LOOKING
INTO THE FUTURE OF CRUISE SHIPS
Today's cruise ships are a far cry from the converted ocean liners that plied the seas in the 1970s. Modern-day vessels feature facilities, furnishings and amenities rivaling the most luxurious land-based resorts, and they treat their passengers to a veritable feast for the eyes and senses. But they're only the beginning!
The members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have announced plans to build nearly 60 new ships by 2004. Some will be small and yacht-like, a few colossal, the rest somewhere in between. Since the cruise lines are understandably mum on what we'll see aboard these new vessels, we asked ship designers and cruise industry analysts to peer into their crystal balls and tell us what we might expect. One thing to count on, the experts promise, is continuity. Ship designers continue to produce a wide range of vessel sizes; the onboard amenities will continue to reflect the interests of passengers; and the cruise experience will continue to deliver the pampering and romance for which it's famous.
Cruise Ship Size and Design An important factor now and in the ships of the coming millennium is the physical proportion of many of the new vessels, especially the trend toward wider and taller ships. According to Murray Markin of Strategic Decisions Inc., a company that has conducted more than 100 studies for the cruise industry, the shift toward wider and taller vessels opened the door to a whole new realm of design possibilities. Suddenly, cruise ships had room to spare for such features as spacious European-style spas, state-of-the-art exercise centers and aerobics studios, conference rooms, multi-story theaters and collections of onboard restaurants. Will the trend toward ever-larger ships continue? Probably not, Markin says. Agreeing with him are other observers, such as Anne Kalosh, a freelance journalist who's covered the cruise industry for 15 years, and Tomas Tillberg, the junior member of a father-son ship design concern based in Sweden and Florida, which has created vessels for Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.
| "In a general sense, ships won't get bigger and bigger, but they will get better and better." |
Tillberg, believes that the largest ships currently on order -- Royal Caribbean's Viking series at 142,000 tons apiece and spacious enough for 3,114 passengers -- are the biggest the industry will see: "In a general sense, ships won't get bigger and bigger, but they will get better and better."
Joe Farcus, designer for Carnival Cruise Lines, prefers to take something of a wait-and-see approach regarding the size of future ships. He believes that cruise lines will continue to favor bigger and better ships until bigger ceases to be better. One way they'll get better, say Tillberg and Farcus, is by appealing to passengers who've cruised many times before and want a very specialized, niche experience. Both see the need for vessels designed solely around special interests.
One example, says Farcus, is a ship designed as an art museum, containing rotating and borrowed collections to rival the world's most famous land museums. A vessel of this sort would also provide an activities schedule brimming with art lectures and lessons, and itineraries featuring visits to the world's best museums. Another example would be a ship built around the sports theme, with sports bars, coaching clinics, guest lecturers, and sports memorabilia and decor throughout the vessel's public rooms and cabins.
Another possibility to consider in the category of "better ships," says Kalosh, is that cruise ships of the future will become even more environmentally friendly, "as more lines decide to go with gas turbine engines." In addition to their compactness, high power output and reliability, the gas turbine engines are less noisy, less sooty and emit fewer pollutants than traditional diesel-electric engines.
" What people want to do on a cruise ship hasn't changed much ... the romance of being at sea, the ease of a cruise, the pleasure of being treated well and in a manner they're not accustomed to." |
Hard as it may be to imagine, the variety, quality and availability of cruise ship dining will expand and even improve. "We'll see more alternative dining, such as casual eateries and ethnic restaurants, and more 24-hour dining," says Kalosh. The new choices won't be too far a cry from those already featured on several ships -- including German beer gardens, Chinese and Japanese restaurants, Italian bistros, and pizza and burger joints. Kalosh also wouldn't be shocked to see brand-name restaurants turn up on some cruise ships. "I know of a McDonald's on a Baltic ferry, but I wouldn't be surprised if other types of restaurants lend their names to seagoing eateries."
Onboard Activities As Kalosh puts it: "Anything that reflects modern society's interests will be seen on tomorrow's cruise ships." Some soon-to-be unveiled features are rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and in-line skating. Beyond that, Kalosh says, the sea's the limit. "We could see racquetball courts (there are already tennis and paddle ball courts), as well as tracks for mountain biking and bicycle racing." While these things might sound unlikely, says Kalosh, "we have to remember that a few years ago, people would've said 'no way' to onboard miniature and virtual reality golf courses." She also expects to see more name brand tie-ins to onboard shops, products, entertainment and spas. This trend has already started, says Kalosh, with Sharper Image on Royal Caribbean International ships, COVA Cafe and Fossil on Celebrity ships, and Carita (a spa) on Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Paul Gauguin.
