Spring 2007: Editorial
Itinerary Planning: One of our main topics in this issue is itinerary planning, and it is a fascinating exercise in geography to track voyages around the world, as well as closer to home. It reminds us that there are many places we would like to go and visit. We also want to thank Saga Cruises for letting…
Challenging Year Ahead
The biggest issues for the industry in 2007 are the Caribbean (when will demand and pricing pick up?) and fuel prices (will they go back up?), according to the financial analysts interviewed by Cruise Industry News. But there is also concern that the Caribbean softness may spread to other markets. According to Tim Conder, vice…
Orderbook: 40 New Ships and Counting
After the latest order confirmation at year’s end, there are now 40 cruise ships under construction or on order (or option) for deliveries through 2011, with 1115,078 berths, representing an estimated building value of approximately $24.9 billion, or an average of $207,685 per berth. Of the total, 24 ships are destined primarily for the North…
Itinerary Planning: More Cruises to More Ports
The growing cruise industry is not only expanding in its core sailing areas, but also developing new itineraries and new ports. In addition, the individual cruise lines are also broadening their deployment. Holland America Line, for example, will have 500 departures and some 350 different ports this year. Cruise lines can work two to three…
Caribbean: Driving Business
The Caribbean cruise capacity is estimated to be relatively flat year-over-year, with 129 ships able to carry some 6.8 million passengers in 2007, compared to 125 ships and 6.7 million passengers in 2006. Both North American and European capacity is up – one percent for the North American market, which generates most of the passengers,…
Fincantieri: 15 Ships for Deliveries Through 2011
There are 15 cruise ships on Fincantieri’s orderbook with deliveries through 2011. The contracts are valued at $7.8 billion, which gives the Italian builder nearly 40 percent of the worldwide cruise market. After the Carnival Freedom was delivered in February, three more ships are slated for deliveries in 2007 – the Emerald Princess at the…