Destinations and itineraries are by far the key influencers for consumers deciding which cruise to take, according to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, speaking at last week’s cruise convention in Ft. Lauderdale.

Del Rio said that 82 percent cite destinations or itinerary as the key drivers of their cruise selection, compared to 77 percent who cited price and 68 percent who said the length of the cruise were the most important factors.

Embarkation ports, sailing dates and past experience with a particular cruise line or ship were less important, according to Del Rio, who also said that only 6 percent choose a cruise based on travel agent recommendation.

He also noted that shore excursions were by far the biggest contributor to onboard revenue.

And with fleet expansion outpacing port availability, he said there are opportunities for new destinations to get cruise traffic.

Del Rio did not provide a source for consumer cruise selection data.