And, we can expect more computers and connectedness on ships. "I think everyone will offer Internet connections from cabins, as well as Internet cafes as seen on Norwegian Sky," says Kalosh. "Maybe someday cabins will come with PCs."
All of these developments are what Farcus would describe as "evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. The cruise industry, like other successful, long-running businesses, has mastered the art of changing with the times. That's a trend that will continue," Farcus says. The core elements of a cruise will never lose their appeal, says Farcus. " What people want to do on a cruise ship hasn't changed much ... the romance of being at sea, the ease of a cruise, the pleasure of being treated well and in a manner they're not accustomed to. These things will not change." SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association
The cruise industry’s only
smoke-free ship, the Paradise, was launched last year by Carnival and has met with
rave reviews. Look for Carnival to continue offering cruising in a smoke-free environment.
Carnival ‘s newest ship, the 102,000 ton Carnival Triumph,
began sailing this summer from New York on a series of 4 and 5-day Canada cruises. Both
itineraries feature Halifax, Nova Scotia, while the 5-day route adds a stop in St. John,
New Brunswick. More than 60% of the cabins are ocean-view and 60% of these offer private
verandahs. Explore the new Triumph on Carnival’s website at www.funship.com.
Look forward to added Western Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, as well as Galveston, Texas. In addition to the Triumph, Carnival has four more ships ordered.
Seniors will appreciate the AARP discounts offered on ocean-view staterooms on most of the Carnival fleet.
Holland
America’s flagship, the ms Rotterdam, as well as two new ships, the ms Volendam
and the ms Zaandam, will feature alternative gourmet restaurants available at no
charge to all guests by reservation. The ms Volendam is scheduled to begin 10-day
Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale on November 12, 1999 and the ms Zaandam is
currently scheduled to begin service in March of 2000.
The mv Yukon Queen II, a $4 million sightseeing excursion vessel was recently completed in Freemantle, Australia and moved to the Yukon River where it will begin daily tours between Dawson City, Yukon Territory and Eagle, Alaska. The Yukon Queen II is an Australian "fast cat", or high speed catamaran and is a Holland America exclusive for passengers enjoying a cruise-tour to the Great Land.
For more information on Holland America and
its remarkable 125-year company history, visit their web-site at www.hollandamerica.com.
NOTE: This list is current as of June 7, 1999, and is subject to change. Members of frequent-flyer plans should read the rules booklet each program sends. The airlines, hotels and car rental companies listed that are tied into certain programs may not offer mileage specifically. Instead, they may be companies from which members can receive reward benefits. Some carriers recommend checking with the tie-in partner in the desired location prior to making a reservation.
ALASKA
AIRLINES MILEAGE PLAN 800-654-5669
Airline partners: American,
British Airways, Canadian, Continental, KLM, Northwest, Qantas
Hotel partners: Best Western, Cavanaugh's Hotels, Coast Hotels,
Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Kimpton Group, Preferred Hotels, Princess Cruises Hotels,
Sheraton, St. Regis Luxury Collection, W Hotels, WestCoast Hotels, Westin, Westmark
Car rentals: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty
Other partners: Amtrak, AT&T Alascom, DineAir, Flower Club,
Seafirst Bank Visa/MasterCard, Sprint
AMERICA
WEST FLIGHTFUND 800-247-5691
Airline partners: British
Airways, Continental, Northwest
Hotel partners: Arizona Biltmore, Best Western, Conrad
International, Crowne Plaza, Four Points, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Princess Cruises
Hotels, Radisson, Sheraton, St. Regis Luxury Collection, Vista, W Hotels, Westin
Car rentals: Alamo, Avis, Dollar, National, Thrifty
Other partners: Allright Parking, America West Vacations,
Flight-Fund Visa, Flower Club, Premier Airport Parking, Sky Mall, Sprint, Thrifty Parking
AMERICAN AADVANTAGE 800-882-8880
Airline partners: Aero
California, Aerolineas Argentinas, Alaska, Asiana, British Airways, British Midland,
Canadian, Cathay Pacific, El Al, Finnair, Grupo TACA, Hawaiian, Iberia, Japan Airlines,
