More choices in food, activities, itineraries and luxury are some of the trends shaping the cruise industry for 2008. The Cruise Lines International Association estimates that 12.6 million people cruised worldwide in 2007 on the 24 cruise lines CLIA represents, a 4.6 percent increase over 2006. CLIA believes demand will hold, with a projected 12.8 million passengers for 2008 despite the weakening economy. A recent CLIA survey of 500 travel agents found 90 percent expect 2008 cruise sales to be as good or better than 2007.
Recent industry surveys indicate that the Caribbean accounted for 43 percent of cruise bookings, Alaska 15 percent, the Mexican Riviera 8 percent, and Europe/Mediterranean 8 percent.
While more than 50 percent of travel overall is booked online, only 7 percent of cruises are booked online according to Mr. Taylor. Taylor attributes the continued reliance on cruise agents to the complexity of cruise bookings and the need for advice, especially for first-time cruisers.
"Think about all the different decisions you have to make," Taylor said. "Where am I going to go, what cruise line do I want, what cabin do I want, what dinner seating, what excursions, what about my pre-embarkation documentation."
On top of that tour conductors can get a free cabin for organizing a trip and are practically ensured of getting further client business by spending several days together in a relaxed environment.
For more information, please visit http://scottsdaleluxurycruises.com or call (602) 494-1200.
