Musing on "The Last Dollar"

[JohnGaltny]

Yes this is a muse, not a rant.

 

I have ZERO problem with RCI (or any business) making money by providing a service or product people will pay for. I actually think that's a good idea.

 

That said, I just finished final payment on a short (4 night) cruise on Majesty. In paying for 5 people I realized that my 3 yr old granddaughter, who is the third person in her parents' booking (though likely in our cabin - LOL) is a full fare passenger.

 

Now both my and my sons' cabins are "full" (that is fully paid at the double occupancy rates). Thus, my GDD is pure profit from the standpoint of RCI. Honestly, is she going to eat that much in the MDR? Is she going to amass that pile of French fries with legs that one sees walking around in the Windjammer?

 

Just musing on why the GDD is a full fare guest. Shouldn't there be some sort of discount for a child under X age on board as a third person in a cabin?

 

In reality, I know why -- because even knowing all of the above, I still paid it. On that basis I really can't rip on RCI. With a nod to the GEICO commercials:

 

"If your a cruise line in the 21st century, you dig for every last buck----it's what you do". LOL

Edited December 17, 2015 by JohnGaltny

[Clarea]

The cost for the child has nothing to do with how much they will eat or cost the cruise line. The child is taking a berth. The opportunity cost is the full fare.

[spookwife]

I am firm believer that non breast feeding children DO NOT deserve ANY discounts on ANY services or goods on land or otherwise.

 

they generate huge messes( food and other waste products)

 

as far as the Coast Guard is concerned a 3 year old needs the same amount of space on a lifeboat at their 63 YO gramps

 

I am one of those people who seldom spends a dime on board especially in the casino or on bingo so I will not be hypocritical and spout on about how they take a away a spot from an adult who does spend moolah. But I clean up after myself to some extent and do NOT toss mushy grapes and smooshed crackers on the floor. I do not generate waste that must be carried away by a person several times a day.

[TBone2K]

In paying for 5 people I realized that my 3 yr old granddaughter, who is the third person in her parents' booking (though likely in our cabin - LOL) is a full fare passenger.

 

In a regular room (i.e. one where the third/fourth person is in a pull-out or pullman bed), I thought the third/fourth person was cheaper? Or have I been looking at bogo promos for so long that I can't do anything but RC math any more?

Edited December 17, 2015 by TBone2K

[JohnGaltny]

I do NOT agree that she is taking up an adult berth. There is no adult going to be the third person in a double occupied cabin with the possible exception of a themed "threesome" cruise. Thus there is no "opportunity cost".

 

As for the rest, interesting points everyone. I love differences of opinion.

 

Honestly, as I said, I still paid it and did so without agita. It is just an idle musing.

[tigger-ttfn]

I am firm believer that non breast feeding children DO NOT deserve ANY discounts on ANY services or goods on land or otherwise.

 

they generate huge messes( food and other waste products)

 

as far as the Coast Guard is concerned a 3 year old needs the same amount of space on a lifeboat at their 63 YO gramps

 

I am one of those people who seldom spends a dime on board especially in the casino or on bingo so I will not be hypocritical and spout on about how they take a away a spot from an adult who does spend moolah. But I clean up after myself to some extent and do NOT toss mushy grapes and smooshed crackers on the floor. I do not generate waste that must be carried away by a person several times a day.

Most 3 yr olds I know are potty trained. So no need to carry away waste

[Clarea]

I do NOT agree that she is taking up an adult berth. There is no adult going to be the third person in a double occupied cabin with the possible exception of a themed "threesome" cruise. Thus there is no "opportunity cost"....

The number of berths is limited by muster station and total number of passengers. So adding a third person to your stateroom may very well limit the addition of another person somewhere else on the ship.

[akcruz]

I do NOT agree that she is taking up an adult berth. There is no adult going to be the third person in a double occupied cabin with the possible exception of a themed "threesome" cruise. Thus there is no "opportunity cost".

