NEW YORK -- The number of Americans who "definitely" or "probably"
intend to take a cruise in the next three years rose to more than
44 million, about 31% of the U.S. population, new research said.
The Cruise Lines International Association, which commissioned
the study, said that figure is a new record. By way of comparision,
CLIA in September predicted a record 7.4 million North Americans
would cruise in 2002.
But the 44 million figure is a "best-case" scenario, CLIA said;
a more reasonable forecast is that 27 million Americans will take a
cruise by the end of 2005.
The 2002 Cruise Market Profile study, conducted by NFO Plog
Research, was based on 2,030 telephone interviews.
Cruise vacationers also are more likely than noncruisers to
purchase an escorted tour or a resort vacation package, according
to the study.
"For agents, [cruises and package tours] are two of the most
profitable things an agent can sell," noted Bob Sharak, CLIA's
executive director.
According to the survey, past cruise passengers are more likely
to use a travel agent -- and more likely to take a vacation based
on a recommendation from a travel agent.
The No. 1 reason why Americans shy away from a cruise vacation?
It's perceived as being too expensive.