How will you cruise next year due to the economy?

[Murgman]

I book through a site that always includes the fuel charge in the quote and it is considerable cheaper than any way I've ever booked.

 

E-mail me at orcaman1@hotmail.com and I'll tell you where.

 

This is not a solicitation and I'm not a travel agent, etc. I have no stake in this other than to help you get a better deal for a cruise. Things are tough out there so we should be trying to help get things rolling.

 

Rick

[Grimo]

With the economy in a major slump, job losses and people watching their pocketbooks, we'd like to know what your plans are next year when it comes to cruising. Many people, now more than ever, are paying close attention to their budgets regarding leisure and entertainment and scaling back on the non-necessities. So how will you cruise in 2009? Take our poll and post your opinion!

 

We have been on 25+ cruises. The fuel charge is a joke. Also, until the airlines stop charging for a bag, we're not flying anywhere on principal.

[plaso20]

We have booked two cruises for 2009. That is why I work. I feel the cruise/recreation industry will remain good-to-strong and as such purchased stock in CCL. If not at least I can go broke happily and with an umbrella drink in my hand.;)

[houston77068]

Usually take 4 to 5 cruises each year, right now only have 2 booked and one I'm waiting to book on our November cruise. May book any others only if I can find a great deal, otherwise will do more trips in North America:)

[judyf]

I'm looking for the deals. If it's not on sale I won't be going.

[bostom]

We booked - some time ago, so not really related to the meltdown - another transatlantic for next spring. It will be the 22nd cruise, and sixth transat, we will have taken in the past 11 years and for a while anyway, I think it'll be the last.

 

Let me tell you why. Prices are part of the story. While there are some amazing deals on offer, it stands to reason - and we've seen the results already - when prices are as low as $50 a day on the likes of HAL or Celebrity (and as low as $33/day on NCL) it's not the same experience it was at a higher price. It cannot be - cruise lines are not charities. Don't get me wrong: I love a bargain. But the "nickel and dime-ing" like charging for a bus into a town or for a "better" steak; the smaller portions and the lower quality food; the less-than-responsive service, the reduced-to-nonexistant cruise staffs and entertainment offerings all combine to make it a lot less enjoyable than it once was.

 

If what you want is a primarily a cabin and sunshine or at least great scenery, a cruise is still one of the best vacations going. But if you're looking for a change from life on land, a relaxing, more or less all-inclusive (all but the booze and spa, for us) experience where you're looked after, entertained, and cosseted, then a cruise on the mainstream lines (again, HAL, X, and Cunard for us) just ain't what it used to be in terms of quality and value for money even four or five years ago.

 

To be sure, there are options, but in any economy and especially now, Seabourn and Regent and even Crystal are out of our league, pricewise - so for the short term I plan to work down the miles in my primary frequent flyer account. Flying isn't what it once was either, but the booze is still free, the flights aren't as full as last year, and the kind of bargains I'm seeing at some destination hotels haven't been available for years.

 

I don't fault the lines - they've increased the number of berths so now they have to fill 'em and the economics of the industry dictate they have to sail full. But something's gotta give and if it's anything like what I've already seen (when prices were higher) it won't be pretty.

[juliang]

big cruise would be northern european capitals..12-14 days--with airfare it's expensive

 

By little ones i mean 7 days at most in the caribbean. looking for one of these in late feb 09 to get away from northern cold. problem is with cruises --the airfare to get to south fla or san juan --want to do southern carribbean. Even when $599 is quoted for an unobstr ocean view, it is more like $1700 + when taxes, that ridiculous fuel surcharge, and in my case on cruise in dec--1st time inside room--they added a port charge of $300

 

airfare would add another $600 per couple, at least--as much as $850---

so a 7 day cruise really costs with unobstr ocean view around $2500 couple, not counting misc expenses

 

leads one to consider just flying to FLL for 6 or 7 days, renting a car, and a decent hotel via hotwire or priceline and save $1000 or more

[lindberg]

The dollar has strengthened during the past few months resulting in the best exchange rate for the dollar against the Euro and Pound in 4 or 5 years. I'm hoping to book Med or British Isles cruise close to the cruise date and pick up a bargain. I think the economy will keep more people cuising close to home so there should be good deals in Europe this summer.

 

I'm going to save up for the cruise and only spend what I can save for the cruise. I'm also pushing out my retirement date unfortunately, and hoping for a speedy economic recovery.

[ubermama]

We had planned on taking another Disney Cruise but have cancelled. The economy is the the tank and we just don't feel comfortable spending. This will be our first missed year in 7 years. Once the economy is settled down we will be back in for next year. It just feels irresponsible to go. Job security is very good but too much can go wrong these days. The added bonus is that the following year we will be ready for a vacation and will have a few extra dollars to spend. Wish everyone who is still going a wonderful time but we will have to sit out this year.

