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US cruise market richer, younger than ever
American cruisers are reaching ever higher popularity levels while at the same time attracting younger and more affluent guests, according to the latest survey.
Over 51 million vacationers have taken a cruise, representing 17% of the total US population, according to Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).
The core group of cruisers: adults 25 or older with minimum household incomes of $40,000, CLIA says in its latest study.
But the future looks even better with more than 31 million Americans expressing a strong interest to cruise within the next three years, the study found.
Said Larry L. Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO:
“Leisure cruising’s continuing growth and surging popularity reflect the fundamental value, outstanding guest satisfaction and broad appeal of today’s cruise vacations.”
The 2006 CLIA study found cruisers are getting younger, with the average age falling to 49, the lowest figure since 2002.
The affluence of these visitors is reflected in the average income, which for the first time exceeded $100,000 ($104,000).
Report by David Wilkening
David
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