Low Cruise Rates!

How Low Can They Go?

Ask anyone who has been around the cruise business for several years about the low prices being promoted right now. They will all probably agree that we are seeing some of the lowest prices ever for some destinations that previously commanded premium pricing. Take Alaska for example. This week NCL is offered cruises during a one day sale to Alaska for as low as $379. And Celebrity followed suit with Alaska voyages starting from $429. Perhaps the most enticing deal is a Celebrity CruiseTour – cruise plus land at only $989.

Europe has also been on “blue light special” recently with $699 lead rates from Celebrity and Royal Caribbean promoting a 12 night cruise for $1149 during high season. The general softness in the economy has affected land travel to Europe this summer meaning there are more air seats available at reasonable prices than last year. People are even reporting that they have been able to use their air miles for almost peak period travel.

The pundits also know that in the cruise business, the law of supply and demand is king. So as the deals begin to get snapped up, the rates will slowly ratchet upward. The easiest way to find the best deals is to ask a cruise agent to monitor prices on your favorite itineraries and let you know when they find a great price on the cruise or itinerary you want. It’s sort of like playing the stock market, without the pain.