Book Your Cruise Early to Avoid Fuel Surcharge Increases

With the rapid rise in oil prices, cruise lines have been forced to pass along these increases to passengers in the form of fuel supplements and surcharges.

The effects of this inflation have been felt for many months now.

In November 2007, Carnival Cruise Line added a fuel supplement of $5 per person per day. That supplement has since risen to $9 for passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and Yachts of Seabourn.

In December 2007, Norwegian Cruise Line charged $7 per person per day; in May the fuel surcharge rose to $9; in June it was bumped to $11.

Clearly, the trend is up.

To avoid being hit by rising fuel charges, book your cruise vacation as early as possible and lock in today's rates while you still can.

Source: LATimes.com

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Cruise Lines Use Discounts to Lure Customers in a Weak Economy

Rising fuel prices have hurt the company stock of many cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and the Walt Disney Co., parent of Disney Cruise Line.

This economic pressure, along with an increase in passenger capacity of 24 percent in 2008 over 2007, means that mass-market cruise lines have been aggressively promoting discounts and deals, especially to popular first-time locations like the Caribbean.

As a result, there are plenty of great deals on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney cruise lines.

Now is the time to choose a cruise!

Source: FloridaToday.com

Photo: Coral Princess (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Lock in Great Deals for Fall and Winter Cruises

Some of the year's best deals are offered on Fall and Winter cruises, particularly to locations like Mexico and the Caribbean. Mass-market cruise lines are offering deals as low as $100 per person per day, though fuel surcharges and other additional fees are common. Most cruise lines offer attractive prices for cruises in October through mid-December (except for Thanksgiving). It may not be the best time for the beaches, but off-peak weather means off-peak prices.

Source: MercuryNews.com

Photo: Caribbean Princess at sunset (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010

Welcome to Choose a Cruise!

This blog will offer news and information to help you choose your cruise.

Photo: Golden Princess (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Recommended reading:
Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010