According to several cruise industry execs, who spoke off the record, the cruise industry is still largely unaffected by the economic downturn and high price of fuel.  And, while fares are lower in some cruising regions, we’ve yet to see the drastic fire sales that hit the industry post-9/11.

There are two reasons for this:  the popularity of “Homeland Cruising” and the inherent value of a cruise vacation.   Non-drinkers can sail for a week and keep the tab under $100 if they skip shore excursions and art auctions. Compare that to the price of getting the family to a Disney or Las Vegas hotel and then adding on the price of food and entrance fees.

Add to that, vacations are so important to many of us that, if necessary, we’ll cut back in other areas before giving up a cruise.  Do any of us really need more clothes or electronic toys?

1. Homeland Cruising:  The Best Value

Those fortunate enough to live close to the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, or the Gulf coast, don’t need to worry about high airfares and unpredictable service.   In 2007, over one million passengers sailed from the three ports of New York (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Bayonne, NJ) and that number is expected to increase in 2008/09.   In June, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that Carnival Pride will sail year-round from Baltimore starting Sept. 13, 2009 while numerous ships sail from Boston during the spring/summer/fall season.  On the West Coast, you can take ships from every major city on the coast.

Before Homeland Cruising took off, you could cruise to two destinations from New York:  Bermuda and Canada/New England.  Today ships sail year-round to the Caribbean while Queen Mary 2 carries the trans-Atlantic tradition of frequent crossings between New York and Southampton.  Add to that a few exotic itineraries, such as Princess’ cruise from New York to Iceland or a Holland America voyage from New York to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal.

2. Cheapest Cruising Regions

The lowest fares will be found on Caribbean, Mexico and Panama Canal   Air capacity to San Juan is being cut by 25% so you will find Southern Caribbean cruises — which normally sail from Puerto Rico – steeply discounted.  This year in peak season I see Holland America Alaska cruises starting at under $500 per week, a trend I expect to continue into 2009.

Short Bahamas cruises are cheaper than staying home.  Dreadful air service and high airfares are causing many of us to think twice about flying to a warm-weather port.  In 2009, there will be an overcapacity of ships in Europe and it’s expensive to get there, so Europe fares should be pretty reasonable. 

Repositioning cruises continue to be tremendous bargains so I encourage you to consider traveling one-way between the U.S. and Europe or taking a ship from California to Alaska or Hawaii. 

3. Cruise Industry Discounts. 

Based on 2008 fares, the cruise lines which seem to discount the most are Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America.  One travel agent was offering a one-week Norwegian Gem Mediterranean cruise at starting per person, double occupancy rates of $399 — and the ship sails on dynamite itineraries.

4.  The Best Airfares.

I’ve had the best luck at Kayak.com because the search engine pulls up fares from every site on the Internet.   And, this year I’ve seen incredible deals offered by cruise lines to entice you to sail.  For example, one air/sea fare on a Carnival Europe cruise saved $500 off the price if I tried to purchase the airfare and cruise separately.  And, the fare included airport transfers which, if purchased directly from Carnival,  would have cost an additional $250 per person.

However, never assume the cruise line airfare is a good deal:  the two-for-one pricing with free airfare is simply a marketing gimmick.  Price the airfare yourself and deduct it from the air/sea price:  you’ll arrive at the cruise-only price.  Of course, factor in airport transfers which can be pricey, especially in Europe. The point is, you must check for yourself. 

5. Your New Best Friend

A terrific travel agent is the most important person in the process of getting the best cruise deals.   For example, the one week Caribbean deal you think is terrific may not be because your travel agent can get you aboard a better ship at a better price.  Cruise lines change fares constantly and the only person who has real time fare information is a travel agent.  If you don’t have a travel agent you’re nuts about, it’s time to start networking, asking other cruisers for referrals.

 So, suddenly that Caribbean cruise over Spring Break is starting to look a lot more feasible!