In these difficult financial times, the global credit crunch and unemployment likely to rise to levels that have not been seen for generations, companies associated with the cruise holiday industry are desperate to get hold of your money. This is not particularly surprising when the cost of a luxury ocean going liner is taken into consideration.

The cruise holiday industry was one of the fastest growing sectors of the holiday market over the last decade, with new ships coming into service almost every week, ever bigger ones on order and others still on the slipways being built. Now, somehow, they all still have to be paid for and with demand for cruise holidays falling off a cliff, compared with only a year ago, the cruise companies are offering all types of incentives and cruise deals to get you to part with your cash. Bargains in cruise deals can now be found in every brochure, web page and high street travel agent.

The recommendation is not to jump in with both feet too quickly, as last minute booking of cruises, whilst they may not be to your first choice of location and may not fit in exactly with your planned dates, can be found for the price of a two week break in Benidorm.

On top of the bargain prices, it is highly likely that many companies will offer you incentives, including free airport or departure port transfers or reduced price hotel accommodation. Normally these charges would be included in the cost of the cruises, making the company even more profit, but some, such as Princess Cruises, now give you the opportunity to make your own arrangements, which will lower the cost of the cruise considerably.