MSC Cruises has unveiled eight top trends it has detected on the UK cruise market ahead of 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,” the company said in a statement.

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

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.

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.

Luxury travel – Among all the new travel trends for next year, luxury travel is that’s set to be big.

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

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.

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.

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.

Image: MSC Virtuosa operates from the UK port of Southampton year round.