More and more cruisers are happier than ever to set sail, according to a study just released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). According to the report, 23 million people around the world will board a ship as part of a vacation experience this year.
Why do so many people choose to cruise?
For many cruisers, familiarity and finances are important. A majority of cruisers—a little over 60 percent—are return customers. At the same time, this also suggests that many new faces are trying out cruising.
People also perceive cruising as an excellent value for the money. In fact, two out of three cruisers ranked an ocean-bound vacation as a better value than a land-based holiday. Given the array of amenities available on a cruise ship, including the excellent food and countless entertainment options for the whole family, this isn’t surprising.
To explain the popularity of cruising, industry executives point to the launch of new ships that feature exciting innovations in technology and entertainment. The latest ships are wired for easy internet access and offer a bewildering array of amenities in gaming, fitness, dining, on-board entertainment, and shore excursions.
In addition, experts have noted that cruise companies have responded to cruisers’ desires to explore exotic new destinations by expanding their itineraries in recent years to include previously unvisited ports all over the world. While the Caribbean is still the favorite destination by far, increasing numbers of ports in other parts of the world, such as the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia, are hosting more cruise ships every year. Different styles of specialty cruises are also increasingly available. With options such as short family-oriented itineraries, riverboats, adventure cruises, luxury yachts, and more, there is a cruise for practically every taste imaginable.
With so many people sailing today—including countless newcomers—the industry is going all out to help these cruisers kick back, relax, and feel at home on the sea. Don’t be left out of the fun!
