Club Cruise Sees 27% Surge in Bookings as Travelers Shift to Experience Gifting

Club Cruise, a luxury travel agency with over three decades of experience, is reporting a significant 27% surge in December booking inquiries compared to last year, signaling a robust rebound in cruise and curated vacation demand. This momentum, driven by the post-Black Friday "Travel Tuesday" phenomenon, reflects a broader consumer shift away from traditional holiday gift-giving toward investing in memorable experiences. According to CEO Amanda Huber, the increase represents serious planning by travelers—including families, couples, and solo adventurers—seeking bucket-list journeys for 2026 and 2027, with many explicitly aiming to give loved ones "memories, not more stuff." The agency's distinctive brand identity and trusted reputation, built since its 1991 founding, position it to capitalize on this trend as travelers seek reliable expertise over impersonal online platforms.

The surge is fueled by strong interest in specific destinations and trip types, with European river cruises (along the Danube, Rhine, and Douro), luxury small-ship voyages in the South Pacific and Tahiti, Alaska cruisetours for multi-generational groups, Mediterranean cultural itineraries, and all-inclusive curated vacations topping the list. Club Cruise emphasizes that early planning is crucial, as prime cabins and optimal itineraries are booking rapidly. To assist clients, the agency is offering free 20-minute travel consultations this week, encouraging travelers to call 1-800-CLUB-SEA or visit www.ClubCruise.com to explore options and secure reservations. This proactive approach underscores the company's commitment to personalized service, leveraging deep industry relationships and concierge-level support to transform holiday inspiration into tangible journeys.

As a full-service luxury travel planner, Club Cruise distinguishes itself through expert planning, insider knowledge, and a national reach from its Lincoln, California headquarters. The agency's legacy of reliability and programmatic excellence—honed over more than 30 years—resonates with clients seeking once-in-a-lifetime vacations. Huber notes that the 27% uptick is not merely a seasonal spike but a testament to enduring brand value, with travelers trusting Club Cruise to deliver exceptional experiences. With an upcoming 35-year heritage and a focus on curated global travel, including airfare, hotels, and transfers, the agency is well-positioned to help more travelers navigate the post-pandemic demand for meaningful, experience-based getaways.