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Cruise industry sails on smoothly despite various setbacks
The cruise industry may be fighting steep oil prices and a spate of bad news about disappearing passengers and even pirate attacks, but that has not seriously affected healthy bookings.
Cruise travelers are not hesitating, said Ann Gray, owner of Interlachen Travel in Edina, Minn. Bookings are up about 25%, she told MarketWatch.
Other agents said the bad news is not bothering cruise ship passengers.
Travelers have been particularly bullish about Alaska and European cruises but somewhat hesitant about the Caribbean.
“The magnitude of the hurricane season last year has people a little skittish,” said Timothy Conder, an analyst with A. G. Edwards.
Hurricane Katrina last year closed embarkation ports in New Orleans and Mobile. Hurricane Wilma hit Cozumel, a popular port of call in Mexico.
Analysts say that has meant lower prices for Caribbean cruises.
The cruise lines are also offering heavily discounted rates, particularly for families.
To reassure potential passengers, the International Council of Cruise Lines recently issued an advisory that its 16 members are prepared to make sure that ships stay away from storms.
The association said operational protocols are in place for cruise lines to alter, cancel, shorten or otherwise change ship itineraries to keep passengers safe.
Cruise ships can also use alternate ports in cases of emergency.
Cruise lines are also making a renewed effort to communicate any itinerary changes to passengers prior to sailing.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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