For the cruise industry, 2006 proved to be another year of upward evolution, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines continuing to break new ground on many fronts. For 2007, new and…
For the cruise industry, 2006 proved to be another year of upward evolution, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines continuing to break new ground on many fronts. For 2007, new and refurbished ships will continue to raise the bar with even more innovative facilities and amenities; new ports of call are keeping itineraries fresh and exciting; and increased enrichment programming is completely in sync with today`s quests for experiential vacation options.
The interest in cruise vacations has indeed reached new heights, a fact that is clearly evidenced in the record number of ships – 100 – that have, or will, enter service between 2000 and 2010. Seven new ships debuted in 2006, and another nine are scheduled to launch in 2007.
Both new cruisers and those who are veterans are indulging on every element of their cruise vacations, opting to upgrade to balcony and suite accommodations, and purchasing itineraries that are longer and to more exotic locales. Furthermore, the luxury cruise market is experiencing a renaissance, as legions of travelers seek out the posh amenities and facilities of these ships, as well as their innovative and far-flung itineraries.
Closer to home, North American ports also continue to exceed the expectations of travelers. More than 8.6 million passengers embarked on cruise vacations from U.S. ports, which handled 75 percent of all global embarkations in 2005, representing an increase of 6 percent over 2004.
With a 4.5 percent ship capacity increase, the number of guests boarding ships from U.S. ports continued to blossom in 2006, a trend that is expected to accelerate in 2007.
As the cruise industry matures, so too do baby boomers. They are a formidable swath of the population that grew up on rock `n roll, who, although aging chronologically, remain forever young at heart. In travel terms, baby boomers seek vacations that incorporate active and adventurous elements but are unwilling to sacrifice creature comforts.
Fortunately, new ships debuting in 2007 continue to push the bar on innovations, expanding the evolutionary process that began decades ago by adding more bells and whistles, but not at the expense of service.
Vacations with a purpose
Today`s traveler is seeking intellectual fulfillment while on vacation, said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing organization for 21 leading cruise lines and nearly 16,500 North American travel agencies. CLIA cruise lines are responding to baby boomers` desires with onboard enrichment programs that include a wide range of focus areas.
Depending on the cruise line, vacationers can attend a workshop in Shakespearian acting taught by alumni of London`s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, study French with a Berlitz instructor or discover undersea wonders with oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Guests lecturers might include noted astronomers to shed light on the galaxies; authors who discuss their best-selling books; scientists, naturalists and explorers who explain little-known destinations, flora and species; and diplomats, politicians and professors who help bring foreign peoples and cultures to life.
Hot Destinations
At the same time, the trend to visit destinations farther a field will flourish in 2007, and each successive year thereafter, quenching pent-up wanderlust. CLIA travel agencies report that intrepid travelers are booking cruise vacations to such regions as Asia, South America and the South Pacific. And closer to home – in the Caribbean – cruise lines are introducing new itineraries that delve deeper into less-trafficked island gems, from Antigua south to Trinidad.
Unlike traveling by air, cruises are fundamentally hassle free, transporting vacationers to exotic destinations that on land would be difficult and in some cases impossible to visit, noted Dale.
The Old World, which has benefited from sold-out summer seasons in 2005 and 2006, is on track to record another banner year. CLIA-member cruise lines will be adding new ports along Croatia`s Dalmatian Coast, as well as in southern Italy, Turkey, Greece and Spain.
Passport to adventure, priceless
However, those travelers without passports will soon miss the boat on itineraries that blanket the globe if they don`t obtain passports. Although Congress extended the deadline of passport requirements for cruise passengers, travelers can expect the cruise industry to continue to promote the value of passports because they are in effect, priceless.
Less than half of U.S. cruisers on voyages five days or less have passports, but CLIA cruise lines are continually launching new itineraries to exciting foreign destinations. Postponing the application process is likely to result in disappointment on the part of many travelers.
Romance at sea
Not surprisingly, cruises are ideal for honeymooners – a fact that has led to a burgeoning of this market segment – whether 20-something couples or newlyweds in their 40s and 50s celebrating a first or subsequent marriage. Depending on the cruise line, ships` captains can perform a legally binding wedding at sea or ceremonies can be held on board by a local officiant while in port on embarkation day, allowing family and friends to join in the festivities. In growing popularity, wedding guests are invited to sail with the couple.
Luxury cruising takes off
In 2006, the majority of luxury ships sailed full – thanks in part to increased affluence and younger, first-time cruisers who have discovered luxury cruising`s huge appeal. Business is so buoyant, in fact, that for the first time in many years orders are being placed for new ships catering to this segment of the cruise industry.
The traveling public has become aware that luxury cruises offer tremendous value and 2007 is predicted to be another stellar year.
Early bookings
The travel industry trend toward making cruise reservations far in advance is predicted to accelerate even further in 2007, with consumers heeding CLIA`s message that early bookers are ensured the best savings and their optimum choices in ships, staterooms and sailings. According to Dale, Some CLIA travel agents have reported that travelers booked
2008 cruises nearly two years in advance. Others have said that their 2007 booking levels are already exceeding those of 2006.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
