Struggling Cruise Industry Banking On Hot Technology
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) - The cruise industry has had to overcome several tough obstacles through the last year or so. From the capsizing of the ship in Italy, to the cripple Carnival Triumph, and ships continually plagued with the norovirus.
"I think this industry comes together and shares best practices and shares lessons learned," Cruise Lines International Association President and CEO Christine Duffy said.
Duffy said the cruise lines compete for passenger experience but when it comes to safety and crisis management, the industry works as one.
"What's in the work right now for Triumph is that Carnival is taking the lead but all CLIA members are taking a look at their own brands," She said.
Statistics show cruising had steady and consistent growth throughout the past decade. Last year a record 20 million people said and 38 billion dollars were brought into the U.S. economy.
At the Cruise Shipping Convention this week on Miami Beach, 12,000 people are in attendance. The focus at the Miami Beach Convention Center is on supplies.
So what's hot?
First, making your ship green by being energy efficient. Keeping up to date with touch screen capability for passengers and staff is also high on the list. Another hot button topic are games for adults and kids to enjoy on their vacation.
CBS4 even found a photo booth that is interactive. A pre-taped photographer talks you through your photo session.
It's memories like that the industry is focused on you taking off the ship to outweigh the images seen so recently in the news.
