Cruise operators upbeat despite stormy economy, rising oil

MIAMI (AFP) — The global cruise industry is putting on a brave face as it sails into seas darkened by a faltering US economy, a weak dollar and record oil prices, major cruise ship operators said at their annual convention.

The triple threat represents serious risks for the industry which has been blessed with dramatic growth over the past decade.

But cruise representatives are confident that the powers of globalization and the opening of new cruise destinations such as Asia and South America can help them weather the storm.

"All the information we hear and read today is negative," Gerald Cahill, president and chief executive officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, told the "Seatrade Cruise Shipping" convention, the most prominent annual gathering of international cruise operators.

"If you ask, the middle-income consumers will tell you (they) are already feeling the effects" of an economic downturn, Cahill said....