Holiday glitter is but a memory, and for some travelers that can mean only one thing: It's time to choose this year's cruise. Or maybe past time if you want the best deals.
These days, half of cruise passengers book their voyages more than seven months ahead, according to a report this month from the Cruise Lines International Association. And this year, they're choosing Asia, South America, the Mediterranean and riverboats in Europe.
Those are hot destinations as the annual "wave season," peak time for cruise bookings, gets under way, say travel agents and other experts. Ships, too, are shaping up in new ways, with spa suites, adult-only zones and more dining alternatives than you can shake a fork at. Here's what's happening:
The Caribbean still sees more cruise passengers than anywhere else, but the Mediterranean is the fastest-growing destination, say the cruise lines association and others.
So far, the Mediterranean is the fourth-most-booked itinerary for this year, just behind the Mexican Riviera, according to agents surveyed by Cruise Holidays, a Minneapolis-based network of more than 100 cruise retailers. The Caribbean is No. 1, and Alaska No. 2.
Overall, the survey found, the network's agents last year took 42 percent more bookings for Europe than in the previous year.
"People are looking for strategies to maximize the value of the dollar against a tough euro," said Steve Loucks, spokesman for Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, an international network of travel agencies.
Cruising can be cheaper than seeing Europe on your own, because you pay most costs up front in dollars. Instead of visiting one or two cities, you can sample several, such as Rome; Barcelona, Spain; and Dubrovnik, Croatia - which is "just taking off," Loucks said.
River cruising is another popular European option. Kathy Gerhardt, spokeswoman for Cruise Holidays, said some river departures were nearly sold out.
The dipping U.S. dollar also is sending more cruisers and ships to South America, where the greenback buys more. This year, Carnival Cruise Lines is going there for the first time, and Holland America and Princess Cruises have added sailings.
Both ships at Crystal Cruises, a small luxury line, will visit Asia in 2008, reflecting surging interest in China, host of this year's Summer Olympics; India; and newly chic Dubai, United Arab Emirates, said spokeswoman Julie Dibble.
Closer to home, if you're thinking about Alaska, act now, said Mike Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week, an industry newsletter in Brookfield, Ill. Alaska capacity is limited, and group bookings, a bellwether of demand, have been strong, he said.
Caribbean cruises are still relative bargains, but the free fall in fares is over. You might even pay a bit more this summer.
Overall, several experts said, it's too early to predict where fares are headed, because the big booking season has just begun. The cruise lines association expects traffic to grow more slowly this year but still be up 1.6 percent from 2007.
Jane Engle writes for the Los Angeles Times.
RESTAURANTS
Fine dining is afloat
The new Queen Victoria features a Todd English restaurant, as does one of Cunard's other ships, the Queen Mary 2. Famed sushi chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa - known for his Nobu restaurants around the world - will travel aboard Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony to launch two onboard restaurants, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, on a March 21 Hong Kong to Beijing cruise. Nobu already has restaurants on the line'sCrystal Serenity.
Associated Press
CABINS
Luxurious accommodations
More cruise lines are offering larger and more luxurious accommodations with private elevators, private courtyards and suites near spas. Spa suite guests typically get priority or upgraded access to spa services. Even the mass-market cruise line Carnival is getting into the luxury act with Carnival Splendor, launching later this year with 68 spa suites that feature access by private elevator to a 21,000-square-foot spa. Another new ship, MSC Cruises' MSC Fantasia, will also feature 68 suites accessed by private elevators.
Associated Press
DESTINATIONS
Breaking down the bookings
A survey from Cruise Holidays, which calls itself North America's largest cruise specialty retail franchise, found that in 2007, the Caribbean accounted for 43 percent of cruise bookings, Alaska 15 percent, the Mexican Riviera 8 percent and Europe/Mediterranean 8 percent. Compared with 2006, the survey found bookings for Alaska were up 17 percent, the Caribbean was up 4 percent and Europe was up 42 percent.
Associated Press
REFERENCE POINTS
The Complete Guide to European Cruises / Fodor's / $23.95
More Americans are seeing Europe by cruise ship than ever before, and that trend has led Fodor's to publish a new book. "More cruise lines have moved ships to Europe, particularly to cater to the American market, than at any time I can remember," said the book's editor, Douglas Stallings. He added that the dollar's continued weakness against the euro makes cruises an attractive choice as a hedge against expenses. The book can help you evaluate ships and itineraries, including river and barge cruises, but it's particularly useful if you're the independent type, willing to head off and explore rather than sign up for the cruise ship's organized tours. In Croatia, for example, Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic Sea, offers many sites in its Old Town, which Fodor's describes as "an area that is compact and car-free." But don't rent a car to get from the port to the Old Town; instead, Fodor's says, take a shuttle, public bus, or taxi.
Associated Press
10 FOR THE ROAD
Romantic cruises
Cruisecritic.com's best cruise ships for romance:
1. Crown Princess
2. Emerald Princess
3. Crystal Serenity
4. Pride of Hawaii
5. Norwegian Jewel
6. Norwegian Pearl
7. SeaDream I & II
8. Carnival Pride
9. Carnival Legend
10. Carnival Miracle