European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 27, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A cruise liner lies at Anchor off the greek Isle of  lines launch new Effort to draw new customers by James t. Yenckel the Washington Post Vietnam May be this year s hottest new cruise destination. Pearl cruises a line specializing in the far East has scheduled three departures to the formerly War torn nation and already two of them a both marketed in Europe a have sold out. The third sailing in july has just begun to be promoted in the United states  Wake of the recent . Move to relax its Long standing Trade embargo against Vietnam. In offering the 10-Day Vietnam cruise Pearl has moved very quickly to take advantage of the revised Trade rules a a Speed that reflects the intensively competitive nature of the cruise Industry these Days. With the . Economy still in a slump All the lines seem determined to one up a a amps Gary Miller the inexpensive greek islands Are among Europe s most popular cruise destinations. Passengers relax in the Sun and a hot tub on a Placid rear Section of Queen Elizabeth ii liner. Each other in attracting passengers with new services offbeat itineraries such As Vietnam and specially tailored activities. Many of the cruise lines have gotten into a bidding War in an Effort to attract a new wave of passengers and one of their main pitches is that cruising is no longer for just the wealthy or the retired. The Over-60 age group now makes up Only one third of their customers according to statistics cited recently by the cruise lines International association. A full 50 percent of the cruising population today is under age 45, and the 25-to-40 age group is seen As the fastest growing segment. An estimated 4 million people took a cruise last year. As for affordability the association notes that 41 percent of cruise vacationers Are in the moderate income Range a earning Between $20,000 and $40,000 annually a and 50 percent earn $45,000 or less per year. The association s membership operates 124 ships from modest to luxurious which Call on approximately 400 ports in 100 countries. Cruise lines Are offering a variety of attractions. Among them a continued discounting of cruise fares. Because of the still lacklustre Economy the lines apparently have foun they can t fill All the Cabins they would like to unless special Price reductions Are offered. These include Specia deals for Early bookings last minute bookings and of season cruises. Often a Large percentage of berths Are sold at a discount and trying to find the Best Price has become As confusing As booking the lowest air fare. If the idea of a cruise is appealing travellers probably 10 stripes Magazine february 27, 1992