MSC Cruises presents its industry trend forecast for 2025

Global cruise brand MSC Cruises recently released its industrial trend forecast for the international cruise industry for 2025.

The cruise line’s findings are based on analyses of data gleaned through several travel trend reports released throughout this year and shows MSC’s perspective regarding five key travel trends.

MSC Cruises noted a significantly higher demand for itineraries that offered more time in ports, as well as opportunities for cultural exploration, urban destinations, and luxury experiences.

Literally chilling out

The MSC forecast shows that travellers are actively seeking trips to cold-weather destinations, as opposed to tropical climes.

There was a marked increase in interest in Antarctica and states in Northern Europe, as well as for expeditions to the frozen expanse of Alaska.

This is particularly timely as MSC Cruises and other cruise firms are expanding their itineraries to the US state by 2026.

The radical sabbatical trend has also gained ground thanks to remote work and the way many companies have offered sabbatical opportunities to their employees, giving them more time to explore the world during a necessary break from work. 

That said, MSC and other cruise lines are working to increase their appeal to remote workers who want to see the world as they work from anywhere. 

Most cruise lines have upgraded onboard Wi-Fi recently, and some cruise lines like Virgin Voyages also offer amenities and special packages designed to make it simple for passengers to work at sea.

Set-jetting, anyone?

Another travel trend highlighted by MSC Cruises is “set-jetting,” traveling to TV- and movie-inspired destinations. 

Indeed, there has been strong traveler interest in set-jetting spots like Dubai inspired by The Real Housewives of Dubai and New York City inspired by the Sex and the City spin-off And Just Like That…

MSC Cruises suggests that set-jetters should consider a voyage through the Middle East aboard MSC Euribia, which includes calls to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), or a cruise sailing from New York City aboard MSC Meraviglia.

Dining one’s way through the world

A growing desire to explore destinations and cultures through food is fueling a boom in culinary tourism, leading travelers to plan trips specifically around food experiences. 

Indeed, many cruise lines sail to a variety of hot culinary travel destinations like Italy, Spain, and Greece. 

In recent years, cruise lines have also placed a significant emphasis on elevating culinary experiences on their ships to appeal to more foodie travelers.