$79 for a 15 minute bus ride!

[kas51]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:

[mudscraper]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:
As P.T. Barnum once said...

[happyglobetrotter]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:


Because many people will purchase it at that price.:D

It is safe:), it is easy:cool: and it is convenient;) but it is expensive:eek:


Look here (http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/arriving_in_venice_by_air.htm) for some information about transportation facilities from the Marco polo airport to the cruise terminal. The fastest way is to go by bus to Venice Piazzale Roma. From there you may catch a shuttle bus to your ship or a local taxi (about 5 euros).

My husband and I have done it a few times and we wheeled our suitcases up to the ship at least twice by walking, it is about 20 minutes by foot (doing it slowly).

The nicest way is to take the ALILAGUNA (about one hour) from the airport to Stazione Marittima. It is a water taxi.

Look here (http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice_airport_boat2.htm) for informations about the airport boat and the fairs and click here (http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice_airport_buses.htm) for infos about the airport bus

I hope the links are working, if not just google these information.

[sail7seas]

They can charge whatever they like. No one is forced to buy it.

[IRL_Joanie]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:

Because it is the price (with a little profit for HAL) that the company that owns the Bus charges HAL.

Just like any tour we go on, the companies that own the vehicles charge HAL a set fee. HAL then passes that fee on to us, with I imagine about a 10% mark up so that they, HAL, can also make a little bit on the tour/shuttle. Just my thoughts, no data to back it up.

Joanie

[kazu]

This is typical price of people who don't want to research and just want things easy. :p We always book our own transport except for maybe two times when it turned out HAl's was more econimical (yes, it can happen).

Venice - we did our own very nice water taxi to the ship from our hotel.

Arriving we did a private pick up and hook up to a water taxi. Not the cheapest means of transport in the world, but with luggage and jet lag it suited us just fine (our trip was reverse). Even with the best transport in Venice, it worked out cheaper than what HAL offered. but only because we chose to research and plan.

We rarely use HAL's transfer because of pricing, but we are also willing to plan and pay the price and sometimes, we don't care if it's a bit more if we can go when we want and how we want.

But that is just us:D Each to their own and many people prefer the convenience of HAL's transfer;) If you do, you are not just paying for transfer but for convenience and there is always a price tag with that;)

[arzz]

Getting around Venice is neither cheap nor easy. A single bus ride could be a bargain if you add in the convenience factor. We arrived in Venice a few days early and needed to get from the airport to our San Marco area hotel. We purchased a private transfer service through our hotel -- it worked well, but do read below how it worked:

We were met at the airport by the transfer service booked for us by the hotel. They dutifully held up a sign with our name on it -- and then took some of our bags, we took the rest, and we embarked upon the first of several "follow the fast moving man with your suitcases" treks to the parking lot and waiting van. We rode for about ten minutes, our driver unloaded the van, again we each took our appointed cases and followed the rapidly moving target to the water taxi dock. Our bags were loaded into a very nice water taxi (sort of like a stretch limo on the water) and we proceeded through the narrow and not so narrow canals to the hotel's water taxi dock. At the dock was a very nice bellman from the hotel who pulled our suitcases from the water taxi and again we each took a case and embarked upon another wild suitcase trek. This time, however, it followed one of the narrow, winding stone pedestrian streets a short way to the hotel entrance.

[iancal]

I think that the cruise companies are making considerably more than a 10 percent markup on their add services like excursions, pre/post, and various forms of land transportation.

I had a rather long conversation a few years ago with a knowledgeable expat tour operator in the Caribbean who, in the past, worked with the cruise lines. His comment was that the cruise line excursion price is usually double what they give to the operator.

[arzz]

For the record our private water taxi from the airport to the hotel came to about the same cost as that which you quoted from HAL as Port to the airport.

Our hotel to port transfer which we also did by private water taxi arranged by the hotel cost us about half of what HAL has quoted you.

Venice is an expensive place to get around.

[muttley]

i haven't seen the contract but my guess is since it is linked directly to the cruise line if somehow someone had a problem on the bus or late disembarkment they would be doing a 'omg the cruise line screwed me over and i missed my flight and they are going to pay to get me home' speech. there are too many scenarios with did they buy air with the cruiseline, trip insurance, transfers with the cruiseline etc.. if you didn't buy air with the cruise line or trip insurance and the bus broke down would just buying the transfer be enough to say you want to be compensated?

[Typhoon1]

Because they can.

[Corby114]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:

Easiest and cheapest way back to the Marco Polo International Airport. Take the free shuttle from the pier back to the Piazza Roma Transportation Center. From the Piazza Roma Transportation Center take the ATVO shuttle bus for four euro per person back to the Marco Polo Airport. Very easy way to get back to the airport. Airport is very busy, especially on weekends when many ships are in port. After back to back cruise on Norweigan Gem in July 2010 airport was a zoo.

[w&k]

...I imagine about a 10% mark up...

Joanie

Joanie-

I can't speak to bus transfers or tours, but from our experience with dive operators and shore excursion prices... I think you may have missed a zero on the percentage. I'm thinking closer to 100% than 10%.

That being said, we did do the cruise transfer and baggage deal once at San Juan... because we had an oversized (and weight) bag, and it slid through that way just fine. Of course, that won't work these days.

Back to the transfer - things in Europe are expensive to start with. This is a great example of the cost of convenience.

Another example: a dear friend of my MIL does a European cruise each summer, and uses Cruise Air and transfers every single time. The flight times times and routing usually stink, and it's far more expensive.

