This section includes a comprehensive review of literatures regarding to the perceived value of attributes of cruise packages and also cultural differences in this context. To start with, prior studies on cruising industry and cruise packages are reviewed and summarized. Then, consumers’ perceived value of cruise package attributes is consolidated from several literatures. Finally, cross-cultural studies in the context of tourism are discussed. The theoretical reviews serve as support for the conceptual framework of this research study.
2.1 Cruise Tourism and Cruise Packages The concept of cruise ship is recognized as a floating resort rather than as a means of transportation. Cruise tourism, originating in early 1970s in United States of …show more content…
Qu and Ping (1999) suggested 5 attribute dimensions for cruise trips, namely accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, other facility and staff. Kwortnik (2008) has revealed the importance of physical attributes such as cleanliness, room temperature, exterior décor and ship layout by implementing a qualitative research with 260 cruise customers. Xie, Kerstetter and Mattila (2012) have outlined the attributes considered by current and potential cruisers as entertainment, recreation and sports, supplement attributes (e.g. laundry and computer rooms), core attributes (e.g. food and cabin rooms), fitness and health, children (e.g. babysitting) and crew attributes (service and communication from cruise director). Chua et al. (2015) later summarized prior studies and proposed a 3-dimension attribute categorization of physical environment-related attributes, interactional-related attributes, and outcome-related attributes, which combined 25 attributes relevant to the quality of cruise lines (Table …show more content…
Asians are usually considered as more collectivistic when comparing to Americans, where family reunion and social harmony is highly valued (Hofstede, 2001). With higher degree of collectivism, the more likely consumers may value attributes that allow group enjoyment on board, while Individualistic customers may value attributes that offer privacy and
2.1 Cruise Tourism and Cruise Packages The concept of cruise ship is recognized as a floating resort rather than as a means of transportation. Cruise tourism, originating in early 1970s in United States of …show more content…
Qu and Ping (1999) suggested 5 attribute dimensions for cruise trips, namely accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, other facility and staff. Kwortnik (2008) has revealed the importance of physical attributes such as cleanliness, room temperature, exterior décor and ship layout by implementing a qualitative research with 260 cruise customers. Xie, Kerstetter and Mattila (2012) have outlined the attributes considered by current and potential cruisers as entertainment, recreation and sports, supplement attributes (e.g. laundry and computer rooms), core attributes (e.g. food and cabin rooms), fitness and health, children (e.g. babysitting) and crew attributes (service and communication from cruise director). Chua et al. (2015) later summarized prior studies and proposed a 3-dimension attribute categorization of physical environment-related attributes, interactional-related attributes, and outcome-related attributes, which combined 25 attributes relevant to the quality of cruise lines (Table …show more content…
Asians are usually considered as more collectivistic when comparing to Americans, where family reunion and social harmony is highly valued (Hofstede, 2001). With higher degree of collectivism, the more likely consumers may value attributes that allow group enjoyment on board, while Individualistic customers may value attributes that offer privacy and