whats going on with these skyrocketing prices

[oceancrusin]

23 hours ago, grandgeezer said:

We sailed in a Sky Suite, on the Equinox, the end of August. We paid about $300 p.p. per night, for all four perks and, when we got home, we felt , for the product we received, we grossly overpaid.

Hi @grandgeezer,

Just wondering how you were able to get such a good deal in a Sky Suite? I assume you're quoting in US funds, which works out to around $410 CDN per night.

 

How many nights / what cruise location? If you don't mind sharing?

 

I find it hard to get a standard balcony for $400 CDN a night! 

 

We have a cruise booked in April 11-21, deck 6, unobstructed with 2 perks (Classic BEV / 300 OBC) 3700 CDN (~2750 US) and to us that was a REALLY good deal. We only got that price as it was part of a group package. I don't know, maybe I'm doing something wrong, or looking at the wrong travel agents...

 

As a side note, I tried to send a message directly to you, to keep the thread clutter free, but received "you are allowed to send 0 messages per day". I looked this up and found out that Cruise Critic disabled private messaging a while ago, apparently to keep information public not private. Yet you're not allowed to talk about specific travel agents. Can't talk about them privately, can't talk about them publicly can't talk about them at all, apparently.

 

So, I'm not sure how one would find out where others are getting such good deals without being able to name specific travel agents...

[Bo1953]

16 minutes ago, oceancrusin said:

Hi @grandgeezer,

Just wondering how you were able to get such a good deal in a Sky Suite? I assume you're quoting in US funds, which works out to around $410 CDN per night.

 

How many nights / what cruise location? If you don't mind sharing?

 

I find it hard to get a standard balcony for $400 CDN a night! 

 

We have a cruise booked in April 11-21, deck 6, unobstructed with 2 perks (Classic BEV / 300 OBC) 3700 CDN (~2750 US) and to us that was a REALLY good deal. We only got that price as it was part of a group package. I don't know, maybe I'm doing something wrong, or looking at the wrong travel agents...

 

As a side note, I tried to send a message directly to you, to keep the thread clutter free, but received "you are allowed to send 0 messages per day". I looked this up and found out that Cruise Critic disabled private messaging a while ago, apparently to keep information public not private. Yet you're not allowed to talk about specific travel agents. Can't talk about them privately, can't talk about them publicly can't talk about them at all, apparently.

 

So, I'm not sure how one would find out where others are getting such good deals without being able to name specific travel agents...

You can always post your email address, if you want private communications between fellow members.

 

That is the way.

 

bon voyage

[bigbenboys]

On 12/27/2019 at 2:03 PM, NMTraveller said:

I don't see the high prices.  Of course we book two years out and sometimes see price drops early on.

 

I suppose that the ships are getting half booked early which triggers a price increase.  

 

Say thanks to a roaring economy.

I must be going something wrong.

28 Sept 2020 17 night Hawaii to Sidney in a S2 sky suite $1052 per night. No perks. Booked Nov 2018.

21 Feb 2021 13 night round trip Auckland in a S2 sky suite $930 per night All 4 perks. Booked Nov 2018.

13 March 2022 14 night cruise Chile to Argentina in a S2 sky suite $1195 per night. All 4 perks. Booked about 2 weeks ago.

This prices dont include airfare. All refundable cruises.

 

 

[NMTraveller]

21 minutes ago, bigbenboys said:

I must be going something wrong.

28 Sept 2020 17 night Hawaii to Sidney in a S2 sky suite $1052 per night. No perks. Booked Nov 2018.

21 Feb 2021 13 night round trip Auckland in a S2 sky suite $930 per night All 4 perks. Booked Nov 2018.

13 March 2022 14 night cruise Chile to Argentina in a S2 sky suite $1195 per night. All 4 perks. Booked about 2 weeks ago.

This prices dont include airfare. All refundable cruises.

 

 

I stand corrected.  For Suites the prices are truly outrageous.  I looked up the last Chile cruise you mentioned and one of the suite classes was already sold out more than 2 years ahead of time.  That is crazy.  Now I understand why Celebrity took the Sky Lounge out of the Edge and replaced it with suites.  $$$  For balconies the prices were in the ballpark.  The demand for suites outpaces the supply.

 

So what is the pricing like on the luxury lines for suites?

