Will 2008 turn out to be a banner year for cruise deals? Well, it won’t top 2001/2002 when cruise companies practically had to pay people to board their ships, but I believe you’ll have your pick of deals in many cruising regions.
Based on “Black Friday” retail sales, people are spending less now. Florida is not only the nation’s #1 state for cruise passengers, it’s also hit hardest by the housing downturn. Consumer confidence is down, reflected by the steadily declining stock market. Weather also plays a part: those of us in the Northern part of the U.S. don’t feel the need to escape when temperatures don’t reach freezing. And, traditionally, cruise bookings decline in election years (don’t ask me why, I don’t know).
Where will the biggest bargains be found? Definitely in the Caribbean, especially Western Caribbean itineraries. Mexico is still recovering from major hurricanes and many people find ports like Key West and Jamaica unappealing. January is “wave month” when the May through September Alaska season is normally strong. I think this cruising region will falter as well: with the necessity for airfare and expensive shore excursions it’s pricey vacation.
It’s still too early to predict how Europe cruises will fare. Thanks to the depressed U.S. dollar, the price of hotels and food is sky high and a cruise is the most affordable way to visit Europe.
Tips For Bargain Hunting:
* Over the past five years, when ships went out full, the booking period increased to four to six months before departure. The closer you are to departure the greater the discounts will be so you may do better booking later.
* Get on the mailing list of a number of large cruise agencies and be ready to pounce the moment a fabulous discount arrives by email.
* Mass market cruise lines launch a new ship each year which gets all the publicity. Set your sites on the cruise lines’ older ships (by “older” I mean two or more years old, which is hardly an antique). You’ll find the best discounts on these vessels.
* Know what a bargain is and is not. For example, cabin upgrades rarely are: today, cabins are standard in size and amenities and cruise lines will only upgrade you in the category you’re already booked in. Frequently a cruise with airfare included is no bargain — check the price of airfare from your city to the ship’s home port and deduct it from the air/sea price to see if you’re really saving money. If you take to take many shore excursions or to spend time in the ship’s spa, onboard credit can be a good deal.
* A terrific travel agent is critical to getting the best deals. He or she can steer you to another, in many cases better, ship if the vessel you want is too pricey. Travel agents know when bargains become available before the public. And, never book a cruise without a travel agent. The best way to find a terrific agent is to ask for referrals, as you would a doctor, lawyer or anyone in a service business.
I’ll give an Amazon $25 gift certificate to readers who come up with terrific ways to score the hottest cruise bargains.
