Cruise Trends for 2011

We've identified five main cruise trends for 2011 below. Read on to discover how the world of cruising is likely to change over the coming months.

A rise in drive-to cruising in the UK

With scheduled strikes by cabin crew, the now customary summer air traffic control strikes in various parts of Europe and airport security fears all playing on people's minds, it's likely that more UK cruise passengers will choose to start their trips at home.

At Southampton, it's estimated there will be a significant rise in drive-to cruising holidays in 2011 as people look to avoid any last-minute hiccups like last year's ash cloud crisis.

Better facilities for single cruise passengers

For many years cruise passengers who wanted to travel alone have been subject to a single person's surcharge for sole occupation of a standard two person cabin.

Many of the cruise companies have cottoned on to the fact they were putting off many potential passengers with this outdated policy and have begun introducing single studio style cabins to appeal directly to the lone traveller market.

This step seems long overdue and it's a welcome move by some of the cruise operators, but it remains to be seen if others will follow suit when their vessels need refurbished.

Revolutionary river cruising

2011 looks like being a bumper one for European river cruising. With many companies modernising their fleets and adding luxurious touches to their onboard facilities, a new era of river cruises is on the horizon this year.

By having spas, Wi-Fi and swimming pools on board, this new generation of river cruisers will appeal to a whole new target market.

Taking to famous rivers such as The Rhine makes for the perfect mini-cruise without having to venture out into the open seas.

The re-emergence of Alaska as a popular cruise destination

Alaska as a cruise destination has been in the doldrums in recent years. The government-imposed extra taxes on cruise liners hit the industry badly but Alaska is now a viable option again for cruise enthusiasts.

Disney Cruise Lines are entering the Alaskan market this year which will be another much needed boost for the region.

If you're looking for a cruise with a difference and truly breathtaking scenery you just won't see anywhere else, make 2011 the year you visit Alaska.

Passenger safety will come to the fore

After a number of worrying incidents onboard various cruise ships last year, 2011 is expected to bring passenger safety into sharp focus.

Onboard safety measures will be reviewed by many cruise companies to reassure passengers after fire, mechanical failure and bad weather all affected cruise holidays last year.