Edited December 29, 2019 by NMTraveller

[meechee341]

How many people continue to go to WDW at very high prices?  I think they are at record attendance levels now and the hotels re sold out all the time at very high prices  

 

X, and others, are looking at those land vacation people and trying to get them on board.  Ships are resorts that move.  Believe me, a week at any Marriott resort with food and drinks is expensive for a family - probably in range of a cruise.  That is X target market - people who are already spending the money on land.  They aren't looking for the $100 ppd crowd moaning about free movies.

 

I think this quote really sums it up.  Celebrity is gearing their product towards a market who can afford their product.  The Four Seasons, The Waldorf Astoria and other high end hotels aren't targeting the Holiday Inn people.  It wouldn't make sense to stand in the lobby of those hotels and complain about the prices (and yes, their prices have gone up over the years) when you can go to a hotel that better fits your budget.  People want clean ships, great service, good food (which is subjective), solid entertainment, top notch liquor (if you drink), a nice stateroom with the latest amenities, and other perks.  People also want to see the staff earn a decent living.  The problem is, many people want all these things as long as we don't have to come out of pocket for anything extra.  Traveling is EXPENSIVE whether by cruise or land.  We're almost at the point where a vacation of any type is now a luxury.  Celebrity isn't the only ship raising prices.  Carnival just raised the prices on their drinks packages.  There's a reason why Carnival's prices are lower as well.  If you read their message boards, you'll see people who frequently cruise with Carnival complain about the rusted out state of their ships.  People who cruise Carnival understand and accept the trade-off:  a cheaper cruise fare to sail on ships that sometimes aren't well maintained.  On MSC cruisers have complained that when sailing in less expensive rooms, they don't get Kleenex in their cabins.  Many have expressed dismay over having to deal with a one-roll-of-toilet paper allotment each day.   The issue isn't so much with Celebrity as it is with my budget. They have a right to price their product at whatever price they think their ships are worth.  I have a right to walk away, without complaining or demanding cheaper rates, and find a vacation that is better suited to my budget. The price of absolutely everything is going up next year.  Lots of people will be priced out of their once loved cruise lines and other vacations (I'm looking at you Walt Disney World).  This is the new reality.

 

 

[grandgeezer]

5 hours ago, oceancrusin said:

Hi @grandgeezer,

Just wondering how you were able to get such a good deal in a Sky Suite? I assume you're quoting in US funds, which works out to around $410 CDN per night.

 

How many nights / what cruise location? If you don't mind sharing?

 

I find it hard to get a standard balcony for $400 CDN a night! 

 

We have a cruise booked in April 11-21, deck 6, unobstructed with 2 perks (Classic BEV / 300 OBC) 3700 CDN (~2750 US) and to us that was a REALLY good deal. We only got that price as it was part of a group package. I don't know, maybe I'm doing something wrong, or looking at the wrong travel agents...

 

As a side note, I tried to send a message directly to you, to keep the thread clutter free, but received "you are allowed to send 0 messages per day". I looked this up and found out that Cruise Critic disabled private messaging a while ago, apparently to keep information public not private. Yet you're not allowed to talk about specific travel agents. Can't talk about them privately, can't talk about them publicly can't talk about them at all, apparently.

 

So, I'm not sure how one would find out where others are getting such good deals without being able to name specific travel agents...

It was US funds. It was two, 7 day B2B cruises to the Caribbean on the Equinox. This was the same price I found right on Celebrity's website. I should have mentioned the $1150 total, refundable obc I got from our online travel agent. Another kicker, we got a refund of one days fare (about $600) because we were skipping Nassau and dropping off humanitarian aid in the Bahamas because of the hurricane. We didn't plan on getting off at Nassau anyway so it was a good deal. This included $100 for being a loyal customer and $200 for booking their Memorial Day sale.  Last month I found a very similar deal for a Sky Suite on the Edge, in March, but I have no desire to sail on that ship.

Unless a travel agency has a "group booking" they aren't supposed to charge less than the cruise line, so I always start there and if I find something I'm remotely interested in, I start checking elsewhere.

[bigbenboys]

2 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

I stand corrected.  For Suites the prices are truly outrageous.  I looked up the last Chile cruise you mentioned and one of the suite classes was already sold out more than 2 years ahead of time.  That is crazy.  Now I understand why Celebrity took the Sky Lounge out of the Edge and replaced it with suites.  $$$  For balconies the prices were in the ballpark.  The demand for suites outpaces the supply.

