Page 16 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2017

PORT SOUNDINGS CRUISES
Report: As Cruise Travel Becomes More Popular, Industry Poised for Further Growth
Travel agents predict a surge in cruise bookings, while cruise lines are investing in more ships and destinations, according to a report issued by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CLIA expects 25.3 million passengers to sail in 2017, up significantly from 15.8 million 10 years ago. At the same time, new vessels, worth a combined $6.8 billion, are making their debut this year. “We are highly encouraged by both the short- term and long-term outlook,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA’s president and CEO, in response to the report.
CLIA’s 2017 State of the Cruise
Industry Outlook also emphasizes a willingness among travelers to drive to their port of embarkation. “Three quarters of cruisers like the convenience of driving to a cruise ship,” CLIA reports.
The Port of Baltimore is within easy driving distance from many
of the country’s wealthiest areas, including Howard and Montgomery counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Arlington counties in Virginia.
Strong industry growth is expected as younger travelers begin to see the appeal of cruises. “A recent study found that younger generations — including millennials
and Generation Xers — embrace cruise travel more than ever before, rating it as better than land-based vacations, all-inclusive resorts, tours, vacation house rentals or camping,” CLIA reports.
And it’s not just the youngsters: Nearly half of all noncruisers surveyed expressed interest in taking a cruise within the next three years. 􏰀
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[14] The Port of Baltimore ■ May/June 2017