It was reported a couple of months ago that the U.S. economic impact of the cruise industry grew 4.6% last year to $42 billion according to a study financed annually by the Cruise Line International Association.
Direct spending by the cruise lines was quoted at $19.6 billion which was up 4% according to a study by Business and Economic Research Associates.
The study said the cruise industry generates 356,311 jobs in the U. S. with wages of over $17 billion. Florida, which accounted for 60% of cruise embarkations, benefited the most from the cruise industry, being able to enjoy 36% of all that spending.
I don’t know how they are able to do it, but Carnival is doing it again. . . .promoting another initiative to get folks on their ships or to get past guests back on their ships. They recently announced a guarantee that guests will be satisfied with sailings to specific destinations departing before April 20, 2015, or they can receive a 110% refund, plus transportation home, and a $100 on-board-credit. Of course the guarantee carries with it some restrictions, one of them being that the passengers must request the refund within 24 hours of the ship’s departure from port. They won’t be able to cruise for 6 days and then say they didn’t like it!!
They had a similar “guarantee” promotion several years ago, and obviously it worked because they are doing it again. It is aimed, of course, to the first time guest who might be a reluctant cruiser because of the recent mishaps that have occurred on their ships.
Carnival is spending $300 million to add extra generators and upgrade fire suppression on many of its ships.
And just in case someone hasn’t been listening faithfully, we are traveling next year again to Alaska. It’s our 20th year to be fortunate enough to take a group to this beautiful 49th state in our Union. We plan on leaving on July 7-19, beginning in Fairbanks for two nights, traveling down to Denali National Park for two nights, and then one night in Anchorage before we get on the beautiful Crown Princess at Whittier for a 7-night cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage. Literally, a trip you just don’t want to miss, and for many, a trip of a lifetime. Truly a forever memory-maker, and that’s the best part of my profession, seeing guests enjoy such a great experience.
Reach us at 4150 Southwest Drive, Suite 120. . .Look for The Travel Factory sign in the middle of the Plaza at Park Central. Our phone number is 325-698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. Our website is: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.