The Development of the Cruise Sector

Cruising DefinedVerb

1.Sail about in an area without a precise destination, esp. for pleasure.2.Take a vacation on a ship or boat following a predetermined course, usually calling at several ports

Phases in Cruise Sector Development

Cruise tourism has developed in phases.

So let’s start with a look at the development of the cruise sector of the travel and tourism industry:

Phase 1: Beginnings

Who in history was the person that went on the first cruise?

Phase 1: Beginnings

Who in history was the person that went on the first cruise?

NOAH

Phase 1: BeginningsSamuel Cunard

Commissioned 4 steam ship to cross the Atlantic

To carry mail Addition of passengers

Point to Point transfer Not considered as Cruising

Later to become Cunard Lines

Phase 1: Real Beginnings

In the 1920s, cruise tourism was the preserve of the social and economic elite. But after WW2, the development of air travel dented the growth of cruising, as it became more fashionable to use passenger aircraft.

Phase 2: ConsolidationIn the second half of the 20th century cruise holidays became most popular to the affluent and late middle-aged demographic groups.

Taking a cruise holiday conjured up images of past luxury and opulent lifestyles.

It was also a way to chase the sun in the winter months, while avoiding mass tourism.

Phase 3: Re-birthIn the later years of the previous century, cruise travel was revitalised. The sector has grown steadily since 1980, at an estimated annual growth rate of 8%. The cruise industry has targeted new market segments, attracting younger passengers and differentiating the cruise offering.

Phase 3: Re-birthThis stage has seen the development of:

Fly-cruise options Increased cruise ship capacities Variable cruise durations Variable price options More choice over itineraries

Phase 4: The futureIn future, analysts expect the following trends to continue:

More mega cruise ships benefiting from larger economies of scale

Greater product differentiation including offerings to families, the youth market and ‘lifestyle’ cruises

More recreational opportunities on board cruise ships

Phase 4: The future More design and technical innovation in

cruise ships New cruise regions, as traditional areas

become congested New cruise locations Greater conflict between the cruise

industry and environmentalists

What’s Next?Your Major AssignmentA Summary Design a Cruise Trip Design a technically innovative cruise ship to

suit the cruise design Find a new cruise region or new cruise location

in South East Asia Marketing Human Resources Design a cruise which does not anger the

environmentalists (i. e. eco-cruise)