Message Clear: For Cruise Travel, Business Is Booming
Kelly Craighead (NPBL Photo)
By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Published April 12, 2019
SEATRADE MIAMI_After moving to Ft. Lauderdale, SeaTrade Cruise Global 2019 once again returned to Miami following an extensive refurbishing of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Cruise industry exectives were joined by thousands of attendees and 700 exhibitors representing every facet of the cruise business. And business is booming.
Kelly Craighead, the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), confirmed that in her opening remarks on Tuesday with these stats:
⦁ In 2018, 28.5 million people worldwide took a cruise, up 7 percent from 2017.
⦁ This year, that number is expected to be 30 million.
⦁ 18 new ships will launch this year.
⦁ The cruise industry accounts for 1.1 million jobs and $134 billion in global spending.
Ms. Craighead also spoke about the industry's commitment to protect the environment, including reducing carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030. The environment was among several themes taken up by the "State of the Industry" panel discussion that followed, moderated by Lucy Hockings of BBC World News. Panelists included Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival and Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian.
Among the points they made:
⦁ Fain emphasized the need to always be looking forward, avoiding "one size fits all" and embracing diversity. "If people want it, we need to provide it."
⦁ Vago talked about the importance of making getting on and off ships a seamless experience and how technology can be used to help with all aspects of cruise travel.
⦁ Donald foresees growth in all sizes of ships over the next 10 years, although he pointed out there's a set amount of capacity with the current shipbuilders.
⦁ Del Rio noted additional cruise entrants lend more credibility to the industry, and was bullish on the re-emergence of Eastern Mediterranean ports of call.
Two major segments driving growth are the millennials and an increasing number of Baby Boomer retirees. One difference, according to Fain, is that the millennials "don't have the same preconceptions about cruising" as the Boomers.
North Palm Beach Life
Published April 12, 2019
SEATRADE MIAMI_After moving to Ft. Lauderdale, SeaTrade Cruise Global 2019 once again returned to Miami following an extensive refurbishing of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Cruise industry exectives were joined by thousands of attendees and 700 exhibitors representing every facet of the cruise business. And business is booming.
Kelly Craighead, the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), confirmed that in her opening remarks on Tuesday with these stats:
⦁ In 2018, 28.5 million people worldwide took a cruise, up 7 percent from 2017.
⦁ This year, that number is expected to be 30 million.
⦁ 18 new ships will launch this year.
⦁ The cruise industry accounts for 1.1 million jobs and $134 billion in global spending.
Ms. Craighead also spoke about the industry's commitment to protect the environment, including reducing carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030. The environment was among several themes taken up by the "State of the Industry" panel discussion that followed, moderated by Lucy Hockings of BBC World News. Panelists included Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival and Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian.
Among the points they made:
⦁ Fain emphasized the need to always be looking forward, avoiding "one size fits all" and embracing diversity. "If people want it, we need to provide it."
⦁ Vago talked about the importance of making getting on and off ships a seamless experience and how technology can be used to help with all aspects of cruise travel.
⦁ Donald foresees growth in all sizes of ships over the next 10 years, although he pointed out there's a set amount of capacity with the current shipbuilders.
⦁ Del Rio noted additional cruise entrants lend more credibility to the industry, and was bullish on the re-emergence of Eastern Mediterranean ports of call.
Two major segments driving growth are the millennials and an increasing number of Baby Boomer retirees. One difference, according to Fain, is that the millennials "don't have the same preconceptions about cruising" as the Boomers.
Royal Caribbean Hosts Reception on Miami Beach
Day one of the conference ended on a high note at the Royal Caribbean Reception, held at the National Hotel on Miami Beach. Food, fun, music and our good friends at Royal on a perfect Miami night -- what's not to like?
The magic sights and sounds
of a perfect Miami Beach night 
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Royal and Richard: Listen to the Podcast
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, suggested we do a selfie together. He's smiling for good reason -- Royal has had a banner year launching new ships and acquiring new businesses.
All Photos: North Palm Beach Life |
Over 700 Exhibitors From Every Segment of the Cruise Industry
A taste of Hong Kong glamor and glitz
Taiko drums at the Japan booth
generated a big crowd. That guy on the right looks pretty scary! 
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Dancers are a great way to
draw attention to your booth! 
Pam was thrilled to run into British royalty, who didn't mind posing for a quick snap. |
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The big shipbuilders had models of some of the amazing ships they've built
Standing tall to show you the welcome mat
is out in the Virgin Islands |
The Port of Tampa had a funky
vibe, including hand-rolling cigars 
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Cruise Lines Keep the Media Busy With Latest News
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Luxury cruising is growing by leaps and dollars. Ritz-Carlton Yachts is one of the newest entrants.
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Guests on Ritz-Carlton Yachts will be transported on these "limo tenders."
How cool is that? |
Seabourn revealed the public spaces on their new ultra-luxury expedition ships, coming in 2021 and 2022 while
the audience enjoyed champagne and caviar. Read more about their announcement here.
the audience enjoyed champagne and caviar. Read more about their announcement here.
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Carnival announced 'Family Feud' is coming to their new ship, Mardi Gras. Their execs had fun
playing a game for the media. READ MORE. |
Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) joined Mexico officials to announce a new Sea of Cortez cruise from Rocky Point, near Arizona.
READ MORE. |
The Miami mayor joined Port of Miami officials and MSC executives to show off the stunning new MSC
terminal coming to the Port. READ MORE. |