MODULE 8: WATER TRANSPORT: FERRIES & CRUISES.

HISTORY AND TYPES OF MARITIME SERVICES

• 71% of the earth's surface is covered by water.

• Today, more than 40,000 cargo ships transport over 90% of world trade.

• Many of these ships carry people as well as cargo.

Body of Water Percentage

Pacific Ocean 46%

Atlantic Ocean 24%

Indian Ocean 20%

Arctic Ocean 3%

Other waters 7%
 Since the beginning of time, boats have been used by man as a way to cross water.
 At first flat rafts and long poles used, and with time, small boats and sailing vessels were built to
sail across greater distances.
 A need to carry goods and supplies to distant and newly discovered lands helped the cargo trade
grow.
 As technology has advanced, so have the ships. Ships continue to grow in size, speed, efficiency
and comfort.
 Shipping companies continue to improve their products and services to attract more passengers
and make more profit.
Two different types of water transportation exist to meet passenger needs- ferries and cruise liners.
 Sydney, Australia has a network of ferries to the North and South shore communities. These
services can compete with ground transportation in terms of speed and comfort.
 Hong Kong’s famous Star Ferry is still operating even though an underground tunnel connects
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
 Greece’s major port, Piraeus, is one of the worlds busiest.
 The English Channel Tunnel/Tunnel Channel still has regular ferry services even though people
can still travel by car via the Channel between France and England.

ORIGINS OF CRUISING
In 1835 Arthur Anderson first proposed a cruise from Scotland to destinations including Iceland and the
Faeroe Islands. Two years later, Anderson and a partner named Brodie Wilcox, founded the famous
Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, which later became P & O. Anderson was the first to introduce
travel at sea with recreation or pleasure.
Cruising for pleasure quickly became popular in the early 19th Century. Great writers like Charles
Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray took pleasure cruises and wrote about the joys of cruising
and their experiences.
By the 1920’s sea travel with all of its comfort had become popular with the wealthy passengers of the
western world who cruised accompanied with their butlers, secretaries, nannies, dressers and valets
had ordinary accommodations on board.
The cruise industry in the United States became popular as a result of “Prohibition” in the 1930s.
At the time, it was illegal to drink alcohol in the United States. But passengers could freely consume
spirits just a few miles offshore. This situation created the so called weekend “Booze Cruises” out of
New York.
During the 1930s and 1940s many countries including the UK, The Netherlands, Norway, France and the
US competed to build the most luxurious, glamorous and comfortable passenger ships in the world. Size,
speed and decor became not just a matter of design and function, but also a matter of national pride.
This time many great luxury liners were designed and built.
Cunard Line's Caronia was one of the first to offer private bathrooms in every cabin. Her hull was
painted with four different shades of the color green. Her smokestack was the largest of her time. She
was called the “Green Goddess” or the “Millionaires ship”.
But the cruising industry faced some difficulties when, in 1958, the first commercial jet aircraft made its
historic transatlantic flight. This completely changed both the consumer's demand and the economics
of the world travel industry.
Until the middle 1960s it was less expensive to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a passenger ship. But with the
introduction of “Jumbo Jets” in the early 1970s, it soon became more economical to travel by airplane.
In 1962 more than 1 million passengers crossed the Atlantic by ship. By 1970 less than 250,000 people
made the voyage by ship.
Many of the world's great ships, including Cunard Company’s “Queen Mary” and her sister ship “Queen
Elizabeth”, made their final voyages in 1967 and 1968 respectively. At the time, the Queen Elizabeth, at
83,673 gross registered tons, was the largest ocean liner ever built. Her size was unequalled until 1996,
when a larger “cruise” ship was finally constructed.

