3 Cruise Liner Associations

1. • Some of the most popular cruising locations include the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean. Cruising is a big business, and there are many different types and sizes of cruise lines in the industry. Cruise associations support this industry in a variety of ways. The associations typically represent the interests of the cruise industry when it comes to national and international legislation, as well as provide support for cruise travel professionals and the cruising public.

   Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.

   • The Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA) was formed in 1975 and is the largest cruise association in the world. This group supports several aspects of cruising and features a travel search engine that allows the public to search out the best type of cruise (line, destination and cruise atmosphere) to meet each traveler's personality and budget.

     The CLIA also promotes measures and laws that help foster a secure and safe cruising environment. For example, it offers classes that train travel agents to better explain the value and choices of the cruise vacation experience. The association helps implement industry-wide cruising policies and procedures, such as gambling guidelines and on-ship medical facility practices.

   Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

   • The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) represents 15 cruise line members that have more than 100 active vessels in the Caribbean, Floridian and Latin American waters. This area is very popular with American tourists, as they can depart from several ports in the Southern United States.

     This association was founded in 1972, and it aims to help cruise lines build relationships with port destinations, such as maximizing consumer spending at foreign ports. It also serves its members by keeping them updated on cruise legislation, safety and security issues, as well as tourism development and port information.

   Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance

   • The Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA) caters to a unique set of cruise lines and travelers. Most of its members own small yacht-like sailing vessels and medium-sized cruise ships that go to off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as the Arctic and freshwater European rivers.

     This association helps its members to market remote destinations, as well as promote a more intimate cruise experience. It emphasizes that niche cruises should attract customers by appealing to their personal enrichment and environmental preservation interests.