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CLIA members beckon travelers to #ChooseCruise

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Throughout October, Cruise Lines International Association, its member cruise lines and travel agents are highlighting why travelers should #ChooseCruise.

Information, deals and insights

The initiative, formerly known as Plan a Cruise Month, features the latest information about cruise travel, the best deals and promotions as well as cruising insights across the industry’s social platforms.

'The #ChooseCruise campaign is a way to highlight the many amazing reasons why travelers should choose a cruise for vacation,' CLIA president and CEO Cindy D'Aoust said.

With 28m people expected to take a seagoing vacation this year, travelers can benefit from the expertise of a CLIA-certified travel agent. The association makes it easy to find a certified agent here.

Five reasons to #ChooseCruise

CLIA is highlighting five key reasons why people should consider a cruise. Fulfilling the bucket list tops those, with 95% of CLIA agents surveyed reporting an uptick in new cruise destinations fueled by travelers yearning to see bucket-list places.

Sixty-two percent of the agents cited more cruises booked to Alaska, making it the top growth destination, according to CLIA. Other top growth destinations: Caribbean/Bermuda/Mexico, Mediterranean/Europe and Canada/New England.

Unpacking once is another reason to cruise. Without the hassle of checking into and out of hotels, packing and repacking and coordinating myriad travel details, cruising, CLIA said, is 'the simplest, worry-free way to explore multiple destinations.'

More adventure

Many travelers are looking for more adventurous vacations, and CLIA cited Alaska as the favored choice for adventure or expedition travel. Other high-adventure destinations include the Galápagos Islands, the South Pacific and Antarctica.

Pampering is yet another draw; from its room service to spas, cruise travel is known for this. Suite guests are often waited on by butlers, and spa treatments can range from 24-carat-gold facials to chocolate body massages.

A fifth reason to #ChooseCruise is more healthy options than ever before. Chefs plan health-conscious foods for various dietary needs, while fitness equipment, classes and seminars keep travelers in shape and options like ice skating, zip lining and surfing provide fun ways to keep active aboard ship.

Exclusive promotions

During October, cruise lines are offering exclusive deals and promotions. On social handles like @CLIAGlobal on Twitter, Facebook and more, the association is leveraging daily observances and holidays to showcase cruise travel and integrate cruising into popular social conversations. From National Taco Day and Sweetest Day to Picasso’s Birthday and Great Books Day, CLIA noted October is filled with observances that help show the variety cruising has to offer.