TYPES OF FERRIES
1. Passenger only ferries
These services provide water transport between two or more points and are available to passengers
only. Ferry rates depend on distance and the demand at the time of day.
Often, offer frequent-traveler passes for people who use the service regularly or group rates. Offer
frequent service with many daily departure and arrival times. Clients expect on-time, safe, comfortable
and convenient travel from this type of company.
2. Passenger/vehicles ferries
These services provide water transport between two or more points for passengers and their vehicles.
Rates vary widely but are usually calculated based on the type, weight and number of vehicles
transported. Some of these ferry services charge a fixed inclusive price. Others charge per automobile
driver and passenger.
3. Cruise ferries
There are large luxury ferries that also take thousands of passengers on mini-cruises. Such cruise ferries
operate in Scandinavia and between the UK and Spain.
4. Cargo/passenger ferry services
Offered worldwide, these services are for the transporting of cargo. Most cargo ships offer passage to a
limited number of guests, sometimes in very comfortable surroundings.
Rates vary widely according to the type of cargo service; distance travelled, and demand for the service.
 5. Passenger/ train ferry services
These ferry services provide water transport between two or more points for train wagons and a
limited number of foot passengers. Often, the ferries have permanent on-board rail tracks on which the
train carriages and wagons sit during transit. This helps the trains to get on and off the ferry more
quickly.
Train ferries can be more than 120 meters (400 ft) in length. This type of ferry may be found in Denmark
and other areas of Scandinavia.

TYPES OF CRUISE SHIPS

Super Mega (Giant) Ships
• Weigh more than 100,000 tons and carry over 2,600 passengers.
Mega Ships
• Between 70,000 and 100,000 tons & carry b/n 1600 & 2600 passengers
Large Ships
• weigh b/n 20,000 & 70,000 tons & carry b/n 500 to 1600 passengers
Small Ships
• Weigh less than 20,000 and carry up to 500 passengers.
Windjammer Ships
• These are sailing or assisted sailing ships carrying up to 400 passengers who are invited to
actively participate in the operation of the vessel.
Barge, River and Specialty Cruises
• Smaller boats usually operating on inland waterways with limited passenger capacity.

NB:
Cruise Ships are often regarded as “a resort at sea”.
• Most cruises offer 2 to 100-day itineraries or more.
• Unlike ferries, cruise liners are “the destination” rather than a way of reaching a destination.
• They charge all-inclusive prices and offer high commissions to the agency.
• Retail travel agents make the majority of cruise reservations.
• Many of these retail travel agents are cruise specialists who sell only cruises.
Some ships have over 70% repeat bookings.

CRUISING: A GROWTH INDUSTRY

In the 1960’s and 1970’s people lost interest in traveling by ship and most of the large ships built in the
1920’s and 1930’s were stored away or sold for other uses.
‘The France’, was among the largest ships that survived and the Norwegian Cruise Line renamed it the
“the Norway”.
The Carnival Cruise Line took over the Empress of Canada and her sister the Empress of Britain and
renamed them Mardi Gras and Carnival.

EXPANSION OF CRUISE INDUSTRY

The new interest in cruising caused many ships to be renovated. Companies such as Carnival Cruise Line
ordered new ships, an investment that surprised many competitor cruise lines. They ordered three ships
in the same design: Jubilee, Holiday and Celebration.
Cruise companies, such as Sitmar, tried to compete but they could not afford the investments. So other
expanding cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, bought those struggling cruise companies.
 INTRODUCTION OF MEGA SHIPS
Until the 1990s, most of the new ships weighed from 30,000 to 40,000 tons, carrying fewer than 1500
passengers. Cruises lines studied the economies of scale and realized that larger ships would be less
expensive to operate per passenger on board, but created environmental concern (consume more
energy and give off higher carbon emissions)- International regulations are being introduced With first
mega ship (70,000 tons), the passenger capacity to 2,600.
Carnival Cruise Line- the leader in launching six mega ships in the 1990s: Ecstasy, Fantasy, Fascination,
Imagination, Inspiration& Sensation. It has now been overtaken by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
with the launch of “Harmony of the Seas” in 2016.

CONSOLIDATION OF CRUISE LINES

Consolidation (under the same operation) continues today: This consolidation allowed each line to
operate independently& keep owns identity, but benefit from centralized investments& organization.
Carnival Cruise Line added Holland America, Cunard, Windstar, Seaborne, Costa and most recently
Princess Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean joined with Celebrity.
The Star Line has joined NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).
There are new companies such as Oceania Cruises.

