Something for everyone?

Each year, like the swallows returning to Capistrano, key cruise industry executives flock to Miami Beach for the industry’s signature event SeaTrade. This editor had a chance to attend the conference and report back on the “State of the Industry”. The various presentations and panel discussions provided an insider's view of what is in store for cruising in 2007 and beyond. And the news is really good for cruise enthusiasts.

Firstly, a ship building boom not seen since the late 90’s is in full swing. In fact, at the conference, Silversea Cruises announced a new building and Oceania Cruises, not be outdone in the ultra premium/luxury segment, unveiled plans for not one but two new ships. It all adds up to 39 cruise ships scheduled for delivery over the next 5 years at a cost of more than 20 billion dollars.

What does this mean for the cruising consumer? More choices and increasing diversity of available amenities. Unlike the past shipbuilding boom where most vessels were in the super-size category, this time there is an abundance of ships of varying sizes – from smaller luxury liners to mega-ships. More capacity means continued competition for the traveler’s dollar and the need to differentiate the onboard experience.

Itineraries and ports of call were also a hot topic at SeaTrade as U.S. based cruise lines continue to set their sights on foreign shores, namely Europe and Asia Pacific. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have expanded their presence in Europe and the strength of the Euro means that North America travelers are discovering that the best values lie in purchasing European cruises priced in dollars.

The Caribbean remains a popular and well priced destination due to some short term over capacity in that sector. That bodes well for cruisers looking to optimize their spending, especially throughout the balance of 2007. Cruise lines are aggressively seeking to develop new and re-invented Caribbean ports of call to appeal to the “been there, done that, crowd”. For example in recent years Carnival Corp. has invested in the development of destination ports in Costa Maya, Mexico and Turks and Caicos and just announced a $50 million project in Roatán, Honduras. Not to be outdone, Royal Caribbean International has finalized a joint venture with the Aruba Ports Authority for a 40 acres waterfront development in Orangestad. What does this mean to cruisers? It means better port infrastructure and facilities consistent with those delivered on-board.

All in all, it’s a good time to take a cruise and an exciting time for the cruise industry as all engines are set for Full Speed Ahead.