I've offered to take care of all of it for them many times, but for some reason they seem to think that a cruise line representative will magically appear and take care of everything if the arrangements go awry (yeah, right).

Wendy

[sail7seas]

Because it is the price (with a little profit for HAL) that the company that owns the Bus charges HAL.

Just like any tour we go on, the companies that own the vehicles charge HAL a set fee. HAL then passes that fee on to us, with I imagine about a 10% mark up so that they, HAL, can also make a little bit on the tour/shuttle. Just my thoughts, no data to back it up.

Joanie


I wouldn't have a clue what HAL's profit margin is for tours or transfers. How would any of us cruisers know that information to be able to state a percentage? :confused:

Then again, I don't think I really care to know. Doesn't really matter. Either we agree to their price or make our own plans. :shrug:

[sapper1]

We found everything in Venice to be expensive to the point of defying belief. Prices were outrageous throughout the Med but in Venice they bordered on criminal. After HAL is charged an outrageous contract price to provide bus service, they then have to add to it to make their profit. The result may look like gouging on the part of the cruiseline, but having spent three days in Venice last month, I am not surprised by the amount that the OP mentioned.

I don't know what our private water taxi from the ship to hotel and hotel to the airport cost because it was buried in the amazing cost of the hotel, but I imagine it was substantial. The hotel cost $800 per night. It was nice enough but $800 on this side of the pond would buy you a much more impressive hotel.

I am still smarting from the 42 euros we paid for coffee and a piece of pie each. Who thinks to ask the price of a snack beforehand?:eek: Converted, that was 63 dollars. Think about it. Like I said--borderline criminal.

However it trashed the pocketbook, Venice was an experience not to be missed and I will grudgingly admit it was worth it. Very grudgingly.:)

[Opinions]

I have found that a land taxi from the airport to the cruise ship in Venice is just as convenient and less costly than the HAL bus.

[sail7seas]

First time we went to Venice, we arrived on Tour Bus on a 14 day 'Italy at Leisure' tour many years ago. It was Fabulous!!! :)

Second time, we arrived by train. Wonderful.

Third time, we arrived by air. Outstanding.

Foruth time, we arrived on Maasdam. How does anything compare to that? :D Venice has always been hugely expensive but ohhhh the memories. Priceless. :)

Whatever it costs, hopefully you will not regret it in years forward. You (probably) will treasure your memories.

[BruceMuzz]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:

Are you blaming a cruise line because it now takes 79 of your dollars to purchase a 50 Euro bus ticket?
The fact that your currency is worth so little today is not the cruise line's fault.
You need to talk to your Congressman - or move to another country with a stronger currency.

[jcrandle]

Is it not your currency also Bruce? What are you doing about it?

[mudscraper]

Is it not your currency also Bruce? What are you doing about it?
Yes. He gives a lecture about economics when he lives in the most expensive, tax and fee burdened city in the U.S. of A.

[catl331]

Are you blaming a cruise line because it now takes 79 of your dollars to purchase a 50 Euro bus ticket?But the ATVO bus is only 5 Euro for almost the same ride. The only differences are that you put/pull your own bags into/out of the bus baggage compartment, and it costs you another Euro and a little walk to get from Piazzale Roma to the ship.

[Jemima]

HAL transfers are worth it for getting easily from airport to ship or ship to airport. We are usually tired after a flight and we also don't handle luggage too well. We like HAL transfers because they are easy and convenient, there are HAL reps to direct or assist, and luggage handling is easier. I travel with DD and for us the convenience and seamlessness of HAL transfers is worth paying a bit more.

I'll also agree that Venice is excessively expensive. We wanted to stay an extra day or two after a cruise, but it would have run the total trip cost too far over budget. Fortunately we got fabulous views coming into Venice on the ship.

[GeriatricNurse]

We found everything in Venice to be expensive to the point of defying belief. Prices were outrageous throughout the Med but in Venice they bordered on criminal. After HAL is charged an outrageous contract price to provide bus service, they then have to add to it to make their profit. The result may look like gouging on the part of the cruiseline, but having spent three days in Venice last month, I am not surprised by the amount that the OP mentioned.

I don't know what our private water taxi from the ship to hotel and hotel to the airport cost because it was buried in the amazing cost of the hotel, but I imagine it was substantial. The hotel cost $800 per night. It was nice enough but $800 on this side of the pond would buy you a much more impressive hotel.

I am still smarting from the 42 euros we paid for coffee and a piece of pie each. Who thinks to ask the price of a snack beforehand?:eek: Converted, that was 63 dollars. Think about it. Like I said--borderline criminal.

However it trashed the pocketbook, Venice was an experience not to be missed and I will grudgingly admit it was worth it. Very grudgingly.:)

sapper1, thank you for the info related to the post cruise costs in Venice! :eek: I'll avoid Venice on a Mediterraneran pre/post cruise! :( Would you have any info related to (pre-cruise) costs in Rome? :)

[kazu]

sapper1, thank you for the info related to the post cruise costs in Venice! :eek: I'll avoid Venice on a Mediterraneran pre/post cruise! :( Would you have any info related to (pre-cruise) costs in Rome? :)

GeriatricNurse - I'm not sapper1 but I can help a bit and she can fill in what I leave out. You do have a cost in Rome to get to the ship as it docks in Citivacchia (yes I probably spelled it wrong). You can take the train from Rome to Citi. as long as you don't mind schlepping luggage and then a cab to the port. Or you can arrange for a private transfer. Private transfers range from around 130 euros to 160 euros depending upon the company. If you can find another couple to share with, it's not too bad.

