DESTINATIONS In a practical sense, cruise companies regard the world as a series of sectors that meet various market needs. For the largest brands, this creates opportunities to configure operations to take account of
Seasonality, weather patterns and optimum conditions for cruising Sales and marketing Supply and servicing of ships This chapter considers the influence and effect of geography on the cruise indus- try. To start with, it is impossible to consider the locus of cruising without reflect- ing on the conditions that arise from the prevailing climate. Passenger comfort and safety are directly impacted upon if a cruise ship sails in a particular part of an ocean or sea at a particular time of year. This also holds true for destinations visited and shore activities that may be offered. As much as possible, cruise ships tend to avoid parts of the world where, because of geography, climate and seasonal variations, sea conditions occur that can cre ate potential discomfort for customers[1]. There are many stories told of severe weather conditions in specific locations for example, the Bay of Biscay, the Cape of Good Hope, the Bay of Bengal and the North Atlantic have reputations for nroviding extremes of weather for seafarers or navigators. Yet knowledge o