This week on cruise news, CLIA releases its 2020 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report, Paradise Cruises reconnects to its Vietnamese roots, Paul Gauguin Cruises reveals its special guests and more.

CLIA’s 2020 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade organisation, has released its 2020 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report.

According to the analysis, cruising sustained 1,177,000 jobs equaling USD 50.24 billion in wages and salaries and USD 150 billion total output worldwide in 2018. The report also finds an industry-wide commitment to responsible tourism practices, with a focus on environmental sustainability and destination stewardship.

The report highlights the industry’s USD 22 billion investment in the development of new energy efficient technologies, partnerships with local governments in key destinations, and a commitment to reducing its rate of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2008.

“Demand for cruising has reached new heights”

“While demand for cruising has reached new heights, the cruise industry is accelerating our efforts to be a leader in responsible tourism,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO, CLIA. “Our members are at the forefront of best practices designed to protect the sanctity of the destinations we visit and enhance the experiences of travellers and residents alike.”

Newly released data shows 32 million passengers are expected to set sail in 2020. To meet ongoing demand, CLIA Cruise Lines are scheduled to debut 19 new ocean ships in the upcoming year, resulting in a total of 278 CLIA cruise line ocean ships projected to be in operation by the end of 2020.

Princess Cruises’ longest-ever Japan season

Princess Cruises has announced its full Japan programme, from May 2021 to April 2022, will be available to book from 19 December 2019. Throughout the year, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess will sail roundtrip from Tokyo and Kobe on 48 itineraries visiting 44 destinations in four countries, with voyages ranging in length from four-19 nights.

Highlights of the programme include visits to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Mt Fuji, ancient Kyoto, the shrines and temples of Nikko, Buddhist monuments of the Horyu-ji area and the Hiroshima peace memorial, as well as eight festivals across six voyages.

“Guests sailing Japan with Princess will be spoilt for choice”

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice president UK and Europe, said: “Whether looking to view colourful spring flowers or fall foliage, witness famous festivals and fireworks or cross off bucket list destinations with a visit to one of ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, guests sailing Japan with Princess will be spoilt for choice.”

Paul Gauguin Cruises reveals special guests

Paul Gauguin Cruises has revealed its 2020 line-up of special guests who are experts in wine, photography, fine art, music and the wonders of the deep.

The line-up includes maritime historian Joan Druett, accomplished Latin and ballroom dancers Ryno Van Den Berg and Elena Tokarenko, TV star magician Gustavo Vierini, veteran winemakers
Daniel and Sam Baron, and professional astrologer Leslie McGuirk, among others.

For the full list of 2020 special guests, please click here.

‘Paradise Sails’ to set sail in Halong Bay

Paradise Cruises, creator of luxurious overnight cruise experiences on Halong Bay, will usher in 2020 with the launch of a cruise dedicated to Vietnamese culture.

To pay homage to the traditional wooden junk synonymous with UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, Paradise Cruises will debut Paradise Sails on 1 January 2020, a culturally-enriching cruise on a classic wooden junk (albeit with sails).

A highlight of Paradise Sails’ one-night and two-night itineraries is a royal “Bao Dai” dinner experience, during which guests dress like kings and queens in iconic ao dai, a traditional silk tunic worn over trousers, and indulge Vietnamese favourites such as traditional deep fried Halong crab spring roll, grilled Vietnamese marinated chicken in lime leaves, and grilled local fish in banana leaf.

“Going back to our Vietnamese roots”

“We’ve come a long way since our very first boat, a Paradise Luxury vessel, set sail in 2008, yet as the adage goes, all good things must come to an end,” said Paradise Cruises’ general manager Edgar Cayanan. “With that said, we are lifting this product to the next level by going back to our Vietnamese roots as we reinvigorate the dining experience to apply sails to the vessels.”

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