 

So what is the pricing like on the luxury lines for suites?

As to the prices I showed. I'm hoping the price might go down at some point. But I'm not going to bet on it. I've thought about canceling Hawaii to Sydney and cruising the Black Sea. I looked at booking Azamara 14 night, 12 Sept 2020, but only oceanview  at $8599 pp and inside at $7999 pp are left. I looked at NCL Haven the prices are not really different. I also looked at Oceania, but again the suite prices are up there also. HAL seems to have the best prices for suites, but their Lounge just does not compare to Celebrity. Viking Ocean does not have a casino, not that it a must. Having a casino is nice entertainment for evenings and sea days.

One of our problems are that we have cruised a lot over the last 20 years. Do I really want to pay these high prices and go places we have already been too. We really only need a sky suite. I dont see a need for a separate bedroom. Other option is concierge cabin and get a dining package. But the specialty restaurants dont change the menus.

[downsmead]

8 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

 

 

So what is the pricing like on the luxury lines for suites?

To give an idea - we are looking at a Regent Seven Seas cruise, Amazon Explorer on the Navigator. It is 27 days in total and cost includes flights and pre cruise overnight hotel. It is ~£9,500pp = £352.00 pp day. The cruise is all inclusive - drinks, speciality restaurants, wi-fi and excursions. All the cabins are called suites which is a bit of a misnomer as they are not what I would call true suites at that price bracket, but still a good size (no butler either at that level). However in comparison, a cruise like this offers good value for money and certainly gives Celebrity competition!!

[villauk]

11 minutes ago, downsmead said:

To give an idea - we are looking at a Regent Seven Seas cruise, Amazon Explorer on the Navigator. It is 27 days in total and cost includes flights and pre cruise overnight hotel. It is ~£9,500pp = £352.00 pp day. The cruise is all inclusive - drinks, speciality restaurants, wi-fi and excursions. All the cabins are called suites which is a bit of a misnomer as they are not what I would call true suites at that price bracket, but still a good size (no butler either at that level). However in comparison, a cruise like this offers good value for money and certainly gives Celebrity competition!!

 

 

Have you been watching the recent TV series? The ship looks stunning. 

 

I’d love to be able to take a 27 day cruise; we couldn’t get that much time from work unfortunately. Have a great time.

[downsmead]

I saw the one last week. That is the newest ship, the Navigator is the oldest one but has just had a refit. Depends on where you read, the reviews are either good or not so good (? Possibly going downhill after being taken over by NCL ). Still that’s the problem of reading reviews. My issue is that it is a lot of money to spend if you come back less than happy. Mind you I have never had a cruise I haven’t enjoyed - glass half full type of person.

I retired last year but am actually doing bank work 2 days a week. The assumption is that by April 2021, my husband will have retired too, but who knows 😂.

[shipshape sam]

On 3/9/2019 at 10:44 PM, Nymich said:

Supply and demand will fix this.  That is a crazy price increase over a year.  

 

You are correct.  Problem seems to be that there is more demand even as they increase supply.  We have found many land based trips and still like and want to cruise, but find the value for the cost not justified for us.  Part of the issue is us.  We have sailed over 35 times and just being on the ship is nice, but not nice enough to justify the high fares.

 

We have found on the other hand, a number of neat resorts offering 3 bedroom suites, especially in Orlando and Pamana City Bch areas of Florida that were great values, thus we are enjoying some great alternatives.  🙂

 

 

[Hlitner]

12 hours ago, bigbenboys said:

I must be going something wrong.

28 Sept 2020 17 night Hawaii to Sidney in a S2 sky suite $1052 per night. No perks. Booked Nov 2018.

21 Feb 2021 13 night round trip Auckland in a S2 sky suite $930 per night All 4 perks. Booked Nov 2018.

13 March 2022 14 night cruise Chile to Argentina in a S2 sky suite $1195 per night. All 4 perks. Booked about 2 weeks ago.

This prices dont include airfare. All refundable cruises.

 

 

In my world you are doing plenty wrong.  No way would we pay that kind of money for Celebrity or any mass market cruise line.  Consider that, last summer, we cruised on Seabourn (all suites and all-inclusive) for about $400 per passenger day (which included everything but shore excursions).  One can usually cruise in MSC's Yacht Club for about $300 per passenger day which gets you access to a very exclusive part of the ship, free Internet, unlimited drinks, amazing service, etc.

