The Royal Caribbean Oasis-Most exciting ship innovation.

Cruise Holidays released its 2010 Cruise Trends Survey, which found that the most exciting ship innovation last year was the introduction of world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. The survey polled 135 Cruise Holidays business owners and frontline agents in the U.S. and Canada. The number two and three cruise ship innovations were that ship’s AquaTheater -- a water-themed amphitheater with high-diving shows -- and its Central Park open-air neighborhood, respectively. Rounding out the top five innovations were features found on Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice and Equinox ships: the Lawn Club, a country club-like area with real grass; and the Hot Glass Show, an outdoor glass-blowing studio.

The most important factors in determining a client’s vacation are pricing, itinerary and cruise line. But while 2009 saw pricing at levels not seen in 20 years, that may be changing. According to Cruise Holidays, due to a strong surge in demand, those cruise prices may be on the way back up. “It’s more about value than price,” said Mark Schiffner, vice president of Cruise Holidays. “With so many new ships and so many new itineraries, and when you compare prices to what you might be paying for with a hotel, food and transportation -- especially in Europe -- you really can’t afford not to take a cruise in the upcoming year.”

According to the survey, cruise pricing across-the-board is down when compared to the past three years. Most notably, cruise prices to the Mediterranean are down $28 per day, per person, for a 12-day cruise, leading to $336 in savings per person compared to 2009. Prices for seven-day cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean are down $25 and $24 per person, per day, respectively.

In 2010, Caribbean cruises remain the runaway favorite. More than half the cruises already booked for 2010 are for the Caribbean. Alaska and The Bahamas round out the top three. Hawaii slipped in popularity, being passed by the Panama Canal and Bermuda. Europe and Mediterranean cruising were cited as cruise destinations with the biggest increase in interest over the past year, specifically Rome and Barcelona.

The economy may be driving consumers to wait as long as possible to book cruises. The average booking window has shrunk compared to past years, with a notable influx of people booking within three months of the sail date. The most popular type of cruise group is a friends or family group, the survey found. That’s followed by senior groups, church or faith-based groups, wine lovers and dancing groups.

Cruise Holidays agents were also asked to examine the mindset of their cruise clients under the age of 40. These younger cruisers cite the price point or value of cruising as the number one reason they choose a cruise vacation. That is followed by the chance to see new destinations and onboard activities, such as shows, casinos, pools and lounge areas. “With the under-40 crowd, it’s more than just the economy at play. Overall, they are more price-sensitive as they try to balance the cost pressures of budding careers, weddings, kids, and new homes, yet they still want to get away. Especially for them, the value of cruising can’t be beat,” Schiffner said.

What do real cruise experts do when they board a ship? Like most other cruisers, most CruiseYou agents find their stateroom upon boarding. That’s followed by exploring the ship or wandering around, getting something to eat, and going on deck to see the view. Others make reservations at the specialty restaurants or spa the first chance they get, and still others who aren’t ready to unplug go to the computer lounge and check their emails until their baggage arrives. For more information call 202-656-7675