Sustainability research in the cruise industry

Business challenge

UK demand for cruises is on the rise, with holidaymakers becoming increasingly interested in the opportunity for new experiences that multi-centre holidays bring. Carnival UK wanted to set up the long-term success of their brands by gaining insight into the sustainability landscape and how it impacts holiday decision-making.

Our approach

We conducted a robust quantitative survey speaking to a total of 4,355 respondents (this included existing guests of the client, non-cruising potentials, competitor cruisers and environmental cruise rejectors).

We explored:

  • Customer expectations in terms of sustainability when making holiday decisions and how this may change in the future.
  • Brand performance and the role of cruise brands & guests in achieving sustainability.
  • Communication strategies for guests and non-guests to ease concerns around sustainability.

Outcome

Through this research, we were able to identify customers’ sustainability priories in the context of everyday life, when on holiday and when on a cruise. The results are helping the client to inform their sustainability strategy and ensure they are meeting sustainability targets.