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Cruise costs


Kerry&LuAnn

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There are frequent comments about rising costs. Interestingly, we looked back at our past records and discovered that the cruises we have taken in recent years have been less expensive than the ones we took six years ago! Apparently doing some research, watching for real sales, and having a good travel agent has made a difference.

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There are frequent comments about rising costs. Interestingly, we looked back at our past records and discovered that the cruises we have taken in recent years have been less expensive than the ones we took six years ago! Apparently doing some research, watching for real sales, and having a good travel agent has made a difference.

 

Many who comment and complain about rising costs don't take into account the declining purchasing power of the dollar.

 

Cruising is a much better bargain than it was a few years ago, and shopping for sales as you do makes it even better.

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Those all help but are not the main factor. A company can only charge as much for their product as people are willing to pay. When it comes to things with a specific 'shelf life' like a cruise, they don't have the luxury of keeping prices high to wait for the right buyer, so they have to sell at market.

 

Unfortunately, other than some food items , they don't have the same flexibility as regards costs. For the most part, fuel costs what fuel costs and food costs what food costs.

 

The biggest issue facing the industry (as noted in another thread) is that like with airlines, people are expecting 2012 service but only prepared to pay 1990s prices. Something has to give.

 

There are frequent comments about rising costs. Interestingly, we looked back at our past records and discovered that the cruises we have taken in recent years have been less expensive than the ones we took six years ago! Apparently doing some research, watching for real sales, and having a good travel agent has made a difference.
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The biggest issue facing the industry (as noted in another thread) is that like with airlines, people are expecting 2012 service but only prepared to pay 1990s prices. Something has to give.
Worse yet is people expect 1990's service while only paying 2012 prices.

 

I'm glad that Princess continues to provide excellent service, but am wary about cuts due to declining prices and profit margin. It is a business, though.

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On the last few cruises, we have paid less than we did on our earlier cruises and we usually have a balcony now and OV back then. Different cruise line however, but that shouldn't make that much of a difference. We cruise mainly Princess now. It's definately a good price compared to most land vacations; we've compared now and then.

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I agree with you. With just a little research and a good travel agent I think prices can be really good. I also like the fact that there are so many more options onboard. I know there are so many threads about nickel and diming but I actually love having additional options I can pay for. Goodness, having a wonderful steak dinner in the Crown Grill for $25.00. I can't easily match that experience here in Orange County, CA.

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It's definately a good price compared to most land vacations; we've compared now and then.

 

Sometimes our friends act as if we are extravagant for taking cruises. So we research land vacations and calculate the costs of hotel, rental car, entertainment, and meals... and consistently discover that a cruise is a much better bargain.

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Below is a pic of a portion of our invoice for an upcoming Princess Alaska Cruise

 

2013_trip_%E2%80%94_On_My_Mac_%2841_messages%29-20121228-182029.jpg

 

Please note that the total for each of us is $829.92 but after Taxes and Fees, Princess ends up with only $469.92. They have to pay the TA a commission from that amount. And we are getting a $100 OBC as stockholders, $100 OBC as past military and a $25 OBC that was part of the initial sales promotion. So, after adjusting for the OBCs, Princess' "take" is $357.42 apiece for me and my wife (before paying the TA).

 

How in the world can they provide us with transportation, meals, lodging, entertainment and fun for 7 days for this amount? :eek: And of course, I'll be bugging my TA if there are further price reductions between now and May!

 

We are not in a fancy cabin so this skews the numbers a bit but the message is the same..... The cruise line is providing a lot for a reasonable price.

 

Brian

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How in the world can they provide us with transportation, meals, lodging, entertainment and fun for 7 days for this amount?

 

Agreed!

 

A car salesman friend of ours used to say, "We lose money on every sale, but make up for it in volume." :D

 

Actually, the cruise line is hoping its passengers spend money on gambling, drinking, shopping, and excursions.

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Looking at the airline industry, where budget airlines are common...wondering if there will be a new market segment for budget cruise lines? :D

 

There was a European cruise line that tried this several years ago. Your very low fare just bought you a cabin (60 square feet) to sleep in. There was a $13 charge to have the beds made. All meals cost extra. No organized activities during the day (or evening). No casino. It went out of business after only a couple of years.

 

It was called easyCruise http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-02-03-easycruise_x.htm

 

 

 

On another note, I found this review of a cruise ship on a different line :

 

This is probably not a ship for those of you who like the finer aspects of the cruising experience.However it did seem to fit the bill for the vast number of passengers that we spoke to,most of them first time cruisers.

 

The vessel itself is less than glamorous ,and the cabins are in need of refurbishment, the bathrooms are in need of replacement as are the cabin windows, which are covered in sealant and rust.

On embarkation you could spot those who had cruised before ,they were the people walking around looking shell shocked having just visited their cabins.

 

This ship will become an all inclusive holiday for 2013 and you cannot help but wonder of it was decided it was cheaper to keep the passengers drunk, than refurbish the cabins.

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Booked away from Princess for 2013 despite having a great cruise this year, this is solely down to price and the fact that there is no reduction in price for the 3rd person in the cabin our 9 year old daughter. Used to paying 50 to 60 percent for her but not for 2013 at this point.

Gillian

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This is not limited to Princess, btw, although they are probably the one with the largest variance at the moment. Many companies and products do regional pricing around the globe, even something like McDonalds. It depends how the companies are set up among other things (for example, Princess pays into the national british travel disruption coverage, I am not sure all of them do).

 

Sometimes also the base pricing is the same, but they make deals available to only one country. Add in the joy of exchange rates and its a recipe for confusion.

 

Disgusted, as a uk citizen, to discover Princess have two price lists one for US and a more expensive one for everyone else. will think twice before using them again
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Also if you read the fine print Princess is now including fees in their basic prices that you were charged extra for. Like Govt taxes and other fees. So yes initially it looks like prices are going up but at the payment end they are not. This way there are no hidden or additional fees tacked on after you decide to take a "cheaper" cruise with them.

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