten ships offer a premium onboard experience including guest
cabins with private balconies and outdoor hot tubs. They are also equipped with highly
experienced expedition guides and access to purpose-built expedition equipment like kayaks
and underwater drones.”
Sailing Spotlight: Set sail on an iconic voyage with Hurtigruten Expeditions through the historic
Northwest Passage and travel along the same route as Sir John Franklin’s Expedition. Guests can
also learn about life in the High Arctic with Canadian Inuit Cultural Ambassadors.
Added Value for Cruise Experiences
Cruisers seeking these immersive experiences obtain extra value by booking with a
TRAVELSAVERS-affiliated advisor. TRAVELSAVERS Canada’s enhanced Cruise Value Incentive
Program helps advisors provide their clients with superior cruise offerings. Agencies can
customize cruise bookings, including exclusive amenities and group pricing on over 16 cruise
lines and more than 1,000 sailings. Agencies are able to book individual clients at preferred
group rates with value-added incentives and benefits both on and offshore, such as savings at
the time of booking and onboard credits to spend on spa treatments, stores, activities and
priority check-in and upgrades.
ABOUT TRAVELSAVERS® Canada
TRAVELSAVERS® Canada is part of TRAVELSAVERS, an international marketing leader of more
than 3,000 independently owned agencies in over 35 countries. Thanks to the buying power of
US$20 billion in annual sales, its more than 25,000 advisors are able to offer clients inspirational
travel experiences at superior value. With a global reputation for excellence honed since 1970,
TRAVELSAVERS leisure and corporate agencies maximize sales and profits with cutting-edge
products and services. Through an exclusive protected territory system, strong supplier
relationships, comprehensive marketing suite, innovative booking technology, specialized
training and networking, and personalized business coaching, TRAVELSAVERS advisors are
empowered to find, retain and delight clients. Travel professionals interested in learning more
about joining TRAVELSAVERS® Canada can visit http://www.travelsaverscanada.com.