CRUISE INDUSTRY POISED FOR RECORD-BREAKING 2007

The interest in cruise vacations has indeed reached new heights, a fact that is clearly evidenced in the record number of ships - 100 - that have, or will, enter service between 2000 and 2010. Seven new ships debuted in 2006, and another nine are scheduled to launch in 2007.

As the cruise industry matures, so too do baby boomers. They are a formidable swath of the population that grew up on rock 'n roll, who, although aging chronologically, remain forever "young at heart." In travel terms, baby boomers seek vacations that incorporate active and adventurous elements but are unwilling to sacrifice creature comforts.

The "Old World," which has benefited from sold-out summer seasons in 2005 and 2006, is on track to record another banner year. CLIA-member cruise lines will be adding new ports along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, as well as in southern Italy, Turkey, Greece and Spain.

PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE, PRICELESS
However, those travelers without passports will soon "miss the boat" on itineraries that blanket the globe if they don't obtain passports. Although Congress extended the deadline of passport requirements for cruise passengers, travelers can expect the cruise industry to continue to promote the value of passports because they are in effect, priceless.

ROMANCE AT SEA
An ocean voyage has been the quintessential romantic vacation for generations, from Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in "An Affair to Remember" to Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet's epic "Titanic" love affair. Star-crossed cruisers can dine al fresco on their stateroom verandah, enjoy high-energy floorshows, flirt with Lady Luck, dance cheek-to-cheek, or savor the sea air on a moonlit stroll on deck.

Not surprisingly, cruises are ideal for honeymooners - a fact that has led to a burgeoning of this market segment - whether 20-something couples or newlyweds in their 40s and 50s celebrating a first or subsequent marriage. Depending on the cruise line, ships' captains can perform a legally binding wedding at sea or ceremonies can be held on board by a local officiant while in port on embarkation day, allowing family and friends to join in the festivities. In growing popularity, wedding guests are invited to sail with the couple.

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Cruises provide the ideal vacation venue to maintain close ties, and larger numbers of family groups are bringing several generations together. For maturing boomers, family is a priority, as is finding meaningful ways to bond with children and grandchildren who may live far away. Today's cruise ships are uniquely able to satisfy the ever-changing dynamics of modern American families, which might also include step-parents and children, plus cousins, aunts and uncles and family friends.

LUXURY CRUISING TAKES OFF
In 2006, the majority of luxury ships sailed full - thanks in part to increased affluence and younger, first-time cruisers who have discovered luxury cruising's huge appeal. Business is so buoyant, in fact, that for the first time in many years orders are being placed for new ships catering to this segment of the cruise industry.

The traveling public has become aware that luxury cruises offer tremendous value and 2007 is predicted to be another stellar year. The sumptuous accommodations on today's CLIA-member luxury vessels are a far cry from their predecessors of 25 years ago. Balcony suites and staterooms are now the norm rather than the exception, as are luxury appointments and plush amenities. The attention to detail extends throughout all areas - food, entertainment and public facilities - coupled with gracious, attentive service.

BOOK EARLY OR BEWARE
The travel industry trend toward making cruise reservations far in advance is predicted to accelerate even further in 2007, with consumers heeding CLIA's message that early bookers are ensured the best savings and their optimum choices in ships, staterooms and sailings. According to Dale, "Some CLIA travel agents have reported that travelers booked 2008 cruises nearly two years in advance. Others have said that their 2007 booking levels are already exceeding those of 2006."