German cruise poll finds Costa Concordia impact has faded

The survey conducted by German press agency DPA shortly before the start of Hamburg Cruise Days found the impact of Costa Concordia’s deadly capsize in January has been overcome. Operators serving the German market are not only satisfied with the current booking situation and market development, but also optimistic about 2013.

According to the poll, operators expect that even the economic cool-down resulting from the continued euro-zone uncertainties will not significantly affect the industry.

It remains to be seen if the German source market will grow at a high one-digit rate this year, or if double-digit growth can still be achieved.