What do you think..

JoeyandDavid · December 26, 2008

With world wide consumers for the most part feeling the effects of a suffering economy, the cruise industry seems to be taking a hit as far as bookings,

Do you think this current economic situation will have a major impact on the cruise industry?

Do you think that some of the smaller lines will be bought up by the larger corporations?

Do you think some brands will just go out of buisness?

Can the cruise industry as we know it survive?

JoeyandDavid · December 26, 2008

I must confess i was a bit bewildered when i read where ncl canceled an order for a new vessel.. makes me think they maybe the one to go under

sailingrose · December 27, 2008

I think the lines are as consolidated as they will get.........a few years ago I would have thought NCL would have been sold to another line......now I'm not sure.

rogue · December 27, 2008

I agree with Rose. Consolidation doesn't seem to be the answer. Less cruiselines will probably be the result of the current economic environment. Prices will drop more and more as people can't afford to cruise. This will bankrupt the weaker lines. The stronger lines will not necessarily be in any positon to buy them up, so the weak ones will just evaporate. That's just my opinion.

cruisingcats · December 27, 2008

I agree with Rose and Howard. Do believe that NCL will be rolling out their F3 ship after all. Just read that recently. But I could be mistaken. They had stopped production earlier but have started working on it again. I just checked to make sure I had my facts correct. They will only finish building one of the two F3 ships and it will debut in May of 2010.

JoeyandDavid · December 27, 2008

so your sources are saying they ARE buidling ONE?

elfed · December 27, 2008

The cruise industry is becoming overcrowded. Service on some lines is going downhill, people are being asked to fork out more money on board ship for decent meals etc. The basic cost of a cruise no longer applies. I think elimination or consolidation of cruise lines could help avoid this "saturation". Sadly this would mean elimination of many jobs and the "grounding" of ships. However because jobs would be fewer service would or should improve. Also there would be less crowding in the popular ports of call. The mega ships are going to change the way many people feel about cruising and this may result in some lines amalgamating. or eventually going under.

Regards,

James.

Peddler · December 27, 2008

Well I was going to post a link but the post police have blocked it out ...Oh well.

Later

Jim

jacketwatch · December 28, 2008

Excellent question. Many are already consolidated as we know however I do wonder about NCL as a stand alone. I mean they have already cancelled production of their new ship (F3?). Only time will tell if they ride out the economic storm or have to consolidate to avoid complete failure. Also the top tier lines are offering discounts like bever before so I wonder if they are hurting as well.