Record-setting cruise travel expected in 2015
Cruise lines are sailing into a record-breaking season, AAA reports.
The Grand Celebration docked for the first time at the Port of Palm Beach Tuesday, January 6, 2015. (Bruce R. Bennett / The Palm Beach Post)
A record-setting 23 million passengers are expected to take an ocean or river cruise this year, up 4 percent increase over 2014 estimates of 22.1 million passengers, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.
A AAA survey of residents in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee found that 53 percent of people have been on a cruise of three days or more, and roughly a quarter of them had cruised in the past year.
According to the survey, 24 percent of residents say cruising is their preferred vacation type. The majority of people plan to go on a cruise of three or more days in the future, the survey found.
“Ocean and river cruises are the most popular trips booked with AAA Travel Agents in the southeastern United States,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in a prepared statement announcing the study’s findings. “Ocean liners are floating hotel resorts with fine dining, world-class entertainment and endless ocean views for one great price. River cruise ships are more intimate, boasting balcony views from every room and deliver you to the doorstep of some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Itineraries for all cruises range from relaxing to adventurous.”
AAA’s survey also found:
Top 5 things people like best about cruising:
Holland America Line s 2,650-guest ms Koningsdam is scheduled to sail from Rome to Fort Lauderdale in October 2016 and will begin offering Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in November. (Contributed by Holland America Line)
- Visiting various destinations – 70%
- All-inclusiveness – 59%
- Unlimited food – 53%
- Sailing/Days at sea – 51%
- Entertainment (shows) on the ship – 48%
Top 5 most popular cruise destinations:
- Caribbean – 62%
- Bahamas/Bermuda – 44%
- Alaska – 42%
- Mediterranean – 36%
- Hawaii – 32%
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