Everyone's Dream Vacation

A recent study sponsored by Cruise Lines International Association found that nearly 30 million Americans will likely cruise within the next three years. Why do so many people find cruising so appealing?

• A cruise offers all the things most people want in a vacation - romance, excitement, relaxation, adventure, escape, discovery, luxury; value and more - without the hassles nobody wants. It’s no surprise, then, that most people who have taken a cruise rate cruising above any other vacation choice.
  
  
• In a recent survey, most cruise vacationers said they were "extremely satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their cruise vacations. Also, a majority of cruisers identified cruising with positive vacation experiences and attributes, including "luxury", "being pampered" and "the chance to visit several locations.
  
  
• With nearly all the components (accommodations, fabulous meals, entertainment, first-rate facilities and services and more) included in the cost of a vacation at sea, cruising ranks extremely high in affordability and value.
  
  
• Each year, roughly 40 percent of cruise vacationers are first-timers.
  
  
• The average cruiser vacationer is married; 50 years old and has a household income of $99,000, college education and is employed. On their last cruise they typically sailed with their spouse for about 6.2 days and spent approximately $1,650 per person for their cruise and onboard expenses (not including airfare).
  
  
• The overwhelming majority of people who cruise, whether first-timers or regulars, cite the freedom to do as much or as little as they want, the fun and the value as the best qualities of a cruise vacation.
  
  
• Many ships today offer vacationers luxurious, full-service spas and health club facilities; specialty restaurants and dining options to satisfy any taste; professionally staffed children’s facilities; sports activities from golf to rock climbing; Internet centers; and a host of other features designed to cater to vacationers of all ages.
  
  
• Today’s cruise ships utilize technological innovations in power and propulsion systems, waste treatment and communications that make them more efficient, more environmentally friendly and safer than ever.
  
  
• Cruises allow travelers to sample sun-drenched islands, historic cities, remote wild places in every part of the world - safely, securely and comfortably.
  
  
• The cruise industry’s investment in educating and supporting travel agents provides quality professional support to help consumers select and buy cruises that fit their individual lifestyles, tastes and budgets.
  
  
• To meet the expected consumer demand, cruise lines have added more than 62 new ships to their fleets since the year 2000, with more to follow. These ships promise to offer all of the things that have made cruising the world’s fastest-growing vacation choice.