THE YEAR AHEAD: Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean

THE YEAR AHEAD: Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean
Edited by Travel Weekly


GAVIN SMITH is the vice president and managing director of Royal Caribbean AU/NZ, to kick off 2025 we got his thoughts on the trends that will dominate cruise this year and why cruising in the South Pacific is a winner for RC.

What trends will dominate the cruise industry in 2025?

We’re expecting first-time cruise holidaymakers to drive demand in 2025, with more Australians recognising the convenience of a holiday that allows them to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of airports and the ease of only unpacking once. It’s the younger generations that are experiencing this style of holiday for the first time and embracing its value nature and the opportunity for experience-led adventures.

Additionally, the appetite for multigenerational families to holiday with Royal Caribbean continues to grow as ships are designed to keep guests of all ages entertained across a wide range of experiences . There’s not many other travel experiences where the entire family can choose their own adventure throughout the day and reunite in the evening for quality time over family dinner. We often see grandparents booking suites for themselves, and supporting with rooms for the rest of the group, which in turn introduces their younger family members to cruising.

What do you expect to happen in 2025, specifically relating to your industry?

In 2025, we expect the number of multigenerational families on our ships to continue to boom. Whether it’s week-long adventures or shorter getaways, our variety of adventures will cater to all ages of the family. Seven-night holidays to the South Pacific are particularly popular for those seeking a mix of cultural immersion and family-friendly excitement. Weekend escapes from Sydney and Brisbane are also becoming a favourite among groups looking for a quick and stress-free retreat.

Globally, the debut of Star of the Seas this August sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, will set a new benchmark for innovative travel, inspiring more Australian thrill-seekers to consider this type of holiday – whether it’s part of a wider international holiday or ticking off a bucket list worthy adventure.

What major business/industry/association initiatives do you have planned for 2025?

Locally, we’re focusing on enhancing fly-cruise packages, strengthening partnerships with tourism operators, and delivering unforgettable holidays from Sydney and Brisbane. These initiatives are designed to make this style of travel more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, particularly younger families and first-time travellers.

What are your personal goals for 2025?

My personal goal is to ensure Royal Caribbean continues to raise the standard for exceptional holidays from Australia. It’s about listening to what our holidaymakers want and delivering innovative experiences that exceed their expectations. We want to continue evolving our experiences to provide our customers the ultimate holiday and ensure they know to choose Royal Caribbean when planning their next adventure.

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