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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Trips on cruise ships remain a popular vacation value and 2006 looks encouraging despite rising fuel prices and media reports focusing on crime and safety problems on vessels, top cruise executives said Tuesday.
With six new ships hitting the seas this year to increase capacity and reports from travel agents of a good performance during "wave season" — the January-to-March booking season for summer trips — the industry is in good shape, said Andy Stuart, chairman of Cruise Lines International Association.
"When you combine that with reportedly strong pre-wave season booking and recent positive public statements, the outlook for the year looks very encouraging," said Stuart, who also is an executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services with Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.
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