How young Chinese travellers are fuelling a cruise ship holiday boom
Convenience, group bonding and affordable fares fuel the latest travel trend, analysts say
After graduating from Fudan University’s prestigious MBA programme this year, Dong Wenxin wants to keep in touch with his fellow students. The 30-year-old figured many former students probably felt the same way – eager to reconnect even when scattered across China.
Over the past three years, he has organised week-long round-trip cruises for groups ranging from four to 30 people, with some journeys reaching as far as Japan. Travellers pay between 3,000 (US$418) and 10,000 yuan each, depending on the ship’s level of luxury.
Dong’s venture is part of a growing trend among younger Chinese travellers – particularly high school and university graduates – who are increasingly embracing ocean cruises as a social way to travel, analysts have found.
Cruise ships provide a unique environment for groups to bond, with recreational activities and shared spaces without the limitations of crowding into a rented apartment.
“It’s not quite a road trip or hiking – [passengers] can’t do that on ships, so those are the limitations,” Dong said. “But they can be in a communal space enjoying lots of activities.”
Young people are seeking new experiences and [are] attracted by the novelty of cruise travel
Travellers often visit nearby countries such as Japan and South Korea, taking advantage of abundant online deals, the company found.
Interest in cruise travel gained momentum about half a year ago, according to travel agents surveyed by business consultancy Dragon Trail International.