Online Travel Market Holding Steady In Europe

From Hotel Marketing

European online travel bookings are projected to grow slightly by 0.6% in 2009 according to PhoCusWright. Internet distribution channels continue to outperform the European travel market as a whole, which is projected to decline by 10% in 2009.

“As Europeans seek to make the most of their treasured time off this year, they are increasingly using online options to plan the best holiday for their budget,” says Carroll Rheem, director, research at PhoCusWright. “Online travel agencies are weathering this economic storm better than any other booking channel.”

While the online leisure and unmanaged business market was able to stay in positive territory in 2009, it is clearly suffering from the drop in travel demand. The double-digit growth seen in recent years is gone and is not expected to return in the next several years. It is the strong performance of online travel agencies (OTAs) that will drive online growth as supplier Web sites will decline slightly for the year. OTAs are projected to reach gross bookings of €23 billion in 2009, with much of the growth driven by hotel products and discount Europe cruises.

“Even in the bleak travel backdrop of 2009, some travel companies are thriving—and not all of them are OTAs. Countercyclical trends bolster these companies while exacerbating decline for others. Those dependent on business travelers are among the hardest hit,” adds Rheem. The Northern Euriope cruises market is projected to decline by 17%, substantially more than the total market decline. As companies have slashed their travel budgets in response to their own challenges, both transaction volume and prices have fallen significantly across markets and travel verticals.

Economic recession and weakened consumer spending have affected all European nations and exposed strengths and weaknesses among each regional market and industry segment. PhoCusWright’s European Online Travel Overview Fifth Edition is a comprehensive analysis of the European online travel market. It includes an overview of the European market and detailed analysis of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia and Spain.

The Cost Of Luxury Is Dropping In Latin America

NY Times

LATIN AMERICA has long enticed budget-oriented travelers with its low prices, and as the global economic crisis lingers, the bargains are increasingly tempting — especially when it comes to a luxury vacation.

Meals are often half the cost of their European counterparts, hotels are generally more luxurious than what you’d get for the same money in the States, and spa treatments and other private services are so affordable you feel good about splurging, because, really, you’re saving — or at least that’s what you tell yourself.

And things are getting cheaper still. Hotel prices across Latin America fell by 18 percent in the first half of 2009 compared with the same period last year, according to Hotels.com’s Hotel Price Index. That’s slightly steeper than hotel rate decreases in North America and Europe.

Some of the best places for affordable luxury are Argentina and Mexico, in part because of swine flu scares earlier this year. Also, the dollar is going farther than a year ago, at about 13.5 Mexican pesos (versus 12.5 in October 2008) and 3.9 Argentine pesos (against 3.3). And both countries have long attracted well-heeled tourists, with established resort towns and bustling cities.

Stylish boutique hotels in Buenos Aires like the Craft, Moreno and cE Hotel de Diseño, are listing rooms for less than $100 a night at Tablet Hotels, a booking site that specializes in design-oriented hotels.

In Mexico, some of the best deals are at ultra-luxurious megaresorts along the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancún, like Grand Velas, an all-suites resort and spa, which was just opening as the travel downturn hit. The Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where villas have their own plunge pools, is offering 50 percent off two-night packages with daily breakfast, a massage and dinner for two. Nearby, the Mandarin Oriental has a seven-night Holiday in Mexico deal that includes breakfast, airport transfers, dinner for two and a private yoga class from $354 a night until Dec. 18. Earlier Swine Flu scares have also brought down the prices for Mexico cruises.

Not interested in the beach? Starting rates at the Four Seasons in Mexico City are $225 a night on weekends, not bad considering that it’s $70 cheaper than the Four Seasons in Austin ($295). A Swedish massage costs about $100 at the hotel in Mexico versus $130 in Austin.

Large tour operators, such as Globus, recognize the good value in Latin America and are adding more itineraries and new destinations that emphasize luxury for less. Abercrombie Kent, the high-end tour operator known for its luxury safaris, is expanding its 2010 “signature” Latin American itineraries. The packages, designed for travelers who don’t want to take a group tour but still want the Abercrombie Kent experience, include the same comforts and sightseeing of its group excursions but with private guides from $5,995 a person for a nine-day trip to Ecuador.

For travelers looking to spend less, Group Voyagers, the parent company of Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways, recently added four Latin American itineraries, including Ecuador and the Galápagos from $3,379 and three Monograms packages from $1,299 for eight days in Costa Rica.

