Glacier Cruises Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Glacier Cruises Market is estimated to reach US$ 1.45 Billion in 2022. As per the report, sales are forecast to increase at a robust 3% CAGR, with the market valuation reaching US$ 1.95 Billion by 2032.

Attribute Details
Glacier Cruising Market Estimated Size (2022) US$ 1.45 Billion
Glacier Cruising Market Projected Size (2032) US$ 1.95 Billion
Glacier Cruising Market Value-based CAGR (2022 to 2032) 6%

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2017 to 2021 Tourism Market Outlook Compared to 2022 to 2032 Forecast

There are various kinds of cruises, including river cruise ships, adventure cruise ships, expedition cruise ships, and luxury cruise ships. The highest parts of the Earth are the primary operating zones for glacier cruises. Therefore, the most well-liked travel destinations for people interested in glacier cruises are Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Glacier cruises have evolved into multigenerational activities. These excursions were initially intended for elderly people in western nations who had the time and money to spare.

Now, because of the overall magnificence, even families and kids are choosing these unconventional solutions. The millennial age has a strong preference for visiting less popular and adventurous locations. Glacier cruises usually visit sparsely populated, pristine, and unexplored areas. They provide their clients with extraordinary experiences like seeing sub-arctic wildlife, taking chartered flights to see entire glaciers and river basins, and participating in a variety of sports like rafting, ATV trips, and hiking. The subject of global warming is a significant one. While it has an impact everywhere, the Polar Regions of the Earth are where it is most noticeable. Every year, glaciers have been declining by significant amounts, and as things become worse, there is a very real risk that they may completely vanish.

How is G Expeditions returning to glacier cruising?

Travelers who reserve a trip for the forthcoming 2022 to 2023 Antarctica season can save up to 20%. G Adventures is reintroducing its little red ship to the water. The ship is now accepting reservations for the following season, 2.5 years after the global epidemic drove it out of operation. The Antarctica voyages are available for booking through 2024.

The itinerary of the ship is created to educate passengers on the value of environmental preservation while also introducing them to the stunning scenery and intriguing animals of Antarctica. To make the most of their Antarctica voyage, passengers onboard G Expedition take part in the ship's long-running citizen scientific programs and onboard education program. The ship's Scientists in Residence, who organize the presentations, provide lectures on topics like global climate change and its effects on the planet as well as the conservation of birds, marine animals, marine creatures, and ecosystems.

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How chartered flights facilitate the glacier cruising experience?

Glacier routes are often dangerous and complicated to cruise. The change of weather and climatic conditions often act as a barrier while cruising as well. To tackle this barrier, top players in the cruising industry are providing packaged deals which include charter planes that take flights over the beautiful glaciers to reach the inner parts that are difficult to cruise.

This helps travelers to experience their glacier tour to the fullest. As a result, there has been increasing in the influx of tourists opting for glacier tourism. This has benefited the market to a great extent and glacier cruising is experiencing more passengers in recent times due to the facility of flying over untouched parts of the region.

What are the additional activities provided by cruising companies?

Cruise companies are coming up with various strategies for implementing new and exciting offers to gain travelers’ attention. They are providing packaged deals that include various recreational and adventurous activities in the itinerary.

These packages come with sports activities such as rafting, ATV tours, hiking, camping, etc. which pleases travelers and enhances their cruising experience. Whale watching is one of the activities preferred by travelers which is provided on-board too. These packages are regularly tailored and presented according to the customer’s preferences and ongoing trends which helps the cruising market maintain its pace of growth.

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What are the drawbacks of glacier cruises market?

The short season and unpredictability of the weather present a significant obstacle to glacier voyages. As the name implies, glacier cruises are primarily intended to observe glaciers in the Earth's upper latitudinal belts. These areas experience lengthy, hard winters, and the river or ocean can fully freeze over, making glacier excursions impossible during that time. Only from spring to fall, or from May to September, they are commercially viable.

The weather can be quite unpredictable, and snowstorms can occur frequently and completely enclose a region. Global warming is a secondary pressing problem. Nowhere else on Earth is it more obvious than in the Polar Regions, while the entire world is affected by it. Every year, glaciers have been declining by significant margins, and as things become worse, there is a very real chance that they could completely vanish.

Country-wise Insights

What is the best time to visit Antarctica?

