CLIA Lines Host 8.66 Million Cruise Vacationers in 2002; Industry Overcomes Challenges to Reach More than 7.6 Million North American Passengers

NEW YORK, -- More than 7.6 million North Americans are estimated to have cruised in 2002 -- including 7.47 million on Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member line ships -- surpassing industry expectations and setting yet another record, according to CLIA, the non-profit marketing organization that represents 25 North American cruise lines.

They were part of a worldwide total of 8.66 million cruise guests hosted by CLIA member lines last year. This represents a 15.5 percent increase (over the 2001 number of 7.49 million) in worldwide guests sailing on CLIA member cruise lines at an average 2002 industry utilization of 97 percent.

"Despite the challenges we faced in 2002, the industry not only met but exceeded its projections and easily bettered the record number of 6.9 million North Americans who cruised in 2001," says Mark Conroy, chairman of CLIA. "The industry's response to such challenges as the threat of military action, an uncertain economy and exaggerated and inaccurate reports of a common stomach virus contributed to the impressive statistics we were able to record."

The response, CLIA's Executive Director Bob Sharak points out, included aggressive marketing as well as adaptive and innovative programs.

"Through aggressive marketing and intensified public relations activities and advertising, our goal was, first, to reassure the public that it was, in fact, safe to travel and then to remind consumers of cruising's diversity, excitement and value," says Sharak. "Plus, the cruise lines' aggressive pricing programs made an already great vacation value an irresistible one."

The lines also responded by adapting existing itineraries to world events. Many created new itineraries based from homeports within easy driving distance of major North American population centers.

"These proved so successful that they spurred a growing market for drive-cruise vacations and introduced cruising to many people who had been reluctant to fly even before 9/11," says Sharak.

With 13 new ships added to the fleet in 2002, the cruise industry kept its standards high and even raised the bar for new and innovative programs that expanded the range of choices in onboard dining, entertainment and recreation, technology and onboard facilities, including environmental, safety and security systems.

Sharak is confident the industry will be able to handle any challenges thrown its way in 2003 just as well. "At our current occupancy levels and with the 14 new ships slated to enter the fleet, the industry has the opportunity to welcome 1 million more guests this year -- a potential of 8.3 million passengers from North America and 9.6 million worldwide," he says.

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