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Travel Trends: Caribbean is most popular cruise destination, but niche markets growing fast
For the first nine years of the 21st Century, the Caribbean Islands have been the most popular cruise destination for travelers from around the world, according to figures provided by the Cruise Lines International Association.
Each year since 2000, about one-third of people who cruised chose to do so in the Caribbean. However, from a high of 42% in 2002, the number of travelers dropped to 32% in 2009, suggesting that the Caribbean may no longer have the appeal it once did.
Significant increases in nights spent aboard a cruise ship by travelers were recorded in those choosing the Mediterranean as a cruise destination. In 2000, the Mediterranean represented 12% of the cruise market. In 2009, it was chosen by 16% of travelers.
Niche markets growing fast
The largest gain, however, was reported in small ship cruises to Antarctica. In 2000, the destination was chosen by less than 1% of all cruisers. By 2009, Antarctica saw a 23% gain in cruise travelers -- though the total number of cruisers to Antarctica remained at less than 3% of all cruisers.
Each year since 2000, about one-third of people who cruised chose to do so in the Caribbean. However, from a high of 42% in 2002, the number of travelers dropped to 32% in 2009, suggesting that the Caribbean may no longer have the appeal it once did.
Significant increases in nights spent aboard a cruise ship by travelers were recorded in those choosing the Mediterranean as a cruise destination. In 2000, the Mediterranean represented 12% of the cruise market. In 2009, it was chosen by 16% of travelers.
Niche markets growing fast
The largest gain, however, was reported in small ship cruises to Antarctica. In 2000, the destination was chosen by less than 1% of all cruisers. By 2009, Antarctica saw a 23% gain in cruise travelers -- though the total number of cruisers to Antarctica remained at less than 3% of all cruisers.
Such a significant growth in Antarctica as a destination reinforces comments by Larry Dressler, executive director of the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance, who says the number of beds available to those interested in a small ship experience has grown from 200,000 in 2005 to about 500,000 by the end of 2010.
"It's really hard to pinpoint the exact number of people who take advantage of small ship cruises or niche cruises, because of the unique experience of this type of travel," said Dressler. "A number of opportunities are on freighters and ships not necessarily known as a cruise ship, and keeping track of who is going where in that realm is nearly impossible."
A small ship is identified as carrying fewer than 500 passengers -- some as few as only a couple of dozen. Simply because of the size of the ships, guests should not expect a large quantity of onboard facilities found on some of the better-known "mega ships." There is usually one dining facility, limited shopping, few casinos, and minimal onboard entertainment. That's okay, though, because, "The destination has to be the focus of small ship cruising," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, pointing out that places like the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica can only be seen via a small ship.
CLIA reports the overall growth rate of cruising from 1990 – 2008 at 7.2%. The nights spent aboard a cruise ship by all travelers grew from 53.8 million in 2000 to 96.2 in 2009.
Source data: Cruise Line International Association
See more Travel Trends.
"It's really hard to pinpoint the exact number of people who take advantage of small ship cruises or niche cruises, because of the unique experience of this type of travel," said Dressler. "A number of opportunities are on freighters and ships not necessarily known as a cruise ship, and keeping track of who is going where in that realm is nearly impossible."
A small ship is identified as carrying fewer than 500 passengers -- some as few as only a couple of dozen. Simply because of the size of the ships, guests should not expect a large quantity of onboard facilities found on some of the better-known "mega ships." There is usually one dining facility, limited shopping, few casinos, and minimal onboard entertainment. That's okay, though, because, "The destination has to be the focus of small ship cruising," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, pointing out that places like the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica can only be seen via a small ship.
CLIA reports the overall growth rate of cruising from 1990 – 2008 at 7.2%. The nights spent aboard a cruise ship by all travelers grew from 53.8 million in 2000 to 96.2 in 2009.
Gallery: The newest innovations in cruise ship entertainment
Source data: Cruise Line International Association
See more Travel Trends.
