Cruises 2012: main trends of the season
Cruise industry is expecting further growth in 2012. It is also evidenced by the scale of shipbuilding, planned for this year presentations of the new cruise ships, as well as growth of the passenger traffic and beforehand reservation. Leading companies are going to improve not only their fleet, but also the level of services and passengers’ accommodation. Cruises promise to partially change the "game rules" in 2012. In addition, in 2012 will be celebrated several important dates for the cruise industry.
It is expected that in 2012 cruise companies will continue to increase the number of paid services on board. It means that cruise tourists will have to pay money for the previously free services and new types of entertainment. Extending of the service range on cruise ships is the "gold mine" that cruise companies will actively use in 2012.
Restrictions on cruises in 2012. Today many cruise companies simplify the code of conduct for the passengers. A striking example is Norwegian Cruise Line. This company refused from the dress code on board. However glamorous services on board, which are becoming more affordable, will get new limits similar to other tourist sectors. It means complete or partial ban on smoking in many popular cruise lines. Due to the numerous negative reviews from nonsmoking passengers in 2012 cruise companies decided to ban smoking on the ships.
Presentation of the new offshore ships. Despite a large number of new ships that will be launched in 2012 tourists should not expect radical innovations. Almost all ships will present already existing classes. Several companies such as Disney, MSC Cruises and Carnival will get new vessels in 2012.
River steamers in 2012. Here the situation is quite different. River cruises are experiencing their second or even third birth. Therefore active development of such companies as Viking Cruises is not surprising. However, the operator plans to present in 2012 six new class river ships in Europe looks quite impressive. On the other side of the Atlantic river routes are also getting more popular. On the Mississippi River in 2012 will appear two new luxury cruise ships - American Queen and Queen of the Mississippi. It should be noted that Queen of the Mississippi will became the first brand new vessel on the Mississippi for the past 15 years.
And, finally, event cruises. In 2012 the entire industry celebrates the important, albeit sad date - the 100th anniversary of the "Titanic" tragedy. Release of the famous James Cameron's blockbuster movie in 3D is timed to this date. It is expected that Titanic movie will trigger a boom in transatlantic cruises. Such cruise operators as Fred Olsen and Azamara had already prepared for it. They offer special cruises "In the memory of Titanic" on the Balmoral and Azamara Journey ships.
Ilya Kalachev, according to cruisecritic.com materials
Photo: Marcus Lenk
Date: 12/01/2012
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