The cruise industry is a Cinderella story. During the past 40 years, cruising has evolved from small and older converted ships to enormous, new, all-inclusive, floating resorts. Before the 70s, cruising was for the wealthy. Three cruise lines made this fantasy become a reality for more travelers.
An American businessman, Stanley McDonald, founded Princess Cruises in 1968 and built his first modern ship, Princess Italia, specifically for cruising. In 1975, Princess agreed to be the backdrop of Aaron Spellings newest television series, “The Love Boat.” When the popular series was broadcast all over the world, sailing the seas had the allure as a relaxing and romantic vacation.
Carnival Cruise Lines purchased some older ships and refurbished them into passenger cruise lines in 1972. Because of their age, Carnival was forced to discount their cabins to attract a larger market share and younger crowd. When they introduced their ship, Carnivale, they offered the first Sunday, seven-day departure, and the “Fun Ship” theme was born.
In 1982, the construction of Carnival Tropicale was their first custom-built ship with larger inside and outside cabins. It was the beginning of an industry-wide, multi-billion dollar shipbuilding boom.
Carnival has the largest market share in the industry with its alliance including Holland American Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Costa and the Yachts of Seabourn. The “Most Popular Cruise Line in the World” carries more passengers than any other line.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s first ship, Song of Norway, entered the seas in 1970. Eight years later, the ship was cut in two and stretched by adding an 85-foot mid-section to increase capacity from 700 to 1000 passengers. Today, the inauguration of their “Oasis of the Seas” earns the title of the worlds’ largest cruise ship, carrying 5,400 passengers.
To increase company profits, cruise ships must sail at full capacity. Passengers buying shore excursions, playing in the casino, enjoying a spa treatment, purchasing liquor in the bars, and dining in the specialty restaurants, all contribute to cruise line revenues. To sail at full capacity, the cabins are discounted. Carnival, Princess and RCCL have all recently reported a rise in bookings for 2010. As you book a cruise, keep in mind that your deposit is fully refundable, in most cases, until your final payment is due. Cruise ships today have become the destination and the ports are an extra plus.