( If you choose to stay in Citi instead of Rome, I have noticed on the boards that some hotels there include transfer from Rome (I'm not sure how that affects room price))

Or you can do the ship's transfer. We found it cheaper to do our own.

Rome is much easier to get around from public transportation point of view. I have also found that there is a nicer variety in prices for hotels. You're not limited to how close you are to a water dock;)

Simply a choice in location and type of accomodation.:D

hope this helps a bit;)

[whogo]

Holland America transfers, flights, and hotels will rarely be the choice of a savvy, cost-conscious, able-bodied cruiser. If you want a skewed impression of HAL demographics, watch the oldsters climb on the transfer bus with their canes and walkers.

[schoolinmy3]

sapper1, thank you for the info related to the post cruise costs in Venice! :eek: I'll avoid Venice on a Mediterraneran pre/post cruise! :( Would you have any info related to (pre-cruise) costs in Rome? :)
We were in the Med on cruises last May and this May. Last May we stayed in Rome pre-cruise. We took the train from the airport to Termini and walked to our B&B. The morning of the cruise we took the train from Termini to the port and walked with our suitcases to the port area where we boarded a free bus shuttle. If you are staying in Rome pre-cruise and can manage your own luggage (including stairs when necessary) the train is definitely much cheaper. I can't remember the exact fares but with 5 of us the savings were substantial. This year we booked a private transfer from the airport to the port through Rome in Limo but due to a mechanical problem with our plane ended up landing in Rome later in the morning and so just took the HAL transfer. (The reps are right by the baggage claim area and will sign you up on the spot. It was slightly cheaper than prepaying for the transfer - not sure why) After our cruise we did take Rome in Limo back to the airport. The private transfers were not cheaper than the HAL transfers but they are fast drivers!
Diane

[arzz]

Not all hotels in Venice are $800 a night! We stayed in Venice pre-cruise for five nights in a hotel right on San Marco square for about $200 a night. Our TA helped us to find the hotel. It wasn't a five star hotel -- it was a smaller 3/4 star family run hotel. Breakfast was included. It was clean and charming and had free wifi available in their lounge downstairs.

That is not to say that Venice is not expensive. We had to watch where we had our meals as restaurants can get very pricey and we had to budget for transportation costs on days that we roamed farther than our feet could take us.

Right now Europe is expensive for us but it doesn't have to break the bank if you do your homework.

Venice is worth experiencing.

[Randyk47]

I love Venice, been there a number of times, but getting around Venice is interesting and sometimes challenging. After spending probably several thousand dollars on cruise fare, airline tickets, pre and post cruise hotels, etc., I'm not going to pinch pennies at the risk of blowing out my back or stressing out trying to catch water taxis in Venice or trains from Rome to the port or vice versa. Been there, done that and it's not something I'm in any hurry to do again, especially hauling carry-on and four large bags. :)

[iancal]

We travel in Europe often. We are independent travellers and make all of our own arrangements.

We actually just returned from a 3 day stay in Venice this past May, as part of a 4/5 week trip. Venice, and Italy, does not have to be as expensive as people on this board make it out to be. It can be if you leave all of the arrangements to your TA or to the cruise company.

We stayed in a small one bedroom apt. (with cont. breakfast) near Ca D'ora for three nights. It was a great place-clean and very convenient. The total cost was under $400. for three nights. Our transportation cost consisted of a 25E pre purchased 72 hour transportation pass-valid on the vaporettos and the airport bus. We don't have coffee in St. Marks Square because we know that it will cost upwards of 32E- so we go elsewhere. We frequent the restaurants where the locals eat. When we picked up our rental car, a gentleman in front of us was quoted a daily walk in rate of more than half the cost of our pre-arranged 7 day rental w/insurance.

My point is, as others have said, that Venice is more expensive but that is not a reason not to do any pre or post stays. If you do some reading, book well in advance, you may find that it is about 10-20 percent more expensive that Rome or Florence. Fortunately we are faily light packers and we can easily handle our luggage. This in itself has given us lots of freedom and reduced our costs significantly over time by increasing our transportation and lodging options.

It is really all down to choice and willingness to do some up front research.

[BruceMuzz]

Yes. He gives a lecture about economics when he lives in the most expensive, tax and fee burdened city in the U.S. of A.

Actually I heeded my own advice and moved to a much better place decades ago.

[Charles4515]

Because it is the price (with a little profit for HAL) that the company that owns the Bus charges HAL.

Just like any tour we go on, the companies that own the vehicles charge HAL a set fee. HAL then passes that fee on to us, with I imagine about a 10% mark up so that they, HAL, can also make a little bit on the tour/shuttle. Just my thoughts, no data to back it up.

Joanie

The HAL markup is more than 10% !!!! I usually do my own transfers and shore excursions and pay about 60% of the HAL price for the same or similar tour. Sometimes when I have done my own for less there are passengers are on the same bus or excursion who booked thru the ship with the same operator.

[GeriatricNurse]

GeriatricNurse - I'm not sapper1 but I can help a bit and she can fill in what I leave out. You do have a cost in Rome to get to the ship as it docks in Citivacchia (yes I probably spelled it wrong). You can take the train from Rome to Citi. as long as you don't mind schlepping luggage and then a cab to the port. Or you can arrange for a private transfer. Private transfers range from around 130 euros to 160 euros depending upon the company. If you can find another couple to share with, it's not too bad.

