MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Leaders of the world’s largest cruise lines said Tuesday the industry’s 2008 outlook is positive despite economic pressures such as high fuel costs, the weak dollar and a struggling housing market.
While not immune to a weakening economy, the industry has proved “recession resistant” because its all-inclusive vacations provide value for travelers who may be cutting back on discretionary spending, said Dan Hanrahan, marketing committee chairman for the Cruise Lines International Association. He spoke along with other industry executives at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach.
He said there is an extremely high occupancy rate for ships belonging to association cruise lines, and internal surveys of travel agents predict this year’s bookings and sales could be as good as or better than 2007, Hanrahan said.
“There’s this belief amongst people that they deserve their vacations,” said Hanrahan, who also is president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, units of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
