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Record cruising year in 2008 but maybe not in Caribbean
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) gazed into its crystal ball and predicted a record year for 2008 with 10.5 million passengers originating from North America and 2.3 million from international markets.
“The cruise industry, represented by CLIA member lines and driven by new ships, innovative itineraries and ground-breaking shipboard facilities and activities, continues to demonstrate enviable strength,” said Dan Hanrahan, CLIA’s marketing committee chairman and president & CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.
“We anticipate that the unparalleled diversity of cruise experiences offered by our members will result in another record year for the industry,” he added.
But at the same time, a financial analyst said that climbing US unemployment might soften demand in the Caribbean which offers the most affordable offerings.
Low income consumers tend to lean towards Caribbean cruises base don pricing, said Robert Simonson of William Blair & Co.
Eight new ships and two redeployed vessels are set to join the CLIA fleet this year, representing an increase of 23,275 berths.
CLIA’s optimism was supported by early reports from CLIA member travel agents on this year’s Wave Season, the period between January and March traditionally known as the heaviest booking period of the year. A recent survey indicated that 90% of agents expect as good or better annual sales results as 2007.
“With consumers typically booking at least five to six months out, Wave Season gives us a good indication of the year to come and it’s looking positive,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.
“We are also heartened by the fact that cruise bookings and sales are increasingly strong throughout the year, extending beyond Wave Season,” he added.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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