CRUISES
Transportation and Recreation
Ferries attract their customers by providing relatively fast, efficient and economic ways
to travel between 2 or more points.
They transport a large variety of goods, cars and merchandise at a lower cost.
The ferries- mostly powered by the diesel engine or diesel electric motors. But faster
“seacats” or “hydrofoils” use a jet engine.
The design of the craft varies according to the water body that they operate in and the
designs are adapted to facilitate speedy loading and unloading of vehicles and passengers.
Cruise vessels are designed as a resort at sea. The ability to visit different ports and
countries is an added attraction to help sell the cruise package.
The extras on board usually include shop purchases, shore excursions and personal
items and drinks from the bar.
USD is the common currency used on board cruise ships
The amenities on a cruise ship will include casinos, swimming pools, spas, deck sports
and fitness centers.
For agencies, selling ferry services is more work and brings less revenue than selling
cruises.
STRUCTURE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY
Cruise Line Associations:
There are approximately 80 cruise lines worldwide.
Cruise line associations- responsible for promoting the cruise industry in their regions&
for travel agent training in cruise products.
They publish information describing the benefits of cruising and the operation of ships in
general.
CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), formed in 1975, is the cruise line
association for North America and represents more than 25 major cruise lines.
PSARA (Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agent) represents cruise and ferry lines
in the United Kingdom
MAIN CRUISE LINES & THEIR SHIPS
The “big eight” cruise lines are:
1. Carnival Cruise Line;
2. Holland America Line;
3. Princess Cruises;
4. Costa Cruises;
5. Celebrity Cruises;
6. Royal Caribbean Line;
7. Norwegian Cruise Line;
8. Star Cruises.
Although these are the big 8, the parent 3 companies are:
 Carnival operates Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa, Cunard and Sea
bourn;
 Royal Caribbean operates Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
 Star operates Norwegian Cruise Line and Star.

CRUISE CLASSIFICATIONS
Royal Caribbean Line is strong in the Super Mega Ship category. These ships weigh
over 100,000 tons. With the exception of Cunard Line's “Queen Mary 2”, they have the
biggest ships afloat at the present time. Carnival Cruise Line is close behind with several
ships already sailing or in construction, weighing over 110,000 tons. All the other cruise
lines have concentrated their new ships in the Mega Class, weighing between 70,000 and
100,000 tons.

Carnival Cruise Line, marketed as “The Fun Ships”, targets the younger generation.
These attract the first time cruiser in the twenty to forty year.

Costa Cruise Line is Italian and specializes in European cruises and clientele. This line
provides cruises to all areas of the world with a fleet of modern vessels.

The Holland America Cruise Line focuses more on comfort. Its décor is more
conservative and its clients are loyal and usually more mature, between 50 and 70 years.

Princess Cruise Line offers modern, bright ships. The operator is a pioneer in many
fields. It offers flexible dining service& outdoor cinema.
This cruise line's products are moderately priced and its brand is strong. Princess Cruises
are suitable to most age groups
Celebrity Cruise Line is known for its cuisine. It has more crew members than most
cruise lines and a very loyal clientele.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a loose dining policy on all its ships, where the rules are
relaxed. Its products are sports and fun oriented and a modern fleet attracts all age
groups.
Star Cruise Line operates in Asia and caters to the Asian, European and Australasian
markets. Casinos are very popular on their cruises. This operator specializes in cruises of
relatively short durations and focuses on service quality.

CRUISE PRODUCT FEATURES

ITINERARIES
The most popular cruise itineraries are those in the Caribbean region, visiting popular
islands, including their own private islands. There are also cruises that sail to Alaska and
cross the Panama Canal. Some cruises sail to and from Hawaii.
Many European cruises sail the East Mediterranean and the West Mediterranean. There
are many mixed cruise itineraries from Portugal in the west to Turkey in the east with
stopover at most of the famous and romantic cities of the region such as Lisbon,
Barcelona, Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Palma, Florence, Naples, Rome, Athens etc.
There are also Baltic and Scandinavian itineraries and some that circle the British Isles.
In the Far East most popular cruise destinations include: China for river cruises,
Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and some growing markets in the Middle
East, Maldives, Seychelles, India and Sri Lanka.

LENGTH OF A CRUISE
The most popular length of time for a cruise is eight days, although longer trips are
becoming more popular.
The three and four day cruise from US ports is normally available in the Bahamas.
An eight-day cruise may be too short if it takes nearly two days to reach and return
from the sailing points.
Passengers sailing on short cruises are usually those who live or are vacationing in the
region to escape the cold winter months.
Longer cruises depend on the time necessary to reach the homeport of departure.

