The cruise industry managed to sail through the past year without any serious problems even if the financial markets and, at one time, fuel prices were facing agitated waters.
While not immune to a weakening economy, the cruise industry has a track record for standing strong in harsh economic times.
This year, about 6,500 passengers embarked on the Norwegian Gem. "2008 has been a tremendous year for us. This is a record figure which will probably stand for a long time," Michael Abele, chief operating officer of Cruises International, NCL's sole agency in Malta, said.
He was speaking on board the Norwegian Gem, berthed at Grand Harbour, yesterday.
The giant luxury liner will offer sailings between May and November next year, with prices cheaper than those of 2008. "The rates will include all port charges and taxes and, no matter the fuel price, there will be no additional fuel charges," Mr Abele promised. The fact that cruising provides such value is what's helped the cruise industry weather this storm so far, he said. Indeed, on average, cruises are about 20 to 50 per cent cheaper than comparable land-based holidays.
A family with two children joining the cruise in a category 14 (balcony) cabin on August 5, 2009 will pay €2,596 (Lm1,446).
A category 4 (inside) cabin on the same sailing would cost them €2,596 (Lm1,119), including all taxes and fuel surcharge.
With two new ships scheduled to start operating Malta-to-Malta cruises next year, NCL will face strong competition but Mr Abele accepts that, as long as "advertising is fair".
The most significant additional choice in terms of the cruises available is the Freestyle cruising, a concept that has become NCL's signature amenity. Passengers enjoy the freedom to dine where, when and with whom they please. "Resort casual" is the norm for dress and formal night is optional.
So what's new for 2009?
Apart from the lower pricing and that children under 18, instead of under 16, can travel for free (on selected departures), there's the Freestyle 2.0, a fleet-wide initiative to upgrade several of the guest experience, including dining, cabin and onboard activities and amenities - innovations designed to spoil the guests even more.