August 7, 2006
Cruise industry sees slower growth
Safety concerns seem to be slowing growth for the cruise industry: "Overall, the industry's sales have slowed and discounts are up this year, particularly for Caribbean vacations, which make up half of all cruises." This article reminds us that 2006 has been especially bad for Princess Cruises. Recently Princess has battled a fire (in which someone died) and tipping ships.
One thing I find hard to understand about the tipping ships is that "Princess said the sudden tilt of the Crown Princess was not due to a flaw in the ship." Well was it a flaw in the ocean? A really strong wind? Human error? Maybe I missed where Princess said what really did cause the tip, but until I hear a reasonable explanation, I'll be wondering how they know it's not a flaw in the ship.
The good news if you're not deterred is that cruise lines are offering discounts in order to fill their ships.
Posted by James Trotta at August 7, 2006 3:10 PM
Thank you Beth and Ken. That human error can tip a cruise ship is a little scary.
Posted by: James Trotta at August 8, 2006 1:45 AMI still think that cruising is one of the safest ways to travel. You also get more bang for the buck.
Posted by: Moe at August 8, 2006 10:56 AMi am a retired citizen now .was planing on taking a cruseto hawai and back.after reading and in the news about the big ships and the many sick people that are on them.i am far better to stay home and enjoy life here.
Posted by: barry scott at August 8, 2006 9:04 PMWE are cruising in december..if you left it up to what happens in the news...nobody would ever leave home..enjoy life..it only happens once!!
Posted by: Julie at August 9, 2006 12:56 AMPrincess did state that it was human error that caused the most recent Princess incident. No matter how you decided to travel, you are never safe from human error. But if you feel it is unsafe to cruise, more power to you. It is helping keep the cost of cruising down for me.
Posted by: Misty at August 9, 2006 4:56 AMI have been on four Carnival cruises with no problems at all. I am also cruising during 9/11/2006 at the peak of hurricane season. Call it extreme cruising if you want but I have every confidence in Carnival and their staff. Carnival owns Princess now and people make mistakes.The only human error at this point would be not taking atvantage of the great rates.I am taking a group to Cozumel and Progresso we are only paying $389.00 per person for five days!That price is avarage for interior cabins.Do not cave to mass hysteria and live your life.
Posted by: Jerry Brown at August 10, 2006 10:49 AM