Prices for September Canada cruises are INSANE

[LoungerOnBalcony55]

I assume this is part of an effort to burn off all the remaining FCC's from the shutdown, but at these prices I'm not going anywhere near NCL anytime soon. 

 

MSC's in NYC now and you can literally do Yacht Club for what NCL is charging for regular cabins. 

[luv2kroooz]

Yes, the early booking fares are artificially inflated. Then they run the promotions about free air or cruise next double up offers if you book 6 months (sometimes 4) months out.

 

Just be patient if you really want to sail on NCL. If you can book and sail last minute,  their last minute discounting is alive and well and is some of the best in the industry. You could save hundreds even thousands over the "fake" promotional pricing if you have flexibility. 

 

Yes, MSC and Carnival sailing into NYC will also disrupt this artificial inflation.

[ChiefMateJRK]

Some look pricey.  Most don't.  Which ship/sailing are you looking at?

[LoungerOnBalcony55]

2 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Some look pricey.  Most don't.  Which ship/sailing are you looking at?

The Escape sailings in September, but I just looked at the Gem (or Pearl or Jewel or whatever it is this season) out of Boston and they're even worse. 

[mugtech]

Just booked an inside on Sky headed to Canada out of Baltimore on 9/1/23 for $649 per person plus taxes and port fees.  Got the 10 day return from Quebec for the same price.  Hard to do better than that.

[LoungerOnBalcony55]

4 minutes ago, mugtech said:

Just booked an inside on Sky headed to Canada out of Baltimore on 9/1/23 for $649 per person plus taxes and port fees.  Got the 10 day return from Quebec for the same price.  Hard to do better than that.

Yeah that is pretty good. I never even considered sailing out of Baltimore before...

[NYcruzzer]

4 hours ago, LoungerOnBalcony55 said:

I assume this is part of an effort to burn off all the remaining FCC's from the shutdown, but at these prices I'm not going anywhere near NCL anytime soon. 

 

MSC's in NYC now and you can literally do Yacht Club for what NCL is charging for regular cabins. 

Edited April 11, 2023 by NYcruzzer

[FLAHAM]

$1,449 per person for a balcony cabin with FAS isn’t cheap, but it’s scarcely “insane.”  A 7-day Caribbean cruise out of Orlando on the Escape in January is only $50 less per person.

[NYcruzzer]

2 minutes ago, NYcruzzer said:

These are base fares. We got a promo Casino offer $100.00 PP for an inside with $100.00 PP OBC and Drinks on us. MSC also has some yummy promos. NCL will be forced to drop fares.. You may just have to wait until after final payments due before you see significan rate drops..

[LoungerOnBalcony55]

9 minutes ago, NYcruzzer said:

Good rates, but I made a promise early in my cruising career that I would never defile myself by setting foot on a Carnival ship, and our lives are only as dignified as the standards we set for ourselves. 

[NYcruzzer]

6 minutes ago, LoungerOnBalcony55 said:

Good rates, but I made a promise early in my cruising career that I would never defile myself by setting foot on a Carnival ship, and our lives are only as dignified as the standards we set for ourselves. 

Carnival Venezia is a new concept.  Basically Costa cruise meets Carnival. Supposed to have special dining and entertainment option not found on regular Carnival ships. I've sailed Carnival out of NYC to Canada/NE past  Septembers. Kiddos back in school. Crowds a bit more mature. I usually sail out NCL out of NYC 2 to 3 times a year. Trying MSC this May and Carnival this Sept and October. Deals to good to pass up. If I do sail NCL again it will be last minute if fares drop enough to justify those tasty added service fees for FREE AT SEA drink and dining packages

[ChiefMateJRK]

49 minutes ago, LoungerOnBalcony55 said:

The Escape sailings in September, but I just looked at the Gem (or Pearl or Jewel or whatever it is this season) out of Boston and they're even worse. 

Thanks.  I don't keep the Escape on my plum radar because she lacks an observation lounge.  I added her and am just not seeing anything "insane."  Perhaps you could elaborate.  I generally only look at steerage (inside and balcony), so might not be seeing what you are.

[debenson0723]

I had looked at these cruises back in October 2022 and NCL was cheaper than both Princess and RCL. Didn't book at that time because I sail solo and wait until 4-6 weeks out to book for the best rates. Now that they have increased, I might still be in the market if prices on NCL do drop back down after Labor Day. But also hoping to maybe do British Isles or Viva TA.