Cruising 'cool again' with young people, emerging as go-to holiday option

Cruising has seen a surge in popularity among a new customer base, reviving an industry everyone thought was dead in the water.

As airfare prices continue to go up, young people and families are turning to cruising as an affordable way to see the world.

Cruise company P&O says it's seen a 20 per cent increase in bookings for people aged between 18 and 35.

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P&O Pacific Adventure Cruise Director Michelle O'Callaghan said younger travellers are attracted to shorter trips for long weekends or themed cruises.  

"Cruising is becoming cool again," O'Callaghan said.

"They can come straight on board and get straight into a sailaway party, cocktail in hand."

Royal Caribbean has also seen an increase in interest from young people. 

Passengers told 9News that cruising is worth it because of the all-inclusive extras, like food and entertainment packages.

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Passenger Jessica Deacon said it was the perfect way to travel overseas on a budget.

"The children have never been overseas before," Deacon said.

"What we've paid for our cruise would have been our flights just to Bali on its own."

The recent surge in popularity comes after the COVID-19 pandemic nearly wiped the industry out, with cruising scrapped amid biosecurity fears .