Cruise nightmare won't stop vacationers

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Tales of bad food, buckets that are restrooms, stranded at sea, it's enough to make you want to throw the cruise brochure away, right? No.  According to a recent study, of ten types of vacations measured, only cruising posts gains.

Part of the excitement of a vacation lies in the planning, which is perhaps a reason why a trip to AAA can be fun for folks like the Menards.

"We went on the oldest ship, on Royal Caribbean, and the service was fantastic on it, that's why we went back," said Leo Menard.

Leo and Sharlene are eager to board on their next cruise, setting sail in November, one with running water.

"So what did you think about what you saw on television with this Carnival ship," asked News 8's Jamie Muro.

"We got the same kind of service when we were on Carnival," said Sharlene Menard.

"What is it about cruising, that makes you want to go back after watching this? Because some people might say no way," asked News 8's Jamie Muro.

"Everything is there. Royal Caribbean has everything," said Sharlene Menard.

"Last week, this week, we still have people calling, booking their cruises for the future," said Suzanna Aresco, AAA manager.

Suzanne Aresco with AAA says the industry will see little to no impact after Carnival's hell on the high seas. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, the industry has seen growth since 1980 and a bad week of PR won't change that.

"It's not just Carnival Cruise Line, they have a lot of competition. There's a lot of people who are frequent cruisers that have been in the past, and know this is the way they want to choose to vacation," said Aresco.

So a visit here to dream about a visit somewhere else by way of a big ship will continue and that is the Triumph of an industry that keeps a sea of repeat business.

"Royal Caribbean," exclaimed Sharlene Menard.