Cruise Ship Vacations: What's New with the Cruise Lines in 2007

->Panama Canal.
Cruise vacationing is the fast growing sector in theOf the eight major cruise lines in the Caribbean six of
tourism industry, at a rate twice as fast as tourism asthem have their own private islands, Half Moon Cay,
a whole. North America accounts for 75-80% of theCasaway Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Princes Cay,
market. The big three Carnival, Royal Caribbean andSerena Cay and Coco Cay. Some of the lines are
Princess are leading the way. Together they capture 2investigating private clubs at ports of call.
3rds of the market.Several cruise lines are introducing new ships or
Cruise ship themselves have become thereintroducing newly refurbished ships. The Disney
entertainment for the trip. With a multitude of activitiesMagic has new enhancements: a 24x14 ft. LED movie
there is something for everyone. From morning to duskscreen, new spa and fitness center for adults and
there is an activity available. Swimming in the pool,new youth space. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival
movies, casinos, games, lessons, kids programs,and Princess are all introducing new or refurbished
cooking classes, golf, ice skating,....the list goes on andships this year as well.
on. You never have to leave the ship.Shorter length cruises aimed at a younger crowd are
The cruise lines are competing for ports, with manybecoming more popular, accounting for 37% of all
more cruises leaving from ports in Florida. Disney iscruises. Clearly cruises aren't just for the rich and
bringing back seven day cruises leaving from the westfamous anymore. All this growth and competition
coast, Los Angeles, to sail to Cabo San Lucas,mean more opportunities, more choices, and better
Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta., as well as cruises to theprices for the consumer.