October to March is the best span to cruise glaciers

There are significant fluctuations even within the brief Antarctic cruise season, which lasts from late October to early March. The early season implies cooler temperatures and pure snowy vistas, while December and January, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, are the most popular months to visit Antarctica. As the season draws to a close, your chances of spotting whales increase, and you'll be able to go farther into the Antarctic thanks to the retreating sea ice.

Why is Greenland planning to control the growing number of tours?

Authorities in Greenland are concerned about global warming

Authorities are considering measures to manage crowds in order to protect the delicate ecology, which is already threatened by global warming, as tourists swarm to Greenland to admire its stunning icebergs and natural beauty. With the building of an international airport in the next two years, the population is anticipated to increase, which will be both a benefit to the island's finances and a difficulty given its fragile and rapidly eroding nature.

The Arctic has warmed up almost four times as quickly as the rest of the earth during the last 40 years. Permafrost melting is also putting certain structures and infrastructure at risk of collapsing. Officials are determined to conserve the pristine scenery since it is so valued by tourists without turning them away and limiting the number of trips in a certain time span.

What protocols did Canada announce for the return of its cruising industry?

Canadian government eases the restrictions on cruising after the pandemic

All cruise ship passengers and crew members must comply with the new regulations, which include a negative coronavirus test obtained within a day of boarding and proof of a complete set of immunizations before being allowed entry into Canada. Additionally, travelers need to show a negative test result within 72 hours of their return to Canada or an antigen test result within a day of their arrival. Additionally, cruise companies will have to keep track of test findings and report them to the Canadian government. Together with executives and representatives from the cruise industry, federal, local, and provincial public health organizations, as well as officials from the USA government, the framework for the return to sailing was devised.

Category-wise Insights

Which Age Group is more likely to Travel?

The popularity of Cruise Tourism among Senior citizens will Remain High

Cruises are often preferred by seniors as they are easily accessible and user-friendly for people with mobility constraints. Although, glacier cruising has seen a huge influx of the younger generation taking part. People are taking glacier cruises along with their families and children. However, glacier cruises will comprise the age group 46-55 years and 56-65 years to a larger extent than the other age groups.

What Type of Booking Channel is the Most Prominent Channel through the Forecast Period?

Online Booking is More Preferred by Tourists

Online bookings have democratized travel to more areas around the world. Online booking has increased this convenience throughout the past century. Traveler can make their reservations and payments online quickly and easily. The building of cruise traveler safety has been improved by connectivity via mobile devices, which has also sped up access to tracking data. Nowadays, travelers compare information on destinations, lodging options, restaurants, and other topics on internet travel research websites.

Why are travelers choosing packaged deals over normal deals?

Packaged Tour Type is More Preferred by Tourists

The players in the cruising sector are providing various adventurous activities along with huge discounts which attract travelers. This provides travelers with a wholesome experience in the glaciers without taking a major hit on their pockets.

Competitive Landscape

The glacier tour providers are coming with exciting deals and offer to capture the traveller’s attention. They are offering package deals which include various sports and adventure activities along with some recreational experiences while in contact with nature. These packages include activities like whale watching, rafting, ATV tours, hiking, etc. which interest travellers from almost every age group. While they are also launching ships that sail through new routes to reach the untouched and inner parts of the glaciers.

For instance:

Carnival cruises are providing packages at exciting discounts to uplift the cruising in glaciers. These packages include various adventure activities like whale watching, hiking, etc. which interests the travellers along with the world-class cuisine provided on board.

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2022 to 2032
Historical Data Available for 2017 to 2021
Market Analysis US$ Billion for Value
Key Region Covered Europe; America; Antarctica
Key Countries Covered Alaska, Canada, Chile, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Iceland
Key Segments Covered Cruise destinations, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Age Group, and Region.
Key Companies Profiled Princess Cruises; MSC Cruises Company; Silversea Cruises; Star Clippers; Carnival Cruises; Celebrity Cruises; G Expedition; Discerning traveler; Trafalgar; Quark Expedition; Aurora Expedition; Cruiser Adio
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Threats Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Glacier Cruise Market by Category

By Cruise Destinations:

  • Alaska
  • Canada
  • Antarctica
  • Greenland
  • Others

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

  • Domestic
  • International

By Age Group:

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 56-65 Years
  • 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Glacier Cruises market value?

The Glacier Cruise market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 1.45 Billion in 2022.

What are the key trends driving the Glacier Cruises market?

