Flattish
The following is a sampling of unattributed February agent reactions culled by BofA:
"I do not think that the general public knows that the passport rule for cruise passengers has been extended to Jan. 2008. I think that is what is holding people back. They think they need a passport."
"Wave season is not as busy as past years. We have experienced a better fourth quarter 2006, than first quarter 2007 so far."
"More direct and Internet bookings by consumers."
"Overcapacity in
There was some good news. BofA's cruise booking index increased slightly in February compared to January. "The modest increase likely reflects increasing promotions and not necessarily a secular step-up in demand," Savner wrote. Carnival Cruise Lines reported a 28 percent jump in bookings during a six-week stretch from February through mid-March, which was largely driven by a one-day sales event.