A lot of people say that the leisure and entertainment industry is the first to go when the economy goes south. Indications for the cruise industry seems to bear this out. As expansion plans for additional ships have been deferred by the leading cruise lines. However, as a consumer, I think this is a great opportunity, and a great time to take that cruise.
With everyone thinking of stowing their money in pillowcases and under the mattresses, I feel that that’s counter-productive. A better use for that money would be to save it in secured investments. Or to enjoy a vacation. With lots of options for a cheap cruise deal, there’s bound to something there for everyone.
Look at it another way, if you had 200 dollars to spend, would you spend it on something which gives returns of 10 dollars in a year, or would you spend it on something which has a value of 400 or 500 dollars? The numbers are correct. You can have a cruise worth $500, for $200. The catch? No catch. Except that for the onboard credit of another 100 to 150 dollars. Onboard credit is money you can use onboard the ship for any other expenses like drinks, the spa, etc. These are what cruise deals present to you. You get a cruise, and onboard credit for as low as 200 dollars.
Depending on the package, you can even visit the Mediterranean on a 16-day $3,000 worth cruise, for less than half that amount. In fact, most cheap cruise deals are at 50% off, give or take a few points. Admittedly, the rock-bottom prices have you booked in an interior room. That’s a cabin with no windows or ocean view. But when on a cruise line, the activities are practically sunrise to past midnight. There’s even a midnight buffet on most cruises.
There’s usually a ship activity coordinator who manages various activities while onboard the ship. And if you get tired of the activities, there’s the pool, or in most cases, pools, restaurants and bars, spa, and gym. And in the evening, there’s entertainment and shows, or dances. There’s always something to do that you wouldn’t really notice the size of your cabin. And all for an investment in a vacation on a cheap cruise deal of half the price – or less.
