Promote 3-5 day cruises more aggressively to first-time cruisers in case new guests booked shorter trips

🚀 Why Insights Matters

1. Optimize Marketing & Acquisition Campaigns

If new guests tend to book shorter cruises, that’s a low-barrier entry point into cruising. Cruiselines can:

  • Promote 3-5 day cruises more aggressively to first-time cruisers
  • Use messaging that targets “short getaways” or “test the waters” experiences
  • Bundle shorter trips with perks like drink packages to convert hesitant travelers

2. Improve Conversion Strategy

Understanding that new guests prefer shorter trips helps:

  • Tailor website content and offers when a new profile or anonymous user is detected
  • Personalize recommendations: “Perfect First Cruise – 3 Nights to the Bahamas”
  • Adjust pricing strategy for shorter trips to boost conversion

3. Shape Retention & Loyalty Pathways

If shorter trips are the entry funnel, then:

  • Track whether short-trip guests return for longer cruises
  • Create retargeting campaigns for these guests with a “next-step” cruise (e.g., 7-day Mediterranean)
  • Design Loyalty Tier Progression campaigns that reward short-trip guests who move up

4. Refine Product Strategy

Shorter cruises may:

  • Need different onboard experiences (fewer sea days, more port-intensive)
  • Require different onboard spending offers (spa, drink packages, excursions)
  • Drive cabin preferences (inside or balcony for short stays vs suites for long trips)

5. Understand Customer Risk

Shorter trips might also correlate with:

  • Lower brand commitment
  • Higher cancellation or refund risk
  • Lower onboard spending

Recognizing this early helps Cruiselines:

  • Prioritize welcome touchpoints and pre-cruise communication
  • Push more add-ons during booking to raise value per guest

📈 Example in Practice

You find that 68% of new guests booked 3-5 day cruises while returning guests booked 7+ day cruises on average.
→ Action: Target first-time cruise ads with 4-night Bahamas cruises + $50 onboard credit offer.

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