Crusing shows resiliency despite the worldwide economic situation

Categories

Despite a worldwide economy that depending where you are ranges from difficult to disastrous, the cruise industry seems to be immune from the current recession.  For the most recent full year reported, cruising experienced a double-digit growth rate of 10% which represents an additional two million people that went to sea.  The number of annual cruise passengers globally has topped 20.6 million for the first time.  Australia has experienced the most rapid growth, with an increase in passengers of 30% exceeding more than half a million.

North America still leads in the total number of cruise passengers with 11.5 million with Europe racing to catch up represented by 6.2 million.  Despite the great numbers, not all was rosy during 2012.  In many areas revenues were down significantly with the two largest conglomerates reporting weak results and even a loss during one quarter.  The major news story of the year was the largest cruise ship loss in history when the 114,147 gross ton COSTA CONCORDIA was wrecked on the Italian island of Giglio in a needless disaster primarily caused by poor seamanship on the part of the Captain, that cost the lives of 32 people.