Hospitality Sector: Cruises Vs Hotels (Pros and Cons)

Hospitality, travel industry, and hotel industry are all branches that are intertwined, and they make up one of the largest service industries, which is bound to become even more important in the future. The aim of the travel industry is to tend to the needs of people traveling away from their residences. Even though cruise ships are being classified as means of transportation, they are a type of accommodation, as well. Hotels are closely linked with the travel industry since they provide accommodation to travelers who visit different locations and need somewhere to stay overnight. Rather than tending to their basic needs, the hospitality industry is more concerned with providing the customers with enjoyment and experience, and in general, should be perceived as a section of the service industry, with its focus not on end-products and necessities, but on leisure and customer satisfaction. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the two types of accommodation, namely cruise ships and hotels, by establishing the similarities and differences between the two, as well as highlighting the upsides and drawbacks of each.

Cruises - pros

One of the advantages of cruise lines is reflected in the emphasis that is put on customer interaction, with end-to-end experience being placed high up on the priority list. What's more, making a personal connection with the customers helps build trust, and giving priority to the guests' well-being is crucial for successful customer interaction. Another advantage of cruise ships is the fact that they provide the guests with entertainment along the way - most cruise ships offer various activities that give the guests a sense of achievement, turning the once experiential travel into a goal-oriented adventure. With new trends constantly emerging in the hospitality sector, one of the most notable ones is definitely the more conscious approach to traveling. The eco-conscientiousness of the cruise industry is higher than ever, and it's helping reduce the environmental footprint of cruise travel as well as preserve the heritage of local communities. Another notable trend in the cruise industry is an increased interest in quality cruise travel insurance. Namely, more and more travelers are looking for travel insurance plans that offer travel medical coverage to protect themselves from a variety of unexpected circumstances, which will provide them with great value and carefree travel.

Cruises - cons

One of the issues that the cruise lines need to work on is the internet access. However, with an increased number of digital nomads on board, cruise ships are bound to deal with the problem soon enough. Another problem with cruise lines is that the check-in takes long, and it can take hours to get every passenger on board. However, there is a solution for that - opting for a smaller cruise ship. Last but not least, staying on a cruise ship comes with limited control, and the time spent in port isn't nearly enough as many travelers would like it to be. One way that passengers may get around these is to find itineraries where an overnight stay is included - that way, they can spend more time exploring the location, as well as experience nightlife there.

Hotels - pros

First off, let's start with the most obvious advantages. Some people are simply prone to motion sickness. However, there is no sea sickness involved when staying at a hotel, and although some people find their sea legs after one or two days, others don't, and that's exactly why some people would choose a hotel over a cruise ship any day. When you're going on a vacation, the hotel is basically a home away from home. The guests are provided with security, comfort, as well as some form of entertainment and WiFi to stay connected with friends and family. Hotels have consistent quality, so whichever hotel you visit that is from the hotel chain you've visited, you already know what to expect. There is this notable global trend in the hospitality industry which is based on introducing new technology as a source of opportunities for an advantage over the competitors. That implies that IT shouldn't be seen as a commodity but rather as a strategy for attracting potential customers.

Hotels - cons

One of the main drawbacks when it comes to hotels is that more often than not, they disregard the benefits that come with loyalty programs. It's important to focus on the value and provide your customers with deals where they can save more money. Once they realize that you are both on the same side and how much you value their money, they're more likely to recommend the brand, as well as come back for more, which should be the ultimate goal of the hotel industry - attracting new and keeping old customers. Another area of the hotel industry that has room for improvement is the customer interaction. There is something about welcome notes, informational pamphlets, and even towel animals left on the bed that makes guests instantly feel welcome, which makes their stay even more pleasant. By stretching the budget and investing some more money in creating a more positive experience for the guests, the hotel industry could really thrive.

After comparing these two industries, we can conclude that both of them offer different benefits in order to accommodate a wide range of their customers' needs. This list can serve as a guide for deciding on the best type of accommodation for holidays.

Marie Nieves
Lifestyle Blogger