Cruises are emerging as an increasingly popular travel option among Spaniards, with significant growth over the past year. This is the main conclusion of the MSC Cruises , “II Snapshot of the Modern Traveler: Preferences and Their Relationship with Cruises.”
At the beginning of 2023, only 19% of Spaniards opted for cruise holidays, but by the same date in 2024 this number had increased to 24%, which is almost 1 in 4 Spaniards.
This increase in the popularity of cruises is reflected throughout Spain, with particular growth in the Valencian Community and Catalonia, which lead the ranking.
The main reason why Spaniards take cruises, confirmed by 58% of those surveyed, is the value for money of an international trip like the one offered by a cruise.
Ease of operation follows, mentioned by 26% of travelers, who find taking a cruise a convenient and simple option. Finally, other reasons highlighted include the advantage of visiting several destinations in a single trip (8%) and the convenience for family trips (8%).
Travel habits and planning among Spaniards
In Spain, the main motivation for traveling is the desire to explore other places and cultures, increasing from 82% to 84%. This shift reflects a trend towards more adventurous and curious travelers who seek cultural enrichment rather than simply relaxation.
Furthermore, the data confirms the growing trend of Spaniards traveling out of season (36%), with a corresponding decrease in travel during the summer season (between June and September).
75% of those surveyed cited the economic factor as the main reason for traveling off-season (up from 60% last year), compared to 67% who also added concern about crowds.
These trips are increasingly being planned further in advance, with a third of Spaniards booking their holidays between 3 and 6 months in advance, and another third even more than 6 months in advance.
However, holiday procrastination remains a barrier for many, with 40% leaving a trip pending in the last year.
The company while traveling
When it comes to choosing a cruise companion, the majority of Spaniards (60%) consider their partner to be the perfect travel companion; in fact, six out of ten cruisers have traveled with their partner, followed by 30% who have traveled with their family and almost 20% who have opted to travel with friends.
A trend is observed between genders, with men preferring to take cruises as a couple more than women (66% versus 54%), while women prefer cruises as a destination to travel with friends (23.5% versus 13%).
Although the most common company on cruises is the couple, there are significant differences between age groups.
Spaniards aged 18 to 39 are the most likely to travel with friends (23.6%), while those aged 40 to 54 tend to travel primarily with a partner or family. Meanwhile, those over 55 are the most likely to travel alone (3%).
Norwegian Fjords and Northern Europe, the most popular destinations
Regarding cruise itinerary preferences in 2024, a third of the Spanish population would choose Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords as their star destination, followed by itineraries that tour the Greek Islands (28% of those surveyed).
On the other hand, although to a lesser extent, other cruise destinations appear such as the Western Mediterranean (11%) and the Caribbean (10%).
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
