I wonder if the cruise lines are watching the overall trends in travel right now and are preparing to respond to the ongoing drops in travel to the US from other countries. I imagine any effect wouldn't be immediate since cruises are often booked months or even years out but where I live I'm hearing a lot of people saying they'd rather travel to other countries right now.
As a Canadian I felt comfortable cruising from the US in 2024, but I was very glad that we had booked our 2025 trip to Europe. We had planned to book a
Disney cruise in 2026, but I deliberately booked an itinerary that departed from a non American port. I would like to do a Caribbean cruise in the next few years, but I will likely use a cruise line that has departures from Guadaloupe or Martinique (French territories that have direct flights from Europe and Montreal) rather than Florida.
I'm not sure what percentage of
DCL cruisers are from outside the US, but I've heard so many stories of people cancelling trips and looking at other destinations that I have to wonder if these trends will have an effect on the cruise industry's plans going forward.
Sometimes Gemini AI has a better answer than I can provide.
In recent years, American destinations have been actively working to attract Canadian travelers, recognizing the immense value they bring to the U.S. economy. While there have been some recent declines in Canadian tourism, the U.S. remains a top destination for many due to a combination of factors.
Here are some of the key points that highlight a U.S. perspective on Canadian tourism:
Economic Impact: Canadians are the largest source of international visitors to the U.S. By a significant margin, they contribute billions of dollars annually to the American economy. This spending supports countless jobs in hospitality, retail, and tourism-related industries, particularly in border states like New York, Vermont, and Washington, as well as popular destinations like Florida, California, and Nevada.
A "Warm Welcome" is Still the Goal: Despite some reports of friction, many U.S. tourism officials and businesses are actively trying to remind Canadians that they are welcome. They are working to rebuild a sense of trust and community, emphasizing that political disagreements do not reflect the general sentiment of individual Americans who rely on and appreciate their Canadian neighbors.
Diversity of Experiences: The United States offers a vast range of travel options that cater to every type of traveler. From the theme parks of Orlando and the beaches of California to the historical sites of New York and the natural beauty of national parks, there's a destination for everyone. This variety of experiences, often just a short drive or flight away, is a major draw for Canadians.
Targeted Marketing and Outreach: The U.S. travel industry is not ignoring the challenges. National tourism organizations like Brand USA are launching new campaigns to specifically appeal to international visitors, including Canadians. These campaigns focus on the warmth and diversity of American destinations and aim to reignite a passion for U.S. travel.
Efforts to Streamline Travel: The U.S. and Canada continue to promote programs like NEXUS, a trusted traveler program designed to make border crossings faster and more efficient for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. This demonstrates an ongoing commitment to facilitating cross-border movement for both business and leisure.
While a variety of factors have recently influenced Canadian travel habits, the U.S. travel industry is making a concerted effort to overcome these hurdles and highlight the unique and welcoming experiences that continue to make the country a premier destination for its northern neighbors.