 

As for the rest, interesting points everyone. I love differences of opinion.

 

Honestly, as I said, I still paid it and did so without agita. It is just an idle musing.

 

My kids have traveled with us into their 20s and been the 3rd and 4th in a room. They are adults and pay the same as your granddaughter. If she is taking a spot in the lifeboat one my kids may not be able to get a spot (be the 3rd or 4th in my cabin).

 

There are far more physical beds on the ship than spots on the lifeboats. Each spot counts as one whether that be a 6 month old, 6 year old, 60 year old or whatever.

 

Honestly I agree that we should not have to pay for kids the same, but that's the rules on the ship for a specific reason. Cruising is so much different than most other vacations and unfortunately we can't look at it the same way.

Edited December 17, 2015 by akcruz

[JohnGaltny]

Who is John Galtny?

 

LOL If you know enough to ask the question, you know the answer.

 

As for the rest, interesting points once again.

 

SOOO refreshing to get intelligent discussion instead of a Carribot flame war. Thanks all.

 

Anyone else??

[dln929]

LOL If you know enough to ask the question, you know the answer.

 

As for the rest, interesting points once again.

 

SOOO refreshing to get intelligent discussion instead of a Carribot flame war. Thanks all.

 

Anyone else??

 

Not being blessed with grandchildren mine are only idle musings as well but I'm wondering if RCI wants full fare for the young ones as a "pay up front" kind of thing? You know, if for example an adult fare is $100, RCI stands to make $$ because said adult is going to spend money in the casino, eat at the specialty restaurants, buy a dozen watches at the half off sale, etc. etc. That $100 fare RCI gets turns into so much more by the day that passengers debarks. On the other hand, darling granddaughter's $100 remains the same, unless of course there's babysitting involved (lucrative). RCI is more likely to incur costs because unlike adults, kids are not the gift that keeps on giving. Thoughts?

[JohnGaltny]

Not being blessed with grandchildren mine are only idle musings as well but I'm wondering if RCI wants full fare for the young ones as a "pay up front" kind of thing? You know, if for example an adult fare is $100, RCI stands to make $$ because said adult is going to spend money in the casino, eat at the specialty restaurants, buy a dozen watches at the half off sale, etc. etc. That $100 fare RCI gets turns into so much more by the day that passengers debarks. On the other hand, darling granddaughter's $100 remains the same, unless of course there's babysitting involved (lucrative). RCI is more likely to incur costs because unlike adults, kids are not the gift that keeps on giving. Thoughts?

 

Another interesting perspective.

 

This one seems most logical in that all cruise lines count on the bar, the casino, the shops etc. for additional revenue. In that business model, a 3 year old is worth her cruise fare and almost nothing else.

 

Thanks for responding so thoughtfully.

[SelectSys]

Who is John Galtny?

 

Congratulations for making the first Ayn Rand reference I have ever seen on this board!

 

LOL If you know enough to ask the question, you know the answer.

 

As for the rest, interesting points once again.

 

SOOO refreshing to get intelligent discussion instead of a Carribot flame war. Thanks all.

 

Anyone else??

 

Great screen name. I actually don't think you have many fans on the board.

 

BTW - glad to see you are not ranting about pricing. It wouldn't make sense given my assumption of your belief in markets.

Edited December 17, 2015 by SelectSys

[Big_G]

SOOO refreshing to get intelligent discussion instead of a Carribot flame war.

 

Give it time. It's still early. ;)

[JohnGaltny]

give it time. It's still early. ;)

 

 

:d:d:d

[DaniDanielle]

Have you ever shopped with a three year old? I Am sure money will be spent on her behalf!

