CLIA names top destinations, new trends
Top destinations for cruises this year: Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean, according to the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA).
Up to 16 million people will take cruises in 2011, a projected increase of 6.6 percent over the last year.
"We are very bullish about 2011," Bob Sharak, of the Cruise Line Industry Association CLIA, told a press conference. "The cruise industry has been extremely resilient, particularly during the latest economic downturn."
Why an increase?
Exciting new ships, increasing global passengers, new destinations and the inclusivity of cruises, says Sharak.
Who are the cruisers?
The US and Canada accounted for three quarters with one quarter international, answers CLIA.
Sharak sees Europe, which only has a small percentage of cruisers, as a prime growth market.
Cruise lines are also looking to new markets in China, Brazil and Russia, and for new destinations in Asia, the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands.
An increase in group and family bookings and consumers booking earlier are also positive signs, according to CLIA.
Other trends reported by the cruise lines include:
• Globalization of itineraries, including shorter cruises in Europe and elsewhere.
• Increased choice in dining experiences, with more specialty restaurants, guests chefs and local sourcing of food.
• Continued evolution of onboard spas, including top-branded spa partners.
• A focus on personalized cruise experiences both onboard and on shore, with private or exclusive shore excursions, activities targeting specific demographics, including families, children, sports, active vacationers and special interest itineraries and programs.
• Strong interest in theme cruises, particularly food and wine, music, culture and art.
• Passenger growth among baby boomers, families/multigenerational groups, first time cruisers and corporate/meeting groups.
By David Wilkening
David
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