TOURISM

PETER ROBINSON MICHAEL LÜCK STEPHEN L. J. SMITH

6

Water-borne Transport

Learning Objectives

• To understand the variety of modes of water-borne transportation • To explore the management and marketing issues associated with cruising • To appreciate the geography of cruise holidays

Background

• Water-borne transport has a long history – Before air travel, much long-haul travel was by water • Cruise ships were ‘jumbo jets’ of their day • Water offers many recreational activities – Physical exercise – Relaxation – Sightseeing – Wildlife viewing – Fishing

Background

• Most activities require some form of infrastructure or support services – Docks – Chandlers – Marinas (fuel, repairs, boat sales and leasing) – Navigation aids – Locks and canals (industrial waterways)

Private Craft

• At least 20 million boats registered in private ownership • Many forms – Canoes, kayaks, row boats, skiffs, dories, pedal boats, etc.

– Inboard, outboard, inboard/outboard motors – Sailboats and Jet boats – Personal hydrocraft – Water skiing – Hydro bikes/surf bikes

Commercial Water Transportation

• Rental boats • Water taxis • Ferries (passenger and vehicle) • ‘Bare boating’ • Tour boats – Surface – Submersible and semi-submersibles • Canal (narrow) boats • Cruise lines

Cruise Lines

• (Usually) multi-stops combining accommodation, onboard and shore activities, restaurants • Emerged after decline of transatlantic liners • Many options – Duration – Location – Degree of luxury – Class of service – Size of ship – Cruise themes, activities

Types of Cruises

• Fly & cruise packages • Rail & cruise packages • Repositioning cruises • ‘Cruises to nowhere’ • Special interest cruises – Activities – Target market – Educational cruises – ‘Tall ships’

Types of Cruises

• River cruises • Lake cruises • Freighters • Mail and supply ships

Environmental Concerns around Cruising

• Air pollution from diesel engines • Dumping of waste at sea (in international waters) • Noise concerns in port • Automobile traffic in ports during departures and arrivals

Ports

• Very different layout and sizes for passenger versus cargo/container ports (passenger ports are smaller) • Essential for cruise industry • Two types – Home ports – Ports-of-call