What to expect in cruising for 2014

Given that Japan can be expensive and tricky to navigate by land, trendspotters also predict that cruises will become an increasingly popular way for travelers to see the country.

Recognizing the desire for customized travel experiences, cruise lines are also giving travelers more options for building their own cruise packages with possible add-on features and onboard credit.

Cruise lines may also begin targeting an unmined market — local travelers in port cities — with shorter, two to four-day cruises that can offer residents a short break or last minute deal.

And smokers may want to consider kicking the habit if they plan to take a cruise, given the industry-wide trend of butting out. Major liners like Royal Caribbean, Cunard, and Disney have said they plan to implement smoking bans on some, if not all, balconies by 2014.