 

The pricing on X can often be ridiculous, but as long as some folks are willing to pay you are going to see those prices.  We actually laughed at some of the e-mails we received about "deals" on Celebrity.  To a great degree it has driven us away from Celebrity to other cruise lines (including several ultra-luxury lines) where we get a lot more for our money.  We have an upcoming HAL cruise (a line that some would argue is in the same general class as X) where a large Signature Suite has cost us about $200 per person/day (no perks).  If we add the usual tips and our drink habit that cruise will cost us about $500 per day (total cost per couple).   

 

Consider that one can even cruise on Regent (probably the most outrageously priced luxury line) for about $1000 per passenger day, but that includes everything including shore excursions, business class air, transfers, necessary hotels, etc.  And even the best of X does not come close to Regent.  

 

Celebrity is a decent mass market line that we have enjoyed on numerous cruises.  But given the current pricing schemes we will only book X if we happen to stumble on a very good deal (which usually happens with last minute deals).  This led us to book a Summit cruise (last June) for about $100 per passenger day (balcony plus some perks) which turned out to be an excellent cruise.  But when I see the pricing on the Edge for what I would call an Outside cabin with window that opens it just makes me smile.   And some of the Aqua Class offers border on madness (but I assume some folks pay the price).

 

Hank

[Airspeed]

I lost it when I was presented by a celebrity on board sales representative with a $17,000 plus fare for a royal suite on a 7 day cruise in the Caribbean, while we were paying much less for the current royal suite on the Silhoutte for a 9 day cruise.

 

And we are not cheap cruisers. Before they ruined the Penthouse Suite on the Summit during their "devoltion" upgrade we were in there twice.

 

So Celebrity is downgrading their best suites and charging more and more, with the smug sales rep on the Silhoutte going "it is supply and demand" (he was not aware he was talking to a published economist), there has got to be a reckoning, especially with the new number of cruise ships coming on line...

Edited December 29, 2019 by Airspeed

[bigbenboys]

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

In my world you are doing plenty wrong.  No way would we pay that kind of money for Celebrity or any mass market cruise line.  Consider that, last summer, we cruised on Seabourn (all suites and all-inclusive) for about $400 per passenger day (which included everything but shore excursions).  One can usually cruise in MSC's Yacht Club for about $300 per passenger day which gets you access to a very exclusive part of the ship, free Internet, unlimited drinks, amazing service, etc.

 

The pricing on X can often be ridiculous, but as long as some folks are willing to pay you are going to see those prices.  We actually laughed at some of the e-mails we received about "deals" on Celebrity.  To a great degree it has driven us away from Celebrity to other cruise lines (including several ultra-luxury lines) where we get a lot more for our money.  We have an upcoming HAL cruise (a line that some would argue is in the same general class as X) where a large Signature Suite has cost us about $200 per person/day (no perks).  If we add the usual tips and our drink habit that cruise will cost us about $500 per day (total cost per couple).   

 

Consider that one can even cruise on Regent (probably the most outrageously priced luxury line) for about $1000 per passenger day, but that includes everything including shore excursions, business class air, transfers, necessary hotels, etc.  And even the best of X does not come close to Regent.  

 

Celebrity is a decent mass market line that we have enjoyed on numerous cruises.  But given the current pricing schemes we will only book X if we happen to stumble on a very good deal (which usually happens with last minute deals).  This led us to book a Summit cruise (last June) for about $100 per passenger day (balcony plus some perks) which turned out to be an excellent cruise.  But when I see the pricing on the Edge for what I would call an Outside cabin with window that opens it just makes me smile.   And some of the Aqua Class offers border on madness (but I assume some folks pay the price).

 

Hank

I was unsure if I should put out there what prices I'm paying. molemaui and you Hank have given me in sight to some other options. Oceania suite prices still seem high. Regent,  Seabourn and Silversea are options. But as I said in one of my post. I'm looking for a more county casual dresscode. As RCL is part owner in Silversea I was hoping their dresscode might change some. I think it was Regent that a man on CC said coming back from a tour I was turned away from the bar because it was after 5pm and he did not have a jacket on. I'm not that into smaller ships.

