In 2007, Lorraine Arzt, 80, was Princess Cruises’ most-travelled passenger, reaching a record-breaking 4,000 days at sea.
This marked a milestone that represented more than 10 years spent on board.
It also testifies to the huge popularity in cruising, as reported by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Arzt isn’t the only one who is hooked on cruising.
There were about 12 ships launched in 2006, eight planned for 2007 and eight more being built for 2008 to meet demand.
These ships are just the ones that are newly built and don’t include ones that are being refurbished or stretched to accommodate more cabins and amenities.
The CLIA is forecasting 12.6 million passengers to sail in 2007, an increase of approximately 500,000 over 2006.
Arzt began cruising with her late husband, Joe, in the early 1970s. Their first Mexico voyage sparked an enduring love of cruising. Arzt was a professional ballroom dancer for many years and the couple had a successful real-estate business.
They spent 17 years as regular passengers aboard the Royal Princess. Lorraine now spends approximately 10 months each year aboard the Sea Princess, but plans to transfer to the new Royal Princess.
When not at sea, Arzt lives in Beverly Hills, Calif., and spends time with her son and daughter. She traces her love of the sea to her childhood days spent fishing with her father in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Chile is her favourite destination, she says.
“How can you not like a cruise?” asks Arzt.
“You hang your hat and you’re there. Everyone is there to entertain and serve you. You’re waited on, hand and foot. Where else can you go to completely escape and have so much fun?”
Published February 2007… Update: Lorraine passed away in May 2014 and had sailed more than 5,000 days by then. We know she is now cruising the heavens with her beloved husband Joe.
