Cruise industry continues to draw passengers
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the Industry go-to for information about our sailing niche. As a speaker, you should be aware of our business. Looks like opportunities will continue to grow for speakers as the activity is trending up and business continues to increase. More passengers = more ships = more need for Speakers!!
The source for cruise info
Check these numbers: In 2007, 15M people cruised….25M are forecast for 2017! Companies plan to roll out 26 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2017 (that’s over $6.8 billion). Longer term growth?? How about an anticipated 97 new cruise ships by 2026.
Why the growth? CLIA says there are 8 major factors:
- While Baby boomers and seniors have been the mainstay, Millennials and Generation X’ers will start spending on cruises.
- More people are using Travel Agents – Despite the reliance on the Internet, more people letting agents do the leg work for planning. In the last 6 years, CLIA-member travel agents doubled to 25K.
- River Cruises are more popular than ever. There are now 184 river cruise ships and 13 new boats being built for 2017.
- Stops at private islands are very popular. Currently, there are seven private islands in use. Lines are booking them on itineraries. In 2017, cruise lines will offer stops at seven of them.
- Cruise life is now an accepted vacation form. In a recent survey of “average” Americans, half said they would consider a cruise for their major vacation.
- Easy Port access. If you have ever flown for 10 hours to Europe or 22 hours to Singapore to get on a ship, the emergence of “drive-to” ports is a godsend.
- Lure of Celebrity Chefs – Food is important to guests Top of the line restaurants are worth the $30 they might charge.
- Demand for Expedition Cruises – Adventure cruise are HOT now. Exotic locals are becoming more “do it” in addition to “see it.” FYI – trips to Antarctica regularly sell out.
Keep tuned to this channel for more info on how to Speak On Cruises.
Philippines could be next major stop for Cruise ships
Kazou Okada is a very rich Japanese businessman. His goal is to capitalize on the potential for tourism in the Philippines.
You might have of him through his involvement in the casino industry. He’s already opened the Okada Manila casino resort which is located on Manila Bay. It has over 3,000 slot machines, and 500 gaming tables, to rival Vegas hot spots. The strategy is to bring in people from China, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and America.
The Philippines
How better to do that then have them sail in? He has a ton of currency and the power to build up a port facility with Government help. The new president, Rodrigo Duterte is not a fan of gambling…nor drugs. Many people are pushing up daisies for their links to the drug trade. He does want tourist dollars.
The nation could support a terminal at Manila as well at the old US navy base at Subic Bay. I’ve spent time there and it is a pristine area that is being revitalized. It is accessible for tours to Manila via a bus system. The ride to the capitol is about an hour.
However, Duterte is not a fan of the USA at this point either. He called Obama a son of a b*tch and is going to try to get US presence out of the country. Not good politically or for US cruise lines.
Keep your ears to the ground – or eyes on this website. We’ll let you know as things move along. Any comments from the peanut gallery?
September cruise line ranking out – Royal Caribbean, Oceania and Viking at the top
Word from the group “CruiseComplete” is that their September 2016 pick for best premium/contemporary cruise line is Royal Caribbean. The list is compiled based on the number of price quotes that are received by each line…hmmm – kinda weak in my book.
The monthly 1st place award to Royal Caribbean, Oceania and Viking.
Here is the top 10 in the premium/contemporary category for September 2016:
Royal Caribbean. – FIRST PLACE
Carnival Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Costa Cruise Lines
Viking Ocean Cruises
READ more about cruise ship rankings
Here’s the top 10 in Luxury:
Oceania Cruises – FIRST PLACE
Cunard Line
Crystal Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises
Seabourn
Windstar Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Star Clippers
Paul Gauguin Cruise
The top 10 River lines:
Viking River Cruises – FIRST PLACE
AmaWaterways
American Cruise Lines
Avalon Waterways
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
Scenic
American Queen Steamboat Company
Emerald Waterways
World Quest Cruises
Amras Cruises
What do YOU think about this ranking…..should the number of calls for quotes decide who’s best??