The cruise line industry has been sailing through the recession while other sectors of the international travel industry have been greatly impacted.   Bookings have increased and operators will introduce 36 new ships around the world by 2012, costing about $22 billion.  Cruise Lines International Association will launch 14 new ships worth $4.8 billion this year, increasing their total capacity by 5%.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said, based on bookings through December, there will be 260,817 cruise line passengers in the Emirate.  DTCM forecast there next year Dubai will host 99 ships carrying 383,432 passengers.  During 2008 68,301 passengers from Dubai went on cruises but this year 26,790 passengers from Dubai booked travel during the first quarter alone   Travel industry representatives believe more people are looking for better value options during the economic downturn and the cruise line industry provides this.