CRUISE INDUSTRY BRINGS
IN 2003 WITH NEW SHIPS, INNOVATIONS
Travel Agents Continue to Play
Key Role in Vacation Selections, Bookings
NEW YORK – Vacationers
have an ever-expanding range of cruise choices, making the advice and
assistance of a cruise-savvy travel agent more important than ever,
according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). CLIA-affiliated
travel agents – considered the cruise experts – are well-versed
in all that is available in the cruise industry.
While the average number of people booking commodity-type travel arrangements
(such as airline flights) online has increased dramatically over the
past several years, most cruise vacationers continue to view a travel
agency as the place to turn when they want to book a cruise. While the
Internet is an important research and informational tool for cruisers,
the vast majority – 9 out of 10 – book cruises through travel
agents, according to a recent CLIA study.
And they do so for good reason. The myriad of choices combined with
the expertise agents obtain through both cruise vacation training and
personal experience with the ships they recommend also contributes to
cruising receiving the highest satisfaction rating of any vacation type.
“With an estimated 44.3 million Americans stating an intent to
take a cruise within the next three years, the industry is positioning
itself to continue our impressive growth trend,” says Bob Sharak,
CLIA’s executive director.
CLIA estimates that this level
of interest could translate into nearly 27 million people taking a cruise
vacation during the next three years, and CLIA-affiliated travel agents
are in an excellent position to convert that interest into cruise vacations.
“New ships, itineraries, amenities and programs, along with the
exceptional value make a cruise an extremely attractive choice for a
vacation,” Sharak adds.
CLIA-affiliated travel agents are knowledgeable about all that is new
in the industry in 2003, including:
-
14 new
vessels – as well as several re-launched ships – joining
the CLIA fleet, featuring new innovations and the latest technologies,
amenities and programs, as well as more balconies than ever before
in addition to new guest services.
-
Itineraries
that offer both unusual ports as well as long-time favorite destinations.
While the Caribbean and Alaska continue to be among the most popular
destinations, travelers can also choose from such exotic destinations
as South America, Antarctica, the South Pacific, the Baltics and
Norwegian Fjords.
-
An expected
increase in the number of European itineraries, particularly in
the Western Mediterranean and Baltic regions as several lines expand
their Europe programs.
-
Continued
growth of the trend toward using ports close to home as departure
points.
-
A range of
new cultural/educational programs, activities and shore excursions
that continues to grow.
-
Destination-intensive
itineraries with in-depth experiences on both land and sea, with
distinguished guest lecturers and programs on board as well as shore
excursions designed to enhance the experience.
-
Continued
expansion of children’s programs, offering a combination of
education, enrichment – in addition to plenty of fun.
Dining options
in a variety of settings as well as the remarkable dining experiences
that have long been associated with cruises.
In all, CLIA estimates that
7.4 million North Americans cruised in 2002 and that approximately
8 million guests will enjoy a cruise vacation in 2003, a marked increase
from the 1.4 million who cruised in 1980, the first year the industry
statistics were compiled by CLIA.
“We are proud of the partnership the industry has developed
with the travel agent community over the years,” says Sharak,
“and recognize the significant contributions agents have made
to the industry’s growth.”
To learn more about CLIA and its member lines and its affiliated agencies,
visit CLIA’s web site at www.cruising.org. To find an affiliated
agency, use the Cruise Expert Locator on CLIA’s web site, or
look for the blue, white and gold CLIA seal displayed at the agency.
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