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Continuing smooth
sailing for cruise business
The US economy has its share of
uncertainties but the cruise industry is receiving high marks from
consumers and is well-positioned for continued growth, say tourism observers.
The Cruise Lines International
Association’s (CLIA) latest survey reinforced that cruises
remain a healthy industry offering perceived value. Last year, 9.6
million Americans took a cruise but more than 12.5 million cruisers
on CLIA member lines are expected this year.
“Based on this year’s
study, 33.7 million Americans stated intent to cruise within the next
three years,” the study said.
The study also shows that travel
agents, who sell the great majority of cruises, remain a vital part
of the industry and are perceived by travelers as providing the best
service in vacation and cruise planning.
“Given the current economic
climate, we are particularly pleased to see that American cruisers
remain bullish on the industry. Their high satisfaction with a
wonderfully diverse cruise product drives their intention to take
more cruises,” said Terry Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO.
Among the key findings of
CLIA’s 2008 Cruise Market Profile Study:
-- Consumer interest in cruising
continues to be strong despite downward pressure on travel in general
due to the economy and fuel costs; 77 percent of past cruise
vacationers and 55 percent of vacationers who have yet to take a
cruise expressed interest in doing so within the next three years.
-- CLIA survey respondents who
indicated a “definite” or “probable” intent to
cruise within the next three years represents almost 34 million
adults from the target market (at least 25 years of age with a
minimum household income of $40,000).
-- An overwhelming majority or
94.8%of all cruisers rate their cruise experience as satisfying with
44% claiming the highest “Extremely Satisfying” ranking.
-- The general profile of the
2008 cruise vacationer is upscale (with a median household income of
$93,000), educated (69% have a college degree) and the median age of
cruisers is now 46 years old, down from 49 in 2006, which shows that
cruise vacations continue to appeal to younger travelers.
-- Cruise vacationers agree (80%)
that a cruise is a great way to sample destinations that they may
wish to visit on a future land-based vacation.
-- Both past cruisers (69%) and
cruise prospects (56%) recognize a cruise vacation as providing very
high value for the vacation dollar. Those who have experienced the
inclusive nature and service of a cruise vacation rank cruising as
the best vacation value.
Report by David Wilkening
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