LanChile, Midway, Qantas, Reno Air, Singapore (through Sept. 1), South African Airways,
TAM, US Airways
Hotel partners: Aruba Sonesta Resorts, Best Western, Caesar Park
Hotels & Resorts, Caesars, Concorde Hotels, Conrad International, Crowne Plaza,
Fairmont Hotels, Fiesta Americana/Fiesta Inn, Forte, Forum, Four Points, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Le Meridien, Loews, Marriott, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino,
New Otani, Pan Pacific, Paradisus Resorts, Radisson, Renaissance, Sandals, Savoy Group,
Sheraton, Sol Melia, St. Regis Luxury Collection, Vista, W Hotels, Westin, Wyndham
Car rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Thrifty
Other partners: AAdvantage Auto, Recreational and Dining Programs;
American Airlines Vacations; AT&T Inflight; Citibank AAdvantage Visa/MasterCard;
ClickRewards; Diners Club; FTD; Leading Golf Courses of America; MCI; 1-800-FLOWERS
CONTINENTAL ONEPASS 713-952-1630
Airline partners: ACES,
Air France, Alaska, Alitalia, America West, British Midland, BWIA, China Airlines, Copa,
CSA Czech, EVA, Frontier, Hawaiian, Northwest, Qantas
Hotel partners: Aston, Caesars, Conrad International, Crowne Plaza,
Fiesta Americana/Fiesta Inn, Forte, Four Points, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt,
Inter-Continental, Marriott, Radisson, Sheraton, Small Luxury Hotels, Sol Melia, St. Regis
Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Westin
Car rentals: Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, Thrifty
Other partners: Amex Membership Rewards, ClickRewards, Continental
OnePass Dining, Diners Club, Flower Club, Kids Own America, MCI, Prudential Referral
Services
DELTA SKYMILES 800-323-2323
Airline partners: Aer
Lingus (through Nov. 5), Aeromexico, Air France, Air Jamaica, Austrian, China Southern,
Korean Air, Malaysia, Sabena, Singapore, Swissair, TAP Air Portugal, United
Hotel partners: Best Western, Conrad International, Crowne Plaza,
Forte, Four Points, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Marriott, Preferred
Hotels, Radisson, Renaissance, Sheraton, St. Regis Luxury Collection, Swissotel, W Hotels,
Westin
Car rentals: Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National
Other partners: Amex, Better Homes & Gardens Real
Estate, Charles Schwab & Co., Delta Vacations, Flower Club, MCI, North American
Mortgage, Radisson Seven Seas Cruise, Renaissance Cruise Lines, SkyMiles Dining,
SkyRewards
NORTHWEST WORLDPERKS 800-447-3757
Airline partners: Air
China, Alaska, Aloha, America West, Braathens, Continental, Eurowings, Hawaiian, Japan Air
System, Kenya, KLM, Pacific Island Aviation
Hotel partners: Caesars, Conrad International, Crowne Plaza, Four
Points, Golden Tulip, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Marriott, New Otani, Radisson,
Shangri-La, Sheraton, St. Regis Luxury Collection, Summit, Traders Hotels, Tulip Inns, W
Hotels, Westin
Car rentals: Alamo, Budget, Dollar, National
Other partners: ClickRewards, Diners Club, Dining for Miles, Flower
Club, HomExtras, MCI, Sprint, Visa
UNITED MILEAGE PLUS 605-399-2400
Airline partners: Aeromar,
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Aloha, ALM, ANA, Ansett Australia, British Midland, Cayman
Airways, Delta, LAPA, Lufthansa, Mexicana, SAS, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore (as of
July 1), Thai, Varig
Hotel partners: Aspen Ski Resorts, Caesars, Conrad International,
Crowne Plaza, Four Points, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Libertel Hotels,
Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, New Otani, Radisson, Regent, Relais & Chateaux,
Renaissance, Shangri-La, Sheraton, Sol Melia, SRS, St. Regis Luxury Collection, W Hotels,
Westin, Worldhotels
Car rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Other partners: Amtrak, Crystal Cruises, Diners Club, First Card
Classic Visa/MasterCard, Kemper Auto Insurance, MCI, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines,
Renaissance Cruises, United Mileage Plus Dining and Shopping, 1-800-FLOWERS
US
AIRWAYS DIVIDEND MILES 800-872-4738
Airline partners: Alitalia, American, ANA, Austrian, Latin Pass Partners,
Northwest, Qantas, Sabena, Swissair,
Hotel partners: Conrad International, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, Renaissance, Sheraton, St. Regis Luxury Collection, W
Hotels, Westin
Car rentals: Alamo, Hertz, National
Other partners: Amex, Flower Club, MCI, Nationsbank Visa,
Renaissance Cruises
