Cruise industry: 2009 shaping up as another record year

mercedes · January 15, 2009

The sharp downturn in the economy in recent months isn't going to stop the growth in cruise bookings.

That's the word from the Cruise Lines International Association, which says major lines are on track to carry a record 13.5 million passengers in 2009 -- a 2.3% rise from 2008.

If the forecast holds true, it'll be just the latest in a long string of annual increases for the long recession-resistant industry. The association estimates the industry carried 13.2 million passengers in 2008, a 4.8% increase from the 12.6 million who cruised in 2007. And 2007, in turn, was up from the year before.

The industry has nearly tripled in size since the mid-1990s, when about 5 million people a year were cruising.

Helping to prop up the industry is the rapid growth of cruising among Europeans, Latin Americans and Asians. Through the third quarter of 2008, the industry saw a 30% annual increase in international passengers, and the association estimates that 3.05 million people from outside North America sailed on CLIA member lines in 2008. About 10.45 million people from North American cruised.

The industry's biggest players also have been rolling out significant discounts to keep ships full this winter and through the coming spring and summer. Just last week, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced it would throw in free airfare and shore excursions on some voyages to jump start bookings.

The association notes that member lines are unveiling 14 new vessels in 2009. While several of the new ships are small riverboats that carry around 100 passengers, the list of newcomers includes several much-ballyhooed giants such as Royal Caribbean's record-setting, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas.

Other vessels debuting in 2009 include the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey (June), 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox (July), 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream (October) and 540-passenger Silversea Spirit (November).

JoeyandDavid · January 15, 2009

The sharp downturn in the economy in recent months isn't going to stop the growth in cruise bookings.
That's the word from the Cruise Lines International Association, which says major lines are on track to carry a record 13.5 million passengers in 2009 -- a 2.3% rise from 2008.

Very interesting... now lets see if that 2.3% rise from 2008 is reflected in revenues from same bookings..

TheSkipper · January 15, 2009

Never happen, Joey. All you have to do is read your mail and email from cruise lines to see what they are doing to get these "bookings." :rolleyes2:

JoeyandDavid · January 15, 2009

Never happen, Joey. All you have to do is read your mail and email from cruise lines to see what they are doing to get these "bookings."

it's all about the spin

elfed · January 16, 2009

Yes folks, saturation of the cruise industry is on the way, I'm sorry to say. Just an example-there will be 5 cruise ships in St. Thomas when our ship gets there in early March. There will be 8 in Fort Lauderdale the day we leave. This is not counting the departures out of Miami. No wonder there are cruise fare bargains out there. But if this recession continues, people will not be able to afford a vacation regardless of cost.If they do cruise, I believe more people will stay on board in port not only to avoid the crowded towns but to cut down the overhaul cost of their vacation.

DebbieandJerry · January 16, 2009

I have to tell you that all of the advertising: 2 for 1 which really isn't; free airfare which really isn't; excursions paid for on "select sailing" is rather confusing. I found myself searching for these gonga deals and just couldn't find them.

As for more ships at ports, I loved when the "tall ships" were in Philly. My dad would always want to take us (when we were kids) to see them sail in, walk around them (obviously before 9/11), etc. So for me to be able to see other ships when I'm at port brings back very comforting memories.

If it wasn't for the Celebrity ship at one of our ports, we would NEVER have known about that line.

JoeyandDavid · January 16, 2009

I have to tell you that all of the advertising: 2 for 1 which really isn't; free airfare which really isn't; excursions paid for on "select sailing" is rather confusing. I found myself searching for these gonga deals and just couldn't find them.
As for more ships at ports, I loved when the "tall ships" were in Philly. My dad would always want to take us (when we were kids) to see them sail in, walk around them (obviously before 9/11), etc. So for me to be able to see other ships when I'm at port brings back very comforting memories.

If it wasn't for the Celebrity ship at one of our ports, we would NEVER have known about that line.

depending on the line Debbie, imho 2 for one can be a steal... 2 4 1 on carnival no..... 2 4 1 on upscale luxury maybe yes?!