7 Best Cruise Trends For 2011

Cruise Traveler Magazine's 7 Best Cruise Trends for 2011 What's in store at sea and on shore.... by Raye & Marty Trencher, Editors, Cruise Traveler Magazine

Also: Practical Advice On How To Save Money On Your Next Cruise

Our pick for the number one cruise trend for 2011 is "The Best Cruise Deals". Even as the economy starts to recover, cruise prices will first rise, then fall, and once again represent a great bargain. For some destinations cruise lines will offer some of the cheapest deals we have seen in years.

But that's not all. With dozen's of new ships entering the market,  the cruise lines have to fill those berths. And boy have they built them to attract not only the most price conscience traveler, but the most adventure bound as well. The new ships are bigger, better and offer more high energy activities, such as flowriders, water coasters, zip lines and pay-as-you-go amenities.  These new ships are priced some 15 to 20% higher than their smaller cousins in the fleet. Someone has to pay for the near billion dollar cost per ship.

Our predication: Cruise lines will continue to face stiff competition in 2011, especially in an economy in recovery. While they are slowly raising prices, We think the cruise lines will continue to respond to the will of the marketplace, where many consumers will hold out until they see the prices they want and then offer special cruise deals, onboard spending credits, reduced or free airfare, (even Disney Cruise Line is offering a kids cruise free promotion), stateroom upgrades and last minute cruise discounts of 50-80% off the listed brochure fares in order to keep their ships cruising full. We will see Wave Season cruise deals ( bookings made from January to March ), offer low prices for Alaska and Mexico, as fourth quarter 2009 sales for these destinations was flat.  More and more options to spend your money onboard represent additional per capita income for the cruise line and raise the actual price of cruising for the consumer. So, that $499 cruise for a week in the Caribbean, may actually cost over a $1000, when you add up all the sightseeing, dining upcharges and other costs not associated with the cruise fare itself.

So, here we go.. the 7 Best Cruise Trends For 2011.

1. The Best Cruise Deals A bad economy makes for some very good deals: Super cruise deals, lowest prices in years.  But don't book them directly with the cruise line. You can get "bonus" savings from many travel agents. Not only a better price, but some agents throw in shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities and other incentives to get you to book. Shipboard credits, where available from the cruise line, are house credits that are placed on your stateroom's account for you to use during your cruise vacation. You can use the credit towards merchandise, lounges and in some, but not all cases, for Spa Treatments or Shore Excursions.

HOT Cruise Deals: Reach the Beach: Sun-sational Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals to Mexico and the Caribbean from $250! Brand-New, Ultra-Chic Celebrity Solstice: Summer Caribbean Cruises from $499! Royal Caribbean: Receive up to $200 Onboard Credit on Europe and Caribbean Cruise Sailings! Save BIG on 2011/2011 Sailings with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Plus, get up to a 6-category cabin upgrade! Sailing Close to Home? Sail From a Nearby Port From $189! Exclusive Resident Specials! Enjoy Reduced Rates on Select Sailings To find these offers. Just click on a link! These are Limited-Time Offers Note: Offers may be extended, so click on a link to see what's on offer today. These promotions are hand selected and provide you easy access to the best deals available and help you make the most of your cruise search efforts. Featured cruise deal promotions are time-sensitive, have limited availability and sell-out fast, so be sure to take advantage of them today! Search by Destination • Search by Cruise Line

2. Bigger is Better?

In 2009 Carnival Splendor, at 3006 guests was Carnival Cruise line's newest behemoth. The new Celebrity Solstice, welcomes 2,850 guests, and  Royal Caribbean's new Independence of the Seas, with 3,634 guests are some of 2009's biggest cruise ships.  Now comes 2011...

The Carnival Dream at 3,646 guests includes 19,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and families, an expansive WaterWorks aqua park offering the longest water slide at sea, new entertainment choices such as a comedy club and outdoor laser shows set to high-energy rock music, a half-mile wrap around promenade and whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides, and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue. Other features include innovative accommodation options such as deluxe ocean view staterooms with two-bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families, as well as the Fun Hub, a comprehensive intranet portal and the cruise industry’s first shipboard social network. 
 

Coming in 2011

The Disney Dream is the majestic third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Boasting 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to accommodate  up to 4,000 guests.

