I was browsing MSN today for some travel ideas, and on their front page was an article about the cruise vacation industry.  It was extremely interesting on how the cruise lines make money.  Bottom line is that they don’t make money without you spending money when on the cruise and the metrics for break even was stated to be 104% capacity.  What that means is that Cruise lines need you on the ship at all cost or no cost, and they need you to spend money when on the ship.  Its clearly a buyers market now if you want to take a cruise. I was on cruise directand the pricing is ridiculously low.  You can get a week for as low as $399.  Obviously you have to spend some money on board, but if you can budget properly, especially the overpriced alcaholic drinks, a cruise at this point can turn out to be a great deal.   Most entertainment is Free on board.  A friend also referred me to free cruise getaway at free cruise getaway.  He provided contact information and they called him about the deal, and he booked a free cruise to the bahamas.  He said that the he had to pay the taxes, and it was on Majesty Cruiselines, and only available to US residents.