Cruise Lines International Association released its 2017 Cruise Industry Consumer Outlook, the first of its type focusing on insights, outlook and attitudes of travelers regarding cruising.

The report indicates cruise popularity is on the rise, as it underwent a surge of interest. The CLIA joined with J.D. Power to compile consumer travel behaviors and opinions in the first installment of three 2017 outlooks. The first report found 64 percent of responders said their awareness of cruise vacations improved over the last two years and another 30 percent said their awareness of the industry decreased tremendously. In total, only 6 percent of people surveyed presented an unfavorable attitude toward cruise vacations.

“The first installment of the Cruise Industry Consumer Outlook is vital in keeping the cruise industry abreast of consumer attitudes and behaviors, allowing the industry to continue to evolve in a direction that is appealing and beneficial to would-be and current cruise travelers,” said Cindy D’Aoust, chief executive officer, Cruise Lines International Association. “Each installment will help the industry, as well as cruise travel agents, continue to adapt business practices and offerings to coincide with the desires of travelers and propel the cruise industry forward.”

Interest in river and ocean cruising is on the rise as 63 percent of responders reported desire in taking a cruise vacation, due to the price and convenience. About 50 percent of responders are interested in both river and ocean cruises while another 30 percent were more excited about river cruising.

Fiscally, 67 percent of travelers believe cruising offers a high-value experience. On the other hand, driving to a port is important to others while 66 percent of responders enjoy close-to-home port options and 50 percent are willing to drive up to 500 miles to a port.