While many of the sectors within the travel industry are struggling, the cruise industry is thriving. In fact, it’s the fast growing segment in the travel industry, yet this $30 Billion business is still is looking at at rocky times ahead. So what’s up with that?
In a one-hour special, Travel Expert Peter Greenberg and crew investigate the strengths and weakness of the cruise industry, and they spend a week about the Norwegian Pearl, one of the newest ships from Norwegian Cruise Line. These ships are mini cities and self-contained resorts, complete with shopping malls, swim parks, casinos and clubs for guests and living quarters for staff and crew. Greenburg was granted access to both above deck and below, and he shares a side of industry that most of us will never see or experience.
I asked him if budget conscious and value-demanding travelers should be considering a cruise vacation.
Here’s what he said:
If you look at the nearly suicidal pricing being offered by many cruises, it is representative of a buyer’s market of unprecedented proportion — and length. And, if you’ve never taken a cruise — and even if you’re a veteran cruiser, this special lifts the veil on the inner workings of the cruise ship industry. Prices have never been lower– some seven day cruises are being sold at just $249! – but this is the one special you really need to watch before you ever book that cruise. . . .
I’m taking that as a qualified yes, but will be watching the special to be sure.
Cruise Inc: Big Money on the High Seas airs on CNBC on Tuesday, March 24th, at 9 and 10 pm (ET), and March 25th at 1 am. It will repeat on Sunday, March 29th at 10 pm. Check out the website which offers additional video, profiles, and additional information.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or merely curious, this documentary promises to be an eye-opening look at the industry, so get this on your viewing calendar or set your recorder.
Photo credit: SXC
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