NCVM IS IDEAL TIME TO FOCUS ON WHAT'S NEW IN 2004
CRUISE MARKET: MORE SHIPS, ITINERARIES, PROGRAMS

National Cruise Vacation Month (NCVM) is an ideal time for agents to tout what’s new in the cruise market, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, the non-profit marketing association representing 21 cruise lines in the North American market and nearly 16,000 member travel agencies.

As CLIA promotes NCVM-related marketing initiatives designed to drive consumers to CLIA travel agents, agents are able to offer more cruise vacation options than ever before in 2004 – new ships, additional itinerary choices and a collection of new programs and amenities to suit virtually all tastes and interests.

Twelve new ships will join a fleet of 150 vessels operated by members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in 2004, including the largest ocean liner ever built, the first new American flag ship in nearly 50 years and an assortment of floating resorts carrying from 684 passengers to nearly 3,000.

“The industry continues to grow and evolve, offering more variety of cruise experiences to both first-time and repeat cruisers,” says Terry Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO. “With nearly 8.3 million North Americans estimated to have cruised on CLIA ships in 2003 and an average growth rate of 8.4 percent since 1980, we anticipate this growth trend to continue into 2004.”

“The enhanced product features and additional embarkation and destination options being introduced in 2004, along with cruising’s continued exceptional value, will serve to make cruise vacations even more appealing,” says Dale.

While the cruise industry continues to bring new innovations, amenities and enhancements to the overall vacation experience, behind the scenes new technologies and programs are being developed to ensure continued passenger safety and security and to make sure that the industry remains a maritime leader in protecting the environment.

CLIA works closely with the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), also a nonprofit organization, to communicate advances in such areas as environmental concerns and other joint initiatives.

The cruise industry is committed to protecting and preserving the natural beauty that passengers experience firsthand while enjoying their cruise vacation. From pristine waters to clear skies, cruise ships are implementing the latest technologies and procedures to minimize their environmental footprint. The cruise industry stands ready to work with other responsible parties to protect and promote a clean environment worldwide.

More Ports – Here, There and Everywhere
In 2004, CLIA-member cruise lines will offer itineraries that feature more North American embarkation ports, new ports of call throughout the world, and additional itineraries to exotic locales.

The positive response to the industry’s use of “close-to-home” ports over the last few years has stimulated further growth in that area.

CLIA’s member lines are increasing departures from easily reached locations including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, Galveston, Houston, Jacksonville and Honolulu to complement sailings from the more traditional departure ports of Miami, Cape Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver.

The cruising year also includes new options in the Gulf of Mexico and more opportunities from New York and the West Coast.

Where are the ships going? Everywhere – from “old favorite” destinations to new ports of call around the globe.

While the Caribbean and Alaska continue to remain among the most popular destinations, travelers will find more opportunities to explore Europe and the Mediterranean and such far-off lands as the South Pacific, the Orient, the Baltics, Australia, South America and the Norwegian Fjords.

Expanded Onboard Amenities
Key elements of the cruising experience continue to be the diverse amenities and programs added each year, as the cruise lines expand their onboard offerings to appeal to passengers with a broad range of interests. Guests can catch a flick on a poolside movie screen, enjoy new original entertainment in a ship’s theater, study the stars in the first planetarium at sea, enjoy the height of pampering in state-of-the-art spas or merely relax amid the finest of linens.

Enrichment/cultural programs – complete with guest lecturers and hands-on opportunities – feature various topics including literature, foreign languages and bridge. Theme cruises will focus on a variety of subjects, including music, art and wine; several special 2004 sailings will revolve around the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

In addition to the remarkable dining experiences cruise lines have come to be known for, CLIA’s member lines will be adding even more choices in 2004. From menus prepared by celebrated chefs to such casual selections as a hamburger and fries, fish and chips or a wrap sandwich, today’s cruise passengers will find something to satisfy every taste – including those of the younger set. Instead of a pre-set seating schedule, several lines passengers offer alternative restaurants, featuring menus focusing on steak, seafood, French or Italian cuisine.

Well aware that the public has become more health-conscious, cruise lines also have incorporated spa and heart-healthy options into their menus, featuring fat-free selections, low-sodium choices and vegetarian dishes. Also, passengers with special dietary needs can be accommodated by notifying the cruise line in advance.

Cruise ships are also expanding their family-friendly programs, as families continue to be a significant segment of the cruise market. CLIA estimates that nearly 1 million children cruised in 2002 – nearly double the number who cruised in 1998. With that number expected to continue to rise, several lines are adding to their children’s facilities and offering new programs to combine education and fun.

“We believe it is important that every cruise passenger – no matter their age, interest or ability level – has a wonderful experience,” says Dale. “In fact, the cruise industry prides itself

on being a travel leader when it comes to responding to the needs of all its passengers, including those with special needs.”

Cruise lines have adapted existing facilities and newer ships are being designed with special needs passengers in mind. In addition to accessibility for those with mobility problems,

the lines provide facilities for the hearing- and sight-disabled and persons with other needs.

“We all have one goal,” says Dale, “and that is to ensure that every traveler has a wonderful cruise experience.”