I'm sure I might get some crap for this. My parents are in their 80's. I retired early to spend time with them and to help them. I check on my parents 2 times a day. They are not in that bad of shape, but need help here and there. I'm very grateful that I still have both my parents. My vacations are to recharge myself. I'm concerned that going on the high end cruise ships will be like spending more time with people my parents age. I also know that a 30 year old would look and me as old. And yes there are always exceptions to any rule.That brings be back to HAL. We've done maybe 7 cruises on HAL, only one in a suite and that was years ago. I'm not that fond of HAL smoking policy. Yes I know their smoking policy has changed and is a lot better than before. I'm now thinking of trying HAL again for a Western Mexico cruise as Celebrity has pulled out of that market years ago. It will give us a taste of what HAL is now offering. I'm also going to look at Silversea again. And just plan more land base vacations.

[Hlitner]

20 minutes ago, bigbenboys said:

I was unsure if I should put out there what prices I'm paying. molemaui and you Hank have given me in sight to some other options. Oceania suite prices still seem high. Regent,  Seabourn and Silversea are options. But as I said in one of my post. I'm looking for a more county casual dresscode. As RCL is part owner in Silversea I was hoping their dresscode might change some. I think it was Regent that a man on CC said coming back from a tour I was turned away from the bar because it was after 5pm and he did not have a jacket on. I'm not that into smaller ships.

I'm sure I might get some crap for this. My parents are in their 80's. I retired early to spend time with them and to help them. I check on my parents 2 times a day. They are not in that bad of shape, but need help here and there. I'm very grateful that I still have both my parents. My vacations are to recharge myself. I'm concerned that going on the high end cruise ships will be like spending more time with people my parents age. I also know that a 30 year old would look and me as old. And yes there are always exceptions to any rule.That brings be back to HAL. We've done maybe 7 cruises on HAL, only one in a suite and that was years ago. I'm not that fond of HAL smoking policy. Yes I know their smoking policy has changed and is a lot better than before. I'm now thinking of trying HAL again for a Western Mexico cruise as Celebrity has pulled out of that market years ago. It will give us a taste of what HAL is now offering. I'm also going to look at Silversea again. And just plan more land base vacations.

Seabourn has a relaxed smart casual dress code on most evenings.  They do have some occasional nights when many folks dress up, but some guys will wear a jacket without tie and others do not even bother with a jacket.  Real formal nights have disappeared from just about all the lines except on Cunard.  Princess still has "formal nights" but does nothing to enforce a dress code although they do expect guys to at least wear long trousers and a collared shirt.

 

While the folks we meet on the high end lines tend to be older (we are also seniors) there are plenty of working age folks.  Some folks do get hung up on age, but most others just get along be it with somebody older or younger.  Some of the oldest crowds we have encountered have been on Celebrity and HAL.  The time of year and length of cruise has more to do with age then the cruise line.  Longer cruises during school time does attract an older crowd.

 

HAL has totally changed its smoking policy.  There is no longer smoking on passenger balconies or in the bars.  Depending on the ship (and night) there may be smoking in the casinos.  On deck it is similar to most lines with designated areas for smokers.  I personally do not like HAL in the Caribbean as I get the feeling the line (and many of its passengers) do not get into what I would call the Caribbean spirit.  You are more likely to hear music (often pre recorded) from the 40s and 50s rather than Bob Marley.  In fact, I sometimes think that HAL does not even know there ever was a Bob Marley and that the Caribbean has its own "sound."  And before somebody flames me for the HAL comments, we are 5 Star Mariners and have often enjoyed HAL.  Just not in the Caribbean.

 

Hank

[mickey89]

7 hours ago, Hlitner said:

One can usually cruise in MSC's Yacht Club for about $300 per passenger day which gets you access to a very exclusive part of the ship, free Internet, unlimited drinks, amazing service, etc.

I recently cancelled 14 nt. MSC Seaside in their yacht club YC1 cabin in favour of 21 nt. Equinox cruise 1A cabin for $2000 cheaper. Celebrity deal with TA was Non- Refundable deposit, Prem Bev Pkg, free Gratuities and $1550 obc, more than sufficient to eat in Murano every night of the cruise, which is far superior to anything that MSC YC can offer.

Celebrity deals are available but need to be alert.

[molemaui]

Getting back into this thread. I'm consumed by metrics so here it is.

 

7 days Edge, Sky Suite 4 perks.  $356 night/per person.  (2)

 

7 Days Nieuw Amsterdam, Neptune Suite. Drinks , internet. $327 night/per person (2)

 

Both cruises reflect pricing paid directly to cruise line and DOES NOT reflect anything such as extra OBC or any other perks from TA-SO that I'm comparing apples to apples, I keep that stuff out of my calculations. 

