How the Cruise Industry is Unfolding in 2009

One of the biggest stories of 2009 has been the downslide of the world economy. But the good news (for consumers) is that cruiselines have offered up some really juicy last-minute cruise deals that represent significant savings for cruisers. As a result, some cruisers have been willing to wait 15 days to 3 months prior to the departure to scoop up these deals. If you're flexible with dates and you're not too picky about leftovers, this is the year to cash in on those deals.

Cruiselines continue to implement anytime dining - being able to eat whenever and wherever you want, rather than committing to a set table at a set time. The original concept was pioneered by Norwegian, but now all of the big ship lines are offering more dining options, including Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Carnival is experimenting with the idea and will make a decision as to whether to make this offering fleet-wide.

As interest in cruising grows, cruiselines have been rolling out impressive new ships in increasing numbers. Slated for 2009, include the AIDALuna, the MSC Splendida, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, Seabourn Odysssey, Celebrity Equinox, Royal Caribbean - Oasis of the Seas, Carnival Dream, and the Silver Spirit. An additional 11 ships are due to be launched in 2010. Perhaps the most highly anticipated ship of 2009 is the RCI - Oasis of the Seas. This mammoth 5,400-passenger cruise ship will be the largest ever built. This revolutionary ship is divided into seven neighborhoods, with innovative elements like the open-air Central Park with live grass and trees, the Aqua Theater for aerial acrobatics, a zip-line, a bar that rise five stories high, and two-story loft suites.

Exotic cruising to far-flung places like Australia/New Zealand, South America and Asia have slowed down due to the softening of the economy. Not only are these itineraries generally more pricey, but also require expensive air flights. Instead, cruisers have been more inclined to take closer-to-home trips such as Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Alaska remains an enchanting destination; however, demand has dropped significantly over the past year as the economy has worsened, forcing cruise lines to discount heavily to fill ships. As a result, a number of cruise lines are deciding to pull out of this market for 2010. Some of these ships are being re-routed to places like Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Another region to watch is the Far East as people discover what a wonderful destination it is, and its popularity increases. Cruise lines such as Voyages of Discovery, Yachts of Seabourn, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean have caught onto this trend and are either debutting or placing a firmer foothold in this region in 2010.