Demographics and Liveaboards

[KathyV]

There is an interesting discussion going on in another forum about younger divers (18-35 years old) asking about LOB trips geared more toward their age group.

Are there LOB trips like that available? Where, when, and how much?

I am an "older diver" so it wouldn't be for me, but I am just curious.

 

[tangfish]

It certainly would be nice to know which charters cater to either type of diver.

 

[Wookie]

I became captain and bought the Spree at 35 years of age. My customer base was the same age and they never changed, except they got old, and decided they wanted and could afford a kinder gentler ride.

 

[Rob Bibber]

Why would any LOB operators want to limit their potential customer base to a single demographic?

 

[Dogbowl]

This is very interesting. Look at the cruise lines. They probably do market to specific demographics, but it's probably not that obvious, but I've been on several lines and the culture is obvious.

For example, Royal Caribbean is very family-oriented. Celebrity is a little snooty and upscale. Norwegian used to be for the laid-back people but nowadays I can't tell exactly what their target demographic is anymore. Princess is definitely on the older side, but not upscale. And Carnival is definitely the party boat - you wanna party, you go on Carnival.

I suppose the liveaboards could differentiate themselves but wouldn't scuba diving itself be the differentiator? Everyone is a diver on a liveaboard, and probably a pretty serious diver, given you do upto 5 dives a day.

 

[KathyV]

Why would any LOB operators want to limit their potential customer base to a single demographic?

This is very interesting. Look at the cruise lines. They probably do market to specific demographics, but it's probably not that obvious, but I've been on several lines and the culture is obvious.

For example, Royal Caribbean is very family-oriented. Celebrity is a little snooty and upscale. Norwegian used to be for the laid-back people but nowadays I can't tell exactly what their target demographic is anymore. Princess is definitely on the older side, but not upscale. And Carnival is definitely the party boat - you wanna party, you go on Carnival.

I suppose the liveaboards could differentiate themselves but wouldn't scuba diving itself be the differentiator? Everyone is a diver on a liveaboard, and probably a pretty serious diver, given you do upto 5 dives a day.

Here is a cruise line that plans to fill a big boat with people that want to go topless and clothing optional! I'll bet the merchants at the cruise ports can't wait to try and sell them all some tee-shirts, especially if the weather turns chilly!

Topless cruise heading to Cayman | Cayman Compass

 

[KathyV]

Contiki Travels provides "TRIPS FOR 18 - 35 YEAR OLDS"

Contiki - Contiki - Travel Tours & Adventures for 18-35 year olds