Caribbean remains top cruise destination
Two trends noted in a new survey by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA):
The Caribbean remains a top destination.
More cruisers are bringing their children along.
Cruise experts also say that in response to rising fuel costs, cruise lines are increasing surcharges and changing their itineraries. Some are skipping Aruba, once a popular port, because of the extra fuel it takes to get there, the report says.
“You’re seeing a lot less of the real exotic types of itineraries that require more sea time because it’s so expensive,” Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, told the AP.
Consumer interest in cruising remains strong, according to the CLIA, with 55% of vacationers who have never taken a cruise intending to do so in the next three years.
But many cruisers are watching their spending, says Ms Brown. They are cutting back on onboard spending and planning independent short excursions. They are also choosing a cruise near a home port to avoid having to fly to meet the ship.
That means the Caribbean is rebounding and the Mediterranean is losing out, says Ms Brown.
The Caribbean is traditionally cheaper than other cruises, partly because it is a year-round destination and people don’t have to travel far to catch the ship. Other cruise regions are seasonal: Canada/New England and Alaska are only accessible via cruise ship in warm months, she says.
by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025