Cruise lines promise big payouts, but the tourist money stays at sea

On the one hand cruise devotees can describe the cruises they've taken, preferred destinations, cruise lines, ships - even their favourite captains. Nothing will dissuade these ardent fans from their annual trip, some of whom embark on 20 or more a year. In 2014, the Cruise Lines International Association reported two thirds of passengers were repeat guests. On the other hand, many people and organisations remain fiercely opposed to the industry, its employment policies, its record on environmental management, the opacity of its taxation arrangements, and the impact its super-sized ships have on destinations.