[Hlitner]

27 minutes ago, mickey89 said:

I recently cancelled 14 nt. MSC Seaside in their yacht club YC1 cabin in favour of 21 nt. Equinox cruise 1A cabin for $2000 cheaper. Celebrity deal with TA was Non- Refundable deposit, Prem Bev Pkg, free Gratuities and $1550 obc, more than sufficient to eat in Murano every night of the cruise, which is far superior to anything that MSC YC can offer.

Celebrity deals are available but need to be alert.

I tend to agree with you, especially about  Murano which has long been our favorite restaurant at sea....on any line.  But the YC is a completely different experience then a 1A on Celebrity.  In terms of service and facilities it is equivalent to the best ultra luxury lines.  But when it comes to food, MSC has much to learn.   Although their YC restaurant is pretty good, it is not in the same class as Murano.  We have yet to cruise on the Seaside but do have a 14 nt booking for next year.  

 

Hank

[Oceansaway17]

18 hours ago, meechee341 said:

How many people continue to go to WDW at very high prices?  I think they are at record attendance levels now and the hotels re sold out all the time at very high prices  

 

X, and others, are looking at those land vacation people and trying to get them on board.  Ships are resorts that move.  Believe me, a week at any Marriott resort with food and drinks is expensive for a family - probably in range of a cruise.  That is X target market - people who are already spending the money on land.  They aren't looking for the $100 ppd crowd moaning about free movies.

 

I think this quote really sums it up.  Celebrity is gearing their product towards a market who can afford their product.  The Four Seasons, The Waldorf Astoria and other high end hotels aren't targeting the Holiday Inn people.  It wouldn't make sense to stand in the lobby of those hotels and complain about the prices (and yes, their prices have gone up over the years) when you can go to a hotel that better fits your budget.  People want clean ships, great service, good food (which is subjective), solid entertainment, top notch liquor (if you drink), a nice stateroom with the latest amenities, and other perks.  People also want to see the staff earn a decent living.  The problem is, many people want all these things as long as we don't have to come out of pocket for anything extra.  Traveling is EXPENSIVE whether by cruise or land.  We're almost at the point where a vacation of any type is now a luxury.  Celebrity isn't the only ship raising prices.  Carnival just raised the prices on their drinks packages.  There's a reason why Carnival's prices are lower as well.  If you read their message boards, you'll see people who frequently cruise with Carnival complain about the rusted out state of their ships.  People who cruise Carnival understand and accept the trade-off:  a cheaper cruise fare to sail on ships that sometimes aren't well maintained.  On MSC cruisers have complained that when sailing in less expensive rooms, they don't get Kleenex in their cabins.  Many have expressed dismay over having to deal with a one-roll-of-toilet paper allotment each day.   The issue isn't so much with Celebrity as it is with my budget. They have a right to price their product at whatever price they think their ships are worth.  I have a right to walk away, without complaining or demanding cheaper rates, and find a vacation that is better suited to my budget. The price of absolutely everything is going up next year.  Lots of people will be priced out of their once loved cruise lines and other vacations (I'm looking at you Walt Disney World).  This is the new reality.

 

 

 

a very well written response and I agree with you as well.  I had a few great priced ships after 2008 markets fell.

Then things went up around 2012.

 

as the saying goes "You get what you pay for".

I myself do not go on cruises for finest dining and drinks.  I go for the ocean and all the shows and ports of call.

Ya want fine dining, go to Vegas with many options.

I rather enjoy just making my own salad in the buffet and looking over the desserts.

 

as far as rates go, Carnival newer ships are expensive but they are also nice (vista class).   However, I have just gotten a reduction for my HAL cruise and Princess cruises for next year.  Combined both added up to 1300 dollars.  

 

And YES WDW is way over priced,  do not go in 2020 but wait for 2021 mid year with more new things opening.

Food is expensive in WDW which is why I see more and more families bringing in food and snacks and eating in lines for rides.  Cracks me up until I get home and see the bills I paid for buffets to the tune of $40-$50 a meal.   hmmm snack sound good too.

[the_dylaness]

I just finished 8 days in a balcony cabin on a luxury line (Crystal) for $3600 for two people.

Plus $1500 onboard credit.

