If you’re even thinking about taking a cruise next year, you may find your dream voyage on sale for a limited time.   The entire cruise industry, some 25 companies, are putting 2012 departures on sale in a promotion called “The World’s Largest Cruise Sale”.

Scheduled Oct. 17 – 23, 2011, the sale is sponsored by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), which represents over 95% of the North American cruise industry, with some 5,000 travel agencies across the U.S. participating.

For the public this means potential savings of $100 to $5,000 or more in some cases, credits for shipboard spending valued at $50 to over $300, upgrades to suite accommodations, or other incentives such as complimentary shore excursions, deposit waivers and more. Among the outstanding offers: Three to five day Caribbean cruises starting at $249, six to eight day sailings starting at $429; $2,000 savings per couple on a river cruise through Burgundy and Provence; and two-for-one fares with free airfare plus up to $5,000 in bonus savings on sailings in Europe or the Pacific.

All of CLIA’s cruise line members are participating in NCVW. Incentives can be found across all cruise categories — from the major cruise brands to ultra-luxury companies to niche market and adventure cruise lines, including river cruises in Europe and Asia. Participating CLIA member cruise lines include: AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Louis Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Windstar Cruises.

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MSC Cruises offers solo travelers the chance to escape on a Caribbean cruise without paying an enormous surcharge this winter.   With the special singles promotion, seven-day cruises aboard MSC Poesia start at $574.80 (plus government fees and taxes) and is applicable for all categories, excluding suites.   Departure dates and itineraries are.

• 7-night–“Western Caribbean Wonders” cruise on December 5, January 16 and 30, and February 13 to Key West, Florida; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico; single rate begins at $574.80 per person plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) of $81.35;
• 7-night—“Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” cruise on December 12, January 9 and 23, and February 6 to St. Thomas, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas; single rate begins at $574.80 per person plus GFTs of $69.62.

For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

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In 2007/8 the sinking economy resulted in cruise lines steeply discounting cruise prices in order to fill ships and, as a result, cruisers waited until the last minute to pounce on rapidly falling prices.   While first time cruisers held off, those with quite a few voyages under their belts knew that, even without low prices, a seagoing vacation was an enormous value because 80% of vacation costs were paid upfront.

But, according to analysts, the cruise industry was quick to rebound and today, fares and occupancy are rising, although still aren’t — with one exception (below) — at 2007 levels

Carnival Corp. executives recently said we can expect major discounting in the Caribbean this winter because of over-capacity.  All those behemoths that have garnered so much publicity add up and you reach the point of over-saturation.  Bargain hunters should score big time on ships Caribbean and Bahamas cruises sailing now through March.

The Pro’s of Booking Early

** Holland America and Princess Cruises offer their biggest discounts the further out you book so it pays to book these cruise lines early.    In other words, the deals are better six months out than they’ll be two months before departure (aside from a few cabins that didn’t sell).

** The Best Cabins Go First. While $499 per person for a one week cruises sounds fantastic, typically that gets you an inside or ocean view cabin.  But what sells out first on cruise ships is suites and balcony cabins.  If you wait you may not find a cabin you want.

** To get the best airfare. I frequently see steep discounts available on Southern Caribbean cruises.  I mean, how can anyone resist lead-in fares starting at $399 for a one-week voyage on a much-touted ship?   But there’s a catch:  you have to get there.   Most ships cruising in the Southern Caribbean sail from San Juan, which isn’t a problem seven or eight months out.   But take a look at airfare four or six weeks out and it will be sky-high if there’s even space.   The same holds true for anyone flying to join a ship.  Because airlines have cut capacity fares are higher, especially to the most popular vacation spots.

** Outside the overcrowded Caribbean, 2011 cruise fares will be higher because of increased demand.    During late March and late April,  many ships reposition from the Caribbean/Bahamas to Europe, Bermuda, Alaska and Canada/New England.   Plan on booking Europe and Alaska cruises fairly early because of greater demand and getting decent airfare.

When It May Be Safe to Book Later

** Royal Caribbean, which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, diluted its price protection policy several months ago.  This company starts dumping inventory (lowering prices) the closer you get to departure.  You’ll see the steepest price drops around six weeks before departure.

Exception #1: However, if you’re looking for a stateroom on Oasis/Allure of the Seas, the above doesn’t apply.  These are two of the most popular ships in the cruise industry and if you wait, you may not get a cabin.   Exception #2 In Europe Royal Caribbean attracts a large number of Europeans so ships tend to fill up fast here.  I recommend booking RCI in Europe at least six months out.

