As the cruise industry experiences record demand and travelers face more choices than ever, they’re increasingly relying on advisors to guide them to the right sailing, ship and itinerary.
Jackie Friedman, VTA, CTIE, President, Nexion Travel Group
In a new survey of U.S. and Canadian travel advisors, 70 percent say cruises are the most common type of trip they book for their clients
IRVING (September 8, 2025) When travelers seek to connect with a travel advisor, chances are they’re looking to book a cruise. That’s the top takeaway from a new survey of U.S. and Canadian advisors conducted by Nexion Travel Group, North America’s premier host travel agency.
Of the 218 advisors surveyed, 71 percent said that cruises are the most common type of trip clients ask them to book, making cruising the clear leader over other categories. Family vacations came next (56 percent), followed by custom itineraries (46 percent), luxury travel (40 percent), group trips (34 percent), romance travel (33 percent) and adventure or experiential journeys (20 percent). Corporate, multigenerational and LGBTQ+ travel were also cited as popular segments.
“As the cruise industry experiences record demand and travelers face more choices than ever, they’re increasingly relying on advisors to guide them to the right sailing, ship and itinerary,” said Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group, a division of Internova Travel Group, one of rhe world’s largest travel services companies. “Our survey underscores that advisors are the go-to resource for cruising, offering not just expertise but also personalized service that makes every trip seamless.”
The results also shed light on the evolving advisor workforce. Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents entered the travel industry in the past five years, with backgrounds ranging from sales and education to health care, the military and customer service. While most were drawn by a passion for travel, many also cited the flexibility of being their own boss or pursuing a business in retirement.
Advisors credited Nexion’s extensive support, including supplier partnerships, advanced technology, marketing tools and peer community, as key to building their businesses. More than half (54 percent) highlighted customer service and hospitality experience as the most valuable skills they brought into travel, alongside communication, relationship building and organizational expertise.
“Travelers may come to us first for cruises, but what they discover is a trusted professional who can plan every type of journey,” Friedman added. “That’s the power of the advisor relationship, and it’s why demand continues to grow.”
All travel professionals interested in learning how to succeed as a professional business owner, backed by Nexion Travel Group’s many great benefits, are encouraged to call 800-747-6813 or email [email protected].
About Nexion Travel Group
Nexion Travel Group is a fully accredited host agency, offering membership to independent travel professionals since 1995. As part of Internova Travel Group, Nexion Travel Group provides ticketing, operations and fulfillment support to independent travel professionals coupled with best-in-class tools, technology, marketing, education and support. Nexion Travel Group is the complete host agency for multi-agent agencies, corporate agencies, experienced agents and those new to the industry.