Cruising has been the fastest-growing segment of the vacation business for the last few decades, beating land-based resorts, theme parks and excursions. Studies show that whether they are first time or frequent cruisers, the majority of travelers rate cruising as better than other vacation experiences. About 90% of them expect to take more cruises in the future. Since 1970 growth of the industry is 1,800 percent.

This is also followed by a significant increase of passenger capacity:

Since 1980, the industry has had an average annual passenger growth 8.1% per annum, which makes it most exiting growth category in the entire leisure market.

Cruise ships visit more than 500 destinations worldwide. The Caribbean cruises are most favorite ones followed by history rich Mediterranean cruises. Many spectacular European cities can be visited on a cruise ship: London, Barcelona, Venice, Monte Carlo, Amsterdam,Athens, Nice, Genoa, Dubrovnik, Copenhagen, Oslo, Istanbul, Helsinki,St Petersburg ... Most cruise lines also visit destinations on Orient, Australia and South East Asia. Alaska, Antarctic and transcanal cruises (Panama and Suez) are among the favorite itineraries too.

The standard duration of cruise is seven days, although some cruises can take one day (coastal voyage) up to voyage around world which can take to few month.

Based on quality of service cruise lines can be roughly categorized in Contemporary (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL ,Costa), Premium (Princess,Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal) and Luxury (Seabourn,Cunard, Silversea).

Although there is a many points of similarity between those companies they are quite different from each other. While contemporary category is focused on mass market with big ships with huge passenger capacity , on the other end luxury category is absolutely oriented on quality of service. That means smaller ships, smaller number of guests, big space ratio per person and biggest crew per passenger ratio. Of course this clearly is shown also by price, while on contemporary average price point is $150 by day, luxury costs $800 by day and more. This can be clearly illustrated by pyramid:

What is secret of cruise industry success ?

Today's passengers on mega liners enjoy of thousands of square feet filled with activities for their pleasure. Five or six star restaurants on ships offer better food and service than most of the land based hotels and restaurants. Attractive and carefully planed itineraries makes possible to see and visit more different places on one vacation all inclusive. Also while on ship there is so many activities like gym, casino, theater, bars, massage, beauty salons, sport activities, etc.

Comments:

Post your comment:

Name:
From:
Email (optional, will not be published):
	Write this text:
Your comment (500 characters max):