CHAPTER 2
WHO CRUISES
AND WHY
CRUISE
SHIPS
a large ship used primarily for
leisure cruising. While earlier
cruises were usually
undertaken on ships that had
been built for a different
primary purpose—such as
mail delivery ships or ocean
liners meant for
transportation—modern
cruise ships are essentially
floating holiday resorts that
feature entertainment, sports
activities, and multiple
restaurants.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Allied Market Research
A cruise ship is a luxurious passenger ship used for
recreational and pleasure voyages and has all the
amenities, entertainment options, activities, and
attractions present only for the purpose of enhancing
the passenger’s experience. It is available in various
sizes, with the largest ones capable of transporting
thousands of people. Cruise rides are known to be an
excellent method of attracting tourist. The size and
technology of a cruise ship determine its distance-
traveling capabilities. Presently, cruising is a very
popular aspect of the tourism industry, and most cruise
ships have come to resemble floating cities.
WHY PEOPLE CRUISE
Choose to Cruise!
A cruise experience offers the opportunity to experience the world as you
choose. Whether you're looking to spend a week relaxing with family in the
Caribbean, or swim among dolphins of the South Pacific, cruising offers a
world of opportunity.
https://cruising.org/en/cruise-vacationer/why-cruise
Why People Cruise
According to Marc Mancini, Ph.D. Professor of
Travel, West Los Angles College, people cruise because:
1. A cruise is a hassle-free vacation.
Unpack once and no wondering where to eat.
2. A cruise takes you away from it all.
No office/work stress, just water, sea, sky and landscape.
3. You are pampered like nowhere else.
The most ever-present and gracious service you’re ever
likely to experience.
4. You can do it all – or nothing at all.
Many cruises provide a vast series of choices, you can pick, choose or pass up.
Or select a cruise that offers a very relaxed experience with very little structure.
WHY PEOPLE CRUISE
5. You can sample a broad
geographic area.
Many cruisers consider a cruise vacation as a good way to
sample vacation spots that they may want to return to later.
6. A cruise is something “new”.
People like trying out new vacation experiences.
7. Cruises offer a huge variety of events, activities and meals.
Explore a port or stay onboard.
8. A cruise facilitates shopping.
Each port has its own shopping opportunities (often duty-
free) as does the ship itself.
9. It’s easy to make friends on a cruise.
Opportunities to socialize are seemingly endless.
10. Cruises lend themselves to groups.
Family reunions are also easy to arrange aboard a ship.
11. A cruise is a romantic experience.
A Cosmopolitan survey concluded that 80% of cruisers
feel more amorous at sea.
12. A cruise is a learning experience.
Even if your goal is to have a good time, you’re almost sure
to learn something new about the ports you visit.
13. There’s a cruise that can satisfy virtually anyone.
Just about everyone can find a cruise to be fulfilling.
WHY PEOPLE CRUISE
14. It’s a great way to celebrate a special event.
Honeymoons, anniversaries or birthdays.
15. Everyone is talking about how wonderful cruises are.
16. Cruises represent a safe travel experience.
A ship’s environment is highly managed. Anything out of the ordinary is swiftly noted.
17. It’s a fabulous value for the money.
Compare what you get for your cruise dollar to a similar land-based vacation and you quickly
discover that cruises are a remarkable bargain.
18. Cruises are ideal for family vacations.
A packaged product at a reasonable price with major facilities and programs to keep young people
occupied and entertained.
19. They provide an excellent context for extended
business meetings.
Retreats and similar away-from-the-office events are an option that the cruise lines can
facilitate.
20. You know what you’re paying in advance.
Cruises are generally an inclusive vacation.
