Last Minute Cruises

New York, NY May 22 
With summer just around the corner, people who haven't chosen a vacation destination might be worried that their options are limited -- especially if their first choice is a cruise.

These people can put their fears to rest, says James G. Godsman, president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents the North American cruise industry.

``This year, CLIA-member cruise lines are launching 13 new ships,'' says Godsman. ``Eight of those ships will have started sailing by the end of August, which means far more cabin availability for the summer and, in many cases, prices that are even better than usual.''

Last-minute planners won't be alone if they consider a summer cruise. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), most family travelers (76 percent) choose a vacation destination within three months of their departure, and just over half (52 percent) do so within a month. Studies conducted by Plog Research, the leading tracker of travel industry trends, show that June, July and August are the most popular times to vacation -- with or without children.

According to experts, there are number of reasons to support the popularity of summer travel.

Psychologically speaking, says Dr. John A. Abbruzzese Jr., sunlight plays an important role in emotional happiness. ``Warmer and longer days bring out the inner spirit,'' says Abbruzzese, a psychologist who practices in Pennsylvania. ``When it's cold outside, people tend to cuddle up inside. But once it warms up, people flock to the outdoors.''

Prof. Alastair Morrison, who teaches tourism/marketing at Purdue University, and who has cruised several times with his wife and two teenagers, says parents looking for a vacation that's affordable, educational and appropriate for the whole family will find their criteria met on a cruise.

``Cruise ships provide a unique environment for families,'' says Morrison, ``in large part because of the programming, which enables parents and children to spend time together and apart.''

TIA studies show that among parents who take any type of vacation with their kids, 87 percent choose a destination for the activities it provides for children. Value for money is a deciding factor for 92 percent, and variety of things to do for 91 percent. Ninety-four percent say family vacations are an important way to maintain a family's health, well being and lifestyle.

``A vacation with the kids or the grandkids builds a closer bond,'' says Abbruzzese. ``This is especially true of a cruise, since everyone in the family is doing essentially the same thing.

``Plus, when families vacation together, there is no squabbling or scolding. People are drawn closer together, and have the chance to see each other in a different light,'' says Abbruzzese.

There are other practical reasons for taking a summer cruise, says Godsman: two of the top three cruise destinations, Alaska and Europe, are visited primarily in the summer; and the lines that have children's programs in place pull out all the stops during summer vacation. A variety of age- specific programs supervised by trained youth counselors provides youngsters with learning experiences and plenty of fun -- and their parents can truly relax.

To learn more about summer cruises, call Lighthouse Travel at 800-719-9917.