This was published 4 years ago
More children cruising with their parents, P&O Cruises research reveals
The flying fox on P&O's The Edge.
Young adult Australians are not only living with their parents for longer, they're also taking holidays with them, according to new research conducted for P&O Cruises. A national survey of more than 1000 adults aged 18 to 29 has found that more than half (51 per cent) have gone on an all-expenses paid holiday with their parents since turning 18, while a massive 82 per cent said they would consider taking a trip with their parents.
Fifty per cent of those surveyed said their prime reason for wanting to holiday with their parents was a desire to spend more time with their family, while only 21 per cent said their main motivation was to save their own money. Well, they would say that, wouldn't they!
P&O has affectionately named the group "TRIPPERS'' – the generation "Travelling In Parents' Pockets and Eroding Retirement Savings". The line says it saw an 18 per cent increase in the number of 18 to 29-year-old guests cruising with their parents last summer, compared to the 2016 peak summer period.
Award-winning social researcher Mark McCrindle said the TRIPPERS trend follows highly publicised discussions about the Millennial generation being unable to afford their own home. "Young Australians experience many financial pressures today, so parents are playing a key role in helping their adult children save, study and now travel.
"When it comes to travel, having a close relationship with mum and dad can clearly have significant benefits – both emotional and financial," McCrindle said. Cruisey parents, you have been warned.
BIG STRETCH
Small-ship line Windstar is spending $US250 million stripping, stretching and re-fitting Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride. Passenger capacity will increase from 212 to 312 (extra crew will be hired to maintain the high crew-to-passenger ratio), 50 new suites will have beds by the window or balcony, a new three-bedroom Grand Owner's suite will be installed and everything from restaurants to pools, deck space and the spa will be completely "reimagined''. Work on the project starts in October 2019 and ends in November 2020. See windstarcruises.com
BON VOYAGE
Uniworld's sixth Super Ship, SS Bon Voyage, is now sailing its first season in France since its $US14 million transformation from the former River Royale. Highlights of the new-look river ship include French-themed restaurants and bars, four spacious new suites and the elegant Soleil Deck that features an infinity pool and poolside service. Chef-led cooking classes will be held in Le Cafe du Soleil and signature Uniworld touches such as antique furniture and artworks, lavish fabrics and finishes and marble bathrooms abound. See uniworld.com
AQUA EXPEDITIONS GOES COASTAL
Boutique river-cruise company Aqua Expeditions, which operates two ships on the Amazon and Mekong, is venturing into coastal cruising. In November it will launch the 30-passenger Aqua Blu to sail three different seven-night itineraries and four departures of 12-night "Cross-Destination" voyages in the East Indonesian Archipelago. Cruises will cover Ambon and the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park, destinations renowned for world-class diving and snorkelling. Aqua Blu will maintain Aqua Expeditions' 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and fine-dining tradition. See aquaexpeditions.com
CRUISE QUIZ
Which famous author recently christened Avalon Waterways' new river ship Avalon Envision? Check this space next week for the answer. Last week's answer: Ryndam.
STOW IT
Make a splash
Canon takes underwater photography to new levels (depths?) with a combination of its best PowerShot G series camera and waterproof case. The PowerShot G1 X Mark III features Canon's EOS DSLR image quality while being versatile and easy to use, and the WP-DC56 case is dustproof and waterproof to 40 metres. RRP $2090; available from leading retailers and from the Canon e-store. See store.canon.com.au
CONSTANT CRUISER
Marilyn Morgan, Narrabeen, NSW
NUMBER OF CRUISES TAKEN Eight, including river cruises
LAST CRUISE Sydney to Tokyo on Oceania Insignia. We sailed around Australia's east coast to Darwin, across to Komodo Island, Bali, three Philippine Islands and Taiwan then on to Japan, where we visited Miyakojima, Okinawa and Kyoto before disembarking in Tokyo.
A highlight was seeing Komodo dragons roaming around in the wild – Kaohsiung's Buddhist temple was also pretty impressive.
NEXT CRUISE A river cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg, with Viking River Cruises. I've always wanted to go to Russia and this sounds like the best way to see a good mix of cities, villages and countryside.
DREAM SHIP It would be relatively new, with no more than 1000 passengers (preferably adults only), fares that include gratuities and all beverages, and restaurants that don't require formal attire.
DREAM CRUISE On a new ship that stops at small ports where we're the only ship in town.
DREAM PORT Somewhere off the beaten track that has minimal interference by tour operators.
BEST CRUISE TIP Check when booking that you are not taking a segment of a much longer cruise, because when you join midway through, the majority of passengers have formed their own groups and friendships and it is more difficult to mix. Also check what year your ship was built as older, refurbed ships have considerably smaller cabins than newer ships.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CRUISE
Send 250-word submissions for Constant Cruiser to sally.macmillan@traveller.com.au, including your postal address. Use the same format as above and attach a high-resolution photo of yourself. All published contributions receive a $50 Travelgear voucher.
Travelgear has a huge range of travel accessories, from international SIM cards to luggage and gift suggestions and ships free to Australia and New Zealand. See travelgear.com.au
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