Norwegian EPIC,  NCL’s incredible new ship looks to reinvent cruising, by having guests experience an array of exciting, new entertainment options and nightlife, including the first true ice bar at sea.

Norwegian Epic will have some of the most innovative and flexible accommodations ever – from new studios with a hip urban feel and exclusive access to The Living Room and private Villas. Add 20 different dining options and you’ll see why we say this is going to be Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale.

3. Better Food and Dining Options.

But at what cost?  Are the cruise lines nickel-and-dining you?

For 2011 you've got more dining choices. Specialty coffee cafe's, wine bars, gourmet pastries and upscale specialty French, Asian, Italian and Chop House restaurants -- all at additional cost. Up charges range from a low of $5.00 to as high as $30.00 or more. You can still dine in the main dining room for no extra charge, included choices from a healthy-calorie counting menu. Now there are even more.
Cruise lines continue to offer flexible dining options -- dining when and where you want, rather than being assigned a specific table at a 6:30 or 8:30pm dining hour.  Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess offer flexible evening dining options. In 2009 Royal Caribbean introduces "My Time Dining" a similar concept.
With the basic price of your cruise at its lowest level in years, cruise lines will focus more on "per capita" spending onboard to make up any shortfall in cruise fare revenue. So, be sure to add up all the costs to get a true picture of what your cruise will cost.

4. Close to home cruising, best for your budget.

There will be fewer people cruising to exotic destinations like Australia, New Zealand, South America or Asia. Even Europe and the Mediterranean will see less passengers. The cost of airfare to get there is too expensive and can cost you more than the cruise these days. The cruise lines are scrambling to reposition their ships closer to home, so Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera are your best bets.

And if time is short and you can't take seven-day off, consider a cruise from 3 to 5 days. In 2011 you will find dozens of short cruise options at starting prices under $299 per person.

There are three, four- and five-night voyages that sail from Miami and offer both Eastern and Western Caribbean ports-of-call. On the West Coast, Royal Caribbean offers four- and five-night Mexican Riviera cruises. You can even take a five-night Bermuda cruise from New York. You can now sail from Baltimore on a year-round basis.  So, save the cost of airfare and drive to where the ship departs. The high cost of air travel is a compelling reason to target cruise ships that sail within a day’s drive or less of your home.  Cruising close to home has never been easier.

From the East Coast, you can sail from; Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, New York City, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, Tampa.

From the West Coast; Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle.
From the Gulf Coast; Galveston, Houston, Mobile, New Orleans.

All total, some 22 close-to-home departures in the United States and Canada. With so many ships in these close-in markets, in 2009 the competition for your cruise dollar will be fierce.  And that means a great deal for you.

5. So what if you are well-off, and can afford it?

Despite the economy, luxury cruising is not dead. There are new luxury ships on the horizon.  In June of 2009 we welcomed the Seabourn Odyssey, with one of the biggest spas on a luxury ship, larger staterooms, in-cabin dining and more. In November, Silversea Cruises introduces Silver Spirit. Silver Spirit will feature a supper club and an Asian-themed restaurant.

6. What's Old is New!

Older cruise ships are no longer sent to the scrap yard. They are reborn. After weeks in dry dock, they emerge with new balconies, larger kids' facilities and luxury spas.  Some get children's water parks, 300-foot waterslides and adults-only pools. Others get brand new shopping arcades and upgraded in-cabin bedding, furniture, carpeting and bathroom amenities.  Many ships have redesigned lounges, public rooms and the addition of pizzerias, coffee and wine bars and ice-cream parlors.

7. Last-Minute Deals Are Dirt Cheap!
Be patient. It pays.

Are you holding out for the last minute so you can snag that great deal? You're not alone. More people are flexible as to when then can travel and want to take advantage of close-to-home cruising (saving the high cost of airfare)

Hint; Wait until 30-45 days or so before the cruise you want for the best deals. Cruise lines are cutting prices for that unsold inventory to all time lows. The cruise industry, reeling from the economic crisis and a sharp drop-off in passengers, is offering some incredible last minute cruise deals. We've even seen a 3 days cruise for $99!
 

1. Reserve Your Cruise Now
At least 3 - 6 months prior to sailing. You get the best choice of locations and stateroom availability and the sooner you book, the better the discount.

2. If You Can, Pay For It In Advance
Save as much as 15%. Some cruise lines give an extra discount if you pay in full at least six months in advance of your sailing date.