( If you choose to stay in Citi instead of Rome, I have noticed on the boards that some hotels there include transfer from Rome (I'm not sure how that affects room price))

Or you can do the ship's transfer. We found it cheaper to do our own.

Rome is much easier to get around from public transportation point of view. I have also found that there is a nicer variety in prices for hotels. You're not limited to how close you are to a water dock;)

Simply a choice in location and type of accomodation.:D

hope this helps a bit;)

kazu, thank you very much for the information. :) I appreciate it. :)

[GeriatricNurse]

We were in the Med on cruises last May and this May. Last May we stayed in Rome pre-cruise. We took the train from the airport to Termini and walked to our B&B. The morning of the cruise we took the train from Termini to the port and walked with our suitcases to the port area where we boarded a free bus shuttle. If you are staying in Rome pre-cruise and can manage your own luggage (including stairs when necessary) the train is definitely much cheaper. I can't remember the exact fares but with 5 of us the savings were substantial. This year we booked a private transfer from the airport to the port through Rome in Limo but due to a mechanical problem with our plane ended up landing in Rome later in the morning and so just took the HAL transfer. (The reps are right by the baggage claim area and will sign you up on the spot. It was slightly cheaper than prepaying for the transfer - not sure why) After our cruise we did take Rome in Limo back to the airport. The private transfers were not cheaper than the HAL transfers but they are fast drivers!
Diane

Diane, thank you very much for the information. :) I appreciate it. :)

[marc62]

How can HAL justify $79 pp for a 15 minute bus ride from Venice port to the airport?:confused:

Having completed the trip a couple of years ago, it is far more than a 15 minute bus ride from the port to Marco Polo! If we remember correctly it was around 40 minutes.

Marc

[RDC1]

For the record our private water taxi from the airport to the hotel came to about the same cost as that which you quoted from HAL as Port to the airport.

Our hotel to port transfer which we also did by private water taxi arranged by the hotel cost us about half of what HAL has quoted you.

Venice is an expensive place to get around.

Last time I was in Venice a water taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal was about 90 Euro or about $130 dollars. A little cheaper for two than the HAL transfer. It is a bit of a walk from the air port to the water taxi location (around 100 yards or so) and about the same at the cruise ship terminal end.

[iancal]

It was fifteen-20 minutes three weeks ago...going both directions by car.

[lastlook]

We flew in to Venice (Marco Polo) a couple of days prior to our cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam last month, and took a private water taxi to our hotel. We paid at the airport desk and the cost was 100 Euro for the two of us. They gave us our receipt and told us which pier to walk to. We then rolled our bags to the designated pier - it probably was about a 10 minute walk.

The boat arrived to pick us up within a few minutes and took us directly to our hotel. We pretty much had to handle our bags in and out of the boat, but the driver did assist us somewhat (not much) and at times the ride was very rough as he sped across the wakes in the lagoon. He finally slowed down once we approached the entrance to the Grand Canal. Would we do this again? I would - the weather was nice and it was a great way to arrive in such a unique and special place.

When we saw that HAL was charging $79 pp for transport from the Marittima Terminal to the Marco Polo, we considered taking a private water taxi back to the airport. In the end, we simply walked out to the land taxi stop at Marittima, where another couple was also waiting so the taxi driver offered to take all four of us for 15 Euro each, which we all agreed to do. Very reasonable.

[iancal]

15E each was a fair price. The normal taxi fare is 35-40E.

[ariawoman]

As P.T. Barnum once said...

....there is a sucker...born every minute...each time the minute hand sweeps up the clock like dandelions up they pop...

Sorry, I didn't want you to think your quote was missed by all :-)

[cruisemom42]

We travel in Europe often. We are independent travellers and make all of our own arrangements.

We actually just returned from a 3 day stay in Venice this past May, as part of a 4/5 week trip. Venice, and Italy, does not have to be as expensive as people on this board make it out to be. It can be if you leave all of the arrangements to your TA or to the cruise company.

We stayed in a small one bedroom apt. (with cont. breakfast) near Ca D'ora for three nights. It was a great place-clean and very convenient. The total cost was under $400. for three nights. Our transportation cost consisted of a 25E pre purchased 72 hour transportation pass-valid on the vaporettos and the airport bus. We don't have coffee in St. Marks Square because we know that it will cost upwards of 32E- so we go elsewhere. We frequent the restaurants where the locals eat. When we picked up our rental car, a gentleman in front of us was quoted a daily walk in rate of more than half the cost of our pre-arranged 7 day rental w/insurance.

My point is, as others have said, that Venice is more expensive but that is not a reason not to do any pre or post stays. If you do some reading, book well in advance, you may find that it is about 10-20 percent more expensive that Rome or Florence. Fortunately we are faily light packers and we can easily handle our luggage. This in itself has given us lots of freedom and reduced our costs significantly over time by increasing our transportation and lodging options.

It is really all down to choice and willingness to do some up front research.

Completely agree. Traveling as a solo isn't cheap. A little (or a lot) of research in advance enables me to stretch my travel budget a lot further.

From the ship to the airport via taxi should not be more than 35 euro and shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. For two or more people, a much better deal than what the cruise lines offer. Even cheaper is taking the People Mover for 1 euro, and then the bus to the airport for 3 euro. Easy peasey.

The prices for shore excursions are getting out of hand. As many others have reported, ships certainly mark up their tours much more than 10%; in many cases I have contacted the same agencies used by the cruise lines and gotten quotes for the same tours at between 40-50% less.

