The start of 2024 brings with it not only new resolutions but also new insights into one of the most dynamic sectors of global tourism - the cruise line industry. After weathering the storms of the pandemic, this industry has emerged not just afloat but thriving. The Cruise Line Industry industry has a history of making waves — from its transformation from a niche holiday for newlyweds and retirees to a mainstream vacation choice. In this episode of Down to Business English, Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux discuss the fascinating world of the cruise line business. They explore the industry’s exponential growth from the 1970s, propelled in part by pop culture influences like ‘The Love Boat’, to its present state, where mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas redefine maritime luxury. They also navigate through the crucial aspects of market dynamics, environmental impacts, and the shifting demographic of cruise passengers. Join Skip and Samantha and learn the answers to these questions: How has the cruise line industry evolved since the 1970s? What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the cruise line industry? What is the current market structure of the cruise line industry? How is the cruise line industry trying to be more environmentally friendly? Skip and Samantha also explain and give examples of these useful business words and phrases: Nothing short of (phrase) To air (verb) To be hard to fathom (idiom)