More Americans Setting Sail

by:  Trent Pickle

            Just seventy years ago, sailing on an ocean-liner was a mode of transportation for those seeking a new life on a continent.  In the 1950's and 1960's, during the dawn of the "jet age,"  ocean-liners transitioned from just a mode of transportation to offering leisurely vacations for the wealthy.

The 1980's brought the beginning of mass-market cruise travel to a new set of Americans - the middle class.  Carnival Cruise-lines offered short itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean on older, refurbished ships the line deemed as "fun ships."  Other cruise-lines such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America followed suit.   The industry enjoyed rapid growth throughout the 1990's.

By the mid-2000's the cruise industry had experienced rapid growth.  Cruise-lines were building the first "mega-ships" carrying well over 3,000 passengers and offering amenities such as ice-skating rinks, water parks, and miniature golf courses.

Then, in 2008, the recession hit.  The tourism industry saw a decline in the amount of hotel and resort bookings.  Airfares began to climb and gas prices soared.  Many American's were opting for  a "stay-cation" rather than a vacation.  One industry, however, saw a rise in bookings.  That industry is the cruise industry.

In 2006, an estimated 10 million people took a cruise vacation.  Tourism analysts predict upwards of 21 million people will sail the seven seas during 2013.  Since 2010, cruise-lines have been adding more ships to their fleets in order to keep up with the high demand.  In 2010, Royal Caribbean International added the two largest ships in the world, Oasis and Allure of the Seas, to their fleet.  Both ships carry over 6,000 passengers.  Norwegian added the Epic in 2010, also.  The line is also introducing two more ships in the next year.  Carnival, Princess, and Disney Cruise-lines are also adding more ships to their fleets.

Industry insiders say there are many reasons why the cruise industry has boomed during the years of recession.  For many, a cruise offers more value for money compared to a land vacation.  Meals, entertainment, and accommodations are all included in one price.  Once onboard, the ship is responsible for transporting guests to multiple destinations over a period from 3 days upwards to 150 days.  There's no driving, unpacking multiple times, no hassle at all.  Once onboard, you're within walking distance to restaurants, bars, pools, and a plethora of other entertainment venues.

Cruise fares vary depending on time of year, accommodation type, and cruise line.  A seven day Caribbean cruise during the month of March, for example, can start out at $600 per person for an inside cabin (no window).  The fare, again, includes meals, entertainment, and accommodations.

Another added convenience to cruising is that cruise-lines have positioned ships in more ports throughout the U.S., making a cruise vacation within driving distance for many.  These "home ports" as they're called, include:  New Orleans, Houston, Tampa, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Charleston, Baltimore, New York, Boston, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

For those looking to getaway for a great value, a cruise is the perfect option.  There are many resources available for those interested in a cruise vacation, whether it's Cruise Critic, a website dedicated to all things cruising and offering cruise reviews and message forums to cruise-line websites themselves:  Norwegian Cruise-lines, Royal Caribbean International, www.DisneyCruises.com.