WHY CRUISE INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW: VAST CHOICES

Cruise travel continues to grow for several reasons, including the fact that many cruisers can drive to their ship, says Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).

Two other reasons: the growing availability of spas and the ability to explore exotic Caribbean destinations.

"One of the important things is no matter what you think you want to do on a vacation, or no matter what you have done and like, you can probably replicate that experience on a cruise," said Bob Sharak, executive vice president of marketing for CLIA.

Twelve ships are taking maiden voyages this year — with several embarking from Southeast ports — and eight new vessels are scheduled to debut next year, according to CLIA.

In the next five years, 40 ships will be introduced, increasing the number of beds from 265,000 to 335,000.

Some of the newest ships offer activities ranging from ice skating to surfing.

Costa and Carnival Cruise Lines as well as Celebrity's new Azamara Cruises brand, have suites next to spas, with perks such as in-room services and restaurants.

INCREASED DEMAND FOR CRUISING, OCEAN STYLE

A trend in cruising: leisurely Ocean crossings between continents with few if any ports of call.

These trips, known as repositioning cruises, are a look back to a bygone era when plenty of onboard time added to the mystique and romance of a high-seas adventure.

No fewer than 15 major players, each a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), will soon move their fleets from summer seasons in Europe, Alaska and Canada to winter itineraries in the Caribbean, Mexico and elsewhere.

A total of 50 ships, ranging in size from intimately small to mega-liners, will be offering fall transatlantic or Pacific Ocean voyages this year, says Cruise travel columnist Michael Coleman.

"One of the world's most popular cruise lines, Princess, might be the busiest," he adds.

The luxury lines, are also repositioning their fleets.

Report by David Wilkening