Cruise Tourism and its Impact on a Destination using the example of the Caribbean Islands

Table of Contents

• I. Abstract
• II. Table of Contents
• III. List of Illustrations
• IV. List of Abbreviations
• Introduction
• Cruise Tourism
• Definitions
• Historical Overview
• Market and Market Players
• Carnival Corporation & plc.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
• Star Cruises Group
• MSC Crociere
• Cruise Line Associations
• Ports and its Infrastructure
• Route Planning
• Different Concepts
• Vessels
• Types of Cruises
• Characteristics of the Cruise Tourism Industry
• Trends in the Cruise Tourism Industry
• Destination Analysis of the Caribbean Islands
• General Information and Aspects
• Geography
• Historical Overview
• Tourism Development
• Tourism Potential
• Primary Offer
• Secondary Offer
• Source Markets
• Kind of tourism
• Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean
• Impacts on the Destination
• Economic Impacts
• Ecological Impacts
• Socio-Cultural Impacts
• Port Relations
• Port charges
• Ownership/ Investment
• Competition between ports
• Development into a homeport
• Ports as cash cows
• Case Studies
• Tourism Area Life Cycle
• Dominica
• General information
• Tourism
• St Maarten
• General information
• Tourism
• Comparison of Dominica and St Maarten - Measures
• Recommended Courses of Action
• Targets of a Destination with regards to Cruise Tourism
• Measures to be taken by Destinations
• Conclusion and Future Prospects
• V. Bibliography

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis aims to analyze the impact of cruise tourism on the Caribbean islands, focusing on the complex relationship between cruise lines and the ports they utilize. It investigates the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural consequences of this rapidly growing industry within the context of the Caribbean's unique tourism landscape.

• The economic impact of cruise tourism on Caribbean islands.
• The environmental consequences of cruise tourism in the Caribbean.
• The socio-cultural effects of cruise tourism on Caribbean communities.
• The power dynamics between cruise lines and Caribbean ports.
• Sustainable tourism strategies for the Caribbean in the context of cruise tourism.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of cruise tourism and its significance in the Caribbean, highlighting the region's unique position as a major cruise destination and the challenges and opportunities associated with this industry. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by outlining the research problem and objectives of the thesis.

Cruise Tourism: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the cruise tourism industry, including definitions, historical development, market players (such as Carnival Corporation & plc., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and others), port infrastructure, route planning, different cruise concepts (vessels and types of cruises), industry characteristics, and emerging trends. It establishes a foundational understanding of the industry’s structure and dynamics.

Destination Analysis of the Caribbean Islands: This chapter offers a detailed analysis of the Caribbean Islands as a cruise tourism destination. It examines geographical aspects, historical tourism development, tourism potential (both primary and secondary offers), source markets, and the overall types of tourism prevalent in the region. It paints a picture of the Caribbean’s existing tourism landscape and its potential for future growth.

Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean: This chapter delves into the specific impacts of cruise tourism on the Caribbean. It explores the economic contributions, the environmental consequences (such as pollution and resource depletion), and the socio-cultural effects (on local communities and traditions). The chapter also examines the intricate relationships between cruise lines and the ports, including port charges, ownership, competition, and the development of homeports.

Case Studies: This chapter presents in-depth case studies of Dominica and St. Maarten, two Caribbean islands with varying levels of dependence on cruise tourism. By comparing and contrasting these islands' experiences, it illustrates the diverse impacts of cruise tourism and the range of responses adopted by different destinations. The chapter uses the Tourism Area Life Cycle model to analyze the destinations' stage of development and future prospects.

Recommended Courses of Action: This chapter discusses strategies for destinations to manage and mitigate the impacts of cruise tourism. It identifies key targets for destinations and suggests specific measures to promote sustainable and responsible tourism development.

Keywords

Cruise tourism, Caribbean islands, sustainable tourism, economic impact, environmental impact, socio-cultural impact, port relations, cruise lines, destination management, case studies, Dominica, St. Maarten.

Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview of Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean

What is the overall topic of this document?

This document is a comprehensive language preview providing an overview of a thesis analyzing the impact of cruise tourism on Caribbean islands. It covers various aspects, from industry definitions and market players to the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural consequences, using case studies and proposing recommendations for sustainable tourism.

What aspects of cruise tourism are covered in this preview?

The preview covers a wide range of topics, including: definitions and historical overview of cruise tourism; major cruise lines and industry players; port infrastructure and route planning; different types of cruises and vessels; characteristics and trends of the cruise tourism industry; a detailed destination analysis of the Caribbean islands; the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural impacts of cruise tourism in the Caribbean; port relations and their complexities; case studies of Dominica and St. Maarten; and finally, recommended courses of action for sustainable tourism strategies in the Caribbean context.

Which Caribbean islands are used as case studies?

The document uses Dominica and St. Maarten as case studies to illustrate the diverse impacts of cruise tourism and the range of responses adopted by different destinations. A comparison of the two islands is included, analyzing their measures regarding cruise tourism.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

The key themes include the economic impact of cruise tourism on Caribbean islands; the environmental consequences; the socio-cultural effects on Caribbean communities; the power dynamics between cruise lines and Caribbean ports; and sustainable tourism strategies for the Caribbean within the context of cruise tourism.

What is the purpose of the case studies?

The case studies of Dominica and St. Maarten serve to illustrate the diverse impacts of cruise tourism on different islands with varying levels of dependence on this industry. They allow for a comparison of experiences and highlight the range of responses adopted by different destinations, using the Tourism Area Life Cycle model for analysis.

What kind of recommendations are offered in the document?

The document offers recommendations for destinations to manage and mitigate the impacts of cruise tourism. It identifies key targets for destinations and suggests specific measures to promote sustainable and responsible tourism development. These are focused on achieving sustainable and responsible tourism.

What is the structure of the main document?

The main document includes an abstract, table of contents, list of illustrations, list of abbreviations, an introduction, chapters on cruise tourism, destination analysis of the Caribbean islands, cruise tourism in the Caribbean, case studies, recommended courses of action, a conclusion and future prospects, and a bibliography.

Who are the key players in the cruise tourism industry mentioned?

The preview mentions Carnival Corporation & plc., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Star Cruises Group, and MSC Crociere as major players in the cruise tourism industry.

What are the main impacts of cruise tourism discussed?

The document discusses the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural impacts of cruise tourism on Caribbean islands. Economic impacts focus on contributions to the local economy. Ecological impacts include concerns about pollution and resource depletion. Socio-cultural impacts analyze effects on local communities and traditions.

What are the keywords associated with this study?

Keywords include: Cruise tourism, Caribbean islands, sustainable tourism, economic impact, environmental impact, socio-cultural impact, port relations, cruise lines, destination management, case studies, Dominica, St. Maarten.