WHO CRUISES---AND

WHY
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the typical clients onboard
cruises of different lengths.
Explain reasons why people are drawn
to cruising.
Identify what is typically included in the
cruise price
Explain how cruises are priced.
Explain the most common roadblocks to
cruise purchase.
FACTS
27% of cruisers are under 40 yrs old,
42% are between 40-59 yrs old, and
31% are over 60 yrs old.
40% of the people on board are taking
their first cruise.
3 out of 4 cruisers are married.
People who cruise earn 15% more than
non-cruisers.
10% of all cruisers bring a child or
children along.
 SHORT CRUISE VS. LONG CRUISE

SHORT CRUISE LONG CRUISE

 Younger passengers o Older passengers
 Have more modest o Have higher incomes
incomes o More educated
 Have less education o likely to be retired
 Working full time or semi-retired
o Interested in exotic
 Interested in mass
destination
market destination
o Have already
 New to cruising experienced cruising
 WHY PEOPLE CRUISE
1. A cruise is a hassle free vacation

2. A cruise takes you away from it all.

3. You’re pampered like nowhere else.

4. You can do it all or nothing at all.

5. You can sample a broad geographic area.

6. A cruise is something “new”.

7. Cruises offer a huge variety of events,

activities and meals.

8. A cruise facilitates shopping.

9. It’s easy to make friends on a cruise.

10. Cruises lends themselves to groups.

11. A cruise is a romantic experience.

12. A cruise is a learning experience.

13. There’s a cruise that can satisfy virtually

anyone.

14. It’s a great way to celebrate a special

event.
15. Everybody’s talking about how wonderful
cruises are.

16. Cruises represent a safe travel experience.

17. It’s a fabulous value for the money.

18. You know what you’re paying for in

advance.
 DEGREE OF INCLUSIVENESS
ALWAYS OR ALMOST ALWAYS INCLUDED
Stateroom accommodations
Stateroom amenities (e.g. shampoo)
Meals
Entertainment
Onboard activities
Ship transportation
Supervised onboard children’s program
Access to the exercise facility
Port charges
 SOMETIMES USUALLY NOT
INCLUDED, INCLUDED.
SOMETIMES NOT.
 Airfares
 Government fees  Shore excursion
 Taxes  Gratuities
 Transfers  Alcoholic
 Laundry & beverages
Pressing  Optional activities
 Insurance
 Never included
• Cost of meals ashore
• Parking at the departure port
• Shopping
• Gambling
• Phone calls & internet
• Medical Services
• Babysitting services
• Personal services (e.g. massage )
 CRUISE PRICES
The higher the deck the stateroom is
on, the higher the price.
Outside staterooms are more expensive
than inside staterooms.
Larger staterooms are expensive than
smaller ones.
Outside staterooms whose views are
obstructed often cost less than those
with unobstructed views.
 FACTORS THAT AFFECT CRUISE PRICES

Booking 6 to 9 months in advance yields a

savings.
A last minute sale when the ship is not fully
booked also results in lower prices.
Special promotions
If there’s a 3rd or 4th person sharing the
stateroom, their per person price is often
much less than for the 1st and 2nd person.
Seasonality
Repositioning cruises
Alumni or past passengers rate
 ROADBLOCKS TO PURCHASE
1. Cruises are too expensive.
2. Cruises are boring
3. Cruises are for older people.
4. Cruises are stuffy and too formal.
5. Cruises are too regimented.
6. There’s not enough time in ports.
7. The ship is too confining.
8. Aren’t you forced to socialize with
people.
9. I’ll eat too much and put on
weight.
10. Are ships really safe?
11. I’m worried about terrorism.
12. It’s too far to fly to the port.
13. I’m worried about getting sick.
14. I don’t know enough about
cruises.
 DRESS CODE
Formal: Appropriate formal evening
wear for women is an evening gown or
cocktail dress; men wear tuxedos,
dinner jackets or dark suits.
Informal: Ladies usually wear dresses
or pantsuits; men wear jackets (tie
optional)
Casual: Open neck shirts, slacks, and
sports outfits are appropriate.