CruiseTipsTV Unplugged - Cruise Tips and More Cruising in 2025: What We Got Right, What Surprised Us, What Missed the Mark
Dec 27, 2025
Reflecting on cruising in 2025, the hosts discuss surprising trends and changes in the industry. They explore the impact of price inflation, complexities in loyalty programs, and the appeal of cruise vacations for families. Personal recaps reveal successes and missed opportunities, including a noteworthy trip to Japan and the challenges of navigating crowded ships. As they look ahead, there's excitement for new developments like Carnival's Ensenada project and Royal Caribbean's upcoming ship. Thoughtful insights blend past lessons with future aspirations.
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Demand Pushed Prices And Crowds Up
- Cruise demand and overbooking drove steady price inflation throughout 2025.
- Ships sailed above capacity, creating persistent crowding and higher fares.
Complex Packages Create Customer Friction
- Cruise lines increasingly rolled out complex packages and loyalty schemes in 2025.
- Sherry found some programs so complicated she ignored them, showing potential customer friction.
Read Bundles Carefully Before You Buy
- Check loyalty and bundle details closely before committing to know what you actually get.
- Prefer bundles that include widely used items like gratuities, drinks, or Wi‑Fi for real value.