Why is it uncool to talk about pricing?

[LMaxwell]

Cruise Critic is owned and operated by travel agencies, hence why you can not discuss good or bad travel agency experiences or give personal recommendations. You also can not discuss cruise price tracking sites.

 

However, discussing prices itself seems to be perfectly fine. It is just up to the recipient to do some searching on their own to verify those prices. People on roll calls or certain forums will most certainly post blow out deals and / or price drops for certain cruises.

[Hlitner]

Let's try it this way. I'm doing 14 nights celebrity eclipse departing December 21 from Miami so southern Caribbean and including holidays. What would you think is an average, good, or great price? We have a balcony cabin, double occupancy.

 

Biker@sea, nice. That's about what I would predict, something like half or two thirds the going rate for a last minute sailing.

 

There are no great deals on that cruise because it is a rare double holiday (Xmas and New Years) on a very popular itinerary. We would be surprised if there are good last minute deals on this particular cruise and suspect that the price might actually increase. Booking a balcony today would probably cost around $9700....which we think is ridiculous for a Caribbean cruise on any ass market line. At that price it would be pretty easy to get at least $1000 in OBCs...but it is still overpriced. And by the way, if you could take the prior cruise on that same ship (the Dec 7 sailing) the price would be less then half the cost of the holiday cruise.

 

Hank

[SeagoingMom]

I have seen posts where someone asks point-blank, "I have just booked (or am about to book) such-and-such a cruise in such-and-such a cabin category for such-and-such a price. Did I get a good deal?" Comments from other posters ensue, usually saying the price is a good one -- rarely do responses specify that the price is the "best possible," or that the poster responding got a better deal. The issue, I think, is that as soon as one quotes a price on CC, others will want to know specifically how they got that price (if it seems like a good one), and then comes the problem of not being able to mention or refer folks to TA's, and there is where the conversation ends.

 

I have read lots of helpful posts about current sales and promos, but even those engender some bad blood because often the promos are not available to folks who have already booked, and so hearing about new bookings at bargain prices just cause folks pain. Same with folks who have booked while on board, or well in advance, and then find out that prices have dropped significantly, and sometimes they can't take advantage of these drops.

 

Most seasoned cruisers have learned to get the deals they are happy with, but are continually looking for tips on how to do better. As this thread shows, they also understand the serious down side of mentioning actual prices.

 

And as for how to get "free cruises" by gambling (mentioned on a previous post): you have to lose about $10,000 :eek: at the casino to get your free cruise -- I looked it up one time after I met someone who was cruising for "free" this way :rolleyes:

 

There was one thread I remember a while back where the OP was bold enough to ask outright, "How do those of you who cruise often afford all that cruising?" It was a very impertinent question, but it opened up a very interesting discussion. More than one response was, "None of your (expletive) business," of course, but many people were very forthright and offered lots of good info (mostly about budgeting, not necessarily how to get the best deals.)

 

Sometimes all it takes is one brave soul to shake folks up and start something useful!

Edited September 2, 2014 by SeagoingMom

[maywell]

Well as a solo traveler, I'm always going to pay double than a 2 people traveling together on a cruise. So if someone has the gall to ask, I'll just respond with "Yes, I have the money to travel, pay my way and only bathroom stink I have smell is my own - Problem?". Some people just want to look superior to others because they have a bad case of keeping up with the Jones' to the point they look like jerks and dingbats. Honestly, the only thing people should really ask is who's got the better travel agent that can get them nice perks because that what really matters.

[CPT Trips]

There are no great deals on that cruise because it is a rare double holiday (Xmas and New Years) on a very popular itinerary. We would be surprised if there are good last minute deals on this particular cruise and suspect that the price might actually increase. Booking a balcony today would probably cost around $9700....which we think is ridiculous for a Caribbean cruise on any ass market line. At that price it would be pretty easy to get at least $1000 in OBCs...but it is still overpriced. And by the way, if you could take the prior cruise on that same ship (the Dec 7 sailing) the price would be less then half the cost of the holiday cruise.

