- JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) is a new travel trend prioritizing slower, intentional, and restorative vacations over jam-packed itineraries.
- Over 70% of travelers are embracing JOMO, seeking well-being, flexibility, and choice, and aiming to avoid feeling exhausted post-vacation.
- Cruises and the Caribbean are identified as ideal for JOMO travel due to their relaxed environment and opportunities to unplug.
- NCL is adapting its offerings to the JOMO trend with 18 ships in the Caribbean, including new vessels, and emphasizing flexibility and private island experiences.
- NCL’s private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, are frequently included in Caribbean itineraries, offering exclusive relaxation.
- Onboard amenities like the Mandara Spa, adults-only clubs, and quiet lounges provide spaces for guests to disconnect and recharge.
- NCL’s all-inclusive packages are designed to reduce planning stress, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their trip.
- The shift to JOMO is seen across various demographics and international markets, indicating a broader change in travel priorities.
A new trend, the “Joy of Missing Out” (JOMO), is significantly influencing how individuals approach vacation planning, according to a survey conducted by YouGov for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This shift represents a departure from the previous “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) travel mindset, which often involved tightly scheduled itineraries and a focus on maximizing activities. The survey indicates that over 70% of travelers are now opting for slower, more intentional, and restorative escapes that prioritize personal well-being, flexibility, and individual choice.
The JOMO trend is emerging as a response to the fatigue many travelers experience from “doing it all,” with almost half of respondents admitting they often need a vacation after their vacation. While a majority previously aimed to visit as many landmarks as possible, over one-third reported feeling more exhausted than refreshed upon returning home. Now, 77% of travelers are planning their upcoming trips to be relaxing and slow-paced, valuing presence and simplicity over rigid schedules. This approach is particularly appealing to those seeking to disconnect from constant connectivity and the pressures of daily life, with motivations including self-care, unplugging, avoiding the pressure to see everything, and connecting with nature.
Travelers prioritizing JOMO value freedom from obligations, time spent in nature, and the ability to set their own pace. Cruises are identified by over half of travelers as an ideal environment for JOMO-style vacations, alongside spa retreats and beach getaways. The Caribbean stands out as the leading JOMO destination due to its relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty, and opportunities for unwinding. NCL is aligning its offerings with this trend by deploying 18 ships to the Caribbean through 2027, including new vessels like the Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aqua. These itineraries, ranging from four to fourteen days, often include calls at NCL’s private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, which are designed for relaxation and reconnection.
NCL emphasizes its ability to facilitate JOMO travel through several key aspects. The cruise line provides guests with the flexibility to personalize their vacation, allowing for spontaneous decisions like sleeping in or spending the day at the Mandara Spa. Its extensive year-round Caribbean offerings, departing from convenient homeports, are designed to bring guests closer to the sea and provide ample space for relaxation. The private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, serve as exclusive resort-style escapes, with Great Stirrup Cay undergoing enhancements to further cater to JOMO preferences, such as the new adults-only Vibe Shore Club.
Onboard, NCL ships offer various sanctuaries for relaxation, including the Mandara Spa with ocean views, adults-only retreats like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O, and quiet spaces such as the Observation Lounge. The Waterfront and Ocean Boulevard also provide opportunities for leisurely strolls by the sea. Furthermore, NCL’s all-inclusive packages aim to remove the stress of budgeting and planning by covering elements such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining, high-speed WiFi, and shore excursion credits. This comprehensive approach allows guests to focus on recharging and enjoying their journey. NCL sails to nearly 350 destinations globally, extending JOMO travel possibilities beyond the Caribbean. The survey data, collected from over 12,000 individuals across multiple countries, provides a broad perspective on these evolving travel preferences.