Filed under: Business, Europe, North America, Antarctica, Cruises, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sunday Jun 13th 2010 6:27AM
LOL! When I saw the title to this article, I immediately thought to myself that MY preference for a cruise destination would be the Mediterranian. I have been to the Caribbean many times by plane and also on 3 cruises. I have never been to Europe, but would love to make that our next destination. I heard that Antartica is also beautiful as well as Alaskan cruises - and would someday love to see those places as well (I am not much of a cold weather person) and I must admit, the commercials on TV for them make them very tempting to see! Too bad the economy is the way it is right night now - unfortunately, we can't afford a vacation this year. Guess I'll just have to travel there in my mind (from a book instead) until we can make it a reality. Oh, well.
kris Jun 18th 2012 6:51PM
Totally know what you mean. Cruising in the Med would be fantastic especially on a small ship cruise. I did the Caribbean last year on Celebrity and went to Grand Cayman, Mexico, Roatan and loved seeing Cuba off in the distance both ways. I hear you on saving the pennies. If you save enough, a lot of pennies, check these guys out. http://www.travcoa.com/find-a-journey/journey-type/group-travel/small-ship-cruising
I want to do the Black Sea with them. I have never done the small ship but can only imagine it is somewhat more luxurious than even the luxurious big ships, LOL.
Brenda Jun 13th 2010 7:08AM
I don't fly so cruising is what I do. I use a port that is near to me. Unfortunately all I can cruise is the Caribbean. I am not afraid to fly it is just that I can't take being in an airplane. Can't be confined in a closed area. If I was able I would cruise to Europe and other places instead of just the caribbean. I would love to cruise in Spain, Italy, Greece and other beautiful countries. The only caribbean Island that I really love is St. Maarten and St. Thomas. I would rather cruise other places instead of the caribbean. If people could afford it and are able to cruise to other countries besides the caribbean more power to them.
Sue Jun 13th 2010 1:46PM
I agree with you about flying. Not MY favorite way to travel but I 'suck it up' to get from point A to point B more quickly. I have always wanted to cruise Hawaii but I know I could never 'suck it up' long enough for THAT plane ride! LOL The next time you are booking a cruise (which is my absolute favorite vacation!) try Turks and Caicos. BEAUTIFUL!!! We had a wonderful time when we went there and hope to go back again soon. Not too many ships go there.......I also love St. Thomas. Would like to go to St. Maarten also.
Mack Jun 23rd 2010 10:13AM
Kinda funny, I just signed on and saw this article and we're leaving tomorrow for Seattle to take an Alaska 7 day cruise (our first cruise to Alaska) and probably our last cruise for awhile. We've been to the Carribean for the last 3 cruises and I thought it'd be nice to do something different.
Doug Jun 13th 2010 10:39AM
I'm saving my money to cruise on the Star Clipper Ships.Only 180 people on board,and the ports are not seen by the MONSTER SHIPS.Check it out!
Ellen Jun 13th 2010 10:41AM
We love cruising and meeting new people on board. You are terrible to mention "Obama People". I hate Bermuda and would never recommend it to anyone. Boring, Boring. Hey Sharon, clean up your act. We have enough problems in this country. More prejudice we don't need.
Gregory Schwartz Jun 13th 2010 11:46AM
When I think of a cruise, I see lots of wealthy people eating seven huge meals a day. I see a large boat polluting the ocean. (I know they SAY they don't dump waste in the waters, but too many have been caught doing this.) I see people pumping up the economy of Aruba where they did NOTHING to help solve the murder of a young US citizen. I see tourists visiting places like Jamaica where the hotels and resorts are beautiful, and the rest of the island is miles of slums and ghettos filled with people suffering ubelieveable poverty. I will never go on a cruise. There are too many places in the USA I want to see. Florida is tropical enough for me. I want to see New England, California, Grand Canyon, etc. So many places in the USA to experience. I would rather spend my tourist dollars in our own country than spend them in some foreign country where a legal mistake can turn into a lifetime nightmare in one of their prisons. I know I'm wrong, but I've felt this way for years. gregg in Sarasota, FL (tropical enough for me...too many bugs and hurricanes!) No oil here yet, come to Sarasota and visit our beaches and spend your money HERE!