The strategy seems to be paying off. Collette Vacations, based in Pawtucket, R.I., recently reported that revenue for its Discover South America tour more than doubled from last year. Interest in Peru in particular is picking up. Its 12-day trip through Peru, visiting Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Lima and the Paracas National Reserve, with rates from $2,449 a person, is already beginning to fill up for 2010. Holland America Cruise Lines have recently announced tours to South America in 2010 and 2011.

“Travelers start out thinking it’s too exotic and therefore out of reach,” Allison Flint, Collette’s product manager, said in a statement. “But then are pleasantly surprised at how affordable it really is.”

Though airline cutbacks have reduced flights to some regions, low-cost carriers have helped bring fares down in many markets. No-frills Spirit Airlines, for example, which is based in Miramar, Fla., and sometimes sells tickets for as little as $9, began service to Latin America in 2007. It now has routes to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in Central America, and to Peru in South America.

In Brazil, low-cost airlines, like GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes and WebJet, now account for a significant portion of Brazil’s domestic market. And in Mexico, InterJet and Volaris have expanded service.

Tour operators are also going beyond the big cities and popular destinations and offering more trips off the beaten path. Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vt., for example, used to visit only popular places like the Galápagos in Ecuador. While it still offers a Galápagos add-on, the company is focusing this year on the Ecuadorean Highlands, with its working farms and the Indian markets of the Imbabura region.

The tour is not exactly cheap at $3,598 a person, but all meals and accommodations are included, and obtaining the kind of access and local insight the trip offers would be time-consuming and more difficult on one’s own. Travelers spend nine days with personal guides trekking from one hacienda to the next, past farms where locals still use ox-drawn plows and spectacular backdrops with snow-peaked volcanoes.

There are perks, especially if you’re a big shopper. Handmade leather handbags from the town of Cotacachi, for example, can be bargained down to about $20. “The same would retail for at least $100 in the U.S.,” said Sonya Bradley, the Latin America tour manager for Country Walkers.

For affordable luxury outside the city of Buenos Aires, Vanessa Guibert Heitner, of Limitless Argentina, a luxury travel agency, recommends that visitors head northwest to the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, to explore indigenous ruins, colonial architecture and the natural scenery of the region. Legado Mitico Salta, a boutique hotel within walking distance of colonial cathedrals, museums and restaurants, starts at $170 a night with breakfast. For $295 a person, Limitless Argentina can arrange a private tour of Salta and the wine belt of Cafayate, about two hours away, including visits to artisanal goat-cheese makers, hikes through canyons and a private food and wine pairing at a winery.

It’s also a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro, which is celebrating its 2016 Olympic bid win. Getting to Brazil is easier with 14 new flights this year from the United States, including daily nonstop service from Houston to Rio on Continental and flights three times a week from Atlanta to Brasília on Delta. Several more are planned for 2010.

Recife, a historic town on Brazil’s northern coast, dubbed the Brazilian Venice for its many bridges and rivers, is one of the places expected to benefit from new flights, with routes from Atlanta and Miami. In late February, when the average temperature is 82 degrees there, rates at the Internacional Palace Hotel in Recife start at about 196 Brazilian reais, about $110 at 1.78 reais to the dollar.

To maximize your budget, go just after Carnival, which runs Feb. 12 to 16, when hotel rates drop sharply. The Pestana Rio Atlantica in Rio, with views of Copacabana Beach, for example, is 490 reais a night in late February, down from 1,495 during Carnival.

Extraordinary Cruise Savings

Major Cruise Discounts

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Here Now, Gone Tomorrow!

Discounts Available When You Call: 1-800-826-4333

PRINCESS CRUISES
ALASKA; EUROPE MONTH LONG SALE

Save on Princess cruises with unprecedented savings during our one week sale.

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ALL 2009/2010/2011 ALASKA & EUROPE VOYAGES ON SALE
excludes sailings less than 7 days.

• Reduced deposit $200 per stateroom (excludes World Cruises)
 

• Coupon Booklet valued at $650 per stateroom in onboard savings

• Additional AMENITIES on select dates

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• Combinable with the new Summertime BALCONY BONUS
Receive a Free Balcony upgrade when you book an Oceanview stateroom.

Or take advantage of FREE double upgrades on Alaska Cruisetours

Not combinable with Flash Fares.

