If you took a cruise this year because fares were too low to pass up, the chances are you’ll be equally tempted in 2010. And in regions with overcapacity such as the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico, cruise prices will remain very enticing indeed.
According to Jeffrey Sherota, Sr. Vice President of Cruises Only, “ in 2010 we’ll see a gradual increase but prices won’t rebound to 2007 levels for a while.” Sherota also believes the shorter booking period – 90 to 110 days versus four to six months – will continue, although some cruise lines are offering early booking incentives.
I spoke to Uf Turkel, co-president and founder of Cruise Cheap, who agrees. He also says “I think we’re going to have a great Europe season in 2010. Cruisers are booking early to use frequent flyer points.”
CHEAPEST CRUISING AREAS
** According to Micky Arison who heads Carnival Corp., in 2010 capacity in the Caribbean will increase by double digit numbers due to the influx of new mega liners such as Carnival Dream and RCI’s Oasis of the seas.
** New York cruisers can expect great prices on 2010 Bermuda cruises because capacity will more than double next year.
** The cheapest prices continue to be Mexico cruises due to the number of high-capacity ships repositioned to this region and lack of itinerary options. Unless you want to cross the Pacific to Hawaii (five days of sea travel), cruisers must settle on taking one itinerary over and over. How Cheap? We’ve seen a few seven-day Mexico cruises starting at $199 per person, double occupancy
Has the frenzied building of newer and larger ships finally caught up with the cruise industry? For the first time the answer to that question appears to be “yes”. That coupled with continuing high unemployment will keep prices down throughout 2010.
Judging by the fact that I found many discounted Caribbean holiday cruises available in October, this overcrowded region will continue to be a buyers market. For example, a one-week Crown Princess Christmas cruise has balcony cabins priced at $899 per person, double occupancy.
GETTING THE BEST DEALS EARLY
In 2009, cruisers became ruthless bargain hunters and some waited until the last minute to book, thinking they’d get the lowest prices. And, in some cases they’ve been right. But because it’s almost impossible to operate a cruise line that way, several companies are adding big incentives to book early.
For example, Princess Cruises is offering lowest fares far in advance of departure. Those who book in October will find peak season balcony cabins starting at roughly $125 per person per day. As the inventory decreases, prices will go up. Along the same vain, Norwegian Cruise Line has is running big sales of 2010 voyages in October, such as New York/Bermuda voyages.
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer “Price Guarantees”. When you book a Carnival vacation, you have 48 hours from the time you book to find a lower price and your fare will be lowered. Royal Caribbean’s Price Guarantee is better: you have until 72 hours prior to departure to find a lower advertised price so that your fare is reduced.
Jeff Sherota also pointed to a positive trend: sales of travel insurance have grown significantly “because people are concerned about protecting their investment,” he said. He said consumers are very price conscious, comparing the price of a cruise with vacationing at Disney or Las Vegas.
His advice to bargain hunters: “always remember that if you book in advance and fares go down you can adjust your price through the travel agent. You have until final payment, which varies from 60-90 days before departure, depending on the cruise line.”
And, since cruise prices are entirely based on supply and demand, realize that suites (followed by balcony cabins) are the first to sell out so book early if your heart is set on a higher category stateroom.
“The cruise industry thrives in times of adversity, it is extremely resilient. Cruise lines know that if you have a half full ship you have half pay with low morale,” he said.