Are cruise prices going down as a result of a slower economy?

Question

Are cruise prices going down as a result of a slower economy?

Answer 1

Doesn't look like it.  And they're adding fuel surcharges.  I suppose if there's a downturn in sales there may be some price adjustments, but cruises are already such a good deal.

Answer 2

I wouldn't count on it.  Even more than rising costs, cruise prices are driven by supply and demand -- and demand is up as it seems people have discovered what a great value cruises are vs. other types of vacations.  

If you want hard stats:

Comparing Q1 of this year with Q1 of 2007, ticket prices rose 9.5% on Royal Caribbean Cruises companies (includes Celebrity and Azamara), and 7.6% on Carnival Corp brands (Princess, Carnival, HAL, etc.)

Article with the analysis: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/site_blog/cru...

Answer 3

No, I don't think so.  The prices are remaining steady and remember that not everyone who cruises is from the US.  The last cruise that we did to South America only about 1/3 of the people on the ship were from the US.  A couple years ago we did a cruise to the Panama Canal and about 25% on the people on the ship were Asian.  If you cruise Europe, the Mediterranean the number of non-US cruisers is very high. Even on cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska there are a highh percentage of people from other countries.

Now with the oil prices skyrocketing the cruise lines have been charging a supplement to the regular fare of $5. per person per day to a maximum of $140. per cabin since about November of last year.  They will now up that fee to $8.00 per person per day starting May 1, 2008.  Its posted right on the cruise line web sites.

Answer 4

I would like to believe so. I think every person needs a vacation now and then. Its just so relaxing and cruising is usually all inclusive so you dont have to spend extra money unless you drink, buy souvenirs, and do shore excursions, plus the tips but thats almost anywhere. I think that if you are financially secure and you have the extra money and need a vacation then cruising is definitely the way to go.

Answer 5

Like tinker toy said, they will most likely go up because of the fuel costs are going up world wide. I do know that Princess cruises are right now offering some great prices for this summers Alaska cruises as not as many people are going there this year. I learned about this on a cruise seminar I went to last week. So now is your chance to go on a cruise to Alaska with Princess.

Answer 6

I would suggest this. Either call or visit their sites & see most are already filled for this year. As for the gas supplement it is only $40 per person for a 7 day cruise unless you have already paid before. Drive by any airport & see how full the long term parking lot is. As long as there is a demand the prices will continue to go up. If the add cost of a passport for people did not stop them neither will this. No matter what the coast of fuel people still need to go to work, shopping, doctors etc..