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Princess Cruises has launched a new “Caribbean Super Sale” offering cruisers significant savings on select 2010 and 2011 voyages through the Caribbean.  Travelers can choose to sail among the sun-swept islands for seven to 14 days, with fares starting at $399.

Tropical itinerary options and pricing (per person, based on double occupancy) available in the Caribbean Super Sale include:

• Seven-day Classic Southern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $399

• Seven-day Western Caribbean on Crown Princess – starting at $449

• Seven-day Eastern Caribbean on Ruby Princess – starting at $449

• Seven-day Southern Caribbean Explorer on Caribbean Princess – starting at $449

• Eight-day Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean on Caribbean Princess – starting at $549

• 10-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager or Southern Caribbean Medley on Emerald Princess or Star Princess – starting at $749

• 14-day Caribbean Collection on Grand Princess – starting at $999

Contact your travel agent for reservations and additional information.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is holding a blockbuster cruise sale which features kids from $99 when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010. In addition to reduced cruise fare, each child will receive a complimentary soda package, offering unlimited sodas, on new reservations made from May 3 through May 16, 2010.

Kids will work up a thirst having fun on board Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising ships sailing to popular destinations such as: Alaska; Canada & New England; Bahamas & Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Hawai’i and Europe.

Families can experience the ultimate summer vacation on Norwegian Jewel’s seven-day Bahamas & Florida sailing from New York, which offers exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea activities and shows on board each and every cruise year-round, in addition to all the current on-board programming already offered. Hints of Nickelodeon will be discovered ship-wide with programs that include signature Nickelodeon activities, popular characters and interactive game shows, such as Slime Time Live!, which the entire family can enjoy together. This programming will also be available on Norwegian Epic when the ship launches this summer. There is no shortage of family fun on board Norwegian Epic with its expansive Aqua Park featuring the three-story Epic Plunge; two-deck sports complex; and interactive children’s area, Recess.

For reservations and additional information contact your travel agent or NCL.

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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.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  OOOPS.  You do get cash back.  The unused portion of the onboard credit is applied to your credit card at the end of the cruise.  So Carnival really does give “cash back”.  My apology.   Anne Campbell

Carnival Cruise Lines is launching the new “Cash Back” program available on many departures this summer. 

The only hitch is you don’t actually get cash back. 

The partial refund is applied to your shipboard credit, which means you can only spend it on items related to your cruise such as tips, shore excursions, spa treatments, purchases in the ship’s shops and drinks.  It is actually onboard credit, which is very common in the cruise industry.   In general onboard purchases have declined as passengers cut spending during the recession.  This is a good incentive to encourage you to spend more. 

To get Carnival’s “cash back” program, cruisers must apply for it when they book their cruise between now and May 10, 2009.  Passengers will receive a $100 per stateroom shipboard credit on three- and four-day cruises; $150 per stateroom credit on five day voyages and $240 per cabin credit for voyages ranging from six to eight days.

What effect has the economy had on your onboard spending? 

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During the past week I’ve been getting terrific cruise discounts from cruise lines and travel agents.  But even I was surprised to see the 2008 “it” ship, Celebrity Cruises’ brand new Celebrity Solstice, with balcony prices so steeply discounted.  Here are cruise discounts too good to pass up. 

Online Vacation Center has peak season Celebrity Solsticewinter Caribbean deals that are nearly impossible to pass up.  The Feb. 1, 2009 seven night Eastern Caribbean itinerary sailing round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale is a steal:  $1049 per person, double occupancy for a Concierge Class balcony stateroom ($699 for inside, $749 for oceanview).  The Feb. 15 departure on the same itinerary has regular balcony cabins starting at $799 per person, double occupancy (inside is $699, outside from $649).  For reservations and information call Online Vacation Center at (800) 329-9002.  I also suggest that you sign up for their newsletter since they have terrific prices.

If you’ve always wanted to take a luxury cruise, this year is the perfect time since the high-end cruise lines are slashing fares by up to 70%. 

Oceania Cruises offers savings of up to 72% off select 2009 cruise departures of its three 680-passenger ships. On select 2009 European Collection voyages, guests will receive Free Airfare, 2 For 1 Cruise Fares and an additional Price Reduction of $2,000 per stateroom on accommodation in categories G through A. For the 2009/10 Winter Collection, passengers will receive the following savings in addition to free airfare: $500 per stateroom discount, $500 per stateroom shipboard credit and free prepaid gratuities.

