Millennials have long enjoyed backpacking and staying in hostels when travelling, but an increasing number are now opting for the ease and affordability of a cruise holiday, according to Allianz Global Assistance.
AGA data showed a dramatic increase in the number of Australians embarking on cruises in recent years, particularly among millennials, or those aged 19-35, which saw a massive 118% spike between 2015 and 2017.
The Pacific, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia remain popular as cruise destinations, but Australia has increasingly become the travel destination of choice for many Australians, with the homeland overtaking the Pacific as one of the top three cruising destinations for millennials in 2017 and so far for 2018.
“While backpacking and staying in hostels is still appealing for young Aussie travellers, millennials are increasingly recognising the benefits of cruising so they can spend less time planning and more time to enjoy their holiday,” said Brendon Dyer, general manager for direct and retail at Allianz Travel Insurance. “We encourage all travellers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover issues that may arise more commonly on cruises such as illness or injury at sea, loss of luggage, delayed flights or missed connections.”
Dyer also reminded travellers that “travel on internationally registered cruise ships, even within domestic waters, is still classed as an international trip and therefore not covered by Medicare.”
