Well, living on a Cruise Ship is catching on.
Quite a few couples are now subscribing to world cruises and it is affecting the Cruise Ship industry.
In 2006 the Holland America Line is experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 12 days.
For 2007, the demand for world cruises for Cunard is so great the company is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary 2's first voyage around the world, an 80-day journey.
Silversea Cruises, a very, very exclusive Cruise Line has just launched a series of voyages of 34 to 123 days and is having its first around-the-world cruise in 2007.
And Crystal Cruises Inc. spokeswoman Mimi Weisband said that they saw a record number of bookings for this year's 106-day world cruise.
Why is this happening?
Nobody likes flying anymore. It is not relaxing, you are stuffed like sardines in a tin can, you have to bring your own lunch, and have to take off your shoes.
Now think about cruising.
You've got your house with you, wherever you go, just like a turtle.
You get taken care of, whatever you need. Medical Care is close by, so are 10 bars and 4 restaurants open 24 hours a day in most cases.
You don't have to pack and unpack every day as with regular vacations, you can spend leisurely days playing pingpong and shuffleboard and relaxing with longtime friends.
The key selling theme for these long cruises is COMFORT.
You can see and do exotic things from 10 AM to 12 PM, go for lunch, and do more exotic things from 2 PM till 7 PM and then have a 10 course supper.
After supper there is a free show every night.
Perfect life
Rather than sitting in a summer cottage staring at the walls, on a cruise you have your social life built in, with 2000 possible friends.
Cruise lines say another key attraction is that now you can visit plenty of far-flung destinations - such as Hawaii and Tahiti- without dealing with airport security and other hassles.
The funny thing is that these Cruises are no longer exclusively populated by retired Seniors, but are becoming populated by entrepreneurial 40- and 50-people, who can turn the ship into a virtual, floating office.
You can successfully run a business from being on a ship, because of Wireless Internet Access worldwide available on these Cruise Ships.
Floating Community Trips
Long Term Vacations on Cruise Ships Gain Popularity
Trend Themes
1. Long-term Cruises - The demand for longer cruises, spanning 12 days or more, is increasing, providing an opportunity for cruise ship companies to offer extended vacation experiences.
2. Digital Nomad Cruise - Entrepreneurial individuals are turning cruise ships into floating offices, taking advantage of the availability of wireless internet access and creating opportunities for a new type of digital nomad lifestyle.
3. Convenience and Comfort - The appeal of cruises lies in the convenience and comfort they offer, allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of airport security and providing onboard amenities such as medical care, bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Industry Implications
1. Cruise Ship Industry - The increasing popularity of long-term cruises presents an opportunity for the cruise ship industry to cater to the needs of travelers seeking extended vacation experiences.
2. Digital Nomad Industry - The rise of entrepreneurial individuals turning cruise ships into floating offices creates opportunities for the digital nomad industry to offer specific services and tailored experiences for remote workers on cruises.
3. Hospitality Industry - The demand for convenience and comfort on cruises highlights the potential for the hospitality industry to collaborate with cruise ship companies to enhance onboard amenities and services for travelers.