[Havingfun2010]

Not being blessed with grandchildren mine are only idle musings as well but I'm wondering if RCI wants full fare for the young ones as a "pay up front" kind of thing? You know, if for example an adult fare is $100, RCI stands to make $$ because said adult is going to spend money in the casino, eat at the specialty restaurants, buy a dozen watches at the half off sale, etc. etc. That $100 fare RCI gets turns into so much more by the day that passengers debarks. On the other hand, darling granddaughter's $100 remains the same, unless of course there's babysitting involved (lucrative). RCI is more likely to incur costs because unlike adults, kids are not the gift that keeps on giving. Thoughts?

 

Having kids and now grand kid, I would love a discount, but honestly, I have never looked at it the way you just did. A "third" adult person, would indeed also generate additional revenue and profit, but the little kid, regardless of age will produce very little extra revenue an profit. Actually the younger they are, the less they generate. Example, a 3 year old will not get a soda package, but a 12 year old would. Also, the likely hood of some excursion sales would also diminish because of the age.

 

ON the other hand, do you only want the young w/o kids, or the old, empty nester's on board the ship. You do need those families to fill in. Many of them will have less disposable income because of those kids.

 

Companies need to find a happy medium.

[fred30]

It was ether charge full fare or permitted the children to gamble and drink.

Edited December 17, 2015 by fred30

[Arzeena]

I am firm believer that non breast feeding children DO NOT deserve ANY discounts on ANY services or goods on land or otherwise.

 

they generate huge messes( food and other waste products)

 

as far as the Coast Guard is concerned a 3 year old needs the same amount of space on a lifeboat at their 63 YO gramps

 

I am one of those people who seldom spends a dime on board especially in the casino or on bingo so I will not be hypocritical and spout on about how they take a away a spot from an adult who does spend moolah. But I clean up after myself to some extent and do NOT toss mushy grapes and smooshed crackers on the floor. I do not generate waste that must be carried away by a person several times a day.

 

Then they should do away with senior discounts too?

[spookwife]

I do NOT agree that she is taking up an adult berth.

 

 

a berth is a berth. they make no distinction by age. they do not have 'adult berths' and 'Toddler berths' and Pre teen berths' and 'Old Fogey Berths'

[searoses]

Made me laugh letting them gamble and drink...my mother had 3 kids under 4....on fri night we bet who would win the televised horse races out of nyc...winner got a Hershey bar!....later it was parcheesi for 25 cents...I don't mind paying for my young grandson...he loves a big,medium rare burger and would buy out the shops if allowed...next trip will be the arcade ....may put the kabosh on that one...

[spookwife]

Then they should do away with senior discounts too?

 

no one is entitled to squat based on their age. nor are you entitled to a discount based on your career path.

 

if a company wants to offer one based on any set of random parameters fine. their prerogative.

[broberts]

HAL has taken a different approach, offering 3rd & 4th person fares for nominal amounts plus taxes & fees. As far as I know this has been very successful for them. An argument can be made that it encourages their demographic to book more cruises. It may also be seen as an investment, providing first experiences (to grandchildren) that have a lasting effect on booking patterns.

[Duke Mazer]

Then they should do away with senior discounts too?

 

Great question!

[fred30]

Made me laugh letting them gamble and drink...my mother had 3 kids under 4....on fri night we bet who would win the televised horse races out of nyc...winner got a Hershey bar!....later it was parcheesi for 25 cents...I don't mind paying for my young grandson...he loves a big,medium rare burger and would buy out the shops if allowed...next trip will be the arcade ....may put the kabosh on that one...

 

 

 

That's funny! They say you are should to teach your kids as much as you can early on. "Early Learning"

Edited December 17, 2015 by fred30

[nelblu]

I'm treating my family to an paid Easter vacation on Oasis, and yes I had to pay the 3rd person in a room rate for my 2.5 yrs., at cruise time, but I have to accept it. I'm also paying 3 & 4the person rate for a 6 & yrs. old--thank God there was a NJ state discount and not the bogus BOGO sale.

 

But, the biggest problem that I have, is that I have to pay full air fare for the younger one, even though she'll be sitting on her mother's lap for the duration of the 2.5 hrs flight.