Local travelers choose cruises

“People are looking to get out and expand their horizons,” said Donna Cambridge, co-owner of Springfield-based Chesterfield Cruise and Travel. “Jamaica and Mexico are standard (destinations), and it seems like this year people are wanting to venture more into other places. They get those passports and they go nuts.”

Cruises, Cambridge added, can offer a lot of bang for the traveler’s buck, due in large part to the number of passengers a cruise ship can accommodate – often more than 3,000 at a time – and the number of companies offering trips.

There’s also the food.

“We’re eaters in the Midwest,” Cambridge said. “The minute you mention to (customers) that there’s the possibility that they could east eight times a day, their eyes light up.”

Moxie Cinema owners Dan and Nicole Chilton spent five days in mid-May on a cruise to Grand Cayman Island and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with other members of Dan’s family.

“While you’re at sea, everyone can go and do their own thing,” Dan Chilton said. “You can follow the cruise itinerary of going to shows and events, or you can set your own schedule and walk around the boat or hang out at the pool.”

Travelers also favor the family-friendly atmosphere and versatility of cruise trips, Cambridge said.

“There are multiple ports of call on a cruise – you get to see three or four different places, with their different languages, culture, shopping and experiences,” she said.

Cruise business isn’t limited to the Caribbean, either – destinations from Alaska to Europe also are popular this year. Deana Crouch, executive vice president of leisure sales for Great Southern Travel, said that her office is already booking Alaskan cruises for 2008.

Other possibilities

Tropical climates remain a favorite destination for travelers who don’t want to go on cruises.

“People just love the beaches and the all-inclusive resorts,” Crouch said. “Sometimes, they include the tours, nonmotorized water sports, meals and drinks. They’re just an incredible value.”

Popular spots include Hawaii, the Mayan Riviera, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Europe remains a popular destination as well, despite a less-than-favorable monetary exchange rate: $1 U.S. was worth only 0.73 euros as of Aug. 7.

“We’ve been surprised with the volume of Europe business that we’ve done, with the exchange rate being so poor,” Crouch said.

Crouch also said that the relative weakness of the U.S. currency may be part of the reason for the strength of cruise business – cruises are usually paid for in dollars, allowing U.S. travelers to get more for their money.