EXPLORING CRUISE LINE
CATEGORIES:
FROM MASS-MARKET TO ULTRA-LUXURY
The Unvarnished Traveler by Brian Raymond | June 6th, 2023
Choosing the right cruise line isn't easy
Embarking on a cruise is a thrilling adventure, but with a sea of
options, choosing the right cruise line can be as complex as navigating
the ocean's tides. To help you steer in the right direction, this guide
examines four main cruise line categories – mass-market, premium,
entry-luxury, and ultra-luxury. As you journey from mass-market to
ultra-luxury, you'll notice a graduated increase in prices reflecting the
enhanced amenities, personalized service, and indulgent experiences
offered. By understanding these categories, you can better chart a
course for the cruise experience that best suits your expectations and
budget. Welcome aboard as we set sail into the world of cruising!
MASS-MARKET
CRUISE LINES
CARNIVAL • MSC • NORWEGIAN • ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Mass-market cruise lines are also known as "mainstream" cruise lines.
These are the most popular and widely recognized names in cruising, such
as Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and MSC.
They are designed to appeal to a broad demographic and offer a wide
variety of onboard activities and amenities.
The ships in this category are often quite large, capable of carrying
thousands of passengers. They offer a wide range of accommodation
options, from budget-friendly interior cabins to more luxurious suites.
These cruise lines feature a variety of dining options, from buffet-style
meals to specialty restaurants, as well as numerous bars and lounges.
Entertainment is a key feature of mass-market cruises, with options like
Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, and activities like rock
climbing walls, water slides, and mini golf. It's all about giving a broad
range of passengers lots to do.
PREMIUM
CRUISE LINES
CELEBRITY • CUNARD • DISNEY •
HOLLAND AMERICA • PRINCESS • VIRGIN VOYAGES
Premium cruise lines, such as Holland America, Cunard, Disney, Princess,
Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages, offer a step up in terms of
accommodations, food, and service compared to mass-market cruise
lines. They are designed for passengers looking for a more refined and
sophisticated cruising experience, but still at an accessible price point.
The ships tend to be slightly smaller than those of mass market lines, and
the focus is on a more upscale, intimate experience. Accommodations are
more spacious and well-appointed, and dining options often include
upscale fare and more inclusive offerings. The onboard entertainment is
also typically more sophisticated, featuring guest lecturers, cooking
demonstrations, and live music.
Premium lines often feature itineraries that are slightly more exotic or
unique than those offered by mass-market lines, appealing to more
experienced travelers looking for something different.
ENTRY-LUXURY
CRUISE LINES
AZAMARA • CUNARD • OCEANIA •
VIKING OCEAN • WINDSTAR
Entry-luxury cruise lines, like Azamara, Oceania, and Viking Ocean, provide an
even higher level of cuisine, service, amenities, and personal attention. They are
designed for discerning travelers who value a more luxurious and inclusive
cruising experience, but who may not be ready to commit to the price point of
the ultra-luxury lines.
These cruise lines typically operate smaller ships, allowing for a more intimate
and relaxed atmosphere. The passenger-to-crew ratio is generally lower,
meaning more attentive service. Dining is a highlight, often featuring gourmet,
destination-focused cuisine, and all-inclusive fare.
Entry-luxury cruise lines also offer more in-depth itineraries, with longer stays in
ports and more overnight visits, allowing passengers to explore destinations
more fully.
ULTRA-LUXURY
CRUISE LINES
CRYSTAL • EXPLORA JOURNEY • REGENT SEVEN SEAS •
RITZ-CARLTON YACHT • SEABOURN • SILVERSEAS
Ultra-luxury cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea,
Crystal Cruise Lines, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Explora Journey
represent the pinnacle of luxury cruising. These lines are designed for the
most discerning passengers who expect the highest level of luxury and
service.
The ships in this category are typically small to mid-size, allowing for an
extremely high level of personal service. Accommodations are often suite-
only, with high-end amenities and personal butler service. Dining is of the
highest caliber, often designed by celebrity chefs, and includes
complimentary fine wines and spirits.
Ultra-luxury cruises often include a range of all-inclusive amenities, such
as shore excursions, gratuities, and even airfare in the cruise fare.
Itineraries are often unique and exotic, with a focus on immersive,
destination-focused experiences.
