Travel agents polled in a survey by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) once again confirmed what cruise enthusiasts have known for a long time: The Caribbean is the hottest cruise region in the world.
In fact, nearly 80 percent of more than 500 CLIA travel agents polled named the destination as the most popular cruising ground for their agencies' customers.
Further cementing the survey findings was the fact that 88 percent of agents reported that the total number of Caribbean cruises sold at their agencies in 2006 increased over 2005—with 93 percent of respondents predicting that 2007 sales totals would surpass 2006 levels.
A Strong Future
"It goes without saying that the trend toward
Customer satisfaction rates also soared, with nearly 90 percent of agencies reporting that their clients were very satisfied or extremely satisfied. Total satisfaction ratings were 98.5 percent.
The high level of satisfaction comes as no surprise to CLIA member cruise lines, which have debuted large numbers of their newest and most cutting-edge ships in the region.
"Hands down, cruise vacationers will find the cruise
industry's most innovative ships in the
Sixty-four percent of respondents said their clients rated
their chosen cruise lines and ships as the best attribute of Caribbean cruises,
and also cited selling points as the
Seventy-five percent cited seven-day itineraries as the most popular cruise length, 13 percent voyages of five days or fewer, and 10 percent cruises of eight to 10 days.
"When booking cruises to the Caribbean, agents have
price on their side," says Michelle Fee, a member of CLIA's Travel Agency
Advisory Board and CEO of Cruise Planners in
88% of agents reported that the total number of
75% cited seven-day itineraries as the most popular
13% voyages of five days or less
10% cruises of eight to 10 days
Nearly 90% of agencies report that their clients were very satisfied or extremely satisfied, and total satisfaction ratings were 98.5%
34% Sold eastern
9% Sold southern
53% Sold western
Nearly 80% of
more than 500 clia travel agents
polled named the