Cruise Prices Soar Above Pre-Pandemic Levels as Travel Rebounds
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Cruise prices are surging well above pre-pandemic levels as travel demand rebounds. Prices for some Caribbean cruises in December are up 43% vs. 2019.
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Cruise operators like Carnival and Royal Caribbean indicate they may raise prices further as occupancy and revenues exceed 2019.
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Part of the price surge is due to comparison to high airfares. Cruises can seem like a relative value.
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Industry analysts say higher cruise prices may be here to stay given strong demand from first-time and experienced cruisers.
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Cruise companies are still paying down billions in debt from the pandemic, which gives incentive to keep prices high.