EasyCruise prices on the rise?

Ah, the glorious past! Life was better, times were simpler, prices were cheaper. Such romanticizing of yesteryear isn’t always accurate, but in the case of easyCruise, it just might be.

I think fondly of the October 11, 2005, press release that said “The easyCruise summer 2006 inventory from 16 May to 30 October is now available at www.easyCruise.com with cabin prices starting at 14 pounds per person per night, based on two people sharing.” Using today’s conversion rates, early bookers would have paid the equivalent of $26 per night or $182 for a week, based on double occupancy.

Currently, easyCruise is promoting a “one-week sale” where travelers who book by July 31 can get an entire week on easyCruiseOne for 175 pounds or $323. The cruise line calls this a sale, but you’ll pay over 75 percent more than the early-booking price for your cabin. Miss the July booking deadline, and the line implies that you’ll pay even more.

If you want to see the French and Italian Riviera on easyCruise this season, by all means book now and get the lowest price available. But if you want the better deal, choose an easyCruise river cruise currently priced at [% 1258290 | | $13 per person per night %]. Or, wait until this fall and book a 2007 cruise at early-booking prices. Who knows, the future could be as wonderful (and cheap) as the past.