Last year was a very good one for the cruise industry, with a spike in passenger numbers and a flurry of ship construction. But now it's time to look ahead to the top sailing trends for 2008.
Oh, Caribbean, we shall miss you, but we'll think of you while basking in the Mediterranean sun.
Air travelers from the United States may be souring on Europe, but those arriving by sea are just gearing up for the Continent.
"Europe is so hot this year," said Paul Motter, editor of CruiseMates, an online cruising guide (www.cruisemates.com). "The farther the dollar drops, the more popular (seeing Europe by cruise) becomes." Specifically, the most scorching itineraries are in the Mediterranean and Baltic.
One of the biggest reasons to cruise Europe is the industry's booking arrangement, which allows Americans to pay in dollars and therefore avoid the weak currency exchange rate. Unlike ground travelers who feel the pain every time they pay for a meal, hotel or transportation, cruisers pay one lump sum that covers all of their major expenses.
Read full article at Chicago Tribune
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