 

Hank

 

:eek: edit needed! ;)

[CPT Trips]

About free cruises for gambling . . . We all know that the PP was not exactly correct. ;) The gamblers I know always win, that's why they get all the comps. :rolleyes:

[Cuizer2]

I've seen some posters allude to it being poor etiquette to discuss cruise pricing. Is that really true? Why?

 

I'm not an experienced cruiser so when I start shopping I have no idea what is a 'good' price. Further cruise pricing is far less transparent than, for instance, airfare or hotel pricing. It seems some people have 'secret TAs' and 'special promos' and so it becomes very difficult to know when to pull the trigger.

 

So we're cruising this holiday and feel we got a very good/fair price, but don't know. And when we buy our next cruise, how will we know then?

 

It depends on the situation. If you are simply comparing prices paid, then some people (not all) feel you are getting too personal. However, if you are discussing general information, then it is okay.

[MrsPete]

Yes.......Basically, I think that people only want to discuss pricing when they're boasting (whether they admit it to themselves or not). Discuss ways to shop around, discuss ways to bargain for a good price, even discuss ways to get added value for the buck - those are all good ideas. Discussing actual price is playing games to boost one's ego.

Boasting . . . or complaining! That doesn't tend to go along with cruise ticket prices, of course, but it does happen often enough in real life:

 

Can you believe what groceries cost these days?

Wow, with two teenagers my insurance is through the roof!

I can't believe cars cost this much; I remember when my first car cost only $$$.

[maywell]

Boasting . . . or complaining! That doesn't tend to go along with cruise ticket prices, of course, but it does happen often enough in real life:

 

Can you believe what groceries cost these days?

Wow, with two teenagers my insurance is through the roof!

I can't believe cars cost this much; I remember when my first car cost only $$$.

Or being a busybody because they can't understand how someone actually was able to pay that price on short notice - I must have been asked that question 'How much did you for your room' at least 5 times at the buffet. Dunno if its my body type, facial features, demeanor (well, I was in pain due to Mother Nature but still..) but its like they never saw a fat 30-something black woman traveling by herself before. It got so annoying to be asked questions about my fare in buffet, I just winded up taking the food to my room during lunchtime. The actually cruise was lovely but dining was boardline Hell; I was actually asked why I eating so little - I didn't know eating 2 croissants and cup of coffee was eating little...

 

Do I think that its that thing that happen to me- No but I do believe some people are just too nosy, think they are superior/smarter, cocky for their own good and/or never thought of the possibilities. At a certain point, one gets tired of being asked that question(s) on their vacation and does winded up being a nuisance and/or personal.

[suzyed]

If you shop around at the cruise web site and at various online travel agencies, you can get a feel for whatever the going rate is. Then if you get something less than that, you will know that u did good!

 

 

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[geoherb]

I don't even like to compare cabins. On one cruise, our tablemates were floored when they found out we were in a mini suite. They did not understand why the two of us would need that much room. They had three adults in one inside cabin and two more in another inside cabin.

 

Lately, I've been more likely to book a last-minute cruise deal. Sometimes we can get a good price on a balcony cabin, other times we'll be in an obstructed view or an ocean view cabin. I generally look to get our cost per person under $100 per day for the cruise fare and port fees. Our three favorite cruise lines are Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity.

[suzyed]

Seems some people are just less comfortable than others with cold, hard facts. Me, I prefer them, good or bad. If I 'overpay' for a cruise - meaning more than the going rate - dang it I want to know. Right now. So I will be a wiser consumer next time around. And that doesn't mean I won't be happy with my purchase decision this time around.

 

For instance I used to fly first class all the time for the price of coach. In those days, so did 90% of first class travelers. How? Didn't people want to know? (answer: yes. That is how Flyertalk came to be.)

