Is the cruise industry dying?

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You may have heard how many people are saying that the cruise industry is dying because of events that have occurred, or issues that have been arising.  Some people you know may not be coming home satisfied because of some of the changes that are taking place.  Or the trends that make some of things that used to be included in the fare not.  The opposite is true.  It is very much alive and kicking the butts of all-inclusive resorts.

The fact is that cruising is stronger than ever.  The many cruise lines are having new ships built as quickly as possible to keep up with the demand.  There is seldom a sailing that is not filled to capacity.

The popular brand names like Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are adding as many as two ships to their fleet over the next few years.  Ships with state-of-the-art technology, and things that people would enjoy if they were to have stayed at a resort on land.  Hence becoming more than just a home away from home that takes you to exotic lands, but a fun-filled and exciting resort that floats on water that you may not want to leave at all.

River cruising, especially in Europe, has grown in popularity.  It is the in thing now as ocean cruise goers are looking for a new experience.  These river cruises do that for them.  As unlike ocean cruises, these river cruises go to the centers of cities, towns and villages along the river(s) giving everyone a scenic tour of their destinations as they sail along.  Once stopped, most river cruise lines include excursions that enable passengers to be fully immersed in the culture and wonder of the place that they are visiting.

Cruises have been, and still are, a value-packed and economical means of vacationing.  Whether you are a budget traveler or someone who wants the very best in luxury.   When you compare the cost of hotels/resorts, with what is included and its value for that destination or region, you will see how a cruise is truly that – a vacation that includes things (ie:  entertainment) that you would enjoy, but not pay for if it was part of your land vacation.

Most cruise lines consistently receive over a 95% satisfaction rating or better.  The numbers speak for themselves.  Carnival does offer a satisfaction guarantee, with limitations, that says that they will send you back home and give you back your money.  They are not going to make a statement like that if they knew that people would not be happy with their offerings.

If someone is coming home dissatisfied, it is usually because they booked on their own and solely based on price.  Unwilling to seek the expertise of qualified professionals for fear of paying more than they feel they have to or having to pay added fees.   They booked something that was not for them.

Cruising is far from dead, or on the verge of dying.  It is very much alive and well.  It is growing at leaps or ships.  

Consider a cruise for your next vacation.