[dallo]

As a rule we love to cruise and for the last several years we have booked as many as 4 + cruises per year booking 5 and 7 day cruises most of the time. These trips are in addition to our short weekend get always to spa's and resorts. We like many others out there cruised because of the $$$ value. Now it appears Greed has over come the cruise companies first off we all know that the income ie...profits do not come from the booked cabin but instead from bar sales, tours, casinos, shops on board, spa treatments and so on. The major profits they earn never has been and never will be the sale of the booking of that cabin that makes their BIG BUCKS COUNT...like many I agree gas prices has decreased but fuel surcharge are still added to everyone's fee's and its been said they will not drop until 2010 at which time cabin prices will increase to match the fuel charge intact so yet again YES it appears Greed rules for these cats.

Years ago the industry realized if they wanted to make the desired profits they had to drop the cabin rates which of course makes sense because again the money they make don't arrive from the sale of a cabin its the many extras that me you and almost everyone else on that ship will of course spend and most of the time people tend to spend more when they think that they have saved alittle in other areas....by now you would think the CEO's of these companies would admit it accept it and once again make cruising the top pick for affordable travel....What they may fail to see is that the markets are not stupid and neither are the their customers there are many resorts and other type of vacation travel out there that see this and see that now they might be able to entice travelers to get away from the ships and go for the all inclusive plans instead where fee's not only include the lodging and food but also bar services and just as much entertainment oh and many also include all tips and it don't stop there several of the companies I have used also include air...

Don't get me wrong I love to cruise but I also love the value of my money and at a time when money is a sure concern value is an issue to many no matter where you live in the world everyone wants the most for their buck

will I travel as always for the holidays Yes of course but will it be a cruise ???? there were times I would have considered nothing but a cruise this year I am "rethinking how I travel"

so may the best value win.

[Vaughanster]

I already went on one cruise this year, with my fiancee, and we're booked for two more next year, during one of which we intend to get married.

 

I'm also looking for cruises to Buenos Aires and back to the States, such as the Carnival Splendor's trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Buenos Aires and back in January and February, 2009. Unfortunately, I'll still be in Iraq at that time. My fiancee and I would love to take a cruise like that in the U.S. winter of 2009-2010. Unfortunately, I've heard that that will be Splendor's last cruise to Buenos Aires.

 

Does anyone know of other cruises to and from Buenos Aires, from the U.S.A.?:cool:

[Cameraman]

Wow! You are either one talented cruiser or you need to get a lighting rod for protection! Have a great trip.

[ocean-going]

Due to the outrageous airfare from our location, more than double from last year, we will do the criuse that is planned for in Jan. and then go back to land vacations in our RV.

[Bouff]

Having booked in May 2008 for a May 2009 cruise, to take advantage of early booking deals, we will go ahead and if necessary raid our savings!

[dantesRboy]

We are looking at a Trans Atlantic to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Presently it is out of our price range. We are waiting to book in hope of getting a better deal.

Also, we are waiting to see if the cruise lines remove the fuel supplement charge.

Spanky

Why are the cruise lines still charging the fuel supplement surcharge? The cost of fuel is now the lowest it's been in too many years to remember, yet the cruise lines are still charging the fee. I don't mind paying for something that is justified, like when the price of a barrel of oil was close to $150. It's now below $60 a barrel, yet on our last cruise, arrived home yesterday after a 10 day Mexican Riviera cruise, and my next cruise, departing in just over a week 21 days Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, I'm still being assessed the surcharge unless something has changed during my 10 day absence? My Travel Agent would be sure to let me know if the surgcharge has been removed.

Also, it's obvious that all lines are suffering. Not only did I book and get the cruise cost at an excellent price, but I wasn't charged double for single supplement, AND, I've been upgraded from an inside lowest price to a balcony cabin, 2nd. highest catergory, no charge! This speaks volumes in itself as to how empty the ship is, due to the current economy. Finally, I was also able to get a full 1st. class, pod sleeper seat on pretty well all legs of the journey, from the west cost to Rome, and return from Ft. Lauderdale to the west coast for under $5000!

I am very pleased, but I also wonder how long before the lines start cutting cruises, or consolidating, etc. to save costs. We did notice subtle changes, nothing major on the Mexican Riviera cruise, especially in the casino. On our 23 day cruise this past spring the machines were "very" generous, epecially the last day but overall. This time however the exact same machines weren't paying as a rule, except for th 1st. couple of days to "lure" us in, then nothing and we kept loosing. Finally on the last couple of hours of the last night they eased off a bit, but no major jackpots like I won the previous cruise, as did many others. That tells me the casino is now becoming a big source or revenue, but, those of us with some savy are noticing this as they are way too obvious. They can argue that the odds are exactly thesame all the time, but I personally seen different over the years. In good times, the machines pay, in bad times, not so mush, hmmm?

