Conclusions

Abstract

This study attempts to list the key decision-making factors in the selection of cruise destinations when cruise operators set up new cruise itineraries. ‘Location’ is clearly the predominant factor. Although a geographical location physically never changes, its attractiveness does. The growing interest in Mediterranean and Trans Panama Canal cruises is a good example of this. A shift in itineraries can also be witnessed within the Caribbean itself, more particularly from the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean destinations to Western Caribbean destinations such as Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. This shift has amongst other factors been initiated by repeat passengers demanding new itineraries.