View From the Bridge - TERRY DALE
This is one of Prow's Edge's archived View from the Bridge contributions and is not a view or opinion of the current state of the cruise industry but a look into the not so distant past to see what leaders of the cruise industry were thinking then. |
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TERRY DALE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. In 2008, Terry Dale offered offers Top Ten Tips for stretching vacation dollars with a cruise vacation.In 2005, Terry Dale predicted cruising would be the vacation of choice in 2005 with cruise lines launching more ships, longer cruise programs, exciting new itineraries and expanded enrichment activities
CRUISING - A VACATION OF CHOICE
By Terry DaleLeisure cruising will continue to ride a wave of unprecedented passenger growth and popularity in 2005 buoyed by strong customer demand, an emphasis on ship introductions and innovations, more U.S. homeport availability, a renewed demand for exotic ports, plus strong brand marketing and attention to quality and service standards, predicts the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
According to CLIA, the cruise industry’s chief marketing organization, comprising 19 leading cruise lines with more than 150 ships and 16,500 member travel agencies, 2004 was a banner year for the cruise industry in terms of newbuilds and passenger growth. Last year CLIA cruise lines capped a record-setting, five-year building boom that introduced 62 new ships to the North American market. Although in 2005 capacity growth will be reduced compared with previous years, in the long run, cruising’s building boom will continue, as several CLIA lines are planning new vessels for 2006 and beyond.
With the new ships have come a new generation of guests. When the numbers are tallied, CLIA is confident that more than 10.6-million people will have sailed on its member-line ships in 2004, including approximately 9-million from North America – the industry’s highest-ever total. Moreover, during the past 15 years, guest totals climbed by an average of 8 percent each year, and in recent years as much as 15 percent, with 2004 growth expected to be at least 11 percent.
“The International Council of Cruise Lines estimates the total economic impact of the cruise industry is $23 billion a year,” said CLIA President and CEO Terry Dale. “The traveling public has responded enthusiastically to cruises because of their inclusive nature and tremendous value when compared to other types of vacations. This segment of travel is showing very strong revenue and per-person, per-trip growth.”
GET ON BOARD WITH THE VERY BEST DEALS
In 2004, 12 new or reintroduced ships were added to the CLIA member line fleet. In 2005, there will be six. With fewer ship introductions, all signs indicate that, with continued demand, and the decrease in capacity introduced, travelers wishing to cruise will need to plan earlier and act fast to secure their cabin preference at today’s cruise fares. CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies report that, unlike the last several years, post 9/11, when passengers booked cruises at the last minute, as late as 30 days prior to sailing, many are now making reservations three to six months prior to departure – and even longer for luxury and exotic itineraries. Vacationers will likely find it more important than ever to book their cruise early in 2005.
“Generally the booking window has lengthened again and in most cases is where it was in earlier years,” said Dale, adding that some CLIA-member lines are reporting the window has even lengthened beyond what it was in 2001.
HOMEPORT EXPANSION CONTINUES, WITH A TWIST
Responding to consumer demand for closer-to-home vacations over the last several years, the cruise lines inaugurated “close-to-home” or “homeport” cruise itineraries departing from a wide variety of North American coastal cities to serve the fast-growing drive-to market. This year, CLIA ships will sail from more than 30 North American and U.S. territory ports, from Mobile, Ala., to Galveston, Tex., to San Diego, Calif.
With the homeport phenomenon firmly entrenched, cruise lines are expanding itineraries that feature exotic twists – including 15-plus-day cruises out of North American ports that sail to South America, and 10-plus-day voyages that explore the lesser-known islands of the deep southern Caribbean. These complement the popular Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
WANDERLUST IS BACK
CLIA-member lines offer cruise guests 1,800 worldwide ports of call, and those ports beyond North American waters are again in heavy demand – with some ships offering 50- to 100-plus day world cruises to exotic locations. All factors also point to a decidedly exceptional cruise season in Europe, with advance bookings coming in at a fast and furious pace.
Because the dollar is in decline against other international currencies, particularly the euro, vacationers cruising in Europe will realize significant savings because they prepay for their accommodations, dining and entertainment in U.S. dollars rather than paying separately for these costs, as on a land-based tour. “The value of a cruise vacation compared to a land-based European vacation has always been great – now it is tremendous,” said Dale. “And consumers see cruise travel as exciting – yet within an environment that is safe yet exploratory.”
Exotic destinations including the entire Pacific-Asia region plus Antarctica, South America and even the Middle East are also poised for growth. Consumers and travel agents can look for these destinations to post strong arrival totals this year, as increasing numbers of CLIA lines incorporate these regions into their itineraries.
FAMILY TRAVEL: HOT! HOT! HOT!
Although multi-generational and family cruising has always been supremely popular, this travel segment is soaring to new heights as families place a stronger emphasis on spending quality time together. Cruise ships, which offer activities and amenities for every age group, are an ideal environment for multigenerational family vacations.
CLIA estimates that more than 1-million children under the age of 18 sailed on CLIA’s member line ships in 2004. This trend is expected to accelerate in 2005 and beyond, as cruise lines continue to add amenities and activities for the whole family – from toddlers to grandparents. Virtually all lines feature extensive, highly supervised children’s programs where kids are placed in age-appropriate groups. Teen lounges, video arcades, computer learning centers, toddlers’ play areas as even special shore excursions for children are all a part of the mix.
Multi-generational travel and family reunions at sea are also seeing sizeable growth. While kids are occupied with their own sets of activities, parents and grandparents can take advantage of adult pursuits including spa treatments, enrichment lectures – or simply taking in the sun.
“At the end of the day,” said Dale, “CLIA’s 19 member lines can virtually guarantee that there’s a cruise that’s tailor-made for virtually any type of traveler – and that’s one of the many very important reasons 2005 will be another stellar year for the cruise industry.”
For more information about CLIA visit:
http://www.cruising.org/
