It’s a Good News, Bad News situation.

Bookings are so high in the first quarter, 2010, that most cruise lines will increase fares between ten and 15% starting today. The highest increases are expected to affect cruisers booking Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico itineraries.

But to counter that, the Cruise Ships International Association (CSIA) reports that its 35 member cruise lines have unanimously voted to reverse its policy of forbidding cruise passengers from bringing alcohol aboard ships for consumption on their voyage.

According to CSIA president Carrie Vale “We’ve listened to cruisers who have expressed the desire to save money by bringing their favorite alcohol aboard ship. And, cruising is all about personal choice: You may still buy a cocktail for $12 per shot but now you will have the choice of purchasing a bottle duty free for about the same price.”

“This shows that there is no bigger vacation value than cruising,” Vale said.

Previously bottles of alcohol were confiscated when passengers tried to board the ship with bottles stashed in carry-on bags. This policy was in place to boost on board spending by forcing cruisers to purchase spirits, wine and beer from the cruise line. However, many cruisers skirted around the restrictions by bringing alcohol aboard in plastic bottles and in suitcases, which were loaded separately and not subject to cruise line inspection.

To make cruising even more family friendly, there will be no charge for soft drink or bottled water.

Well, cruisers…..will you bring a bottle or go on purchasing cocktails aboard ship?

(Oh, and Happy April 1)

(Photo: MegaGadgets)