DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR LUXURY ITEMS..LIKE CRUISES

Good or bad those of us already addicted have managed to convince others all the joys of cruising. People that actually take vacations (we didn't while the DH was active duty except to come home whenever possible) may still find the funds to do so... and cruising is a smart option. I agree the cruise industry is growing, they must think people will keep cruising.

Hah ... nice to see an optimist .. cruise prices drop .. we can only wish. But I think people will continue to spend on them. In a world filled with chaos and insanity people value a cruise because it offers some calm and tranquility

If a slowdown happens, I'm sure it will be reflected in the vacation industry, which includes cruising. Then it will be come more competitive for scarce vacationers, and we may see some good deals and a few perks. Lines have got to pay off those notes on the large ships. Symphony is a $1B+ ship.

Well...AUNTPINKIE can be an optimist...she has all kinds of sunshine. As far as the "calm and tranquility" part...lets hope it stays that way...

It is my fate it life to be saddled with that title on more than one occasion. I don't mind!

Bottle some of it and ship it here....

3 reasons I see cruising doing well:

1. With Millennial's putting more value on "Experiences" then on possessions I can see travel doing well for now.

2. Mega ships are more cost effective to build and run per guest on board then smaller ships are and are geared to younger cruisers with families.

3. Cruising is still best bang for buck for vacations for all ages and all levels of cruising.

Also IMHO most people either dislike cruises and "Will never go again" or are addicted, not a lot of middle ground of "it's O.K., can take it or leave it"

Also consider that the mega ships appeal to the millennial need to be constantly entertained and plugged in. The new mega ships are built for that. I think we need to name a new class of ships ... the Millennial Class ships.

Cruise industry. If we can afford it we will cruise. And if we cannot we will staycation.

Your problem (much like a lot of us) is, it isn't just the cruise, it is also the air fare and hotel prior.