The Travel Column 2002-8-8

YOU HAVEN’T LIVED UNTIL YOU’VE CRUISED!

Sure you’ve heard this saying before. It’s been promoted time and again by CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association), and with close to 7 million passengers having cruised last year, it must make you wonder … what do these people know about cruising that you don’t know? What exactly is it that makes cruising so popular? Well, it’s becoming even more popular too. For the first quarter of 2002, nearly 1.7 million passengers have cruised and according to Bob Sharak, CLIA’s Executive Director, “Based on the capacity of new ships anticipated to enter the market through the end of the year, traditional travel patterns and booking volume reported by CLIA-member lines, we expect to reach 7.4 million by the end of the year.” This trend is expected to continue, with the cruise industry set to experience an average growth rate of 8 percent per year over the next 5 years. And the cruise lines are keeping pace by continuing to introduce bigger, better and more beautiful ships. Ms. Judy Janofsky, a repeat cruise passenger says of cruising, “It’s foreign travel without the worry – you take your hotel with you, the captain does the driving and the ship’s personnel become your personal staff, freeing you to experience new activities while you sample the culture of destinations around the world.”

In case you need some more convincing, here are the top ten reasons for you to cruise:

Choose to cruise for VALUE:

One price buys your cabin, all your meals and snacks on-board, games and activities, parties and entertainment plus a voyage to some of the most exciting places in the world! And yes, cruising is most definitely affordable. Compare what’s included in a cruise to a typical land-based package:

Choose to cruise for CUISINE:

The dining experience on board a ship is something you are sure to never forget. They’ve taken the guesswork out of planning while you’re on vacation; no more suffering through any disappointing meals! You have your choice; dine in a traditional ball-room setting and tantalize your taste-buds with gourmet meals with exotic ingredients, or opt for old standbys for the kids like hamburgers, or pizza and ice-cream at the poolside café. And oh, the midnight buffets … shall we say more?

Choose to cruise for VARIETY:

With over 150 distinctive ships from more than 20 cruise lines, and 1800 ports of call worldwide there just has to be a dream-cruise out there for you. How can you possibly choose? Call your CLIA-affiliated travel agent for help! Chances are from personal experience, he or she will be best able to recommend a cruise for you, and you’ll soon be cruising with people just like you.

Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES:

What is there to do on a cruise? Well, what isn’t there? Take one of the dozen or so sightseeing-tours when you arrive at each destination, or lounge by the pool, get a spa treatment, workout, play golf, or here’s an idea, you might even relax and read a book! At night, eat a sumptuous meal then take in a Broadway-style or comedy show, or party ‘til dawn at the ship’s disco. Take a chance and maybe you’ll win a hand or two in the casino, or have a quiet evening gazing at the stars out on deck.

Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY:

How often do you come back from vacation, saying “I need a vacation!” The hassles of planning an ordinary vacation are totally removed with a cruise. You don’t have to worry about making restaurant reservations, or missing your flight connection as you fly from one city to another. There’s no need to study travel guides before you leave; the cruise line has already done this for you, and gives you the best options for sightseeing in each destination. And your CLIA-travel agent can handle all your booking details. What vacation could be easier?

Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS:

Go to sleep in one destination and wake up to another; cruising offers you an almost limitless choice. Princess Cruises is even planning an itinerary to the Antarctic. Visit places you thought you could only in your dreams. No unpacking and re-packing each time you leave one place to go to another, and your cabin-steward cleans your room twice each day!

Choose to cruise for FAMILY:

On any cruise there’s fun for every member of the family. The cruise lines continue to expand and enhance their children’s programs; from games and friendly sports contests, to learning arts and crafts, and with kid-friendly menus your children will be kept happy while giving you some time to relax and unwind on your own.

Choose to cruise for PAMPERING:

This is for what cruising has become well-known; no matter your budget, all cruise lines pamper all their guests with first-class service 24 hours a day.

Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION:

It’s a fact, once you get a taste of cruising, you’ll keep coming back for more, again and again. Of the 7 million passengers last year, 60% were repeat cruisers. Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

And the #1 reason to Cruise … Choose to cruise for YOU:

CLIA knows you are simply the best reason to cruise … “You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.”

Melanie Waddell, Director
trvlcentre.tt@gmail.com
August 8, 2002

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