CLIA Press Releases

Adventure, luxury, fine dining, worldwide itineraries of every length, exceptional value: the extraordinarily diverse menu of small ship cruises offered by members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) features virtually all the choices and experiences found on larger vessels.

From 30,000-ton converted transatlantic steamers carrying a few hundred passengers to 225,000-ton vessels carrying 5,400 guests; from small inside cabins to exclusive duplex suites; from one or two main dining rooms to dozens of eclectic culinary venues, including celebrity chef signature restaurants; from shuffleboard and ping pong to wave riding, waterparks, rock climbing, bowling and ice skating; from tiny windowless gyms to 20,000-square foot luxury spas: Cruising is not what it used to be.

Heading into the homestretch of the industry's biggest promotional period of the year, member companies of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report strong bookings, sparking further optimism for sales in 2010. "Wave Season," the period between January and March when cruise lines and their travel agent partners showcase the full scope and variety of cruise vacations through exceptional special offers, typically generates the highest sales volume of any time of year.

As momentum builds quickly around cruise3sixty 2010, to be held for the first time in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, June 2-6, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is calling for all members, including cruise lines, suppliers and CLIA’s travel agent members, to submit names for nomination into the 2010 Cruise Industry Hall of Fame.

Alison Levine is no stranger to risk-taking. She has survived sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, sudden avalanches, and a career on Wall Street. This June she will face an eager and appreciative cruise industry audience of thousands when she delivers the keynote address at Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) cruise3sixty conference, June 2-6 in Vancouver. The conference is dedicated to honoring women who have made major contributions to the world of business and the cruise industry.

Today's world of cruising is global, with many members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) offering voyages in Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Asia, the South Pacific and beyond. As cruise ships large and small are seasonally repositioned from one cruising destination to another, vacationers have dozens of opportunities to enjoy one of life's most memorable and unique experiences – a voyage by ship from one continent to another.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is taking advantage of its cruise3sixty, the industry’s leading annual conference and trade show, to provide travel agents with more opportunities to learn and become Certified in the shortest amount of time.

With registrations already topping 1,100, Cruise Lines International Association’s sixth annual cruise3sixty – June 2-6 in Vancouver – is shaping up, once again, to be the “gold standard” of 2010 travel industry events.

Whether it’s a last minute impulse or careful planning ahead, there is no better time than now – while love is in the air this Valentine’s Day – to choose a romantic cruise. Member companies of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are making it easy to find the perfect voyage for two – with breakfast in bed, dining under the stars and dancing til dawn - and incredible value at the same time.

Having weathered perhaps the most challenging 18 months in its history, the cruise industry as represented by Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) member lines, is looking ahead with optimism and a proud sense of accomplishment. CLIA, its member lines and travel agents, have adapted quickly and effectively to the global economic downturn in order to keep ships sailing at full capacity throughout 2009 and expect continued growth in 2010.