Distribution Pattern and Spatial Structure of Cruise Shipping Network: A Perspectives of Operator
摘要
The cruise operator is the main organizer and promoter of the formation and development of regional cruise shipping networks. This paper analyzed the differences between 19 cruise operators in scale, port selection, and cruise shipping network in Alaska. We found that the cruise shipping network is mainly constructed by large-sized operators in Alaska, which had higher complexity, cohesion, and network efficiency. The networks of medium-sized operator were low complicated and massive, but the ring formation rate and degree of integration were high. The networks of small-sized operators were relatively unitary. The ports selected by cruise operators varied significantly, but they usually chose 2–3 hub ports as the core nodes to construct the shipping network. Cruise operators mainly offered flights in Alaska during the spring, summer, and autumn, and migrated to other regions in winter. Cruise ships migrated into and out of Alaska from 5 and 6 directions, respectively, with the West Coast of America and Mexico being the main directions of migration into and out of the region. This study reveals the characteristics and laws in the construction and migration of cruise shipping networks in Alaska from the company, which is conducive to scientific cognition of the spatial structure characteristics of inter-company networks.