The world’s second-largest cruise ship will make its maiden voyage this week, but it won’t be a long one.
Driving the news: This week, the 1,188-foot Utopia of the Seas will set sail on a 3-night weekend getaway. Royal Caribbean, the ship’s owner, says it’s the first cruise operator to debut a new ship with this short of a trip. It’s definitely the first cruise to have Meghan Trainor as its official “godmother”.
- The inaugural trip, which the company says will focus on “weekend energy” (whatever that means) bucks the trend of companies launching their flashy new vessels with weeks-long voyages.
Why it’s happening: Royal Caribbean is betting that shorter, cheaper cruises will lure more people to their ships, especially first-time cruisers. Reeling in those first-timers is the key to repeat customers — 82% of people who take a cruise say they plan to go on another.
Why it matters: More travellers are prioritizing shorter, frequent getaways that fit around work schedules and holidays. Not only do these "micro-vacations" require a lot less planning, but they help make travellers' budgets and scarce vacation days go a little further.
Zoom out: Taking shorter trips more often is better at reducing stress than taking longer trips. For the 38% of Canadians dealing with workplace burnout (and limited vacation days), the weekend getaway could be the answer.—LA