Cruise Holidays Reveals Cruising Trends for 2005

Repeat Cruisers and Caribbean Destinations Lead the Way in Survey of Cruise Holidays Stores, Plus Itinerary Appears to be More Important than Price in the
First Annual Cruise Holidays Travel Trend Survey

Today, Cruise Holidays announced the results of the 2005 Cruise Holidays Travel Trend Survey – in which the Caribbean ranks head and shoulders above the rest as the top cruise destination being booked this year. This survey is the first of its kind for Cruise Holidays, which is North America’s largest cruise-specialty travel agency chain. The survey was conducted during the month of March, in the United States and Canada, with 78% o the Cruise Holidays network participating.

“This survey was a way to not only gather detailed information about the most popular cruise destinations and consumer habits, but it also gives us a good idea of the overall picture with regards to the cruise industry,” said Kevin Weisner, vice president and general manager of Cruise Holidays. “When 75% o those surveyed say bookings at this time are the same or higher than last year and a full 98% o our stores feel business this year will be average or above average, that bodes well for both Cruise Holidays and the cruise industry as a whole.”

Top Cruise Destinations

When asked to name the top destination Cruise Holidays stores are booking in 2005, the Western Caribbean topped all other locations. If all Caribbean destinations are combined, they account for 65% o cruise bookings so far this year. Alaska made a strong showing as the third most booked destination with 13 stores saying it is the top cruise destination they are booking this year.

Also noteworthy:

• Reasons for Choosing a Particular Cruise – Price was not the main issue guiding a customer’s choice of cruise. In fact, it was the third most common reason Cruise Holidays stores reported hearing from their clients. The itineraries, followed by a specific cruise line, were the number one and number two items heard most often from customers as their reasons for booking a particular cruise.

• Repeat Cruisers – The majority of people booking a cruise this year have been on at least one cruise before. A full 70 stores reported that repeat cruisers make up more than 50% o their customers.

• Add-ons are a Mixed Bag – Whether it is a pre/post cruise hotel, airfare, car rental, or excursions; responses to this question ran the gamut. Twenty-three percent of those surveyed said add-ons were included in over 70% o their bookings, while 26% prcent of those who responded said add-ons fell somewhere between 11-20% o their bookings.

The following represents the questions and answers received from 101 Cruise Holidays stores which participated in the 2005 Cruise Holidays Travel Trend Survey:

What is the top cruise destination you are booking for 2005?

1 - Caribbean (Western) 44.6% 2 - Caribbean (Eastern) 18.8% 3 - Alaska 12.9% 4 - Mexican Riviera 9.9% 5 - Europe (Mediterranean) 5.9% 6 - Caribbean (Southern) 2.0% 6 - Hawaii 2.0% 8 - Bermuda 1.0% 8 - Europe (Baltic) 1.0% 8 - New England/Maritime Canada 1.0% 8 - Panama Canal 1.0%