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 cruisers.  It is hard to try something new when people just died doing it.  Especially when the accident has a ton of media coverage.

I wonder if there are any lessons for the cruise industry after watching what Mexico has gone through with the drug violence?  Over 99% of people going to Mexico have a safe and wonderful time, but the media coverage of the violence (well outside of the tourist areas) has made it harder to see Mexico as a completely safe vacation paradise.

Does anyone have stats for how much travel to Mexico declined due to the drug violence?  I suppose it is hard to separate from the lower amount of travelers who stayed home because of the recession.