No problem for me in most ports as I much prefer to do thing "on my own". I usually do not even check ship tours anymore, so I was horrified last fall to find out that HAL's overnight in Israel cost almost as much as my cruise fare for the entire 12-day sailing. :eek:

[ironin]

[quote]From the ship to the airport via taxi should not be more than 35 euro and shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. For two or more people, a much better deal than what the cruise lines offer. Even cheaper is taking the People Mover for 1 euro, and then the bus to the airport for 3 euro. Easy peasey.

How much luggage do you bring with you? I myself travel very light, but a lot of cruisers travel with bulky bags and a large carry-on. What is easy for you or me isn't always easy for the average person boarding a HAL ship. ;)

The prices for shore excursions are getting out of hand. As many others have reported, ships certainly mark up their tours much more than 10%; in many cases I have contacted the same agencies used by the cruise lines and gotten quotes for the same tours at between 40-50% less.

No problem for me in most ports as I much prefer to do thing "on my own". I usually do not even check ship tours anymore, so I was horrified last fall to find out that HAL's overnight in Israel cost almost as much as my cruise fare for the entire 12-day sailing. :eek:

Like you, whenever possible, we prefer to book our own tours so we can see what we want to at our pace. We sometimes book the ship-arranged tours. I don't see the point in complaining about the price - it is what it is. No one is forced to go on them. Those that think they can save money elsewhere are free to go elsewhere.

Your mention of the Israel trip reminds me that we were hoping to do a HAL cruise departing Peru later this year. It didn't work out, but the 5-day pre-cruise package through HAL was surprisingly competitive. I priced doing virtually the same thing on our own and it came out $200 above HAL's and that didn't include the various included tours in Lima before and after. (It may have been a promo. or something)

[cruisemom42]

Your mention of the Israel trip reminds me that we were hoping to do a HAL cruise departing Peru later this year. It didn't work out, but the 5-day pre-cruise package through HAL was surprisingly competitive. I priced doing virtually the same thing on our own and it came out $200 above HAL's and that didn't include the various included tours in Lima before and after. (It may have been a promo. or something)

Maybe. But keep in mind that as a solo, I also have to pay a premium for an overnight shore excursion or ship pre- or post-cruise package, and the prices charged by the cruise lines are usually a lot more than similar land-based tours charge.

I just looked at booking with either Princess or HAL for their SE Asia cruise for the main purpose of seeing Angkor Wat. I found that, as a solo, I could take a complete 10-day trip of Thailand (with 3 days at Angkor Wat) for less than the ship's "overland tour" during the cruise.

Sure, no one's forcing you to pay the ships' tour prices. Unfortunately I also find that it leads to me booking fewer cruises and more land tours.

P.S. I pack pretty light. :)

[ironin]

Maybe. But keep in mind that as a solo, I also have to pay a premium for an overnight shore excursion or ship pre- or post-cruise package, and the prices charged by the cruise lines are usually a lot more than similar land-based tours charge.

I just looked at booking with either Princess or HAL for their SE Asia cruise for the main purpose of seeing Angkor Wat. I found that, as a solo, I could take a complete 10-day trip of Thailand (with 3 days at Angkor Wat) for less than the ship's "overland tour" during the cruise.

Sure, no one's forcing you to pay the ships' tour prices. Unfortunately I also find that it leads to me booking fewer cruises and more land tours.

P.S. I pack pretty light. :)

LOL! Most of my traveling has also been as a single, so I do appreciate what you are saying about costs. I also know what you mean about land tours often working out better. Once we sat down and talked about what we really wanted to do as far as Peru goes, we figured out we could fly direct via LAN, stay in some really nice hotels, spend more time in Lima, Machu Picchu and Cuzco, take the Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca, spend a couple of days there and then about three days each in Quito, Guayquil and Cuenca, Ecuador for about the same as the cruise and the add-on.

We just may do that instead.

[arzz]

For the record, Israel is very expensive. Our independently arranged overnight in April was by far the most expensive thing that we did on our Med cruise -- yet we paid only a fraction of what HAL charged for their overnight.

[ironin]

For the record, Israel is very expensive. Our independently arranged overnight in April was by far the most expensive thing that we did on our Med cruise -- yet we paid only a fraction of what HAL charged for their overnight.

You two did some incredible tours on that last sailing, arzz! How long did you spend researching/planning/arranging all of those?

[arzz]

We always spend time researching our ports, but the bulk of the credit goes to CC member Bra1nchild with whom we have had the honor of sharing three wonderful cruise vacations -- he does the real research and finds the independent tour operators -- and he does a wonderful job! Planning takes almost a year -- and for the big adventures we usually book at least 18 months out.

[GeriatricNurse]

Last time I was in Venice a water taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal was about 90 Euro or about $130 dollars. A little cheaper for two than the HAL transfer. It is a bit of a walk from the air port to the water taxi location (around 100 yards or so) and about the same at the cruise ship terminal end.


How long does it take for the water taxi to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal? :)

[GeriatricNurse]

Completely agree. Traveling as a solo isn't cheap. A little (or a lot) of research in advance enables me to stretch my travel budget a lot further.

From the ship to the airport via taxi should not be more than 35 euro and shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. For two or more people, a much better deal than what the cruise lines offer. Even cheaper is taking the People Mover for 1 euro, and then the bus to the airport for 3 euro. Easy peasey.

