Demetriade is expecting some 2,500 passengers this year, and already has about 1,000 cruises planned. According to the businessman, the local cruise market will rise 20-25 percent in 2009, compared to almost 50 percent annual growth rates registered in the past few years. “However, this market will always have an upward trend,” said World Trade’s President.
According to the company official, it is less expensive to go on a cruise in 2009, due to an increase in the number of cruise ships compared to last year. At present, a five-star cabin for two on a luxury ship costs about €200 per night.
The financial crisis has also affected the cruise market, said Demetriade, even though the typical clients are people with above-average incomes, who can afford to spend money for a five-star holiday.
