Margaritaville at Sea’s Post

If you're considering a Caribbean cruise in 2025, here is an overview of Galveston's cruise lines and itineraries. https://lnkd.in/g6_ZfgWW

Honored to be included this morning with Rodger E. Rees, CEO, Galveston Wharves at Port of Galveston on Houston Public Media, Houston Matters in producer Joshua Zinn's segment covering the growth of the cruise industry and the impact on CITY OF GALVESTON. KEY TAKEAWAYS: >The global cruise market has witnessed continuous growth throughout the last three decades, a growth that was interrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast forward the 2023 cruise passenger volume, which reached 31.7 million— surpassed 2019 by 7%. >The forecast for cruise capacity shows an increase of 10% from 2024 through 2028.   >The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year. >Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel – with more than 30% of families traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations. >Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023. >Most regions have three seasons. High season is when you'll find the most cruise options, highest prices, most crowded ships and best weather. The shoulder season coincides with moderate demand and relatively nice weather, and fares will be lower. Low season is the cheapest season -- and least busy -- possible cancellations due to weather. ECONOMIC IMPACT: >The local impact of the port’s cruise activity in 2023 included 4,547 jobs, $732.5 million in local business revenues and $25.3 million in state and local taxes. Each cruise generates about $2.3 million in business revenue in the local economy. >An additional cruise terminal forecast to generate an additional 925 jobs and $177 million in local business revenue annually. The city of Galveston will benefit directly with passenger and parking fees, as well as sales tax revenues from cruise parking. >Based on a study in Europe, cruise tourists add value to economies before, during and after sailing. Every 24 cruise guests supports one full-time equivalent job, and on average each guest spends €660 in port cities during a typical s7-day cruise. > While some negative externalities exist with increased passenger flows including: increased traffic congestion, possible environmental degradation, basic strain on local resources, at the end of the day the Cruise Industry has had a strong positive economic impact for Galveston! CLIA | Cruise Lines International Association: https://lnkd.in/g5mwtfba Visit Galveston: https://lnkd.in/gmUmGNgw Supply Chain & Logistics Technology - University of Houston UH Cullen College of Engineering Royal Caribbean Group Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Carnival Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line MSC Cruises princess Cruise Line Moody Gardens®Battleship Texas Foundation San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center #economicdevelopment #cruiseindustry

#NorwegianCruiseLineHoldings will add eight ships, with new classes, for each of its brands, and construct a multi-ship pier at #GreatStirrupCay, the company’s private island in the #Bahamas. #NCLH #cruisenews #cruiseindustry #norwegian #oceania #regent #cruiseindustrynews #travelindustrynews #traveladvisors

How do you think cruising has changed over the years? https://lnkd.in/es3EJ78K #cruise #cruises #cruisenews #travelnews #cruiseindustry #cruisehive

Shannon McKee and I are in #CoconutGrove for this edition of “Our Take on Cruise.” A local peacock enjoyed watching us film, so I hope you enjoy this episode. We discuss Dondra Ritzenthaler taking over as CEO of Azamara, and immediately embarking on a “listening tour” of travel advisors in the US, Canada and UK. Also, exciting news - Princess Cruises will once again homeport in #SanJuan! Global Ports Holding Plc has taken over the San Juan cruise port, and is revitalizing it to being one of the most important homeports for Caribbean cruising! This is great news, not just for San Juan, but also for southern Caribbean ports (why, you ask – watch the video 😀). Other items - Bloomberg reported that cruise lines have spent $1.5 billion since 2019 on private destinations and attractions. Cruise lines control the experience at these destinations, resulting in very high satisfaction from their guests. These destinations also drive demand for cruises, resulting in higher revenue. Speaking of guest satisfaction, #Disney reported that Disney Cruise Line had the highest guest satisfaction in their organization (Yay cruising)! And, Victory Cruise Lines is relaunching in the #GreatLakes, homeporting at Navy Pier in #Chicago. #OurTakeOnCruise #cruiseindustryexperts #cruise #wearecruise Cruise and Port Advisors, Inc. Access Cruise, Inc. Mike McFadden Thomas Spina Claudine Pohl David Selby Ioannis Bras Linda Vazquez Marie Blum

Nearly three-quarters of Australians (73%) believe cruising is the best way to travel – so much so that more than a quarter would only choose a cruise for any future holiday. These are some of the key findings from a recent survey of nearly 5,000 Australians, which also found almost four-fifths are planning to sail again this year, and more than a quarter are already planning a sailing in 2026. Read more in today's Cruise Weekly.

