More Adventure & Shorter Vacations

To Whom It May Concern:

We came across this information in the trades and thought it would be of
interest to this newsgroup as well. If this is somehow a repeat of an
earlier post, sorry we missed it. This can always be ignored or deleted.


Cruise passengers seeking more adventure...
The image of passive cruise sightseeing tours is a mirage, says Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA). "A significant number of today's cruise
vacationers are seekers and explorers," said Terry L. Dale, CEO of CLIA.
"These are not the passive bus-tour type." Whitewater rafting, race-car
driving, rappelling, diving and zip-lining atop rain-forest canopies are
increasingly popular activities. Some of the more unusual tours combine cave
tubing and rain forest exploration in Belize (Carnival Cruise Lines), and
driving a Formula 1 race car in Monte Carlo (Crystal Cruises). Mr. Dale
added, however, that traditional tours such as visits to landmarks and
historical sites also remain popular for cruise passengers.


Travel trends include shorter vacations...
American travelers are taking shorter trips, driving more than they are
flying and substituting three-day weekends for the traditional week-long
vacation. Those were among findings of David Wyss, chief economist for
Standard & Poors. "With memories of terror attacks fading, and the dollar
dropping to the level of foreign currency, the demand for tourism is
increasing," he said at the New York Times Travel & Tourism Show. Part of
his rosy outlook was based on the fact Americans are spending less of their
incomes on food and energy costs, leaving them more money for travel. Mr.
Wyss said his major concern, however, was over future rising energy prices.
That could have a negative impact on tourism. But there's also the threat of
terrorism. "It's the elephant in the room -- what happens if there are
more terrorist attacks?" he asks.


Happy sailing,
John Sisker
SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at
(800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
http://www.shiptoshorecruise.com