The prices for shore excursions are getting out of hand. As many others have reported, ships certainly mark up their tours much more than 10%; in many cases I have contacted the same agencies used by the cruise lines and gotten quotes for the same tours at between 40-50% less.

No problem for me in most ports as I much prefer to do thing "on my own". I usually do not even check ship tours anymore, so I was horrified last fall to find out that HAL's overnight in Israel cost almost as much as my cruise fare for the entire 12-day sailing. :eek:


With the conversion, it would appear that it would be approximately $30 cheaper, each, to take the taxi from the cruise terminal to the airport rather than the HAL transfer! ;)

[kazu]

How long does it take for the water taxi to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal? :)

When we went we stayed pre cruise in the hotel. Took water taxi there and to the ship. The trip was nearly too quick:D about 20 minutes from our hotel as I recall. I don't think there would be much difference from P. Roma as we had to go down some waterways to get to and from the hotel.

Note GN - you need to get to the water taxi place from the airport. We used a service which drove us there and transferred us to the water taxi.

[kas51]

Are you blaming a cruise line because it now takes 79 of your dollars to purchase a 50 Euro bus ticket?
The fact that your currency is worth so little today is not the cruise line's fault.
You need to talk to your Congressman - or move to another country with a stronger currency.

Well it is not a currency issue for me as I am Australian. I believe it is price gouging, particularly because HAL advised passengers in writing that it was a 40 minute ride. In fact it was a 15 minute ride. We has to load and unload our own luggage for that too!! The taxi ride was 20 Euros....as I said, sounds like price gouging to me.

[kas51]

Having completed the trip a couple of years ago, it is far more than a 15 minute bus ride from the port to Marco Polo! If we remember correctly it was around 40 minutes.

Marc

Well that would depend on where the ship docks.. we were on the number 2 dock which the captain advised was a prime position and close to everything. In our case it was a 15 minute trip...do the maths. 50 people @ $79...as I said, colleagues of mine took a cab from the same point and paid 20 euros.

[BruceMuzz]

With the conversion, it would appear that it would be approximately $30 cheaper, each, to take the taxi from the cruise terminal to the airport rather than the HAL transfer! ;)

In nearly every port in the world, it is less expensive (for 2 or more people) to take a taxi to the airport than it is to take the cruise line's shuttle.
But many cruisers are lingusitically challenged, feeble, naive, or lazy - and take the more expensive shuttle instead.

If demand for the more expensive shuttles was not there, those shuttles would be gone tomorrow.

[schoolinmy3]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, so I apologize in advance if I am, but aren't all HAL transfers the same price? It seems to me like they are always $79. So from the Rome airport to Civitavecchia, a much longer ride depending on traffic, is $79 as well as perhaps shorter distances to other ports. In Rome I paid more for a private transfer. In either case I don't see how you can call it price gouging when you have a choice whether to purchase a HAL transfer or book your own private transfer. HAL is free to make money however they choose and we are free to either use their service and pay for the convenience or go our own route. Very simple actually. ;)
Diane

[kas51]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, so I apologize in advance if I am, but aren't all HAL transfers the same price? It seems to me like they are always $79. So from the Rome airport to Civitavecchia, a much longer ride depending on traffic, is $79 as well as perhaps shorter distances to other ports. In Rome I paid more for a private transfer. In either case I don't see how you can call it price gouging when you have a choice whether to purchase a HAL transfer or book your own private transfer. HAL is free to make money however they choose and we are free to either use their service and pay for the convenience or go our own route. Very simple actually. ;)
Diane

Well $79 for 1 1/2 hour trip is more reasonable..and whilst you may think it is very 'simple'..I think it is unreasonable for a 15 minute bus ride. Particularly when HAL advises passengers that taxis will be difficult to come by. In terms of 'choice', I think it is fair to say that passengers who haven;t previously traveled in that part of the world should be able to rely on the cruiseline for impartial advice..In my opinion this was bad advice...lesson learned, let it be a warning to other first timers.

[iancal]

So let me see. Two people can pay $160. for the HAL transfer- a bus.

Or they can take a cab for 35-40E ($60. with tip). Or they could even take the direct airport bus that runs frequently for 5E per person, or approx. $15. for two people.

No wonder they tell people that taxis are difficult to get.

[schoolinmy3]

Taxis can be hard to get depending on the port. I have never been to Venice so I can't comment on that. But, last year our Med cruise ended in Dover. We did not book a HAL transfer as we were traveling as a family of 5 and didn't want to spend that amount of money. We just assumed there would be taxis available. Getting off the ship (there was a delay of about 1 1/2 hours because of some problem with the longshoremen and too many ships in port or something or other), there was an amazingly long wait for a taxi. The crush of people was incredible. And since we would have needed two taxis we were really stuck. So we walked for 2 hours I believe to the train station with our suitcases, including my 10 yo daughter. :eek: I learned that in any case, research is definitely the order of the day. Either to make sure you are not paying more than you need to, or to make sure you are not stranded without any transportation because you didn't make prior arrangements, either private or with HAL.
Diane

[kazu]

In nearly every port in the world, it is less expensive (for 2 or more people) to take a taxi to the airport than it is to take the cruise line's shuttle.
But many cruisers are lingusitically challenged, feeble, naive, or lazy - and take the more expensive shuttle instead.

If demand for the more expensive shuttles was not there, those shuttles would be gone tomorrow.

Exactly! if people want to research and do some work they can then choose if they want to do a HAL transfer or not (we have on occasion btw). HAL's transfer is very convenient for people who just want to be taken care of and if that's what they opt for then I don't think they should complain.