Why Cruisers Keep Coming Back: The Allure of Life on the High Seas There's something undeniably magical about a cruise holiday. Whether it’s the gentle sway of the ocean, the endless entertainment options, or the thrill of waking up in a new destination each day, cruises offer an experience like no other. But what makes cruising so irresistible that first-time cruisers often become lifelong enthusiasts? The stats speak for themselves: a staggering 82% of first-time cruisers will cruise again. Let's dive into why cruising is more than just a holiday—it's a way of life. https://lnkd.in/eRdhJH2D

🚢Special Single Edition of 'Our Take on Cruise': Reporting from Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve 🌴 Greetings from the stunning Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve! This week, Roger Blum is sailing aboard the #MSCDivina for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Platinum event, and he's bringing us exclusive updates directly from the sea. 🛳️ FCCA Platinum Insights: The event has sparked lots of great conversation and optimism about the future of cruising. Industry leaders are focusing on the importance of destination experiences and enhancing Shore X to ensure every journey is unforgettable. 📣 Hot Topic: Mexico's Head Tax: A major point of discussion has been the new head tax proposed by Mexico, which could significantly impact cruising in the region. Our take? This development might shape the future landscape of cruising in Mexico. Tune into this episode to hear more. 🌟 Spotlight on Ocean Cay: Roger is also sharing insights on how MSC is setting themselves apart with their private island. MSC Cruises's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve isn't just a stop; it's an experience, complete with an overnight stay and fireworks! Learn more about how this island was developed and what makes it a unique destination for MSC cruisers. 👍 Stay Connected: Don’t forget to listen in, hit like, and join us next week for more updates from "Our Take on Cruise" as we continue to explore the world of cruising each week. #OurTakeOnCruise #CruiseIndustry #OceanCay #MSCDivina #FCCAEvent #TravelTrends Marie Blum Albino Supino di Lorenzo Neil Palomba Paolo Mezzino Linda Vazquez Eric Benedict Thomas Spina Mike McFadden Omari Breakenridge

🚢 Cruising is on the Rise! 🚢 In 2023, the cruise industry welcomed a whopping 31.7 million passengers, signaling a remarkable comeback. With North American customers leading the charge with a 17.5% increase and Europeans close behind at 8.2%, the industry is gearing up for even more growth. However, Asian customers saw a decline of 37.7%, totaling 2.3 million passengers. But the good news doesn't stop there! According to the CLIA | Cruise Lines International Association, by 2027, cruises are expected to host a staggering 40 million passengers, showcasing the industry's resilience and potential (see report below). What's driving this surge? Marie-Caroline Laurent, the general director for Europe of the CLIA in Europe, attributes it to the diversification of cruise offerings (see her comments in Le Figaro article here: https://lnkd.in/dtdzVMCE ). From luxury to adventure cruises, there's something for everyone. Plus, with ships of varying sizes and reasonable price offers, cruising has become an attractive option for family vacations. Notably, the average age of passengers is 47 years old, with 27% embarking on their first cruise in 2023. The "family" audience is also expanding, with 28% of passengers traveling with representatives from three generations. As demand rises, so does the supply. Over the next five years, 63 new ships are set to join the existing 350, catering to different preferences and needs. Additionally, there's a push for sustainability, with nearly half of the fleet equipped for shoreside electrical connection—a trend expected to grow to 72% by 2028. However, with growth comes responsibility. Discussions are underway to address concerns about mass tourism in popular destinations. Measures like traveler quotas are already in place in some areas, with plans to implement similar strategies in others. The future looks bright for the cruise industry, with 47 billion euros of investment expected in Europe alone over the next five years. As cruising continues to evolve and innovate, it remains a compelling option for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences on the high seas. 🌊✨ What are your thoughts on the cruise industry? Would you consider giving it a try? Do you believe it needs stronger regulation? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! #RCCL #accor #ritzcarltonyachtcollection #ponant #carnivalcruiseline #antibes #marseille #monaco #orientexpress #fraser

Cruising, in general, can have mixed reviews from past travelers. It may be due to the cruise line not being the right fit for them. It could also be due to an isolated experience on one cruise ship/cruise line. I can help you find the perfect fit. Contact me today to discuss the many cruising options available! #cpkimmogard #travelagentfrederickmd #weplanyoupack #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #traveltips #stressfreetravelplanning #traveladvisorsmakeithappen #travelagentsknowbest #traveltheworld #tuesdaytraveltips #TuesdayTips #booktravelwithcpkimmogard #cruiseagent