Specialty cruise holidays have become increasingly popular; however, very few cruise lines have devoted their company exclusively to this line of business. A specialty cruise is any cruise with an unusual itinerary or a hard-to-get-to destination, a unique cruise vessel, or an interesting cruise theme. Some cruise lines have devoted their businesses exclusively to specialty cruises to meet the demands of a niche market of cruise customers who are less than satisfied with the traditional product offered by the major cruise lines and desire a cruise holiday that is a cut above the ordinary. This market includes experienced cruise passengers, active seniors and baby boomers, and the more affluent consumer.



Over the past twenty years, the cruise industry has experienced unprecedented popularity and phenomenal growth. Every year hundreds of thousands of people choose cruise holidays and, with each successive year, the numbers grow. In order to serve more passengers and to capture an even greater share of the tourism and travel market, cruise lines continue to introduce bigger and glitzier ships. For the novice cruise customer, the novelty of vacationing on a modern "floating hotel" may be very attractive. But, for many experienced cruisers, bigger (and glitzier) is not always better. Many repeat-cruise customers find that they are no longer impressed with the massive new ships that are coming into service and that they much prefer the smaller cruise ships. Experience has taught them that a smaller ship has many advantages over a larger ship, including a superior level of service and easier access to smaller, more interesting ports of call. As well, many become bored with the same old itineraries. They've been there and they've done that already!

However, a new trend is underway in the cruise industry. The niche cruise market is gaining momentum, and sometimes at the expense of conventional cruising. Many experienced, repeat-cruise clients are becoming disenchanted, but more often than not they are simply seeking a new cruise experience. It is the goal of specialty cruise lines to provide them with some exciting cruise alternatives.

Some of these specialty cruise lines have created their website as an extensive one-stop cruise resource center that provides a wealth of specialty cruise related information. Customers can research hundreds of unique cruises to unusual destinations worldwide and over one hundred theme cruise categories, catering to just about every interest imaginable. Additionally, website's such as this also feature their fleet of cruise vessels ranging from tugboats to sailing ships and river barges to motor yachts. As well, some companies feature an online community discussion forum with an experienced specialty cruise advisors are just a phone call away. Specialty cruise lines are for those who seek a world beyond the ordinary. It's for those who want an experience, an adventure, or a cultural immersion. It's for those who want that experience in a smaller group setting, and on a smaller vessel. It's for those who want to go beyond the 'big-box' style of cruising.