The cruise lines have done their homework and are following trends they see emerging according to their own research.
There seem to be three reference points in particular that give them encouragement to keep building new ships, even though the recent economic woes south of the border put a delay on some of the construction plans.
Firstly, what was once an older person’s vacation choice is no longer the reality.
Most cruise ships have not only created areas for teenagers to accommodate family travel, but facilities for young children as well.
Younger couples also find it a way to visit a number of countries on one journey to establish baseline knowledge of an area that may motivate them to go back for a more extended vacation later on.
Where not long ago it was said one in 30 vacations is aboard a cruise ship, today that figure is approaching 10 per cent.
Secondly, more destination weddings and business incentive travel groups have shifted from land locations to cruise ships.
Any number of companies can take up every cabin of smaller ships for their promotion, which is so important to the industry that cruise lines will occasionally modify an entire itinerary to accommodate those big-spending organizations.
Finally, the itinerary is becoming secondary to the ship itself as the primary destination.
Many look forward to the days at sea because of how new cruise ships have moved to better entertainment, more vessel-based activities, and dining options that not only allow greater choice on the menu but a wider variety of restaurant options.
All in all, the future is looking so bright for the industry that they may have to start distributing sunglasses to boarding passengers
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