Itinerary Trends
Three itinerary trends characterize the cruise industry in 2010: capacity reduction in Alaska, increased capacity in the Caribbean and a build-up in Europe. Cruise Industry News talks to itinerary planners at leading cruise lines.
MSC Business Model
MSC has a global plan, with local execution. Further growth will come through more newbuildings rather than acquisitions and merger.
Orderbook 2010-2012
There are 26 more ships under construction or on order for deliveries starting later this month through mid-2012. Fifteen ships are destined for North American brands, although at least one will be dedicated to European passenger sourcing, while most of the others will also source internationally. Eleven new ships are destined for European brands, carrying mainly European passengers.
Tourism Rebound
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is predicting growth between 3 and 4 percent for 2010. The forecast is based on a recent upturn in international tourism and general economic indicators. The organization cited the International Monetary Fund, which recently stated that the global recovery is occurring significantly faster than expected, with a return to economic growth in 2010 at 3.1 percent worldwide. However, the growth is anticipated to be uneven – with a strong performance among emerging economies and more sluggish among advanced economies.
And there is more: Cayman’s plans for new berths are progressing; NCL goes solo; and Celebrity Rebrands.