SPECIALTY CRUISES
These are cruises that have themes or special interests to attract passengers who normally
might not be interested in taking a cruise. Themes are centered on sports, arts, hobbies
and education.
Theme cruises are usually eight days or more.
River & Canal Cruises. Exploratory Cruises (e.g. sailing to such places as Antarctica, the
Galapagos, Easter Island or the Seychelles. Real adventure cruises sail up the Amazon or
Yangtze rivers. Wine cruises and gastronomical cruises on the rivers of Europe and the
west coast of North America.
SOCIAL GROUPINGS
Cruises are very popular with honeymooners. Family groupings are also attracted to
cruises.
In the business world, a cruise ship is a good choice for a sales and marketing seminar.
Cruise products to accommodate the single traveler are now emerging. Very few ships
have single cabins and only a few cruises offer a “share programme”.
A few established European operators such as the Fred Olsen Line and Voyages of
Discovery offer single passenger accommodations.
The Queen Elizabeth 2 also offers a number of single cabins.

CRUISE PRODUCT BENEFITS

Passenger Benefits and savings:
- An all inclusive price
- The need to only unpack once.
- The opportunity to enjoy entertainment every evening without extra cost.
- The safety aspect of the ship for all passengers
- The opportunity for every age group to pursue their own interests.
- The possibility of visiting several destinations on the same cruise.
- The savings they will enjoy
Nb: the prices on the cruise brochures are seldom those passengers will pay. Promotions
are common in the cruise line industry.

Agency Benefits:
- Profits
- Repeat business

Cruise Line Brochures

Cruise line brochures describe services, activities, dining options and leisure amenities.
Brochures promote the ships and the itineraries they offer. Finally they indicate the
position of the cabins and their prices.
The brochure is designed to guide agents in the presentation of cruise line products to the
customer. Agents must know the client's budget, cabin requirements and desired itinerary
before presenting a brochure. This information will decide which cruise line best meets
clients' needs. The type and location of the cabin on the ship will affect accommodation
pricing. On modern ships there are approximately six categories of inside cabins (the
lowest priced), six to eight categories of ocean view cabins (the most popular), four to six
categories of cabins with outside verandahs and finally the suites or penthouses. Each of
the categories will probably be given an alphabetical identification and a colour. Look at
ship deck plans and cabin descriptions in cruise brochures or in cruise review
publications.
Once a ship and itinerary has been decided, a cabin and category suited to the client's
budget is chosen.
These brochures also describe the deck plans of ships, cabins that accommodate three or
four passengers and cabins for disabled passengers.
At the back of brochures, the terms and conditions of carriage are explained. Brochures
also explain details on insurance costs and coverage.
These details should be studied because they sometimes offer coverage that is not offered
by conventional travel insurance companies.

SELLING A CRUISE
1. Choosing a Cruise
- Before choosing a cruise it is important to discuss the clients’ needs.
- Once a cruise itinerary and ship is decided, accommodation category that balances
the clients’ needs and budget is determined.
- Most cruise lines will offer to make a provisional reservation provided you have
the full names of the passenger.

2. Cruise Requirements
- A client’s nationality is the first detail to check. This is to determine if visas are
required from the countries visited.
- Find out if there are needs for immunization.
- Clients must understand the cruise lines’ conditions of carriage, the deposits
required to confirm a booking and the liability that applies when travel plans have
to change suddenly.

3. Booking a Cruise
- Most commonly, a cruise booking or reservation is done by telephoning the cruise
line’s reservation line.
- The details of the cruise reservation will be communicated, including details such
as cruise number, a cabin number and category, port charges, air fare if any,
government fees, airport taxes and transfers to and from the ship.
- Cancellation insurance coverage can ONLY be purchased at the time the deposit is
paid and not a later date. This applies even if the full deposit is refundable.
- The cruise line agent will ask about the cabin requirements, whether twin or queen
beds are preferred, the meal seating preference (a table for eight is usually the
largest) and the time at which your clients wish to eat. (i.e. 1st or 2nd sitting).
- Finally a review of all booking details is necessary to confirm that all information
is correct. The cruise line will then advise the following important details that the
client must accept:
-
• the deposit amount to be paid to hold the cruise reservation;
• the last day to pay the deposit before the reservation is automatically cancelled;
 • the final payment date when the balance of the cruise purchase is due;
• the methods of payment accepted by the cruise line.
- The cruise reservation will most likely be made by telephone, but more
reservations will be made through the use of computerized reservation systems as
they become more commonly used in the near future.
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