Some friends of mine are on a vacation in Costa Rica right now.

It definately has me itching to go on a trip.

I wonder how many people book travel plans while their family or friends are on a trip?

Not only does their travel remind us how great traveling is, but we also seem to have a small "keeping up with the Jones" mentality in this country.  If my parents go to Cozumel, I hope they have a good time.  If some of my friends go on a trip, I…

I found a statistic that says a large percentage of people use a travel agent when they book a cruise.

I also saw an article about how travel agent commissions are being reduced.

Are cruise lines basically hoping they can book more cruise vacations directly?

The loss of travel agents would be a loss of service and knowledge.

I realize that the internet allows people to quickly search for ships and prices.

I know…

Since the Concordia crash, I've been doing some research on the cruise industry.

I've never been on a cruise, but if prices drop, maybe I will give it a try.

More than 11 million Americans went on a cruise last year.

More than 5 million Europeans went on a cruise last year.

The tipped over Costa Concordia is owned by the Carnival Corporation.

Carnival has 101 cruise ships sailing under the names Costa,…

People just got a major reason to cross a cruise off their list for this year.

Images of the sunken cruise ship will drive prices lower this year.

This will be great news for seasoned cruisers who will cruise no matter what.  They will recognize the lower prices and will be very happy customers.  Some of them may take the opportunity to upgrade their choice of ship and route.

It remains to be seen if lower prices will bring in the novice…