As you move up from mass-market to ultra-luxury, you can expect an
increase in price and the level of luxury and inclusivity, and a
corresponding increase in price. The choice between these types of cruises
ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and what you
hope to get out of your cruise experience.
ULTRA-LUXURY
CRUISE LINES
CRYSTAL • EXPLORA JOURNEY • REGENT SEVEN SEAS •
RITZ-CARLTON YACHT • SEABOURN • SILVERSEAS
ULTRA-LUXURY
CRUISE LINES
CRYSTAL • EXPLORA JOURNEY • REGENT SEVEN SEAS •
RITZ-CARLTON YACHT • SEABOURN • SILVERSEAS
A LOOK AT
NICHE CRUISING
Your Cruise Coach | Ming Tappin | October 3, 2017
While the public is well aware of mainstream cruise lines, there are many
small and unique cruise operators that may not be on everyone's radar.
Niche or specialty cruise lines such as UnCruise Adventures, Aranui,
Quark Expeditions and Hurtigruten, to name a few,
are definitely not household names by any means.
Some travelers may also shy away from a cruise vacation due to the
mainstream concept associated with cruising - large vessels with
thousands of guests, formal dress, busy nightlife, and overly tourist-y
ports.
They also want immersive itineraries and off-the-grid destinations,
and feel that a cruise is unable to offer this experience.
Thanks to niche and specialty cruise lines, it is possible!
The distinctive feature of a specialty cruise line is, first and foremost, the
small ship experience. With an average capacity of 100-200, and some
as few as 25, clients don't have to worry about line-ups and crowds of
anonymous faces for ship mates. In fact, guests can establish wonderful
friendships onboard, as they all see each other on a daily basis.
A LOOK AT
NICHE CRUISING
Your Cruise Coach | Ming Tappin | October 3, 2017
The second biggest selling point of these cruises is the up-close and
personal experiences guests will receive during their travels. Small ships
can navigate narrow channels, traverse shallow waterways, and access
hard to reach places to bring guests face-to-face with waterfalls, wildlife
or local residents. Some specialty cruises are completely devoid of ports of
call, focusing instead on the natural beauty of the landscape, with
excursions to explore the area on foot, kayak or zodiacs.
Due to their uniqueness, specialty cruises naturally sail to more remote
areas of the world, such as the Polar regions, Norwegian coast, and lesser
known islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Some do visit popular
places such as Alaska, Central and South America, but instead of visiting
busy ports, itineraries feature extensive visits into national parks, wildlife
reserves and world heritage sites.
Life onboard a specialty cruise is active and full of learning through
participation. In addition to in-depth excursions, enrichment lectures led
by professors, naturalists and field experts further bring the destination to
guests. But just because it is not a mainstream experience, don't think you
will be roughing it. Although ships are small, and many are expedition or
working vessels, all the creature comforts are there, and some niche
operators even offer luxury accommodations, open bar and gourmet
cuisine.
NICHE CRUISING
Niche and specialty cruises offer guests a cruise vacation with a
distinct expertise and focus.
Most niche/specialty cruise lines are destination experts and provide
guests with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture that
they are visiting.
Niche cruises feature destinations such as Antarctica, Hawaii, Europe,
the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands, South America, the Orient,
Asia and Scandinavia.
The best small cruise lines also include "soft-adventure" vacations,
often featuring the following to provide their guests with an
enrichment experience as well as a vacation:
Destination-rich cultural itineraries
Enrichment seminars by distinguished guest experts
Naturalists, geologists or licensed guides
Regional cuisine
Continental atmosphere with multinational guests
CRUISE
PRODUCTS
CRUISE PRODUCTS
Top 10 Cruise Products
and Service Delivery
Tourism Management by V. Teye and D. Leclerc, 1998
1. Cabin Service
2. Dining Room Service
3. Cleanliness of Ship
4. Cruise Staff
5. Entertainment
6. Bar Services
7. Ports of Call
8. Quality of Food
9. Purser Staff/Info Desk
10. Shore Tours
END OF
CHAPTER 2
WHO CRUISES
AND WHY