NEW BOOKINGS ONLY MADE BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 - 31, 2009

Pricing based on USD, double occupancy, per person, cruise only, group space availability and inventory controlled. Government fees and taxes are additional. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full. Amenities vary by ship and sailing date. Coupon book available on select dates, for new bookings only made from 10/1 - 10/31/09. Coupon book limited to the first two passengers in cabin only. There is no cash value for unused coupons. Coupons are nontransferable and are not combinable with some discounted fares. Some restrictions apply. Coupons shown reflect voyages in 2009. Coupons for 2010 may vary. Prices and discounts are quoted in U.S. dollars. Coupon book offers are based on current Onboard Value Booklet which is subject to change. Applicable on voyages of 7 days or longer. Reduced deposit applies to each of the first two passengers in a stateroom. *$100 deposit does not apply to the World Cruises and 45+ day World Cruise Segments. The deposit for the World Cruises and 45+ day World Cruise Segments is 5% of the cruise fare. Not combinable with Flash Promotions. Other restrictions may apply. 2009 ©Princess Cruises®. Ships of Bermudan and British registry. The Cruise Marketplace is not responsible for errors or ommissions.
 

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CRYSTAL CRUISES
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• $200 Onboard Credit Per Couple on most 2009-2010 departures
• Select voyages include:

• Gracious onboard hosts
• Complimentary Cocktail Parties
• Prepaid Gratuities
• Your choice of a shore excursion or shipboard credit up to $300 per couple in lieu of shore excursion.
  

Your Crystal experience. The world awaits you at the absolute pinnacle of travel. Welcoming, graciousness and a friendly smile. An unwavering standard of excellence by professionals who share your passion for world discovery. The essence of Crystal Cruises lies in its people.

Pamper Yourself on a Crystal Cruise:

• Elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, many with private verandahs
• Fine dining, including 24-hour complimentary in-room dining
• Indulge creativity with special classes on every voyage

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CELEBRITY CRUISES
CRUISETOURS RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY ONBOARD CREDITS

Celebrity Alaska Cruisetours

ALASKA SPECIAL OFFER
$200 ONBOARD CREDIT
when you book an Alaska Cruisetour by December 31, 2009!

Featured Cruisetour: 10-Night Alaska Cruisetour starting from $1,149
Featuring a 3-night pre-cruise land tour from Anchorage to Seward and 7 nights aboard Celebrity Millennium®.

Many more cruisetour packages available, call us for the best price!

Celebrity South America Cruise Tours

SOUTH AMERICA SPECIAL OFFER
$300 ONBOARD CREDIT
when you book an South America Cruisetour by December 1, 2009!
Featured Cruisetour Packages

Celebrity Infinity®
4-Night Pre Escorted Land Tour
Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls

• Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Day 3: Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls
• Day 4: Iguazu Falls
• Day 5: Iguazu Falls/Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Day 5: Board Celebrity Infinity

   

Sail Dates for Pre Package:
14-Night Antarctic Cruise
January 31; February 14, 2010

Ports of call: Buenos Aires, Argentina •
Port Stanley, Falkland Island • Elephant Island, Antarctica • Gerlache Strait • Paradise Bay, Antarctica • Ushuaia, Argentina • Cape Horn, Chile • Puerto Madryn, Argentina • Montevideo, Uruguay • Buenos Aires, Argentina
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
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SET SAIL ON A MAGICAL VACATION
(and get an Onboard Credit, too!)

Disney Cruise Ship

Take a long deep breath of fresh sea air. Gaze upon a blue you never knew existed. Soak in the magical time that can only be had on a Disney cruise. Kids’ imaginations set sail on a world of wonder and enchantment. And while they’re having the time of their lives, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy each other. But the real magic happens when you come together as a family to enjoy spectacular fireworks, original Disney stage shows, and a visit to Disney’s exclusive island, Castaway Cay. It’s all part of what makes a Disney cruise perfect for everyone—especially you.

And, by booking between October 14 - 28, 2009, you’ll enjoy an onboard credit that can be used for merchandise, photography, spa treatments, shore excursions and other onboard activities.

• 7-Night Cruises or Longer itineraries
$100 onboard credit for cruises sailing Jan. 9, 2010 - Dec. 18, 2010
• 3-, 4- and 5-Night Bahamian Cruises
$50 onboard credit for cruises sailing Jan. 3, 2010 - Dec. 19, 2010

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COSTA CRUISES
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All categories furnished in modern, functional style to give you the sense of being on holiday.

• Your cabin includes Satellite TV, adjustable air-conditioning, a safe, and a telephone for making international calls.