I'll remain loyal to my line of choice, Princess, as long as they provide what we've come to expect of them. If not, then we would onsider other options, but I'm a firm believer that loyalty pays, and I hope they prove it to me also. My 2 bits worth for what it is and I could add a lot more, but time will tell, as will my personal observations.

[texasgramps]

I live in Texas and the only cruise ships serving Texas are the Carnival's Conquest and Ecstasy, and RCCL Voyager of the Seas (from December to April only). The expense of flying to other locations will limit our cruise experience in 2009/2010. If other ships served the Houston/Galveston ports, we would probably book more trips, but not to those ports requiring flights to reach them.

 

Our most recent cruise was on the Ecstasy, just to have a "fill-in" cruise while we're waiting for our next two "big" cruises. I was pleased to see the Ecstasy did not charge a fuel surcharge to our bill.

 

- - - - - - - - - - -

June 2005 Coral Princess - Alaska Cruise-Tour

Jan. 2006 RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas - Western Caribbean

Feb. 2006 MSC Opera - Eastern Caribbean :p

 

Aug. 2006 Carnival Ecstasy - Western Caribbean

Nov. 2006 Grand Princess - Western Caribbean

Dec. 2006 Caribbean Princess - Eastern Caribbean

Feb. 2007 Carnival Conquest - Western Caribbean

May 2007 HAL Oosterdam - Alaska

Nov. 2007 Carnival Ecstasy - Western Caribbean

Jan. 2008 Celebrity Galaxy - Southern Caribbean (our 50th Wedding Anniversary cruise) :p

 

Mar. 2008 RCCL Voyager of the Seas - Western Caribbean

Apr. 2008 Carnival Ecstasy - Western Caribbean

Nov. 2008 Carnival Ecstasy - Western Caribbean

Jan. 2009 RCCL Voyager of the Seas - Western Caribbean (booked)

May 2009 HAL Zaandam - Alaska (Booked)

[Tinabrn]

We are booked on two cruises next year...I really would like to take one this december close to home but then I couldn't take one of the two next year. I think I will save my money and go as planned..one on the new Galveston Itinerary with Carnival, and a west coast repositioning with Norwegian. Both are pretty good deals and if they go down in price I am protected.

 

However, if the market continues its decline I will definitely have to cancel or rebook at least one of them.

[opheliaj]

We are already booked on Regent Seven Seas for Alaska in September 2009. We hoped to be able to take another cruise before September, maybe a trans-Atlantic, but unless the market goes way up again or prices come way down, I think Alaska will be our only cruise for 2009 -- or, unfortunately, maybe longer.

[ferretface]

Due to the economy we're waiting until 2011 to cruise again. That's our 20th Anniversary, so we'll be saving until then. We make a "payment" to our vacation account each month, it's just a part of our budget, makes it a little easier.

[HokiePoq]

We have two cruises booked for 09 which seem to be very good air inclusive deals. We couldn't resist no matter how much our savings have gone down. We don't cruise from savings and as long as our income holds at the current level, we will continue to look for air inclusive deals. I didn't know which of those boxes to check. The price we are willing to pay varies by destination.

[ontheweb]

We are looking to either do another Mediteranean cruise next summer or a river cruise (something we have wanted to do for a long time) in Europe. Price, especially airfare could ruin this, but we will look.

[AmoMondo]

I normally cruise up to 3 times per year, usually on my own, book high grade cabins and spend a lot onboard. As a banker, I've been hit very very hard by the credit crunch, so next year, will be having one cruise only 9which I'm sharing with a realtive) and will be restricting my onboard spend considerably. To be honest, if the cruise hadn't already been booked before the worst of the financial meltdown, i probably would not have been going at all. I'd loved to have ticked some of your other boxes, but being European, crusing on those budgets, just isn't possible - oh that it was though!

[bplazo]

My husband went ahead and booked us a cruise for March 2009. I do not want to go but he thinks we need a vacation. I am considering cancelling it and saving the money.

[jorgeminiano]

Well, 2009 will be my first "cruising year". I've booked several cruises, all paid, thank God, and I've already changed my Brazilian Reals into dolars and euros. So, I will go ahead... today, I've just booked a cruise for March 2010 (!), and I am waiting for the confirmation.

I wish everyone that have had bad times, here in Brazil, in USA, in Europe, in Africa, Asia, wherever... can have better time next year.

Jorge.

[pinkybunny]

Unfortunately, my husband and I won't be able to cruise next year due to several unforeseen circumstances. I originally booked an inside cabin on the RCCI Explorer of the Seas for 03/15/09 12 Day Caribbean cruise leaving from Bayonne, NJ. My husband and I were going to cruise with my sister and brother-in-law and their friends. I cancelled the reservation due to the fact that my husband had been injured in a car accident at the end of June and he was still on disability leave. Our budget did not look like we would be able to go on the trip and take care of our other liabilities. :(

 

Anyway, we are now hoping to book a river cruise for the Main, Rhine and Danube for 2010. :)