 

When I run a 10k, if I don't come in first (which I don't), do I get sour? get really upset? Of course not. I look at my time. I look at other times. If I didn't perform as hoped for I try to understand why, to do better next time around. Same in my professional work - if I don't do as well as a coworker, I want to know how/why so I can improve. Same with airline pricing. Same with hotel bookings. Same with safari packages. Same with all consumer products, except, apparently for some, cruise pricing. Which is taboo in case someone's feelings get hurt!

 

It does seem from above that I am not alone. I reiterate that if you cruise with me, and you discover you paid less than me, then please let me know how! Tell me about your golden TA, your elite upgrades, your sale pricing for booking on a previous cruise, your promotions, your early booking pricing, your package pricing, your secret to cheap transfers, where you parked your vehicle for 14 days, how to save 15% with a specialty dining package, how to get a free drink with the captain, how to get an upgrade to a nicer cabin. My feelings will not be hurt. I will be impressed, and envious, in a good way!

 

I agree! To me, that is what CC is about...sharing the insides and out of cruising and if that includes some secrets or tips, I would like to know! Of course they won't be secrets anymore and that's probably why others don't share! LOL!

[MCAT48]

Cruise prices go up and down so much I think it's hard to compare prices with others. Not only that but there are so many different categories of cabins. You would have to be talking to someone who booked the same catergory/sailing as you to really compare fares. Even things such as booking incentives can't be compared because they change with each sale. At least that's what I've noticed.

[suzyed]

Or being a busybody because they can't understand how someone actually was able to pay that price on short notice - I must have been asked that question 'How much did you for your room' at least 5 times at the buffet. Dunno if its my body type, facial features, demeanor (well, I was in pain due to Mother Nature but still..) but its like they never saw a fat 30-something black woman traveling by herself before. It got so annoying to be asked questions about my fare in buffet, I just winded up taking the food to my room during lunchtime. The actually cruise was lovely but dining was boardline Hell; I was actually asked why I eating so little - I didn't know eating 2 croissants and cup of coffee was eating little...

 

Do I think that its that thing that happen to me- No but I do believe some people are just too nosy, think they are superior/smarter, cocky for their own good and/or never thought of the possibilities. At a certain point, one gets tired of being asked that question(s) on their vacation and does winded up being a nuisance and/or personal.

 

I can't believe people would comment on what or how much/how little you are eating! That is incredibly rude! Amazing to me that people have the nerve to do that! :(:rolleyes:

[A2Mich]

I can't believe people would comment on what or how much/how little you are eating! That is incredibly rude! Amazing to me that people have the nerve to do that! :(:rolleyes:

 

Oh hush up and have another slice of cake....😎

 

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[A2Mich]

I don't even like to compare cabins. On one cruise, our tablemates were floored when they found out we were in a mini suite. They did not understand why the two of us would need that much room. They had three adults in one inside cabin and two more in another inside cabin.

 

Lately, I've been more likely to book a last-minute cruise deal. Sometimes we can get a good price on a balcony cabin, other times we'll be in an obstructed view or an ocean view cabin. I generally look to get our cost per person under $100 per day for the cruise fare and port fees. Our three favorite cruise lines are Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity.

I think aiming for less than 100 bucks is a day is also a decent goal, though it may not always be possible but it may be a good benchmark

 

 

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[psychtobe]

The issue, I think, is that as soon as one quotes a price on CC, others will want to know specifically how they got that price (if it seems like a good one), and then comes the problem of not being able to mention or refer folks to TA's, and there is where the conversation ends.

 

At least this makes sense, thanks.

 

Definitely understand that booking during the holidays = double the price. I accepted that when we made the booking.

[lah66]

I think aiming for less than 100 bucks is a day is also a decent goal, though it may not always be possible but it may be a good benchmark

 

 

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I think $100 a day is a great rate and I would be so happy to get that price, especially on a balcony.

