Cruise ship luxuries becoming commonplace
Shipboard amenities that used to be the sole province of luxury lines designed for ocean crossings have filtered down to less exclusive lines where passengers increasingly find flat screen TVs, upgraded bedding and private balconies.
Rod McLeod, a retired cruise industry veteran, likens the cruise evolution to air conditioning in automobiles. “In the 1960s it was a luxury, today it is standard equipment,” he told the Miami Herald.
Guests will find luxury elements on many ships of the mainstream and premium cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Costa, MSC, Celebrity, Norwegian and Disney.
“As cruise lines expand their fleets and compete for guests, they have had to upgrade their ships to offer these and other upscale features,” the newspaper says.
Among the lines that sail out of US ports, more than a quarter of their ships are five years old or less and were designed with some luxury features. But the cruise lines are also spending millions of dollars to add the amenities to older ships.
“Even the largest contemporary class ships today feature accommodations, services and amenities that were once considered exclusive to luxury cruise travel: balconies, butlers, luxury spas, huge suites,” said Bob Sharak, executive vice president of marketing and distribution for Cruise Lines International Association.
The growth of the cruise industry is helping to drive the changes. There were 7.2 million cruisers in 2000, and the industry is forecasting double that number this year. This growth is due in part to an increase in the number of ships as well as the size of many of the newest ships.
Coming up ahead: even more luxury features such as loft suites and martini bars.
By David Wilkening
David
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