|
EPR Archived News |
Weak Dollar Translates To Banner Cruise Season To EuropeReleased on = May 26, 2005, 9:10 am Press Release Author = Lorraine Abelow Industry = Consumer Services Press Release Summary = The weakened US dollar against the euro is translating into a banner season for cruising in Europe. Suffice it to say Europe cruises are hot this summer. Travelers can insulate themselves against sticker shock in Europe by pre-paying in
U.S. dollars, which protects them from the exchange rate. In fact, bookings for
Europe summer cruises are matching, if not exceeding, pre-9/11 levels. Press Release Body = The weakened US dollar against the euro is translating into a banner season for cruising in Europe. Suffice it to say Europe cruises are hot this summer. Travelers can insulate themselves against sticker shock in Europe by pre-paying in U.S. dollars, which protects them from the exchange rate. In fact, bookings for Europe summer cruises are matching, if not exceeding, pre-9/11 levels. Other hot summer cruise destinations include Alaska and Bermuda. “Bookings are so robust that some of our 16,500-plus member agencies are scrambling
to find staterooms on certain itineraries requested by their clients,” according to
Terry Dale, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the The cruise industry as a whole is experiencing an unprecedented boom while other sectors of the travel industry lag behind. There are more cruise departures and itineraries than ever before, occupancy rates are running at a remarkable 104 percent. In all, a record 10.5 million people took a cruise in 2004 and CLIA predicts more than 11 million in 2005.
The cruise boom didn’t happen in a vacuum, however. Since CLIA’s inception in 1975 member cruise lines and agencies have actively worked toward fine-tuning and enhancing ships’ features, onboard entertainment and itineraries.
What accounts for this meteoric rise in the cruise industry? • Cruise vacations offer the travel industry’s greatest inherent value. One price covers everything – accommodations, all meals, snacks, entertainment, recreation and more.
• Today CLIA has 19 member cruise lines with more than 150 ships that feature cutting-edge facilities that equal – and in many cases surpass – those found at the best land-based resorts. Guests will find spas, nightclubs, multiple dining venues and unlimited activities – from ice-skating to acting classes to scuba diving.
• Cruises offer an opportunity to sample a range of destinations on cruises of three days to cruises of more than 100 days.
• There’s a ship for every budget and taste, with onboard atmospheres that range from mild to wild.
I look forward to talking with you to discuss this compelling story.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Lorraine Abelow
-- Web Site = http:// Contact Details = Lorraine Abelow
|
|
2025
