With bookings falling since September, cruise lines are cutting prices.

They see a tough year ahead, which means bargain rates for at least the near future. Most cruise lines want their ships to leave port at 100 percent of capacity. If beds are empty, on-board revenue, such as gambling and drinking alcohol, suffers. Tips go down, reducing income of employees.

If the economy stays flat or gets worse, and future cruise bookings continue to fall, expect prices to drop further.

Cruise Week, a newsletter for the travel industry, recently found bargain special promos.  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was hawking Europe cruises for $45 per day. Cunard was touting eight-day Caribbean cruises for $499 on the Queen Mary 2

Royal Caribbean launched a new brand campaign last week, asking "Why Not?" perhaps in response to the consumer mindset of "Not now," reported Cruise Week.

Royal Caribbean was offering an inside stateroom on a 10-night sailing in Europe for $429 and a balcony stateroom on a 12-night sailing in the Mediterranean for $799, reported USA Today. Check with your travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A Sensible choice, not an indulgence

While most businesses are scrambling to make a profit in these uneasy economic times, people who sell expensive vacations, such as cruises, are changing their marketing approach. Until the Dow Jones  begins rolling upward again, you may hear more about sensible, economic vacation choices instead of offers to travel for ultra luxury and indulgence.

That’s what travel agents were told last week on the new Ruby Princess, which is on its inaugural cruise in the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
 
People who can afford a cruise still want a vacation even in bad times, said Princess executives. All consumers are assessing choices, trying to persuade themselves to take a vacation.

So, expect to be told that a cruise vacation is a need for an escape, rather than a splurge.

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Molyneaux is editor of TravelMavens.net. CLICK for articles on cruising, golf, Florida, Europe, adventure and travel gear and gadgets.