We have three RCI cruises booked and we paid more than that for all of them except the inside. Legend 11 day, February, Inside $2004. Liberty 10 day, October, Aft Balcony 1700 $2600, Allure 7 day, February, 12329 Boardwalk balcony $1855. None are fantastic deals but came with a bit of OBC from the TA. I booked really early to get the "best" cabins for us. I have seen only price increases so that alone makes me appreciate what we paid. We are somewhat flexible since we are now empt nesters, but we prefer Oct and Feb cruises and live in MI, so airfare keeps us from the last minute cruises out of FL.

I would love to learn the ways of those who get bargain rates, but I have a feeling it would not fit us. We do not live in FL, we are not "true" seniors, though we love NCL's AARP pricing!

Great advice geoherb!

Lauri

Edited September 3, 2014 by lah66

[biker@sea]

Just found a 7 Day boston to Quebec cruise For $199 pp leaves Friday. :)

 

Total with port fees and tax for two = $ 688

[d-lions]

Agree with that for sure.... enjoy and be happy you can experience the cruise and life.

it is not different that air fare prices.... they jump up and down..

[Hlitner]

I think $100 a day is a great rate and I would be so happy to get that price, especially on a balcony.

We have three RCI cruises booked and we paid more than that for all of them except the inside. Legend 11 day, February, Inside $2004. Liberty 10 day, October, Aft Balcony 1700 $2600, Allure 7 day, February, 12329 Boardwalk balcony $1855. None are fantastic deals but came with a bit of OBC from the TA. I booked really early to get the "best" cabins for us. I have seen only price increases so that alone makes me appreciate what we paid. We are somewhat flexible since we are now empt nesters, but we prefer Oct and Feb cruises and live in MI, so airfare keeps us from the last minute cruises out of FL.

I would love to learn the ways of those who get bargain rates, but I have a feeling it would not fit us. We do not live in FL, we are not "true" seniors, though we love NCL's AARP pricing!

Great advice geoherb!

Lauri

 

I will quibble (mildly) about you being "flexible." You have 3 RCI cruises booked which is actually just the opposite of true flexibility. There are many cruise lines out there in the Caribbean, and if you limit yourself to one (or even 2 ) cruise lines you actually sacrifice a lot of "flexibility" to get different itineraries and pricing. We sometimes will book a specific cruise line because the itinerary is a bit unique and fits our needs (we have a long upcoming transpacific cruise on HAL because we wanted to get to New Zealand) but when we look for a good price we compare several cruise lines including RCI, Celebrity, RCI, Princess, Azamara, etc. That immediately expands your options and can pay off in many ways.

 

Hank

[sail7seas]

Just found a 7 Day boston to Quebec cruise For $199 pp leaves Friday. :)

 

Total with port fees and tax for two = $ 688

 

 

 

How would you get back to Boston from Quebec?

It isn't all that convenient.

 

 

[biker@sea]

How would you get back to Boston from Quebec?

It isn't all that convenient.

 

I booked B2B ,second leg @ $599 PP Inside GTY .

[wwcruisers]

While I'm happy to discuss pricing strategies, price drops, freebies, and perks -- in general terms -- I would never tell someone exactly what I paid for a cruise (or just about anything else). Guess I'm just old school -- I was taught that asking or telling that sort of thing is just, well... gauche.

[hillbilly73]

I don't mind people talking about pricing here on this forum, especially if it's done in time that others can take advantage of a sale while it's still going on.

 

However, it's rude to talk about pricing once you're on the ship. This can hurt feelings, if, say you got a great deal and your tablemates paid rack rate.

 

 

Best reply to this question I have seen. We have saved money on several cruises from pricing posts on CC. I have made posts to alert people of price drops on here myself usually in general rounded numbers not specific price quotes. As a compulsive planner I constantly look at pricing but once on ship the price is something we forget after a couple of drinks and just enjoy.