In this day and age of the internet and the cruise critic boards and the port boards there are a lot of ways to get answers to a lot of questions and make a decision that suits the individual passenger. first time cruisers often use HAL (we did) and that's fine but it is their choice:D

Part of the cruising cost is your transfer and each of us chooses how we will get to the ship and back:) JMO though;)

[cruisemom42]

In nearly every port in the world, it is less expensive (for 2 or more people) to take a taxi to the airport than it is to take the cruise line's shuttle.
But many cruisers are lingusitically challenged, feeble, naive, or lazy - and take the more expensive shuttle instead.



Glad I didn't say that.....!

As for transfers, I do agree HAL can make money, but is it really good business to fleece your loyal customers?

[agabbymama]

Glad I didn't say that.....!

As for transfers, I do agree HAL can make money, but is it really good business to fleece your loyal customers?

May not be good business, but ALL the cruiselines seem to do it. On transfers and shore excursions too. Yet it doesn't seem to stop people from cruising.

[ironin]

True. For a company that is reportedly fleecing their customers at virtually opportunity (see these boards for numerous complaints about price-gouging for shore excursions, transfers, alcohol, wine, beer, soda, water, the Pinnacle Grill, staterooms, photos, spa treatments, ship store items, and just about anything else that costs money) Carnival Corporation's (CCL) current annualized net profit margin of 13.67% is unimpressive.

[agabbymama]

True. For a company that is reportedly fleecing their customers at virtually opportunity (see these boards for numerous complaints about price-gouging for shore excursions, transfers, alcohol, wine, beer, soda, water, the Pinnacle Grill, staterooms, photos, spa treatments, ship store items, and just about anything else that costs money) Carnival Corporation's (CCL) current annualized net profit margin of 13.67% is unimpressive.

I think a profit of 13.67% is very impressive. I certainly can't say I make that kind of profit. As a matter of fact, I think I may be about that percentage in the hole each year. I think I get 1.25% on my savings.

[ironin]

I think a profit of 13.67% is very impressive. I certainly can't say I make that kind of profit. As a matter of fact, I think I may be about that percentage in the hole each year. I think I get 1.25% on my savings.

It seems to me that the interest we get for merely depositing money in a zero-risk savings account is hardly comparable to the risks involved in operating a corporation with thousands of employees and a few million customers worldwide. ;) YMMV.

My point was simple: if it actually were such a specialist in fleecing its customers at virtually every opportunity, CCL's profits would be far higher than the current fair-to-middling results. Intel isn't widely criticized for rapacious pricing, but their current profit margin (26.39%) is about double that of CCL. I can't recall anyone accusing Coca-Cola of unethical pricing, yet their profit margin is 31.74%. Although McDonalds has a current profit margin of 20.61%, I haven't run across people claiming they regularly fleece purchasers of Big Macs, Happy Meals or Filet-of-Fish sandwiches. Johnson & Johnson is one of the most-respected brands in America. Their current profit margin is said to be 19.77%.

[cruisemom42]

True. For a company that is reportedly fleecing their customers at virtually opportunity (see these boards for numerous complaints about price-gouging for shore excursions, transfers, alcohol, wine, beer, soda, water, the Pinnacle Grill, staterooms, photos, spa treatments, ship store items, and just about anything else that costs money) Carnival Corporation's (CCL) current annualized net profit margin of 13.67% is unimpressive.

I was only referring to the pricing on shore excursions and transfers, to be clear. I think you're expanding the scope a lot further than I intended.

At any rate, if HAL charges the prices and customers purchase the "goods" that is all well and good. But I just think at times some of the cruise lines are a bit disingenuous at discouraging folks from making their own arrangements. There's fair marketing, and then there's fearmongering and false claims.

As long as others have a clear understanding of what they're getting for their $$$ and a TRUE picture of what their other options are, I'm satisfied. ;)

[cruisemom42]

May not be good business, but ALL the cruiselines seem to do it. On transfers and shore excursions too. Yet it doesn't seem to stop people from cruising.

On the cruise line listed in my signature, there was no charge for most shore excursions and transfers were included. Also no tipping and free wine or soft drinks with dinner.

I sailed this line about 6 weeks after a similar itinerary on HAL's Westerdam last fall, both for the same length of time. The cost for the entire trip was less expensive than HAL.

So not ALL cruiselines do it.

[iancal]

HAL do not have to justify the price. The offer is there for people to either accept or search out alternatives. In this case, there are a number of alternatives. It is all down to personal choice.

[catl331]

15E each was a fair price. The normal taxi fare is 35-40E.We paid 20 E pp ... less than I had expected.

[catl331]

Even cheaper is taking the People Mover for 1 euro, and then the bus to the airport for 3 euro.The ATVO bus has gone up to 5 Euro pp each way, 9 Euro round trip.

Maybe I'm wrong about this, so I apologize in advance if I am, but aren't all HAL transfers the same price? No, it varies with the distance. In Ft Lauderdale and San Diego they're less, but still about double the cost of a taxi for 2.

[iancal]

...and if that is too expensive you can just take the #5 bus which goes to the airport. Probably 3E or less.

