Out to Sea column for Aug.
18/12
(c) By Jim and Barb Fox
The tide has turned
for the cruise line industry.
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| The Caribbean remains the leading cruise destination as the Caribbean Princess “parks” right at the beach in Grand Turk. (Jim Fox photo) |
After a disastrous
event that shook the confidence of many considering a cruise, bookings are
rising and have even surged, a poll of Canadian and U.S. travel agents shows.
The January disaster
that saw the Costa Concordia smash into a reef off the Italian island of Giglio
and partially submerge with the loss of 32 lives, cast a pall over the
industry.
The haunting
spectacle threatened to throw cruise vacations off course in a business that
prides itself on an exemplary safety record.
More than 300
agents recently polled cited “optimism” has returned, with more than half
saying they are selling more vacations at sea than last year, said Christine
Duffy, president and ceo of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
As well, 64 per cent
of the agents expect cruise bookings this year to increase over 2011.
After the Costa
incident, cruise lines began offering deals and incentives to keep sales afloat
during the difficult period.
The survey reported
consumers are motivated by good value
offered by the lines; love of cruising; prices; getting away with friends; trying
out new ships; family reunions; shorter cruises; and
honeymoons/weddings/anniversaries.
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| Vibrant sunsets and exotic vistas can be seen while cruising past the tip of Baja California and through the Mexican Riviera. (Jim Fox photo) |
What’s hot, hot, hot
Travel agents say
the top “hot” cruise destinations for
the next year are the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Hawaii and Europe/Scandinavia.
They are followed by Australia/New Zealand,
trans-Panama Canal, Asia, Bahamas, Mexico, transatlantic and the Middle East.
Agents said the strongest sales potential is with river, contemporary, shorter, premium and luxury cruises.
Agents said the strongest sales potential is with river, contemporary, shorter, premium and luxury cruises.
Generating the “most excitement” are new
itineraries and destinations; new ships; longer stays in ports; family and
children’s programs; and innovative shore excursions.
Other “elements” are domestic ports of
embarkation; smaller/specialized ships; weddings/honeymoons/anniversaries at
sea; new choices in dining and entertainment; and theme cruises.
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| Cruisers fill the decks to experience history while travelling through the Panama Canal. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Representing the strongest growth in order are
first-time cruisers, families, couples without children, seniors,
multigenerational families, single travellers, younger adults from 21 to 39, wedding/honeymoon
and social or corporate groups.
Details at www.cruising.org
In your dreams?
Luxury line Silversea
is offering exclusive complimentary events and mid-voyage land adventures for Silver Whisper's World Cruise next year.
It’s a mind-boggling 115-day
journey from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 5 and following the
tropical belt to 52 destinations in 28 countries with overnight stays in
several key ports.
The
warm-weather journey will explore a realm of far-flung cultures and scenic
wonders including New Zealand and Australia's remote west coast; the idyllic
isles of French Polynesia; fascinating Asian cities of Hong Kong, Bangkok and
Singapore; and Africa's rarely seen western coast.
OK, if you must
ask, fares start at $49,999 US per person, double occupancy, with shorter cruise
segments available. www.silversea.com
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| Passengers leave the Caribbean Princess for a day ashore in Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands of the Caribbean. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Decompress on Royal Princess
An expanded Lotus Spa will offer the “ultimate
in rejuvenation” for passengers on the Royal Princess to launch next June.
New features include
the private Couples Villas and the Enclave – a thermal suite that’s triple the
size of any existing Lotus Spa.
Passengers will be
able to totally decompress with new relaxing options such as the Hammam
(Turkish-style steam room); Caldarium (herbal steam room); Laconium (dry-heat
sauna); and the line’s first hydro-therapy pool.
Details at www.princess.com/royalprincessactivities
Details at www.princess.com/royalprincessactivities
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| Passengers on the Rotterdam cruise ship get a chance to go ashore at Gatun Lake during a transit of the Panama Canal. (Jim Fox photo) |
Peek-a-boo
Here’s
looking at you – rather looking at the ocean – as a suite on the Celebrity
Reflection will feature an all-glass shower extending out over
the edge of the ship.
The ship, which
begins sailing on Oct. 12 from Amsterdam to Barcelona, has the two-bedroom
Reflection Suite with a distinctive sea-view bathroom.
Nestled in the
corner on the 14th deck, occupants can “enjoy breathtaking sea views while
discreetly showering, courtesy of the shower’s special reflective glass,” said
Celebrity’s Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
“We made a big
investment in ensuring our guests can enjoy the shower entirely free of any
concerns of being seen,” she added. www.celebritycruises.com
Motion on the ocean
Legends will rock
the Norwegian Epic this fall as tribute artists perform as Michael Jackson, Donna
Summer and Jimmy Buffet.
As part of Legends
in Concert, a Las Vegas staple for more than 25 years, the shows start on Nov.
3 when the ship begins weekly Eastern Caribbean
sailings from Miami. www.ncl.com
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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
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