It seems like only yesterday when crude oil hit the $100 per barrel mark but it is around $133 now with analysts predicting it may continue to climb.  And, American Airlines announced that, effective June 15, it will begin charging $15 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. American will further cut costs by firing thousands of employees and parking 85 jets to blunt the 85% jump in jet fuel in the past year.

Fortunately, the cruise industry is more resilient and it’s a good thing since cruise ships can’t be parked anywhere.  Industry wide, occupancy is still strong, although prices may be softer in some cruising regions.  And, this translates into opportunities to score discounts.

Since the major cruise lines are public companies, their executives tend to stay mum on prospects for future bookings.  However, because travel agents sell cruises they have a good sense of which regions will be the best pickings for bargain hunters.

So, I asked Jeffrey Anderson, v.p. of marketing at America’s Vacation Center, which has been selling cruises for decades, where the best bargains will be. 

“This fall you should see bargains on Europe cruises,” he said, pointing out that there is a huge jump in capacity as the cruise lines keep adding ships to the region.  While rising airfare will keep some people home, Jeffrey sees potentially better prices for cruisers when the cruise lines start bundling airfare. 

“You’ll also see lower prices in the Caribbean and Mexico because of the rising cost of airfare and the increased popularity of drive markets,” he said.   For example, cruisers in Arizona, California and Nevada can eliminate the cost of flying by driving to Los Angeles and San Diego to take a Mexico cruise. 

Jeffrey Anderson does caution cruisers to book early vs. trying to grab a last minute deal because “the most popular cabins, such as balconies, sell out early.” 

But there can be a financial advantage to booking your cruise with an experienced travel agency.  For example, America’s Vacation Center blocks over 25,000 staterooms in group space to lock in lower prices.  “We have the historic knowledge of knowing what passengers want.  We get the most popular itineraries during the most popular times of the year,” Jeffrey explained. 

And, because you’re part of a group, the odds are much greater that you’ll be eligible for amenities like on-board credit or pre-paid gratuities. 

But frequently the benefits of working with a cruise agent are intangible.  The personal service of an experienced agent who has your interests at heart and can make changes when necessary is also part of the good deal a travel agent can provide.

Jeffrey Anderson adds “travel insurance is a no-brainer”, critically important when flights are frequently delayed or cancelled. “When you deal with airlines, you must buffer time into the flight because they can’t move the airport but they can move the ship,” he said.  He urges cruisers who must fly to arrive at the port of embarkation a day early if possible.

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