Whether it’s switching traditionally hot getaways for something a little cooler or booking the next trip thanks to the latest hit TV show or film, MSC Cruises is revealing five travel trends that are driving guest holiday decisions into 2025 and beyond.

The global cruise company is giving an insight into some important influences that are impacting how clients are researching and booking cruises, with trends like radical sabbaticals, coolcations, set-jetting, and more, shifting the way guests are deciding where, and how to travel.

COOLCATIONS ON THE RISE

In 2025, cooler destinations are rising in popularity as travellers seek out milder climates in place of traditional ‘summer sun’ hotspots. More and more holidaymakers are switching walks on the beach for walks in the mountains and sunbathing for basking in breathtaking landscapes. This trend, dubbed ‘coolcation’, draws explorers towards destinations that offer natural wonders to discover and pristine landscapes to admire

• Anyone resonating with can consider MSC Cruises’ itineraries to Northern Europe or Alaska. In 2026, MSC Cruises will set sail for the first time to Alaska, sailing from Seattle, weekly throughout the summer season.

RADICAL SABBATICALS

Over the last few years, with workplaces being increasingly more flexible with remote work, and more companies offering sabbaticals as an employment perk, there’s a heightened eagerness to take extended work breaks in the middle of careers to travel. This has driven the rise of the ‘radical sabbatical.’

• MSC Cruises’ World Cruise gives people the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe without having to repack their suitcase or take endless flights. Departing Europe in January 2025 and 2026 (with the 2027 sailing soon to be revealed), guests can experience up to 50 destinations across up to 32 different countries.

SET-JETTING: TRAVEL INSPIRED BY POPULAR CULTURE

Another emerging travel trend for 2025 is ‘set-jetting’ where travellers are inspired to visit a destination because of a book, movie or television series. This phenomenon has gained momentum with the rise of globally accessible streaming platforms, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the settings of their favourite stories.

• MSC Cruises offers more than one itinerary featuring some of the world’s most iconic cultural and cinematic landscapes, including sailing aboard MSC Opera in the Mediterranean to Dubrovnik (Croatia), made infamous by the hit TV show Game of Thrones; journeying through the Middle East aboard MSC Euribia, including calls to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), the set of not one but two Mission Impossible films; or stopping in New York aboard MSC Meraviglia for the ultimate Sex and the City fan.

 A CRAVING FOR CULINARY TOURISM  

Food has become much more than just a part of the travel experience – it’s now a driving force behind destination choices. Fuelled by appreciation for diverse flavours, social media’s influence, and a desire to discover new tastes, culinary tourism is surging in popularity. More travellers than ever are now planning trips specifically to explore unique restaurants or culinary experiences, planning to immerse themselves in local food markets, take part in specialist cooking workshops, or heading out on a tasting tour – all experiences available on MSC itineraries.

• Back on board, MSC Cruises’ ships can have up to 11 different restaurants offering unique and authentic gastronomic experiences from all around the world. Offering a mix of traditional favourites and new flavours, guests can continue to explore the world through their tastebuds, from tasting farm-to-ocean ethos gastronomy from Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt at the innovative Chef’s Garden Kitchen on MSC World Europa, or enjoying authentic Italian cuisine in the only Eataly restaurant at sea on MSC World America launching next April.

THE DESIRE FOR ELEVATED ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS

All-inclusive holidays have long been a favourite for their ease and convenience, but there has been a noticeable shift in preferences. Today, travellers are increasingly willing to spend more for an elevated all-inclusive experience that balances traditional simplicity with touches of exclusivity. This evolution caters to a growing desire for thoughtfully curated, high-quality getaways that go beyond the basics.

• MSC Yacht Club, a luxury ‘ship within a ship’ concept, offers an elevated and refined all-inclusive concept with private facilities, butler service, unlimited premium drinks package, limitless Wi-Fi, fully-stocked minibar.

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