If you’ve been thinking about taking a cruise this year, now might be the best time to find a good deal, according to Consumer Reports story Cruise Lines Cut Prices to Boost Business.

Cruise sales have been slow this winter – according to the story, the new passport rules and unseasonably warm winter weather have been the culprits, but I think there’s an added component – the dreaded norovirus, which has struck at least two major cruise ships in the last month or two.

Bargain prices certainly won’t last, so this is a sooner rather than later sort of trend to take advantage of. Cruise lines aren’t the only ones offering the deals. Travelocity’s Cruise Super Sale boasts discounts and onboard credits on every cruise line in its inventory through Feb. 15, 2007.