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The Future of Travel: MSC Cruises Unveils 2025 Trends Shaping Luxury Holidays

As we begin 2025, MSC Cruises is shedding light on evolving travel trends that are reshaping holidaymakers’ decisions. With influences from TV, films, and social media, guests are increasingly seeking out unique experiences. The concept of “set-jetting,” where people travel to destinations featured in their favourite shows or movies, is gaining traction. Additionally, a rise in “coolcations” sees travellers favouring cooler, nature-rich locales over traditional hot spots, offering a refreshing escape from city life.

Another significant trend is the emergence of radical sabbaticals, where individuals take mid-career breaks to explore the world, fostering personal growth and discovery. Coupled with a demand for personalised travel experiences, MSC Cruises is committed to meeting the desires of modern luxury travellers who prioritise unique and immersive adventures. As tastes continue to evolve, the cruise line stands ready to deliver unforgettable journeys that resonate with the spirit of today’s discerning explorers.

Coolcations on the Rise

In 2025, cooler destinations are rising in popularity as travellers seek out milder climates in place of traditional ‘summer sun’ hotspots. More and more holidaymakers are switching walks on the beach for walks in the mountains and sunbathing for basking in breathtaking landscapes. This trend, dubbed ‘coolcation’, draws explorers towards destinations that offer natural wonders to discover and pristine landscapes to admire.

Anyone resonating with this trend should look out for MSC Cruises’ itineraries to Northern Europe or Alaska. In 2026, MSC Cruises will set sail for the first time to Alaska. Known for its breathtaking scenery, rugged wilderness, and abundant wildlife, guests will be able to enjoy the region’s unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage aboard MSC Poesia sailing from Seattle, U.S., weekly throughout summer 2026.

Alternatively, travellers may choose to discover Northern Europe. Whether it be the stunning fjords of Norway aboard MSC Euribia or discovering the cultural and natural richness of Baltic sea destinations such as Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and more with MSC Poesia.

Radical Sabbaticals

Over the last few years, with workplaces being increasingly more flexible with remote work, and more companies offering sabbaticals as an employment perk, there’s a heightened eagerness to take extended work breaks in the middle of careers to travel. This has driven the rise of the ‘radical sabbatical’.

MSC Cruises’ World Cruise is the perfect solution, giving people the opportunity to embark on a voyage of a lifetime to circumnavigate the globe without having to repack their suitcase or take endless flights. Departing Europe in January 2025 and 2026 (with the 2027 sailing soon to be revealed), in the comfort of a modern and elegant balcony cabin, guests can experience up to 50 destinations across up to 32 different countries. Day calls allow guests plenty of time to explore the best that each destination has to offer, and the itinerary also offers a number of overnight stays, meaning guests can have even more time to fully immerse themselves in the culture, history and landscapes of the destinations they visit.

Set-Jetting: Travel inspired by Popular Culture

Another emerging travel trend for 2025 is ‘set-jetting’, where travellers are inspired to visit a destination because of a book, movie or television series. This phenomenon has gained momentum with the rise of globally accessible streaming platforms, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the settings of their favourite stories.

With its unparalleled choice of destinations to explore, MSC Cruises offers more than one itinerary featuring some of the world’s most iconic cultural and cinematic landscapes. From sailing aboard MSC Opera in the Mediterranean to discover the stunning old city of Dubrovnik (Croatia), a UNESCO World Heritage Site made infamous by the hit TV show Game of Thrones, to embarking on a journey through the Middle East aboard MSC Euribia, including calls to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), the set of not one but two Mission Impossible films, or for the ultimate Sex and the City fan, sail from New York City (U.S.) aboard MSC Meraviglia, and follow in the footsteps of Carrie through the streets of Manhattan.

The Craving for Culinary Tourism

Food has become much more than just a part of the travel experience, it is now a driving force behind destination choices. Fuelled by appreciation for diverse flavours, social media’s influence, and a desire to discover new tastes, culinary tourism is surging in popularity. More travellers than ever are now planning trips specifically to explore unique restaurants or culinary experiences, planning to immerse themselves in local food markets, take part in specialist cooking workshops or heading out on a tasting tour.

Not only does MSC Cruises sail to a vast range of famed foodie hotspots such as Naples, Palermo (Italy), Barcelona (Spain) and Buenos Aires (Argentina), but guests can also book a range of culinary shore excursions such as visiting charming wineries in the Italian countryside to taste local wine, savouring delicious tapas in Alicante (Spain), or attempting to recreate Greek dishes during a cooking workshop in a family-run olive oil mill located in the heart of the traditional agricultural region of Katakolon (Greece).

Back on board, MSC Cruises’ ships can have up to 11 different restaurants offering unique and authentic gastronomic experiences from all around the world. Offering a mix of traditional favourites and new flavours, guests can continue to explore the world through their tastebuds to complement their exploration ashore.

From tasting farm-to-ocean ethos gastronomy from Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt at the innovative Chef’s Garden Kitchen on MSC World Europa, enjoying authentic Italian cuisine in the only Eataly restaurant at sea on MSC World America launching in April, savouring flavours of Asia with Kaito Teppanyaki or Kaito Sushi on many ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet, the possibilities for gastronomic discovery are endless.

The Desire for Elevated All-Inclusive Holidays

All-inclusive holidays have traditionally been popular for their convenience, but evolving traveller preferences are driving a demand for elevated experiences. Today, discerning guests are willing to invest more in all-inclusive packages that combine simplicity with exclusivity, seeking thoughtfully curated getaways.

MSC Cruises is elevating the all-inclusive experience with its MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious ‘ship within a ship’ concept featuring private facilities such as a dedicated restaurant, 24-hour butler service, and a private sundeck, all accessible via keycard. Guests enjoy an unlimited premium drinks package, limitless Wi-Fi, a fully-stocked minibar, and access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal area—all included in one seamless booking. Additionally, those visiting Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve gain exclusive access to Ocean House, offering a private beach and gourmet dining for an unparalleled escape.

For more information on MSC Cruises’ itineraries, please visit MSC Cruises South Africa: Holidays to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Worldwide



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