Vacationers
will find more of just about
everything from the cruise industry
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 (see separate
story on new ships).
“The industry
continues to grow and evolve,
offering more variety of cruise
experiences to both first-time
and repeat cruisers,”
says Bob Sharak, executive director
of CLIA, a nonprofit association
which represents 21 cruise lines
in the North American market
and nearly 16,000 travel agencies.
“With nearly 8.3 million
North Americans expected to
cruise on CLIA ships in 2003
and an average growth rate of
8.4 percent since 1980, we anticipate
this growth trend to continue.”
“The enhanced
product features and additional
embarkation and destination
options being introduced in
2004, along with cruising’s
exceptional value, will serve
to make cruise vacations even
more appealing,” says
Sharak.
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.
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 ports “closer to home”
over the last few years has
stimulated further growth in
that area.
The lines are
increasing departures from easily
accessible locations such as
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. You can choose
to 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
such topics as 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 member lines
will be adding even more choices
in 2004. From menus prepared
by celebrated chefs to such
casual selections as a hamburger,
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, on several
lines passengers can opt to
eat at one of the onboard alternative
restaurants, featuring menus
focusing on, for example, 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.
Plus, the needs of 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 of children
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 Sharak.
“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 Sharak,
“and that is to ensure
that every traveler has a wonderful
cruise experience.”
To learn more
about CLIA and its member lines,
visit CLIA’s website at
www.cruising.org then visit
a cruise expert at a CLIA member
travel agency. To find a nearby
member agency staffed with Accredited
Cruise Counsellors (ACCs) and
Master Cruise Counsellors (MCCs)
– agents who have extensive
cruise experience and have completed
advanced levels of CLIA’s
intensive training program –
click on “Find a Cruise
Travel Agent” on CLIA’s
website.
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