'No longer uncool': Surprise guests jumping onboard luxury cruises

With cruise season in Australia officially underway there has been plenty of talk about the increased popularity of cruising among Aussies in general.But there is one kind of traveller heading out onto the high seas for the first time more so now than ever before.Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report found that 27 per cent of cruisers over the past two years are new to cruise.And it's young travellers really spurring the trend.READ MORE: Four things to know about a cruise to Antarctica - from someone who's been 82 times"It's wonderful to see so many more Australians embracing this style of holiday," Global Managing Director of Luxury Brands, Flight Centre Travel Group, Danielle Galloway tells 9Travel. "I'm excited watching more people discover it for the first time and converting for life."In particular, luxury travel agent Travel Associates, has seen more Millennial and Gen-Z cruisers booking luxury trips.READ MORE: The long-haul flight 'hack' you should actually avoid, according to an expert"I think the reason why is multi-faceted. Firstly, the perception of cruising is shifting in a positive way, it's no longer 'uncool', in fact it's highly sought after," Danielle shares."There are new types of cruise products and experiences out there are far more tailored and targeted, so there are now plenty of options that appeal to a new generation of cruiser."Adult-only offerings and expedition cruising are two kinds of cruises appealing to younger travellers. And the ability to have everything be all-inclusive seems like a plus for many budget-conscious travellers.READ MORE: The top eight activities every first-timer to Honolulu shouldn't miss"They are typically pretty switched on when it comes to travel planning and value is usually top of mind. We find they gravitate toward cruises because they often include everything in one package accommodation, dining, and activities," Danielle says."In many cases, luxury cruises come in at a fraction of the cost of doing the same holiday on land."A shift in perceptionsCruises are not longer 'just for retirees', thanks to a combination of perceptions shifting and the industry changing, Danielle points out."Cruising is not the same as it once was, and it helps that cruise lines have expanded their offering to appeal to a wider range of travellers," she says."Now, you can embark on cruises where there are nightclubs onboard, fine dining restaurants and adventure-packed on-shore excursions - whatever floats your boat, so to speak."The resurgence of luxury cruisingMany people used to have a very narrow view of what cruising is.Danielle says the industry has done an exceptional job of educating travellers in recent years which has opened their minds up to the possibilities."Whether you seek luxury, relaxation, exploration, adventure, romance or family time, there really is a cruise for everyone," she adds."Travellers are prioritising comfort and immersion on their holidays, so it's really appealing to be able to unpack just once, settle into your room and have the destinations come to you."It's literally like staying in a floating five-star hotel where you wake up to something different every day."