WHO'S CRUISING? EVERYONE!

Cruising Today Reaches Out To Broader Range Of Travelers

NEW YORK -- In cruising's early days, most sailings were one to two weeks and longer, according to the book "Selling the Sea: An Inside Look at the Cruise Industry."* That meant that cruise vacationers were predominantly retired and wealthy; in other words, those who had the time and the money to enjoy a cruise vacation.

Visionaries within the industry, however, looked to a time when the word "cruiser" could be applied to anyone.

That time has come. The face of today's cruiser has changed dramatically.

"Today's wide variety of cruising products -- ships of all sizes, more and varied amenities, and more than 1,800 destinations from which to choose -- has made travelers aware of the many possibilities available on a cruise and opened the doors to a world of new cruise travelers," says James G. Godsman, president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the non-profit association marketing the North American cruise lines.

Cruisers, it seems, are getting younger. In 1986, the average age for cruisers was 56. CLIA's 2000 Market Profile Study found the average age for those who have cruised in the past five years was 50, while the average age of cruise prospects is 43.

It also seems that cruising is increasingly perceived as an affordable, high-value vacation.

Past five-year cruisers had a median income of $64,500, while the median household income for cruise prospects is $51,800. With the wide range of products available -- from two- and three-day itineraries to world cruises -- travelers can find a cruise that fits into their budget.

These are other statistics about cruisers:

• About one-fourth are single
  
  
• Approximately 13 percent travel with their children
  
  
• Seventeen percent travel with a family member other than their spouse
  
  
• More than 40 percent are taking their first cruise.
  
  

• Active: Whether they want to climb a wall, hit golf balls, go ice skating, work out on the latest fitness equipment, have a massage or recline around the pool, today's cruisers can choose to be as active or as sedentary as they wish -- all on the same cruise!
  
  
• Family-oriented: More families than ever before are joining the ranks of cruisers. In fact, it is estimated that more than half a million children have cruised. And to accommodate this growing segment of the cruising population, cruise lines have expanded the programs available to the younger set. Many now offer age-appropriate facilities (such as teen clubs and ice cream bars) and activities (including shore excursions), each supervised by qualified children's counselors.
  
  
• Technologically in tune: Today's cruiser wants to escape from home and work but doesn't want to lose touch. With that in mind, the cruise lines have made communication a priority, many offering Internet cafés, in-room computer hook-ups and facsimile capabilities.
  
  
• Health-conscious: Whether it is in the gym or the dining room, travelers seem to be more health-conscious than ever before. They can jog around the deck or participate in an exercise class. When it comes to eating, health-smart menus are readily available, as are dishes for those with specific dietary restrictions.
  
  
• Thirst for knowledge: In many ways, a cruise can be a true learning experience. Cruise lines often schedule guest experts to discuss specific topics, such as cooking, native crafts, local history, golfing, art, music, financial seminars and computer classes. Cruising can provide a way to explore a hobby or topic of interest in depth and with others who have similar interests.
  
  

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