Penny Squeezing

[starsjohn]

Here is a link to a story this morning about penny pinching in the land based competition.
Debate this with you fellow business companions over a nice cup of Joe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/27/business/27fees.html?ex=1398484800&en=db376a486d72af44&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND

Ecks! You will have to copy and paste the entire link.

John

[Toto2Kansas]

After reading that, cruise lines sure aren't the only ones that are nickle and dimeing the public. I just can't imagine running a business and offering one price and then tacking on all those additional charges once the guest arrives. (mainly speaking of hotels here)

Tahitian Princess 10/14/04
RCI-Legend of the Seas 3/27/05 Panama Canal.
One Phantom Booking still open with Princess.

[Coolmama_1]

Have you looked at your phone bill lately? It isn't just the travel industry!

Judy

Cruisin in July on the Golden Princess

[spongerob]

And then they tack on city and county taxes - cha-ching! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[HahvadYaad]

Don't forget about the charge to clean the table cloth when you eat out at certain restaurants in Italy.........

Yes.....when you get your food bill, they do add the cost of cleaning the table cloth!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[cruiserforlife]

and don't expect it to get better anytime soon...

"a bad day at sea is better than a great day at work and a lousy day at sea is still pretty damn good!"

[samscruiser]

Even thought the "energy surcharge" really galls me, the most outragious one I've seen is the "resort" charge. Huh? I'd much rather it just be in the rate.
Really I think the attorney generals of States ought to start looking at "surcharges" like these that apply to everybody. To me it's a type of bait and switch, advertising a lower rate and then soaking you with surcharges at checkout!
GRRR

94 Fantasy - Bahamas
95 Fantasy - Bahamas
02 Inspiration - West Carrib
03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib
04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[starsjohn]

The city, here, added bed charges for our resort rentals, and then came the parking restrictions and charges. Then there is the "Valet parking only" at everything from the restaurant to the doctor's office.

John

[samscruiser]

Our City owns the gas/water utility. Then they add a utility tax to their rates. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
The City charges a franchise fee to the electric utility and cable TV company, who then get to charge us the franchise fee on their bill http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
That's why I need to cruise!

94 Fantasy - Bahamas
95 Fantasy - Bahamas
02 Inspiration - West Carrib
03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib
04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[FredS]

ship something by UPS and they tack on a $2.00 fuel surcharge. Due to rising cost of fuel. Now you would think this would be built into their rates as apart of doing business, but this is extra.