'You Deserve a Cruise' -- Take a Break While Taking Advantage of Special Cruise Offers
Summer-Long Cruise Industry Promotion Highlights Therapeutic Value of Vacationing, Unprecedented Cruise Values and Special Offers
Fort Lauderdale (PRWEB) June 8, 2009
"When times are tough, a well-deserved vacation is essential therapy; it even helps your country, and there is no easier, more enjoyable and affordable way to reconnect, reflect and renew, than on a cruise." That is the key message of the summer-long "You Deserve a Cruise" promotion just announced by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member lines.
From today through August 31, 2009, families, singles, seniors, first-time cruisers, honeymooners and groups of all descriptions will discover the important therapeutic benefits of vacationing as they take advantage of unprecedented cruise values, the latest savings and special cruise incentives. 23 CLIA member cruise lines and thousands of CLIA-member travel agents are participating to tell consumers across the country that it is okay to travel - that the travel industry is vital to the economy, and they deserve to put daily worries on hold and take a break.
Globally, travel and tourism contributes $5.47 trillion to national economies and employs over 220 million people, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The United States ranks number one in total size of its travel industry, contributing $1.37 trillion, approximately one quarter of the world total, and employing 13.8 million, WTTC says. And the North American cruise industry, according to independent studies done for CLIA, alone contributes over $40 billion to the U. S. and Canadian economies in total economic impact, creating jobs for over 380,000 North Americans. Clearly, the positive economic impact of people traveling for pleasure or business is significant. At the same time, research, surveys of consumer attitudes and trends, and health professionals increasingly point to the beneficial effects of vacationing. Combined, these realities provide good cause to encourage consumers to take the break they deserve.
"Now more than ever, a vacation is what people really need - a break from everyday stresses to get in touch with themselves, their families and what's important, to reflect on the next steps which could be life-changing, and to renew physically and emotionally," said Terry Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. "We are living in challenging times; we deserve the opportunity to reward ourselves while at the same time making a small contribution to the country's well-being as well. And, with the incredible, never-seen-before, and likely never to be seen again, values offered by CLIA member lines today, what better time could there be to get some 'cruise therapy?'"
Dr. David Hubschmitt, a New Jersey-based psychologist specializing in depression, agrees that vacationing during stressful times can be a good remedy. "A well-timed vacation may offer significant benefits for mental health. The relaxation provides a much-needed change of gears in a time-starved society, and may be an ideal time to reconnect with loved ones traveling with you. For those traveling alone, vacations may lead to a higher level of self discovery."
A well-chosen vacation, according to experts, offers significant benefits and opportunities, including:
Relaxation, shifting gears and change of scenery are good for one's health - physical, mental and spiritual
There is no better time or setting for reconnecting with family and friends and renewing relationships
A vacation is an opportunity to discover or rediscover oneself
There's no better time to recharge and re-energize and to look forward with confidence and enthusiasm
What makes a cruise the perfect vacation therapy? Exceptional ease of planning and the convenience of having a "home away from home" for the length of the trip, for starters, plus inclusive pricing that means excellent value for money spent. The diversity of cruise experiences available means that there is a vacation for every taste, interest and budget. With more than 30 domestic ports of embarkation, millions of Americans are also within driving distance of a cruise. And, most important, CLIA member lines are doing everything they can to create irresistible incentives to cruise.
Cruise line offers include: Early booking discounts, free cabin upgrades, promotional rates and price protection programs, shipboard credits, reduced deposits, pre - and post - hotel package discounts, 3rd and 4th guest savings, companions sail free, kids sail free, free and reduced airfare, Two-for-One savings and free shore excursions. A full listing of cruise line offers can be found at www. cruising. org/youdeserveacruise (http://www. cruising. org/youdeserveacruise).
Restrictions and limitations may apply; please visit CLIA's "You Deserve a Cruise" Web page (www. cruising. org/youdeserveacruise (http://www. cruising. org/youdeserveacruise)), or individual cruise lines' Websites for more information. And, as always, the very best resource for planning your cruise vacation is a CLIA member travel agency and a CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor. To find a member agent near you, visit www. cruising. org.
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information of CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit www. cruising. org.
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