Cruise prices drop by more than two-thirds

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The cost of cruises has dropped to less than a third of their original price in the wake of the recession and the Costa Concordia accident.

The Express reports that the cruise industry is under pressure as families can no longer afford to splash out on expensive holidays.

Sean Tipton, spokesperson for the travel agent's' body ABTA, told the newspaper: "There are some amazing cruise deals on offer, particularly at the family end of the market.

"The economic situation is putting great pressure on family budgets and the cruise industry has reacted to slowing demand with some good value offers."

He also explained that the Costa Concordia accident in January, when a cruise ship capsized after hitting rocks off the coast of Italy, may have made some first-time cruisers think twice about booking.

The company Holland America Line is now offering 71 per cent off one of its cruises, with seven nights in the Norwegian fjords down to £399 from £1,399, working out at £57 per day for full board.

Bill Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association, said: "Our conversations with members of the Association of Cruise Experts indicate that there are great value offers available. Our sense is that this is largely driven by the general recession.

"Cruise lines have quickly adapted to higher fuel costs by introducing itineraries with shorter distances between ports and shorter 'taster cruises' from the UK offer great value."

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