Caribbean Remains Top Cruise Destination

The Caribbean remains a top destination among cruisers, and more are bringing their children along for the journey, according to a new survey by the Cruise Lines International Association.

Cruise experts also say that in response to rising fuel costs, cruise lines are increasing surcharges and changing their itineraries. Some are skipping Aruba, once a popular port, because of the extra fuel it takes to get there.

“You’re seeing a lot less of the real exotic types of itineraries that require more sea time because it’s so expensive,” says Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com.

Consumer interest in cruising remains strong, according to the CLIA, with 55 percent of vacationers who have never taken a cruise intending to do so in the next three years.

But many cruisers are watching their spending, cutting back on onboard spending, planning independent short excursions and choosing a cruise[cruise traveling] near a home port to avoid having to fly to meet the ship.

That means the Caribbean is rebounding and the Mediterranean is losing out.

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