Clark Howard's Tips

February 27, 2007

The cruise industry is struggling these days. The industry just wants to cover the most basic expenses in what they charge you for the room. That's because the real money is made once you get on board.

Shore excursions, drinking and gambling are just a few of the activities that will cost you much more on a cruise.

But with all the bad press of late, people aren't cruising. As a result, companies are heavily discounting cabin costs.

Ten-night Caribbean cruises are as cheap as $75 a night, according to the Miami Herald. Ocean-view rooms are minimally more for ten-day and weeklong cruises.

So, if you've never been on a cruise, this could be your chance. If you've never gone on a cruise and have minimal knowledge of the industry, you may want to pay a bit more and sit down with a cruise travel agent.

For more information and to hear beefs from other cruisers, check out cruisecritic.com. You'll get an earful.

Consumer advice courtesy of