[lettienets]

True. For a company that is reportedly fleecing their customers at virtually opportunity (see these boards for numerous complaints about price-gouging for shore excursions, transfers, alcohol, wine, beer, soda, water, the Pinnacle Grill, staterooms, photos, spa treatments, ship store items, and just about anything else that costs money) Carnival Corporation's (CCL) current annualized net profit margin of 13.67% is unimpressive.
The low profit margin is due to the company absorbing the rising cost of fuel. They know if they put the fuel surcharge back on, and always have in the fine print that they may, people will complain and stop cruising in this market. There are so many irritants out there like the costs, taxes and hassles of flying and the high cost of tours, amenities etc, it is a balancing act. Who knows where the breaking point is.

[iancal]

I think a lot depends on you how much luggage you take and you physical ability to handle it. There seems little doubt in my mind that ALL of the cruise lines take advantage of people who take scads of luggage, are physically unable to handle their luggage, or are willing to pay exhorbitant amounts for convenience.

A long time ago we decided to travel with only as much luggage as we could easily handle. For us that meant a 21 and a 24 inch roller respectively and one small carry on-regardless of duration or mode of travel. We find that this makes our travel options more flexible since we always do add ons. Others people choose to take more luggage so their options may be limited. The cruise lines like this. So we would think nothing of say in Venice, of taking the airport bus for 5E instead of $80, or taking a cab in FLL or MIA, for $15-$20. instead of give the cruise line $40. each for the transfer (and getting there much, much faster). The great thing is that we all have lots of choice.

[schoolinmy3]

It seems to me that the interest we get for merely depositing money in a zero-risk savings account is hardly comparable to the risks involved in operating a corporation with thousands of employees and a few million customers worldwide. ;) YMMV.

My point was simple: if it actually were such a specialist in fleecing its customers at virtually every opportunity, CCL's profits would be far higher than the current fair-to-middling results. Intel isn't widely criticized for rapacious pricing, but their current profit margin (26.39%) is about double that of CCL. I can't recall anyone accusing Coca-Cola of unethical pricing, yet their profit margin is 31.74%. Although McDonalds has a current profit margin of 20.61%, I haven't run across people claiming they regularly fleece purchasers of Big Macs, Happy Meals or Filet-of-Fish sandwiches. Johnson & Johnson is one of the most-respected brands in America. Their current profit margin is said to be 19.77%.

Thank you for posting. I had wondered what other companies profit margin percentages were. :) The comparison helps. Obviously every company is out to make money. That is the bottom line. As long as there are no unethical practices involved then I don't have an issue with what profits these companies make. That would be the purpose of going into business after all. If not, then it is called non-profit.
Diane

[iancal]

I think that you need to compare margins within the same line of business. I would not want to compare Exxons recent margins with Carnival's.

There is a lot of room between gross revenue and net profit before taxes. Cost of sales is one. The other one that can make or break is called MANAGEMENT. Just look at all those years when the foreign car makers were making profit and GM, Chrysler, etc. were in the toilet from a market share and a profit perspective.

[ironin]

I think that you need to compare margins within the same line of business. I would not want to compare Exxons recent margins with Carnival's.

Fair point! FWIW, RCI's profit margin is 12.16%.

[ironin]

I was only referring to the pricing on shore excursions and transfers, to be clear. I think you're expanding the scope a lot further than I intended.

LOL! I know that and I'm sorry about leaving the impression that I did leave behind. The word "fleecing" caught my eye as being a bit strong. I'm afraid I got a bit carried away because it reminded me how often we see various over-the-top complaints about price gouging for this or that. I definitely should have said that it was my flight of fancy, and not your original post that was taking hold at that time.

At any rate, if HAL charges the prices and customers purchase the "goods" that is all well and good. But I just think at times some of the cruise lines are a bit disingenuous at discouraging folks from making their own arrangements. There's fair marketing, and then there's fearmongering and false claims.

I agree about the distinction.

As long as others have a clear understanding of what they're getting for their $$$ and a TRUE picture of what their other options are, I'm satisfied. ;)

So am I, as long whatever I paid cost less than anyone else. :D (Just kidding!)

BTW, Congratulations on what sounds like a great deal on your last cruise!

[bodget]

merc to the airport £40

[Storylady]

merc to the airport £40


You are correct. Here's a link for private transfer from Cruise Port to Marco Polo Airport.

http://www.airport-transfers-direct.com/venice-transfers/taxi-from-venice-cruise-terminal-to-venice-marco-polo-airport.html

39 Euros is 55 dollars.

HAL is always going to have a mark up on the price. They have to pay someone to arrange for all the buses that need to take everyone to the airport. Be thankful that most passengers probably pay HAL for the transfer. I can remember waiting for a taxi to take me to the Athens airport as I didn't take the time to arrange a pickup and I didn't take the HAL transfer---more than 2 hours waiting in the hot sun. Or you could be waiting for a taxi in pouring rain. Sometimes the extra $24 might be worth it.

[kazu]

If HAL is only maklng the ROE it is then I don't think they are fleecing anyone, it comes down to the big picture. and that is what you have to look at it. It costs money to arrange buses (I know) and then there is the organization on board.

If they were fleecing people their return on equity would reflect it. In any case, I stand by the statement that if you choose to take their transfer and the convenience, it's your choice.

You can choose to do your own, but you better research it first and that takes time. If you don't have the time, a few extra $$ are worth it IMO.;)

[iancal]

My guess it that HAL charges at least double...they probably just charter the bus and do a cut off when the seats are allocated. Just think, the AVTO bus from the Piazza is making money charging 5E per person. HAL must be making a fair buck charging $79., about 10 times as much for a very similar service.

But what HAL makes is not really important, I would only care what the cost to me is and what the alternatives are. It is like asking how much commission the TA makes...who cares as long as the price is acceptable to you.