 

Celebrity might still get my bookings when traveling with kids but other than that we are about done.  We enjoy the "no nickel and diming" atmosphere on lines such as Crystal, Silversea, and Seabourn.  When the price is less, to boot?  Silly not to make the trade.  Good luck, X.  (Signed, Nearly Elite X Passenger.)

[KW Cruisers]

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I tend to agree with you, especially about  Murano which has long been our favorite restaurant at sea....on any line.  But the YC is a completely different experience then a 1A on Celebrity.  In terms of service and facilities it is equivalent to the best ultra luxury lines.  But when it comes to food, MSC has much to learn.   Although their YC restaurant is pretty good, it is not in the same class as Murano.  We have yet to cruise on the Seaside but do have a 14 nt booking for next year.  

 

Hank

We sailed on MSC in the Royal Suite recently on the Seaside. The suite itself was nice (tons of space), everything else was horrible! The only thing that was consistent, was that we could depend on inconsistency of service. The food was HORRIBLE in the Yacht Club restaurant (however I did enjoy the Tappanyaki specialty restaurant). I don't think you can compare MSC Yacht Club at all to luxury lines. Regent and Oceania have far superior service and food. Azamara and Celebrity (suite class) are well ahead MSC too. And the smoking on MSC?? And the muster station drill in the smoke filled casino?? That was a joke! I'll stop there.

 

We tried MSC because it was such a good deal and people seemed to rave about the Yacht Club in comparison to other lines. I wonder how many of them have cruised in suites on higher-end lines. We will never go back to MSC - I don't care how good the price is.

 

My two cents...

 

PS. - I love Murano on X! We used to love Normandie on the Summit!! - Wish they hadn't removed that to put another Tuscan Grill.

 

Shawn

[bigbenboys]

We do have a 3 week land trip to England booked for May/June. Family has wanted to do Alaska cruise. I want to say we have done Alaska 5 times and we have Millie booked for 2021 with friends visiting from England. I'm going to book HAL to Alaska for July 2020. I'm going to take my parents and other family members. Thinking 4 balcony cabins. It will give me a good feel if HAL might work. As we live in Seattle it is a easy cruise for us. I'm going to cancel the Hawaii to Sydney cruise. If family backs out we'll try the signature suite. Thanks for all your help here.

[chaps612]

We just recently came off of a Caribbean Christmas cruise for the 3rd straight year and loved it! However, Celebrity is scratching the S class for Edge next year for all 7 day Caribbean cruises. And pricing reflects this as prices have increased more than 25%. We are actually considering NCL out of NOLA next Christmas which would have been unthinkable 3 weeks ago.

[meechee341]

On 12/29/2019 at 8:50 PM, KW Cruisers said:

We sailed on MSC in the Royal Suite recently on the Seaside. The suite itself was nice (tons of space), everything else was horrible! The only thing that was consistent, was that we could depend on inconsistency of service. The food was HORRIBLE in the Yacht Club restaurant (however I did enjoy the Tappanyaki specialty restaurant). I don't think you can compare MSC Yacht Club at all to luxury lines. Regent and Oceania have far superior service and food. Azamara and Celebrity (suite class) are well ahead MSC too. And the smoking on MSC?? And the muster station drill in the smoke filled casino?? That was a joke! I'll stop there.

 

We tried MSC because it was such a good deal and people seemed to rave about the Yacht Club in comparison to other lines. I wonder how many of them have cruised in suites on higher-end lines. We will never go back to MSC - I don't care how good the price is.

 

My two cents...

 

PS. - I love Murano on X! We used to love Normandie on the Summit!! - Wish they hadn't removed that to put another Tuscan Grill.

 

Shawn

From what I've seen and read, there are lots of people who have sailed on MSC in both regular rooms and the in the YC who hate the line and wouldn't sail with them again.  I'm currently watching guy on YouTube who is sailing on the MSC Armonia.  He has admitted in the comments section that he'd never recommend MSC to his friends and family.  He also said the food was horrible.  He's been doing a great job documenting every aspect of his trip.  Hopefully the people who leave Celebrity lured away by the better deals and cheaper prices will have better experiences.  If the reviews I've seen are any indication, I wouldn't hold out much hope....

[Life Buoy]

The market determines prices. It would be irresponsible to shareholders to make less than the market would dictate. Totally irrelevant what any one individual can afford or desire. The market speaks!

Edited December 31, 2019 by Life Buoy