Cruising During Difficult Times

There Has Never Been A Cheaper Time to Cruise...

Earlier this month at the New York Times Travel Show, I attended a talk given by Arthur and Pauline Frommer about the best bargains for the year ahead.   

While it might be difficult for many of us to come up with travel funds right now, the overall message this father and daughter team gave in their talk was positive. 

"The travel industry's loss is your gain," Pauline Frommer said.  "There has never been a cheaper time to travel.  There's also never been a cheaper time to cruise." 

Pauline explained that there will be thirty new ships by 2012, a response to the steady growth the industry has been experiencing. 

What does this mean for the cruise-goer?  Well, many more cabins to fill could translate to great discounts for the traveler.  It's also good for solo travelers, as a variety of cruise lines are waiving single supplements.  If you're a solo cruiser, take a look at this Cruise Critic article, Bad Economy Good for Solo Travelers? 

So how do you get these cruise deals?  Pauline suggests you use cruise specialists who can pass on the special deals cruise lines give them.  Some of her favorites:

• Cruise Compete
• Vacations to Go
• White Travel
• Leisure Link
• Ahoy Cruises and Tours 

Another cruise tip:  Pauline suggests you use your willpower.  "It's common to spend 25% of the cost of the cruise onboard," she says.  "Avoid buying drinks and special meals."

She also advises that you skip the cruise line's expensive shore excursions in favor of either doing it yourself, or using one of the many new shore excursion companies that have cropped up recently such as Shore Trips  and Port Compass.

"And use Theme Cruise Finder if you'd like to take an intelligent, stimulating cruise with like-minded people," she adds.

Photo courtesy of Freefoto.com, photographer Ian Britton.

 

 

Comments

[Melody]

Those are great deals, Jen! I know what you mean about the flights adding up though. I wish they were cheaper, too! Maybe one day...

[jen laceda]

this is so true! I have found Alaska cruises for $499 CAD. that's great if you can get to the port cheaply. but if you have to fly there from far, it kinda adds up, too...i wish flights were cheaper (wishful thinking!).

I've also found 4-day cruises to the Caribbean for $129 !!!!