THE CRUISE PRODUCT

Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. Cruisers have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the North America-based cruise industry carried more than 7 million passengers in 2002. According to studies completed in 2001 by CLIA, 68 percent of U.S. households in a random sample are strongly considering cruising in the next five years. Among those who have never taken a cruise, 56 percent are now strongly considering one. The repeat market for cruising is exceptionally high. Records indicate that 92 percent of those who have cruised are planning to go again soon.

In this course we will look at a variety of cruise information.You will preview favorite cruise destinations, top cruise lines and CLIA cruise guide information for specific cruisers, as well as several cruise references, including brochures.

After completing this lesson you should be able to . . .

Determine cruise benefits
Describe the various categories of cruise lines as set forth by Cruise Lines International Association
Describe:
  Ship facilities
  Deck plans and their relationship to each other
  Cabins and accommodations