The National Transport University Bulletin

Abstract

The article examined the study of the interpretation of the essence of cruise tourism, analyzed the state of the cruise industry before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the characteristics of the organization of safety at cruise trips, identified major global companies, which are involved in cruise tourism, and conducted the quantitative analysis of the liners on which these trips are carried out. The object of the research is the development of cruise tourism in the world. The subject of the research is cruise tourism. During the writing of this work, such research methods were used as comparison methods, grouping, graphical methods, dynamic series, and forecasting. Cruises are a universal type of tourism that combines almost all its forms and types – recreational, sports, sanative, educational, adventure, archeological, and others. The main motives to choose water journeys for tourists are desire to relax on the water, to visit new cities, to see fascinating touristic attractions. The most popular regions of sea cruises are the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The comfort and complexity of tourist service have become a symbol of the cruise fleet. The level of provision of tourists with various services on liners can be compared only with the most expensive resorts. Today exist many cruise companies, which can offer a wide range of services at different price categories. The most famous cruise companies are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC. Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Disney, and Star Cruise – offer more budget cruise options and usually serve regional markets. Such cruise companies as Viking Ocean and Dream Cruises can offer luxury tourism. Despite the global pandemic, most cruise companies are still investing in the construction of new cruise liners, which will impress many travelers with their majesty and decorations. The results of the article can be used by tourism businesses, whose work is related to the organization and service of cruises. Predictive assumptions about the development of the object of study – the search for business partners and the development of new routes by tour operators located in different countries.

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