3. Reserve Your Cruise At The Last Minute
Depending upon when you want to go, last minute bookings can save you money!  Especially if you are not particular about what cabin and where on the ship you are staying.

4. Cruise In The Off Season
Cruises are more expensive in high season, so if you can go some other time you will save even more. Alaska cruises are cheaper in May and September. Europe and Mediterranean cruises in September and October. Caribbean cruises in September, October and January.

5 Do A Transatlantic, Transpacific Or Repositioning Cruise
Want to sail from Europe or the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, or from Alaska to Hawaii, or Mexico? You will cruise for about half the cost of the same number of days of a single destination cruise. You'll get more lazy days at sea and fewer port stops.

6. Cruise On The Ship's Very First Journey
If you take an inaugural cruise on a new ship, you may save money,  but don't expect everything to be ship shape.

7. Go With A Group
Groups that travel together save more. Go with or put together your own group from your church, club, work, school or  plan a once in a lifetime a family  reunion. And if you can get 15 or more people to go, you could go for free!

8. Don't Care About The View... Why Not An Inside Stateroom?
If you think of a stateroom as only a place for sleeping and dressing, and a view isn't necessary, you can save money with an inside stateroom.

9. If Four's Not A Crowd, Put The Family In One Stateroom
Third or fourth guests go at a substantial discount, and kids sometimes go free. If you take 4 adults, everyone shares in the savings. However, it can be very crowded. And just one bathroom!

10. Reserve Without A Stateroom Assignment
Even if the stateroom category that you want is sold out, you can reserve your place on the ship. The cruise line guarantees to provide you a stateroom in the category you want or one higher at the time they assign you a stateroom. However, you don't have a choice where it will be. You may save money and get a free upgrade if at the time they assign you a stateroom there are no more, in the category you reserved.

11. Join The Club
Cruise lines give a special discounts or free upgrades to past passengers.  Carnival give you a break even you have sailed on Holland America, Windstar, Princess, Costa, or Cunard, as they own them all.

12. Ask And You Shall Receive
Keep a close eye on weekly newspaper ads and newsletters for promotional specials. You may qualify for a two-for-one offer, kids free, or 50 percent off promotion. And, if you already have put a deposit down or paid for your cruise, do hesitate to ask for the lower fare if it applies to the stateroom type and category you reserved.

13. On A Honeymoon? Or Celebrating A Special Occasion?
Celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or a family reunion on the cruise. On some ships you may qualify for an extra discount.

14. Look For Added Value
Some sailings offer free hotel nights before or after your cruise, sightseeing tours, or the cruise line will offer shipboard credits you can use in the shops.

15. Free Upgrades
Some lines offer an upgrade in cabin category if you are a repeat passenger, on a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or your friends or family reserved more staterooms.

16. If You Like It So Much, Stay Onboard Another Week.
If you arrange to stay on the ship for a second cruise, you could sail the second week at a discounted rate.

17. Age Has It's Advantages
Over 55? Some cruise lines have discounts for you. And, if a senior is traveling with other people in the stateroom that are under 55, the discount may apply to both fares.

18. Airfare Prices Vary
Sometimes the airfare offered by the cruise line is cheaper; sometimes not. Plan as far ahead as possible to get the lowest priced airline tickets. Comparison shop the ship's offer and what the airlines are offering.

19. Consider A Pre Or Post Cruise Hotel Package
Hotel stays can be arranged at the same time you book your cruise. As with airfares, compare the ship's price with what the hotel would charge you direct.

20. Every Cruise Line And Cruise Ship Is Different
The most important thing you can do is research all the ships and cruises that go to your chosen destination. Compare itineraries, accommodations, shipboard activities, shore tours and fares. By comparing, you will find a cruise that offers what you want at a price that fits your budget.. Be sure when you compare fares that you know whether taxes and port charges are included or not.
 

More Things To Consider...

A. Become Cyber Savvy
Check online for the latest discounts and special offerings on ships and sailings. Visit the cruise line's own web sites and several travel agents online to get the best service and price. But remember, don't reserve a cruise just because of price.

B. Choose The Cruise That Best Fits Your Needs And Desires
So many people have bought the cheapest thing around, only to be disappointed once onboard.  As you know by then it's too late to change your mind.