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Power of Customers
Today's cruise vacationers have many different lines to choose from, each offering a slightly different spin on cruising. Most cruise lines target middle class vacationers with the grand ocean liner experience not found in decades. Many first time cruisers are lured in by moderately priced air and cruise package rates. Often one can buy a cruise vacation anywhere form $125-$250 per person, per night. Most hotel stays in major cities are more expensive per night, not including transportation as well as food. Along with low priced package rates, consumers are also demanding a unique vacation experience. Gone are the days when shuffleboard-playing grannies were the mainstay of the cruise industry. Now cruises appeal to a younger, hipper audience, and it's easy to see why. Modern cruise ships are "floating resorts," offering everything from state-of-the-art spas and gyms to in-line skating and Rock-climbing walls. Cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry, with 7.5 million people worldwide having set sail last year. Fifteen new ships will join the North American fleets in 2002, more than in any previous year. The cruise industry hopes the boost in capacity, plus the modern amenities of the newer ships, will attract the 87 percent of the population that has never taken a cruise. The price is tough to beat. Hard hit by September 11, many cruise lines slashed fares considerably last fall and winter. Prices have bounced back somewhat, but you can still find fares at less than $100 per day per person?not bad, considering the price includes a room, all meals, activities and entertainment (except gambling, specialty restaurants and--on most ships--alcohol). Many cruise lines ha ...