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• Free Small-group sporting activities: muscle-toning exercise, aerobics, Streth&Tone, LAB, Aquagym, Yoga or Pilates classes.

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• Fun daytime and evening activities for the entire Mom, Dad and children of all ages. On request, baby-sitting service.

IMPORTANT! Fares are in U.S. Dollars, per person, double occupancy, cruise only, and may not include port charges, govt taxes and other cruiseline required fees, unless stated otherwise. These offers may be time-sensitive and capacity controlled. All promotions and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking. To ensure the best price please contact us today for a firm quote. The Cruise Marketplace is not responsible for errors or ommissions. This recurring email was sent to you by Cruise Marketplace. 

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American Film Critic and Two-Time Grammy Nominee Rex Reed to Sail aboard Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing

Reed to appear as Featured Presenter for Line’s Acclaimed Enrichment Programme, Cunard Insights

Notable film critic and journalist Rex Reed has joined the distinguished list of luminaries scheduled to sail aboard Cunard Line's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. He will be aboard the 5 November Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. A two-time Grammy nominee, Reed will be a featured presenter for Cunard Insights luxury cruises, Cunard's acclaimed onboard enrichment programme. Like previous tastemakers, Reed will deliver a series of lectures and Q&A discussions during his voyage aboard Queen Mary 2.

Reed’s extraordinary wit and charm is sure to lead an enchanting and rich programme for guests. His long and distinguished resume of work provides for a variety of discussion topics that will resonate with everyone aboard the luxury cruises.

A member of the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Society of Film Critics, Reed is a critic, columnist, journalist and lecturer whose work appears every week in the New York Observer. He was a contributing editor on the masthead of Talk Magazine and has been a film critic for Vogue, GQ, and Woman’s Wear Daily. Reed is also the author of eight books, including Personal Effect, and for five years, he starred in the nationally syndicated television show, "At the Movies." As a music critic, Reed has written liner notes for Liza Minelli, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Eileen Farrell, Barbara Cook and many others. In 1993, he was inducted, along with James Carville, into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in his native state. Reed holds an honorary degree from Brandeis University.

Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights luxury cruises introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line's heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A's, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard's longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.

The 5 November Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic six-day luxury cruises between New York and Southampton offered by Cunard in 2009. In addition, Queen Mary 2 will sail two voyages between New York and Hamburg and two voyages between Boston and Southampton. Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, restaurants and lounges and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.

For more information about discount Cunard Cruises and other luxury cruises, visit Cruise Market Place today.

Book Your Vacation Early for the Biggest Savings

Whether you're planning a winter vacation to a warm destination or to visit friends and family, experts advise booking your travels as soon as possible. There are many opportunities you can take advantage of when you book your vacation package early.

Besides getting away from the hustle and bustle and looking forward to your vacation, check out the many other reasons to book early.

With fuel prices fluctuating, many are anticipating that prices will continue to rise. Securing your vacation now relieves that worry.

Some travel companies offer a price guarantee option. NWA WorldVacations has a travel protection plan, which allows you to receive a refund of the price difference should the price of your particular vacation package go down from the time you book it to the time you travel.

Due to the price fluctuations and potential increases, more people than ever before are deciding to book their vacations earlier. If you want to be sure to get the dates you want, the hotel or resort you want, at the price you want, don't wait too long.

Many resorts are offering some great sales and deals for booking your vacation package early whether n the form of discounted rates or extra inclusions.

Many travel companies, including NWA WorldVacations and travel agencies, offer the option to put down a deposit to secure your booking and price, and allow you to pay the balance at a later date.

You will have time to do some research on the destination that you are going to so you can plan, know what to expect, and most importantly what to pack. You can think about activities you'd like to try when you get there and have your travel provider add them to your booking before you go. That way, you don't have to use your precious vacation time making those arrangements once you arrive at your destination.

