A report has suggested holiday makers looking for a budget holiday in 2009 would be wrong to dismiss cruise trips as a luxury option.
Conversely, family holidays aboard famous cruise liners such as
Royal Caribbean Cruises can offer "incredible value for money", according to the Irish Herald.
"Year-round offers to the Caribbean can provide excellent bargains," the newspaper said.
Furthermore, cruise holidays - which can help holidaymakers budget by including food, accommodation and entertainment options in one price - could appeal to travellers looking to visit multiple locations, the article suggested.
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas was recommended for offering affordable breaks this summer - one of which will stop off at Provence, Ibiza and Barcelona.
Earlier this month the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released data predicting the number of people taking cruise holidays to increase by 2.3 per cent this year.
CLIA president Terry Dale commented that the industry will become "stronger" despite the economic crisis.
Written by John Thompson