Vicki

My TA tells me that the travel biz is VERY slow -- with the exception of cruising. I'm trying to figure out if the cruise lines will start cutting their fares significantly in light of the current economic situation. I see they are slashing fares for the typical hurricane season specials, but we are booked (and paid in full) on a Feb. cruise which I am hoping will go down in price before we sail. Any opinions out there? Right now the prices for Feb. are GOING UP! I can only figure it's because people can book a cruise with a small deposit and have up to 60 days to cancel prior to the cruise without penalty. Easier to wiggle out of than an airfare. I'd like to hear what you guys think. Thanks.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Vicki, <BR> <BR>Although there is a slowdown in the economy and the cruise line profits are not what they were in 2000 cruising is still the most economical way to travel and the cruise lines have not raised their prices. Cruise line air is more expensive than last year only because the airlines are charging more. <BR> <BR>You will see prices escalate on all cruise-lines as you get closer and closer to the sailing date. <BR> <BR>Paul

Vicki

Well, I am finding that the prices are being raised on my particular cruise; however, RCCL and Celebrity just put a few ships (Infinity, Millineum (sp?) and Enchantment) on sale for President's Day week 2002, which leads me to believe that they are not selling well. Am I right? In which case, perhaps the ship I am booked on (VOS) will experience the same problem and lower its prices? They have steadily risen for about the last month. We are getting closer to the time when TA's and individuals need to finish paying for their cruises so I can be hopeful we get a break. Thanks.

agent

Prime vacation week's are always more $$$. However, here's the catch, the lines may drop their rates, but there is no air to be had. RCCL is booked out on air from Hartford already. So unless you can secure air, which the cruise lines have limited contracts you may be swimming to catch the ship. Happens every year, I get bombarded with faxes for cruises for the prime school weeks from $599 per person, but how will my clients get there, unless they drive. <BR>

T-bone

I have a hard time comprehending how cruise lines determine what the going rate is on any particular cruise. For instance, I recently booked an 8 night Thanksgiving week cruise on the Renaissance R7 for $1173.00- that includes rt. air from jfk, oceanview cabin, all taxes and fees, and to boot, I am going single occupancy! The brochure rate is obscene, and their web site prices are not far behind. Go figure.

Vicki

Agent, lucky for us I had been watching airfares for quite some time because I was trying to use some AA vouchers. However, I found such a great deal ($220 Sea-Mia) for our dates, that I booked it. Just used the AA vouchers for a long weekend in San Antonio (yeah, I'm sure that sounds weird to some folks). In any event, now I'm watching cruise prices because I'm not at all worried about the air.