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With rising international oil prices and a weaker won pushing up the cost of overseas travel, cruise trips are emerging as a new alternative. As airfare hikes and fuel surcharges grow heavier, cruise packages that ferry travelers abroad by sea are drawing attention as a relatively economical option.
According to News1 on the 4th, cruise bookings in the first half of this year rose sharply from a year earlier. In particular, Modetour's booking volume jumped about 350% from the same period last year.
Industry watchers attribute the surge to increasingly diverse cruise offerings and enhanced onboard entertainment and port-of-call tour programs, which have translated consumer interest into actual bookings.
In the past, cruises were widely seen as expensive trips for retirees, but the mood has shifted recently. Demand is expanding quickly as family travelers and even customers in their 30s and 40s seeking unique experiences enter the market. Analysts say the "all-inclusive" model, which bundles lodging, meals and travel in one, appeals to consumers in an era of high prices.
From Busan by sea to Japan and China… domestic-departure packages gain popularity
Cruise routes departing from domestic ports are also drawing interest. Travelers can visit Japan, China and other destinations without taking a plane, easing the burden of airport transfers and cutting extra costs.
In particular, MSC Cruises' large vessel "Bellissima" drew industry attention when its Busan-departure schedule sold out early this year. In response, the cruise line expanded the number of Busan departures in the second half to meet demand. Lotte Tour Development has also continued strong sales of its chartered-ship packages, with many of its key itineraries already fully booked.
A Lotte Tour official told News1, "Since all itineraries, lodging and meals are handled aboard the cruise, it offers stronger budget protection than individual travel," adding, "This year we further boosted price competitiveness by including an unlimited beverage package."
A Hanjin Travel official told the outlet, "The MSC Busan semi-home-port package sends out about 300 to 400 customers each year, and we are preparing next year's schedule as well."
"Young people are getting on board too"… global market also growing
Still, the industry cites the limited supply of domestic-departure packages as a challenge. Many currently sold cruise packages depart from Europe or the Americas, requiring long-haul flights. Even so, observers say demand is likely to expand further, centered on domestic-departure packages, if high oil prices persist.
The global market is also continuing to grow. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said the number of cruise passengers worldwide hit a record high and forecast continued growth over the coming years. With a significant share of all passengers under 40, some say cruises are no longer travel products for the middle-aged and older alone.
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