Millennials and social media change the cruise industry

A recent report by The Cruise Lines International Association presents that Millennials are more likely to enjoy cruises than older generations, and they are often spending more on cruise vacations than baby boomers and will continue to drive most travel spending in a reversal of longtime trends.

Known for their active lifestyle, Millennials take vacations for a variety of reasons that include both relaxation and exploration. And those who go on cruises travel tend to have different motivations mainly focus on new experiences and social interaction, plus their ability to shop online such as self-booking via mobile devices.
Social media and technological shifts empower the millennials who now are driving in the change of marketing and product itself, In view of this situation, the cruise industry and cruise companies target millennials’ travel tastes, coupled with their growing preference for social media and mobile using,and providing various activities with additions opportunities for volunteering, cultural enrichment.

The 62% of people mentioned in the article stated that they want the company to interact with them on social media, and they are more likely to purchase the products they can connect online. I personally agree with this result. As a millennials, I prefer to understand the characteristics of the products I care about through social media. What is different from the past? That is, the new millennials will also take various possible situations into consideration and hopefully find products that are facilitate purchases and match their expectations as well. Therefore, the selected companies need to respond to social media and help us to complete the best and fastest choice.

As for cruise industry, millennials(the first generation of truly digital generations) and mobiles are the key to pushing their marketing and products from tradition to innovation. It means that broadening their approach from the traditional travel agent channels and print media to incorporate electronic outlets, such as video, blogs and social media which can stimulate the next season's consumption. In this respect, Maldives's cruise video is very attractive. It captures the concerns and preferences of millennials, especially highlighting snorkeling and some adventurous activities.

In addition, generations affect the destination and activities of cruises. Many cruises formulate some interesting activities based on the preferences of young couples, such as the festival theme. Or it may be to provide single customers with more social or adventurous activities. Because the Millennials' preferences sometimes are still common, customer satisfaction can be greatly improved.

Nowadays, many cruises have increased the speed of their WIFI so that the Millennials can share their experience online and live. For example, the most popular app in China, called “Vibrato”. It requires creativity and a live environment to create small videos. Everyone likes to see something interesting and different. Cruise companies can also benefit from this and get a very special promotion. Even some cruise designers have shown that they are developing space and looking at creating the perfect place for selfies. These changes are all due to the power of constant updating of mobile devices and the new generation.

The influence of the generation on the tourism industry is absolutely obvious. With the popularity and intelligence of multi-functional mobile phones and electronic devices, more and more young people are pursuing a way that life cannot be separated from mobile phones. Whether it is eating, sleeping, traveling or doing something else, we hope to show our rich experience to the outside world.

It will be the "Z" generation in the following decade, we are looking forward to a more different driving force and creativity in the cruise.