6.4 Maritime Travel
6.4.1 Maritime Travel and Its Role in Hospitality
One of the oldest modes of transportation, maritime enables tourists and business travelers to move via water. Cruise ships, ferries, and water taxis all play a vitae role in transporting guests. The United States comprises an interweb of waterways and is bordered by three oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Arctic. The abundance of waterways in the United States makes maritime travel a convenient and pleasant option for tourism. The Washington State Ferry system is the largest operating within the United States (Washington State Ferries, n.d.).
Maritime transportation creates economic value by distributing tourism dollars to hard-to-reach communities and by job creation. According to state law, all Washington ferries must be constructed in Washington. This creates a conception-to-utilization job path for Washingtonians. Many regulatory bodies oversee water transportation, including the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which regulates shipping vessels and cruise ships as well as the ports that they frequent. The most common types of water transportation in the hospitality industry are cruise ships, ferries, and water taxis
6.4.2 Cruise Ships
Cruise ships, large passenger vessels designed for tourism, operate like inclusive resorts. Guests pay a flat fee, with upgrade options for room, board, and access to on-ship amenities. The ships typically include gyms, spas, restaurants, casinos, theaters, nightclubs, stores, and recreational facilities for children and families. Cruise ships have set routes and ports of call. Ports of call [KT] are often highly sought-after tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and New Orleans. Cruises usually range from 3 to 9 days, but longer options are available. Cruise lines are monitored and regulated by all marine laws and associations. They also have their own association called the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This association oversees cruise standards and safety regulations worldwide. Guests who choose cruise ships are interested in the ease of an all-inclusive option as well as the exotic ports of call. Cruises are ideal for families and people with limited mobility. Specialty cruises are also available for singles, adults only, kids, and even special interest groups.
6.4.3 Ferries
Ferries are large passenger ships designed to transport passengers, cars, and light freight across a waterway, typically only from a single port to port. They run on a regular schedule, and tickets can be purchased per trip. Passengers may walk or drive their vehicle onto the ferry. Ferries typically cross lakes or move between islands or from the mainland to an island or across or along large rivers. Ferries usually have restroom facilities and onboard dining. They do not typically include additional amenities or sleeping accommodations. Ferries are an economical way to transport large numbers of guests across waterways and save commuting time from driving around bays or lakes.
6.4.4 Water Taxis
Smaller than ferries, water taxis serve a similar purpose and are used to transport smaller numbers of passengers and sometimes vehicles from shore to shore. They are also used to transport passengers and light freight from ship to shore. Guests on cruise ships may utilize water taxis to get from the cruise ship to shore in areas where a port is not deep enough for the cruise ship to dock. Water taxis generally charge a flat rate per trip or charge per pound of freight per trip. They run set routes, typically adhering to schedules. They can also be reserved for private use as needed.
[FIGURE 6.12 JOB CREATION GRAPHIC]
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At A Glance
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