Two trends noted in a new survey by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA):
The Caribbean remains a top destination.
More cruisers are bringing their children along.
Cruise experts also say that in response to rising fuel costs, cruise lines are increasing surcharges and changing their itineraries. Some are skipping Aruba, once a popular port, because of the extra fuel it takes to get there, the report says.
“You’re seeing a lot less of the real exotic types of itineraries that require more sea time because it’s so expensive,” Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, told the AP.
Consumer interest in cruising remains strong, according to the CLIA, with 55% of vacationers who have never taken a cruise intending to do so in the next three years.
But many cruisers are watching their spending, says Ms Brown. They are cutting back on onboard spending and planning independent short excursions. They are also choosing a cruise near a home port to avoid having to fly to meet the ship.
That means the Caribbean is rebounding and the Mediterranean is losing out, says Ms Brown.
The Caribbean is traditionally cheaper than other cruises, partly because it is a year-round destination and people don’t have to travel far to catch the ship. Other cruise regions are seasonal: Canada/New England and Alaska are only accessible via cruise ship in warm months, she says.
by David Wilkening
