MSC CRUISES REVEALS TOP TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2023

• MSC Cruises booking data shows that convenience is a priority with 65% of all UK guests setting sail from the UK
• The “Nature & Wildlife” shore excursion is the most popular option for Brits as demand for eco-friendly holiday options soar
• In a bid to save money, 3 in 5 guests book all-inclusive drinks packages on board

London, UK - 19 December 2022. With 2022 drawing to a close, it’s a good time to look ahead to 2023 and what’s in store when it comes to travel. Despite a year of increasing costs, travellers are ready to take holidays and explore new destinations in the New Year. There are many aspects of the travel landscape have changed over the past few years with new trends and ways of travel emerging which is why MSC Cruises is revealing the top trends to watch out for in the travel and cruise industry next year: 

1. Convenience is king – More Brits are looking for hassle-free holidays and going flight-free is an ideal way to keep trips simple. MSC Cruises saw many Brits choosing to cruise from Southampton in the Summer of 2023, in fact almost 65% of all MSC Cruises’ UK guests chose to board in the UK. Setting sail from the UK onboard MSC Virtuosa to destinations including The Netherlands, Spain or Morocco on cruises anywhere between 3 and 27 nights meant that Brits could easily access global destinations straight from Southampton. Book a 7-night cruise on MSC Virtuosa from Southampton from £409 per person for an interior cabin.
2. Focus on sustainability – As travellers become more and more conscious of the environmental footprint of their travel and seek out eco-friendly holiday options, MSC Cruises booking data reveals that the “Nature & Wildlife” shore excursion is the most popular shore excursion for Brits. MSC Protectours are shore excursions that focus on environmental sustainability with tours involving zero environmental impact while others make a direct contribution to the environment, for example, tree planting or beach cleaning. Not only that, MSC Cruises recently launched MSC World Europa,the first LNG-powered ship of the fleet. LNG is the cleanest fuel available for cruise ships today: it eliminates sulphur oxides emissions and fine particles, greatly reduces nitrogen oxides, while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 25%.  MSC Euribia, due to start sailing in 2023, will also be powered by LNG. Book a 7-night cruise on MSC Euribia from Copenhagen from £949 per person for an interior cabin.
3. Big plans – Travellers are set to make 2023 a big year for getting out and exploring the world, booking longer trips. MSC Cruises in the UK has seen that 7-night cruises are the most popular for next year with an increase of 104% YOY, showing that people are prioritising travel. To go even bigger and better in 2023, look no further than MSC World Europa, the line’s first world-class ship currently offering a touch of glamour with itineraries to destinations in the Middle East including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Book a 19-night cruise on MSC World Europa from Doha from £1,179 per person for an interior cabin.
4. Luxury travel – Among all the new travel trends for next year, luxury travel is that’s set to be big. Experience the ultimate VIP cruise in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ premium cruising ‘ship within a ship’ concept and indulge with maximum comfort, with lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge. Book an 8-night cruise on MSC World Europa from Abu Dhabi with Yacht Club access from £1,769 per person.
5. Under-the-radar destinations – Travellers are looking to expand their horizons and are considering lesser-known destinations with under-the-radar charm. Brits are increasingly booking unique destinations such as Iceland and the Fjords looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and Instagram-friendly holiday snaps. Book a 14-night cruise on MSC Virtuosa from Southampton stopping in Isafjordur and Reykjavik in Iceland from £1,199 per person for an interior cabin.
6. A family affair – Cruising provides a safe, hassle-free environment for families, with food, accommodation and non-stop entertainment all thrown in, so it’s no wonder that families with kids are a key demographic when looking at bookings next year. Not only this, but there is also growth within every age group proving that cruising is the perfect holiday for any generation thanks to the varied activities and amenities on board. Whether that is families with young kids on school holidays, millennials on a group getaway or those now retired taking the time to travel the world. Book a 14-night cruise on MSC Seascape from Miami from £1,109 over February Half Term per person for an interior cabin.
7. All-inclusive – When costs are rising elsewhere, it’s essential that families still have time to take a break and get away to bond over their family holiday, and nothing offers better value than a cruise, even more so with an all-inclusive package. MSC Cruises booking data reveals that 3 in 5 guests book all-inclusive drinks packages in a bid to save money. Book a 7-night cruise on MSC Euribia from Kiel from £1,199 per person for a balcony cabin with a drinks package.
8. Ride the wellness wave - In 2023, wellness travel is expected to reach new levels of popularity, with a focus on health and wellness often high on new year's resolutions lists. MSC Cruises in December unveiled its newest ship, MSC Seascape, which is rich with wellness activities to inspire guests to unwind from the moment they step aboard. Relax and rejuvenate in the MSC Aurea Spa, break a sweat in the gym or take part in outdoor wellness classes like yoga or dance. Book a 7-night cruise on MSC Seascape from Miami from £519 per person for an interior cabin.

For more information on the MSC Cruises fleet, the wide variety of itineraries and shore excursions and what’s new in 2023, head to the MSC Cruises website: www.msccruises.co.uk.