The Cruise Lines International Association estimates that 12.6 million people cruised worldwide in 2007 with a projected 12.8 million passengers for 2008 despite the weakening economy.
Cnn.com/travel reports that “More choices in food, activities, itineraries and luxury are some of the trends shaping the cruise industry for 2008. “
Most cruises still offer formal dining at 8:30 p.m. and midnight buffets. But many ships now offer casual dining that does not involve scheduled seatings and formal dress at large tables with strangers – Love Boat style.
Some ships have added bowling alleys and mechanical waves for surfing as well as rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks. Cunard's Queen Victoria, launched in December 2007, became the first ship to offer fencing lessons at sea.
Excursions can include kayaking, wildlife watches, bike tours and dolphin encounters.
In 2007, the Caribbean accounted for 43 percent of cruise bookings, Alaska 15 percent, the Mexican Riviera 8 percent, and Europe/Mediterranean 8 percent.
And while more than 50 percent of travel overall is booked online, only 7 percent of cruises are booked online due to the complexity of cruise bookings and the need for advice, especially for first-time cruisers.
If you are looking for some information before you call your travel agent, or some suggested destinations, check out the Library’s cruise guidebooks collection.
By the way, if you want to have the cruise ship experience with ever leaving port, beginning in 2009 the QE2 will be permanently berthed at a specially-constructed pier in Dubai to serve as a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination.