What cruisers care about: Scoring deals, spending more time in port, getting sick at sea

InsureMyTrip has announced the results of its annual “Cruise Concerns” survey. The new poll of 2,072 U.S. respondents reveals what matters most to cruisers.

For starters, that means getting a good cabin deal. But the survey also finds that cruisers tend to worry most about unexpected health issues before disembarking for the high seas.

Here’s what else is on their minds:

Cruisers wait for great deals

When it comes to cruise news, 58% polled say they would pass on technology upgrades and other perks in favor of cheaper cabins. This may suggest why cruise bookings tend to spike during January, the start of “wave season”. Wave season is typically a three-month period when cruise lines hype new deals.

“What we typically see during wave season are great incentives for cruisers like complimentary onboard credit, beverage packages, and free or reduced deposits to entice bookings. It’s the busiest time of year for the industry,”  Mark Jackson from Brad’s Deals said.

Cruisers prefer more time at port, less at sea

While respondents search for great deals, it’s not the only consideration. Cruisers also prefer voyages that include flexible itineraries with extra days on land and, less at sea.

And, it appears that cruise lines have already taken notice. Cruise Critic reports more pot-friendly itineraries are being offered in 2020.

They prefer to cruise the Caribbean

One in four polled chose the Caribbean (26%) as a favorite cruise destination, followed by Alaska (15 percent). Six percent chose Italy as a top place to visit.

They worry most about health, weather

Cruisers are most concerned about an illness or injury affecting a trip (43%) followed by bad weather. Getting sick or injured before or during a cruise was also identified as the top concern in last year’s survey. Missing a cruise departure was another concern.