Government initiatives post Covid-19, cruising packages, and growing efforts towards sustainable cruising are increasing the number of travelers by cruise.

Who are the leading players in the Glacier Cruises tourism market?

Leading players in the Glacier cruise market are Royal Glacier, MSC Cruises Company, Silversea Cruises, Holland America Line, Star Clippers, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises among others.

Table of Content

1. Executive Summary | Glacier Cruises Market

    1.1. Market Outlook

        1.1.1. Who Is Travelling?

        1.1.2. How Much Do They Spend?

        1.1.3. Direct Contribution of Tourism To GDP

        1.1.4. Direct Contribution of Tourism To Employment

    1.2. Tourism Evolution Analysis

    1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Introduction

        2.1.1. Total Spending (US$ Billion) and Forecast (2022 to 2032)

        2.1.2. Number of Cruising Tourists and Forecast (2022 to 2032)

        2.1.3. Total Spending Y-o-Y Growth Projections (2022 to 2032)

3. Tourism Market Overview

    3.1. Popular Activities on cruises

            3.1.1. Land-Based Activities

            3.1.2. Catamaran Cruises

            3.1.3. Coffee Cruises

            3.1.4. Day Cruises

            3.1.5. Dinner Cruises

            3.1.6. Lunch Cruises

            3.1.7. Multi-day Cruises

            3.1.8. Night Cruises

            3.1.9. Sightseeing Cruises

            3.1.10. Sunset Cruises

    3.2. Popular Destinations

    3.3. Developments and Key Trends

        3.3.1. Government and Cruise providers taking combined efforts for the development of sustainable fuel

    3.4. Challenges in Glacier Cruise Market

        3.4.1. Climate Change & Natural Disasters Brings A New Threat To Cruising Routes

        3.4.2. Impact of Covid-19 on Glacier Cruises

4. Categorizing of Market 2021

    4.1. Introduction/ Key Findings

    4.2. Current Market Analysis By Cruise Destinations (% of Demand)

        4.2.1. Alaska

        4.2.2. Canada

        4.2.3. Antarctica

        4.2.4. Greenland

        4.2.5. Others

    4.3. Current Market Analysis By Tourist Type (% of Demand)

        4.3.1. Domestic

        4.3.2. International

    4.4. Current Market Analysis By Tour Type (% of Demand)

        4.4.1. Independent Traveller

        4.4.2. Tour Group

        4.4.3. Package Traveller

    4.5. Current Market Analysis By Age Group (% of Demand)

        4.5.1. 15-25 Years

        4.5.2. 26-35 Years

        4.5.3. 36-45 Years

        4.5.4. 46-55 Years

        4.5.5. 56-65 Years

        4.5.6. 66-75 Years

    4.6. Current Market Analysis By Booking Channel (% of Demand)

        4.6.1. Phone Booking

        4.6.2. Online Booking

        4.6.3. In-Person Booking

    4.7. Key Findings, By Each Category

5. Competition Analysis

    5.1. Competition Dashboard

    5.2. Competition Benchmarking

    5.3. Competition In the Cruising market

        5.3.1. Princess Cruises

        5.3.2. MSC Cruises Company

        5.3.3. Silversea Cruises

        5.3.4. Holland America Line

        5.3.5. Star Clippers

        5.3.6. Carnival Cruises

        5.3.7. Celebrity Cruises

        5.3.8. Carnival Cruise Line

        5.3.9. Cruiser Adio

        5.3.10. G Expedition

        5.3.11. Discerning traveller

        5.3.12. Trafalgar

        5.3.13. Quark Expedition

        5.3.14. Aurora Expedition

        5.3.15. Other Players (As Per Request)

6. Social Media Sentimental Analysis

    6.1. Social Media Platforms Preferred

        6.1.1. Facebook

        6.1.2. YouTube

        6.1.3. Instagram

        6.1.4. Twitter

        6.1.5. LinkedIn

        6.1.6. Pinterest

        6.1.7. Google+

        6.1.8. Others

    6.2. Consumer Perception for Destinations On Social Media Platforms-Positive and Negative Mentions

    6.3. Trending #Hashtags

    6.4. Social Media Platform Mentions (% of Total Mentions)

    6.5. Region-Wise Social Media Mentions (% of Total Mentions)

    6.6. Trending Subject Titles

7. Assumptions and Acronyms Used

8. Research Methodology

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