The clock is ticking for the world's dominant cruise builders - STX Europe, Fincantieri and Meyer Werft. Orders dried up a year ago and there was no hint of new interest at last week's Cruise Shipping Miami conference. Financing remains very tight and cruise ticket prices are at record lows. The recession is squeezing discretionary consumer spending, including cruise vacations, and lines already face a hefty delivery schedule, so they have no incentive to order more newbuilds.rnThe yards' situation could become acute in 2012. It takes two-and-a-half to three years from contract signing to delivery (three or more years for prototypes), so those empty slots need to be filled this year.
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