The world pattern of shipping routes

Passenger traffic on the short sea routes is increasing rapidly throughout Western Europe largely as the result of the popularity of motoring holidays and the growth of trade between the countries of the EC. The introduction of roll-on roll-off facilities has enabled the ports to handle a much greater volume of cars, coaches, and trucks, and most ferries now operate throughout the year with greatly improved standards of comfort and service. With the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 many cross-Channel ferry companies are moving their investment into the Western English Channel.

Cruisingrepresents a purely leisure-based use of sea transport. The chartering and operation of ships for inclusive tours began in the 1860s and reached its heyday in the 1920s. Typically, such cruises lasted for several months and catered exclusively for upper-income groups with abundant leisure and wealth. The sea voyage, often undertaken for health reasons, was more important than the places visited. In the post-war period, cruising again increased in popularity and has helped to offset the great decline in scheduled services offered by the passenger liner. Since the 1950s shipping lines have diversified into cruising, although this has not always been an easy transition, as the ships were often unsuitable.

The introduction of fly-cruising 1960s was important as it allowed the cruise ship to be based in a port in the cruising region. Cruise ships have become smaller as few ports of call can accommodate 30 000-ton passenger liners. Increasingly, with the development of themed, special-interest cruises with sports and activities, ships are designed with a great deal of open deck space for warm-water voyages. The cruise market has proved resistant to recession with a loyal, repeat market.

The Caribbean is the most popular cruising. Its popularity is based on its position close to the American cruise market the largest in the world); its ideal climate and island scenery; and the wide choice of shore excursions. Cruise ships operate out of San Juan, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Barbados and Miami.

The two other main cruising regions are the Mediterranean and the Far East/Pacific. Cruising in the Mediterranean is dominated by the North European market. There are many ports of great cultural, historic, and natural interest which can be visited. Areas for summer cruises include the Baltic and Norwegian coast in northern Europe and British Columbia and Alaska in North America.

In Finland and Russia the Baltic seaports are kept open during most winters at considerable cost by fleets of icebreakers. Russia is at a disadvantage in having few ice-free ports and even these, such as Murmansk, are located far from the main centers of population However, in summer, sea-going vessels can penetrate great distances inland by using the very extensive system of rivers and canals.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16