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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Des Moines, Iowa (January 21, 2005)
CRUISE EXPERTS SAY 2005 DEMAND TO OUTPACE SUPPLY,
PROMPTING ELIMINATION OF CRUISE DISCOUNTS FOR FIRST TIME IN YEARS
Cruise vacations still provide great value to travelers, particularly for families.
Des Moines Iowa, January 21, 2005 - Travelers looking for last-minute cruise deals
will find slim pickings in 2005, with demand projected to far exceed the available
supply of cabins on many sailings across the globe this year. In fact, the most
popular 2005 cruises are already sold out.
"During the past few years, you could find great cruise prices at the last minute,
but today those offers are virtually non-existent with the demand for cruises at
an all-time high," said Steven Gelfuso, president, CruiseBrothers.com, one of the
largest and oldest family owned cruise agencies in the United States. "The market
has actually flip-flopped. People taking cruises this winter and spring booked their
trips months ago, while cruises this summer and fall are filling up fast. Now, the
earlier you book, the better your chances of receiving the best pricing."
The industry sales rebound is prompting most cruise lines to demand that travel
agents cease advertising special discount rates to consumers.
"Every week it seems another cruise line announces that it is eliminating discounts
on its sailings," Gelfuso said. "This is a great sign that the overall health of the
industry is improving but, to find the best deals now, people have to work with large
cruise aggregators that buy blocks of cabins at bulk prices."
An increasing number of savvy travelers are logging on to the Internet and finding
www.CuiseCompete.com to find the best cruise deals. This site works with more than
100 of the largest cruise aggregators across North America who provide their best
pricing on cruises upon request. (On a private site like www.CruiseCompete.com agents
will discount.)
"Many experienced travelers know that the retail prices for cruises may not always be
what they seem," said CruiseCompete CEO Bob Levinstein. "With advertised discounts
from travel agents disappearing this year, we provide a viable option for consumers
who don’t want to pay full retail prices. www.CruiseCompete.com makes this process
very simple."
Growing demand, shrinking supply and dwindling discounts may be the most noticeable
trends in cruise travel during 2005, but experts say there are many other factors
changing the face of the industry.
Cruisers continue to grow younger
Cruise vacations have always been popular among baby boomers and retirees, but industry
observers have seen a growing number of younger people enjoying this travel option in
recent years. Gelfuso expects more families than ever, especially those with younger
children, to enjoy cruise vacations in 2005.
He attributes this trend to the unmatched value a cruise provides in terms of food,
entertainment and recreational activities for people of all ages. Virtually every ship
provides special on-board programs for kids that provide plenty of organized activities
and give their parents a chance to relax.
"Cruise vacations were historically for the wealthy, but now they are priced for the
average family," Gelfuso said. "The fastest growing cruise segment is the 30-somethings
with young kids who want to maximize their vacation budgets. Even with cruise prices
expected to rise this year, there still is no better value in travel."
New departure points
To accommodate people who prefer to drive to their departure points, such as budget-conscious
families, the cruise lines are continuing to launch sailings from non-traditional ports in 2005.
These include Baltimore, New York, Boston, Charleston, Galveston and Seattle.
"Convenience is key when traveling and many people, especially families, want to drive to their
departure ports rather than fly if possible," Levinstein said. "The cruise lines have recognized
this trend and expanded their port offerings considerably in recent years, well beyond those
in Florida and California."
New favorite ports-of-call
Caribbean cruises, featuring warm weather, sandy beaches, festive ports, shopping and water sports
remain among the most popular sailings with travelers. But, for the first time in many years,
Hawaiian cruises are in vogue. This is due in large part to the christening of a new ship built
by NCL set to exclusively tour the Hawaiian Islands.
Overseas cruises are growing in popularity too. Mediterranean sailings are filling up quickly due
in part to the strength of the U.S. dollar. Popular ports of call on these voyages include Venice,
Naples, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez and Barcelona. One of the fastest growing and most exotic cruise
sailings is a trip to the remote Galapagos Islands onboard the Xpedition by Celebrity Cruise Lines.
There, vacationers are sure to see unique wildlife and scenery found no place else in the world.
On-board spoilings continue to please
Cruise lines, especially those offering the world’s most exquisite ships, continually distinguish
themselves with on-board indulgences sure to please even the most discerning travelers. Expect the
same this year.
To feed their guests insatiable appetite for looking and feeling young, virtually all cruise lines
are featuring increasingly luxurious health and beauty spas specifically geared toward men, women
and even teenagers. On many ships, chilled wash clothes are available poolside, delivered by uniformed
staff. As an added touch of class, a number of ship captains are greeting guests returning to their
ships after shore excursions. More cruise lines are offering complimentary luggage shipping to
eliminate airport and other transportation hassles.
"Cruises are designed to spoil and make you feel special like no other vacation experience," Levinstein
said. "The cruise lines will continue to pull out all the stops in 2005 to pamper guests of all ages
and provide them with unforgettable experiences. Dollar for dollar, a cruise beats land-based travel
hands down."
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CruiseCompete.com is operated by CruiseCompete, LLC, an independent company with offices in Des Moines, IA and Farmington, MI. CruiseCompete is not owned by or affiliated with any travel agency.
For more information, please call 248-628-3505, or visit www.cruisecompete.com
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