"Despite decades of jokes and occasional bad publicity, cruise vacations are more popular than ever - just ask the tens of millions of Americans who take one every year and together represent more than half of all annual cruise travelers. Today's ships are massive, complex affairs backed by giant corporations and celebrity commercial sponsorships, all commanding big money. And while to the uninitiated, a ship may just seem like any other ship, experienced cruisers increasingly understand that unique offerings make all the difference."
"These private island experiences are developing all over the world. Royal Caribbean is expecting to open private destinations near the Greek island of Santorini and in the tiny South Pacific nation of Vanuatu within the next year. But most of them are concentrated in the Caribbean, because that's where most cruisers go. According to Cruise Lines International Association, 43% of all cruisers took Caribbean routes in 2024, the most current information available."
Cruise vacations remain highly popular, reaching a record high of nearly 35 million passengers in 2024 and projected to approach 42 million by 2028. Modern ships are large, corporately backed and offer celebrity-sponsored attractions, prompting travelers to seek unique experiences. Private islands have emerged as a major differentiator, offering amenities like water parks, hot air balloons, spas, and round-the-clock beach clubs. Development of private destinations is global but concentrated in the Caribbean, which drew 43% of cruisers in 2024. The practice dates to Norwegian's 1977 purchase of Great Stirrup Cay and expanded with properties like Princess Cruises' Palm Island.
Read at SFGATE
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