Just Cruisin’

Vacationing aboard a cruise ship is gaining popularity with consumers of all income groups, according to market researcher Metromail Corp. A look at what the firm’s survey of 150,000 respondents revealed about those taking a floating holiday:

* About 16.4% said they took vacation cruises in 1996, up from 12.9% in 1994.

* About 10% of those who vacationed on a cruise ship earned less than $15,000 a year, 27.1% earned $15,000-$29,999, 31.1% earned $30,000-$49,999, 20.6% earned $50,000-$74,999 and 11% earned more than $75,000.

* Respondents who favored taking cruises were concentrated in the group ages 25 to 44.

* The favorite activities of those who cruise are music, health, fitness and reading, according to the survey.

Source: Metromail Corp.