Get Ready to Cruise into 2017

Founded in 1989,  Worldwide’s mission has been client and participant driven.  As our clients’ needs have grown, so have we. In today’s world of over 400 ocean going cruise ships, and the ever-expanding river ship industry, it is impossible for to you know which is the best ship and cruise line to offer your client.  That is our job.  With over 27 years of experience in the MICE industry, we can help you find your client the right ship for the right price.

In 2017, 11 new ships will enter service at a cost estimated to be 6.8 billion for 28,000 lower berths or 14,000 cabins. The new Silverseas ship, the Silver Muse, will be setting a record of an estimated cost of $469,000.00 per berth or $938,000.00 per suite.

In 2016, 10 new cruise ships entered service at a cost of over 7 billion dollars. This represent a total of 27,580 new lower berths, or 13,790 cabins.

Getting a slot to build a ship has become a major problem, which is why the Crystal Cruise Line group went out and purchased two existing ship yards in Europe.  Now that is forward thinking!  

In all cases these permits are only good until May of 2017.Carnival announced that they would be ending their cruises at the end of their existing permit, before the other cruise lines even got their permits.  Judging from all reports, including Fathom’s President, the total concept of the socially oriented cruise might not have been the right way to go about it for numerous reasons.  You do have to ask, why not just change the program if the market is ready for cruises to Cuba?

With such a closed-in window for the MICE industry it will be next to impossible to take advantage and promote these sailing, just like the retail agencies are telling the cruise lines.  Secondly, with nothing at all certain past May for these cruising permits, as well as the new administrations negative comments about Cuban relations, no one is willing to bet on the future.

 Here’s what we know: 

• Celestyal Cruises is operating year round Cuba cruises departing from Jamaica or Havana.
• These 7 night cruises are available to American passengers.
• MSC is operating two ships homeporting in Cuba, but not available to American passengers.
• Hotel accommodations are not up to incentive standards according to most reports and rates are sky rocketing.
• The US airlines that have been given the various rights to fly to Cuba are cutting back flights and equipment capacity already.
• Could we have misjudged the demand for Cuba travel to the average American traveling public?