Crystal Cruises The cruise line offers discounts everywhere it sails, including 2009 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean voyages with savings of $1500, $1000 or $750 off nearly all departures.  Optional business class air add ons start at $799 to the Baltic and $899 to the Mediterranean. 

The Yachts of Seabourn is reducing fares by 60% on April to August departures of Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend for those who book between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 2009.  Seven-day cruises start at $2,840 per person, double occupancy.  Contact your travel agent or call the cruise line to take advantage of the special pricing.

With prices like these it’s probably a good thing banks won’t lend money :)

Now that prices are lower, do you plan to take a cruise?   My rule of thumb is that when it’s cheaper to take a cruise than stay home, I’ll  bite.  Ok, in all fairness I live in New York.

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Due to airline delays and cancellations, it’s nearly imperative to fly to the port of embarkation a day early.  So, this means you’ll need a hotel and, if you’re like me, I want quality at the best price available.

I’ve a big fan of Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” feature, where I bid for the lowest price on a hotel.  The downside, however, is that I won’t know the name of the hotel until I’ve plunked down my credit card.

I found another search that may be just as good:  Hotels Combined.  This web site searches dozens of other discount hotel sites and comes up with the best bargains.  And I love the qualifiers.  For example, I can narrow the search to four- and five-star properties and also search for hotels with airport shuttles, fitness centers and even “pets allowed”.  Each hotel/resort has member reviews and rating, plus maps and hotel features.  

I searched for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale on the night of October 24, 2008 and found excellent prices.  The Westin was priced at $149, the Sheraton at $159 and the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty Six for $159.  What also came up were the three web sites where the lowest rates are offered.

We all expect the internet to solve our problems at the speed of light and Hotels Combineddoes that.    Among the sites I didn’t have to visit are Orbitz, Hotel.com, Travelocity, Priceline and a dozen or so more.   And, you can search for hotels worldwide.

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In a New York Times article about cutting back during the economic downturn, one well-to-do woman said she’d probably stop getting her sheets dry cleaned.  Well, sure, I guess that’s one way.  My ideas of cutting back are a bit more down to earth: take mass transit instead of taxis, cook more and eat out less, etc.

So many of us consider vacations still a priority and a cruise is the best buy there is.  But for those of us who want to keep vacation costs in check, here are ten tips for cutting cruise costs.

1. A terrific travel agent is critical to getting the best deals. He or she can steer you to another, in many cases, better ship and show you a discount you didn’t even know about. Travel agents know when bargains become available before the public. 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.

2. Whenever a great deal on a cruise pops up, pounce! Sometimes only a few staterooms are available and these will go in a nanosecond.

3. Run “cruise travel agent” in Google and you’ll pull up hundreds of travel agencies. Sign up for weekly bargain newsletters from a bunch of them.  Most run cruise discounts for limited time periods (“three days only!”) and you’ll have to act fast to get the best cabins at a great price.

4. 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.   For example, if you’ve already booked a standard outside cabin you’ll be upgraded to an identical outside cabin a few decks higher on the ship.   Free gratuities and/or onboard credit will save money.

5.  Seek out cruising areas where cruise fares are typically lower.  These include the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska, or Europe in the spring and fall.   However, the rule of thumb is ships are generally full during school vacation periods when families take vacations, especially during the summer, so fares will be higher during the holidays, Easter/spring break, and the summer.

6. Cut down, or eliminate, the cruise line’s shore excursions, which are over-priced. You can arrange the same excursions on your by visiting the port’s web site. For example, in Hawaii, one cruise line offered a one-day Budget car rental for $70. By going directly to Budget, I got the same deal for $30.

7. Repositioning cruises are the very best deals of all.  Ships moving from one cruising area to another, such as the Caribbean/Mexico  to Alaska or between Europe and Florida during the spring and fall, can be terrific deals.

8. I know it’s fun to buy new clothes for a cruise, but do you really need anything? If the answer is “yes”, then buy it on Ebay or head for your local discount store.

9.  Cruise lines frequently offer great deals on future cruises when you buy them aboard ship.   One reader told ShipCritic he booked a future cruise with only a $100 deposit.

10. Before departing, decide which on-board expenses are unnecessary. Today cruise lines get the bulk of their revenue from on-board purchases so they push the spa, art auctions and other revenue generating areas. Do you really need more T-shirts? I’ve eliminated massages since they’re never as good as what I’ll get in New York and cruise ship spas charge 40% more.

Do you have any tips to add?

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