Just a year after the cruise industry reached an all-time high, the number of tourists continues to grow. According to experts, 19 million Americans will go on a cruise this year, which is 800,000 more than last year. The debut of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, which set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, fits into this trend perfectly.
The new liner is a veritable floating metropolis: on board there are 20 decks, eight themed “neighborhoods” for relaxation, seven pools and hundreds of entertainment venues. The ship can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers. As Royal Caribbean Group President Jason Liberty noted, this giant is called to “reimagine” the very concept of sea travel. According to Stuart Kieron, a renowned cruise industry expert, strong demand for cruises and record levels of future bookings are already setting the stage for the most successful year in history. According to AAA, the Caribbean remains the most popular destination, chosen by 72% of travelers, followed by Alaska and the Mediterranean.
Despite some concerns related to the geopolitical situation and rising fuel prices, the industry is successfully adapting, putting the safety of passengers and crews first.