Miami-based cruise lines map different routes through a struggling economy

With economic conditions making waves globally, signature Miami cruise lines are mapping different routes to calmer waters. Carnival Cruise Lines announced this week that a ship scheduled to move to Europe in May is to remain in Miami operating Caribbean cruises instead. A ship meant to shift in April from Long Beach, CA., to Miami and later to Baltimore will instead move directly to the Maryland port four months early to begin the city's first year-round cruise program. "Based on current market conditions, continued economic uncertainty and high air costs to Europe, we are shifting our focus to an even greater extent toward our core, close-to-home cruise options, which are clearly the preference of the vast majority of the mainstream vacation market right now," said Gerry Cahill, president and chief executive officer, in a press release. Carnival did not respond to a request for further comment. The company's third-quarter earnings show that the cruise line saw a dip in net income, dropping to $1.3 billion from $1.4 billion in last year's third quarter.
However, revenue rose year over year: the company generated $4.3 billion third quarter of 2007 and $4.8 billion the same period this year. The cruise line still plans to offer European voyages next year when its newest and largest ship, the Carnival Dream, debuts next fall. Royal Caribbean Cruises, another major cruise operation based here, has not announced any changes to its itineraries and destinations, said Ian Bailey, vice president of investor relations, in an interview. Should the need arise to tweak plans, the line is established enough in both North America and Europe to accommodate, he said. "If one market is particularly strong relative to the other one, or weak, you could source from the other market, so it does give you some flexibility in getting the ships filled." The cruise line saw record earnings in the third quarter of this year, with net income hitting nearly $412 million compared to $395 million from Cheap Cruises the year before. Still, in recent months, Royal Caribbean has seen a dip in bookings, while Discount Celebrity Cruises Alaska have been doing great. "Up until September of this year, bookings had been very robust, but over the last six-to-eight weeks we have seen a disruption in the volume of bookings that we've been taking for the year," Mr. Bailey said. The company expects fourth quarter yields to fall anywhere from 4% to 5%, according to an earnings announcement. "We don't know if this is the beginning or middle or end" of the drop in bookings, Mr. Bailey said. "Our visibility into 2009 is a little less clear." Royal Caribbean is taking a "wait-and-see" approach before changing any plans, he said, not because officials are "asleep at the wheel," but because "this is a very new disruption for usÖ certainly we would react appropriately as we get more data and understand better what's happening in the markets."

Last-minute cruise deals starting under $60, $40 and even $25 dollars per day

I had always thought that if you could get Cheap Cruises, Cheap Europe Cruises and Cheap Caribbean Cruises for under $100 per day, it was a decent price and dare I say, had come to be the standard way of measuring cruise rates (unless you were taking a luxe line). The way to look at it is, you’re not just getting the bed to sleep in, but also food and entertainment. Whether you’ve always loved or hated cruising in the past — now is the time to appreciate how low cruise prices are.

If you can pack your bags at the last-minute you’ll find cruises as low as $25-$60 per day, pre-tax.

CruiseOne/Cruises Inc is reporting 40 cruises under $40 per day. I thought I’d test this amazing deal for myself as well as have a look around at the market and see if anyone else was giving away their cruise trips at this low rate. Here’s what I found (but prices could change by the time you get there):

Cruises by Length:

> 19-Nt Voyage to South America - San Francisco to Santiago, on Norwegian Sun departing Nov. 4, 2008. Cost: $21/per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. The total cost for two people was $1,165 after taxes, or $30.65/day. [CruiseOne]

> 7-Night Eastern Caribbean, Miami R/T, on Norwegian Dawn departing Nov. 15, 2008. Cost: $21 per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. The total cost for two people was $922 after taxes, or $66/day. (Taxes and fees were $162 per person). [CruiseOne]

> 4-Night Bahamas, Miami R/T, on Norwegian Sky departing Nov. 10, 2008. Cost: $25 per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. The total cost for two people was $425 after taxes, or $53/day. [Southwest]

STARTING UNDER $40/DAY

> 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise, Miami R/T, on Norwegian Pearl departing Nov. 16, 2008. Cost: $33 per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. The total cost for two people was $828 after taxes, or $59/day. [Southwest]

STARTING UNDER $50/DAY

> 32-day South American Cruise, San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Princess’ Star Princess departing Nov. 20, 2008. Cost: $43 per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. [Vacations To Go 90-day Ticker]
STARTING UNDER $60/DAY

> 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise – Los Angeles R/T, on Vision of Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas departing Dec. 1, 2008. Cost: Starting at $54 per person, double occupancy, pre-tax. [Cruise Critic]

> 8-Day Mexican Riviera, San Diego R/T, on Carnival departing Nov. 12, 2008. Cost: $50 per day for an inside cabin, per person based on double occupancy, pre-tax. The total cost for two people was $1,091 after taxes, or $68 per day. [Carnival]

Caveat: Note that not all of the deals above have the final price. In some cases I would’ve had to call in to get the final price.

Tip: Los Angeles Times Travel editor Catharine Hamm recommends booking a cruise through an agent. Read: A travel agent can help you find the best cruise and the best deal