Cruise travel search site Cruise Direct Online (www.cruisedirectonline.com) says the Top 10 most searched cruise destinations from United States and Canadian web browsers include Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Western Caribbean all of which were among the top spots, followed by Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

 

January 12, 2010 -  Cruise Direct Online, billed as the Cruise Traveler's Ultimate Search Engine announced the results of their 2010 Cruise Trends Report. Among the more noteworthy findings are that cruise travelers continue to cruise to the Caribbean in large numbers, particularly on 7-day Western Caribbean cruises, and that Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises remain high on the list, despite pricier airfares from North America and the U.S. economy.  Data for the report was gleaned from actual searches made through December 31, 2009, along with insight and opinions of Cruise Traveler Magazine's editors. Also included is supplemental information provided by Online Agency and Cruise Reports.

"Our research shows consumer search interest begins first on the itinerary, then a particular cruise line, then on pricing and spreads to comparison shopping once the cruise traveler narrows down the choices to the cruise they want to take." says Marty Trencher, editor and publisher of Cruise Traveler Magazine.

"Wave season", the industries most active booking period from January to March is well underway.  Based on a survey of 25,206 searches at Cruise Direct Online, out of 2,888,149 site visitors over time, average information requests are up 34% so far in 2010 over the previous year. As a result, the cruise search portal Cruise Direct Online, is predicting a better year for cruise travelers in 2010 than in 2009.

The prediction is predicated on cruisers seeing a continuation of aggressive price promotions, a reluctance on the part of the cruise lines to add fuel supplements based on the US economy, high interest in new ships that joined the fleet, a continued evolution of shipboard facilities and activities ( such as wave pools, zip lines, ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, top name entertainment, shopping arcades, rock climbing walls, water parks and more ). The added interest in new exotic, remote ports and the continued growth of domestic close-home departure ports.

2009 Top Cruise Destination Searches predicted to remain much the same for 2010 1. Caribbean, 53% most popular in order of search results 7-day Western Caribbean 7-day Eastern Caribbean 7-day Southern Caribbean 2. Alaska, 13% most popular in order of search results Alaska Cruises Alaska Cruisetours

3. Mexican Riviera, 10%.
4. Europe – Mediterranean, 8%

most popular in order of search results

• 12-day Mediterranean
• 7-day Greek Isles
• 10-day Northern Europe
• 12-day Scandinavia/Russia
• 14-day Mediterranean/Egypt

5. Canada and New England 4%

6. Hawaii, 4%
7. Bermuda, 4%
8. Panama Canal, 3%,
9. Bahamas, 2%

10. Trans-Atlantic, 1%

Average number of days between a search that results in a request for information and the cruise traveler's intended travel date is 147 days. Searches for Last minute cruises accounted for 9%. The average price cruise travelers are looking to spend is $818 per person. However 34% look to spend $500 or less.

29%  searched for prices for an Inside cabin, 33% for an Oceanview, 30% for a balcony and 7% for a Suite.

What do Cruise Travelers look for when searching the Internet?

most popular in order of search results

• Specific itinerary 

• Specific cruise line 

• Price 

• Departure Port

• Accommodations – i.e. type of stateroom 

• Specific cruise ship 

• Amenities –  dining, onboard activities

Most Up and Coming Cruise Destination for 2010.

• River Cruising  ( Europe and Asia )

*all percentages rounded off

---

About Cruise Direct Online : Billed as the "Cruise Traveler's Ultimate Cruise Search Engine", Cruise Direct Online search offerings include cruises from 2 days to 105 days, on more than 96 cruise ships representing the top cruise line brands - Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Uniworld Cruises, and Windstar. Luxury, themed and specialty cruises are also available. The Last Minute Cruise Deals section searches for great rates within 60 days of sailing, is a popular feature.

Real-time instant price quotes are available from a number of sources including Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, and the most popular cruise lines, Guests get a "real time" look at what's available directly from the cruise line's own reservation systems. They can check the latest discount pricing, availability, make a cabin selection, look up an itinerary, Guests can peruse an extensive library of customer and Cruise Critic cruise ship reviews. View photos, cruise line movies, and over 3,700 Virtual 360° ship tours. Plus, see itineraries, deck plans, ship details, and more.