Shipscape influence on the leisure cruise experience
International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research
ISSN: 1750-6182
Article publication date: 10 October 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the leisure cruise service environment – the shipscape – and its effects on cruisers' emotions, meaning‐making, and onboard behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses qualitative data from 260 cruise customers that were mined from archived online discussion boards. Data were analyzed based on grounded theory and interpretive methods to derive an understanding of shipscape meanings and influences from the cruiser's perspective.
Findings
The findings extend Bitner's servicescape framework and reveal novel atmospheric and social effects that influence cruise travelers' experience.
Research limitations/implications
Given the exploratory research objective and interpretive methodology, generalizability beyond the cruise context is limited. However, research findings suggest not only that ambient shipscape conditions influence cruisers' pleasure, but also that ship layout, décor, size, facilities, and social factors influence the meanings cruisers attach to cruise brands and to the overall cruise experience.
Originality/value
This paper explores atmospheric effects on consumer behavior in a context as yet examined by tourism and hospitality scholars.
Keywords
Citation
Kwortnik, R.J. (2008), "Shipscape influence on the leisure cruise experience", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 289-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506180810908961
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited