OMG The prices to now cruise on Royal Caribbean

[Biker19]

7 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

What is the F&F fliers?

The link and deals on it are in the Going Going Gone thread. 

[ONECRUISER]

On 9/15/2023 at 9:48 AM, firefly333 said:

All gasoline not just diesel will be climbing. Oil touched over $91 a barrel during the night, but backed off this morning to $89. 

 

I went to the store and spent $60 for a few bags I could easily carry in one hand. 

 

I see folks over on carnival boards sounding the same as here. Folks doing rcl for the first time who were loyal to carnival, coming over here. Trying ncl and msc for the first time. The prices got everyone looking for cheaper deals.

 

Uaw strike for the impossible. If they give them what they want the big 3 go bankrupt. They want profit sharing and free or discounted stock is a big sticking pt. Paid the same for 32 hours of work, not 40. Even wages mid 30% up on a 4 day workweek cant be done. Ford is losing 60k per ev car they sell right now.  UAW says ceo has to take a pay cut and pretends that's going to pay for their demands. Wait until you want to buy a new car. 

 

Imo complaining is fun here and we all feel the bite, but unless demand drops prices are here to stay. Better still if someone sees a good deal post it. 

Well said. Shoot costs of almost everything is up, Rent where I'm at in 2015 was $925, now same place is $2200. Royal is filling every Cabin at higher prices, no reason to charge less

[grandgeezer]

7 hours ago, firefly333 said:

While I get what YOU want, that's not what the uaw is saying. Google it yourself, I'm leaving on a cruise.

 

Here is one among many I found to try and find what is being said. They want to save their union funds for a protracted strike.

 

"Industry observers say striking selected plants, rather than all of them at once, also helps the UAW preserve its $825 million strike fund. The UAW will pay striking workers $500 a week, with those payments becoming available on the eighth day of a walkout."

 

another 

 

"Meanwhile, other chapters that have not been called for strike will continue to work. This allows the UAW to keep its $825 million “strike fund” running for as long as possible while the union pursues its strategy of selectively striking all three automakers. “We will hit where we need to hit,” said UAW President Shawn Fenn."

 

https://biz.crast.net/uaw-attacks-3-major-automakers-targets-select-factories/

 

 

 

If you read it closely, the UAW President did say it would consider a total shutdown.

I just stated what I think they should do bring this to a head sooner. If they want to pussyfoot around and drag it out for possibly several months, be my guest. I don’t use the three auto makers product, so theirs no skin off my nose either way.

[PhillyFan33579]

On 9/15/2023 at 9:48 AM, firefly333 said:

All gasoline not just diesel will be climbing. Oil touched over $91 a barrel during the night, but backed off this morning to $89. 

 

I went to the store and spent $60 for a few bags I could easily carry in one hand. 

 

I see folks over on carnival boards sounding the same as here. Folks doing rcl for the first time who were loyal to carnival, coming over here. Trying ncl and msc for the first time. The prices got everyone looking for cheaper deals.

 

Uaw strike for the impossible. If they give them what they want the big 3 go bankrupt. They want profit sharing and free or discounted stock is a big sticking pt. Paid the same for 32 hours of work, not 40. Even wages mid 30% up on a 4 day workweek cant be done. Ford is losing 60k per ev car they sell right now.  UAW says ceo has to take a pay cut and pretends that's going to pay for their demands. Wait until you want to buy a new car. 

 

Imo complaining is fun here and we all feel the bite, but unless demand drops prices are here to stay. Better still if someone sees a good deal post it. 

Good post. Bottom line like you stated is prices won’t drop unless demand drops. I still think RCI cruises are a good deal even at current prices, with the possible exception of Icon. 

[Billy Baltic]

1 hour ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Good post. Bottom line like you stated is prices won’t drop unless demand drops. I still think RCI cruises are a good deal even at current prices, with the possible exception of Icon. 

If you consider current prices to be a good deal, I have some magic beans I’m willing to sell you at the right price. 

[Anotherpyr]

If they all go on strike, the UAW will exhaust its strike fund in about 12-13 weeks.  The big 3 can probably wait that out given that dealer lots have inventory.  They knew this was coming and given the current state of the car market I think both sides are prepared for a long battle.

[ReneeFLL]

On 9/16/2023 at 2:45 AM, OBX-Cruisers said:

There is NO such thing as a 10 day cruise for $700 per person for a verandah cabin unless you win the lottery.  It is understood to be pp if you have been looking at the ridiculous premium in going from OV to V....often double or more.

Have you not read where someone says they got a 7 or 8 day cruise for just $300.00 or whatever the low price is? They want to make it seem like it’s almost a freebie. What they don’t say is that it’s a casino offer where they most likely spent $$$$ to get it. So if someone doesn’t say if it’s for 2 people, a solo rate or whatever it can be confusing. Don’t always assume it’s for 1 person when the price is low or you could be wrong.

[Happytime22]

18 minutes ago, Anotherpyr said:

If they all go on strike, the UAW will exhaust its strike fund in about 12-13 weeks.  The big 3 can probably wait that out given that dealer lots have inventory.  They knew this was coming and given the current state of the car market I think both sides are prepared for a long battle.

I was a negotiation professor at Rutgers years ago...

The upper-limit demands by striking workers are ridiculous... they want a 40% compounded increase, a drop to a 32-hour work week (which then raises the requested raise to 60%+) a return to Pensions (when pensions at non-government firm is in the single digits now), guaranteed jobs (I have never had that .... as many others have not) ... etc.

I agree that the distribution of wealth has been one-sided, hell my wife works in the Pharma field and the CEO is officially the highest compensated employee in NJ!, but  they need to be realistic... especially given China's status in the EV market... our future!

Sorry, I had to get that off my chest as all this year has been is strikes or fights.

In Congress, they are not even getting off their $%%@ to address the debt ceiling that when broken on 9/30 will directly impact my retirement funds!

Is there a way to transfer my citizenship to a cruise ship??????

[luckyinpa]

23 hours ago, ONECRUISER said:

Well said. Shoot costs of almost everything is up, Rent where I'm at in 2015 was $925, now same place is $2200. Royal is filling every Cabin at higher prices, no reason to charge less

 

thankfully mortgage rates dont match cruise or rent rates, locked in at a rate lower than 30 years ago even!

[PhillyFan33579]

2 hours ago, Billy Baltic said:

If you consider current prices to be a good deal, I have some magic beans I’m willing to sell you at the right price. 

I realize everyone’s financial position is different, but I don’t have any issue paying the current rate  for RCI cruises. If you think the prices are too high, there are other cruise lines with lower prices right now. 

[lcpagejr]

2 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I realize everyone’s financial position is different, but I don’t have any issue paying the current rate  for RCI cruises. If you think the prices are too high, there are other cruise lines with lower prices right now. 

You are correct....but unless you are  loyal to RCL...their product isn't worth paying higher cruise rates than their competitors

[Happytime22]

I agree PhillyFan33579!

I was looking at MSC and they are cheap.  Unfortunately, so appears their shows so I am stuck with NCL and RCL as shows are important to us.

We are a supply and demand country... if not the world, so if you want it, you have to pay for it!

I will just go on RCL... but I'll be the one with his hat out on the gang plank as you walk in!

[PhillyFan33579]

1 minute ago, lcpagejr said:

You are correct....but unless you are  loyal to RCL...their product isn't worth paying higher cruise rates than their competitors

I realize your view is different, but I have no issue paying the current rates for RCI cruises because I am still very happy with the product and experience they provide. However, I do think the prices on Icon are on the high side, which is why only 2 of the 20 cruises I currently have booked are on Icon. Just an FYI, 3 of the cruises I currently have booked are on Celebrity. 

[lcpagejr]

4 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I realize your view is different, but I have no issue paying the current rates for RCI cruises because I am still very happy with the product and experience they provide. However, I do think the prices on Icon are on the high side, which is why only 2 of the 20 cruises I currently have booked are on Icon. Just an FYI, 3 of the cruises I currently have booked are on Celebrity. 

wow...20 booked cruises!!   I do agree. We are older and all the bells and whistles and new offerings really don't appeal to us as it may have 20+ years ago when we had children under our roof!  AS expected the new ships are always higher....as demand makes it very easy to charge more!

[OCSC Mike]

18 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I realize your view is different, but I have no issue paying the current rates for RCI cruises because I am still very happy with the product and experience they provide.

 

I feel the same way. Sometimes all the negativity on the the forums make me feel like an oddball but I'm perfectly OK with that.

 

That said, I still do what I can to minimize costs (TA group rates, etc.) and sail frugally but the prices I'm paying now aren't so much higher than what I'm used to that I'm anywhere close to booking less.

[SUgwoz]

Traveling in general has gone up, trips to smoky mountains and northern GA was significantly higher than it was 3-4 years ago due to accommodation price increases.  A trip to Hawaii is about the same if not slightly lower, but that is not including food costs which will be higher

 

As for Icon which is targeting families that would otherwise do Disney vacations or Disney cruises. A frugal trip to Disney with a $150/night hotel, $70 per day per person tickets, and allocating $50 per day per person food budget. For a 7 night trip you are looking at $4400 for a family of four. 

 

There is still deals (relative to vacation other options) to be had if you are flexible with dates.  Seen guaranteed balcony cabins under $150 per person per night on freedom class. 

 

A party of two trying to sail on Icon is way overpriced, but I imagine that will update if they can't fill the cabins with 3-4 people. 

 

I also think cruise planner expenses, particularly cococay is very inflated and will eventually settle down if they don't get purchased. However you are still seeing people who didn't vacation for a few years booking vacations and have the extra money to allocate. 

Edited September 17, 2023 by SUgwoz

[seasidemama]

12 hours ago, SUgwoz said:

Traveling in general has gone up, trips to smoky mountains and northern GA was significantly higher than it was 3-4 years ago due to accommodation price increases.  A trip to Hawaii is about the same if not slightly lower, but that is not including food costs which will be higher

 

As for Icon which is targeting families that would otherwise do Disney vacations or Disney cruises. A frugal trip to Disney with a $150/night hotel, $70 per day per person tickets, and allocating $50 per day per person food budget. For a 7 night trip you are looking at $4400 for a family of four. 

 

There is still deals (relative to vacation other options) to be had if you are flexible with dates.  Seen guaranteed balcony cabins under $150 per person per night on freedom class. 

 

 

 

surfside balcony on cheapest icon sailing hurricane peak Sep 2025 with KSF is coming at $4,927 non refundable. Add +/- $900 for just wifi & gratuities and you’re at $1,400 more on icon before excursions. If you want an OV Balcony you’re coming in at just under $9,000. I’ll take disney any day if that is my trip’s budget.

[Cruise a holic]

6 hours ago, seasidemama said:

 

surfside balcony on cheapest icon sailing hurricane peak Sep 2025 with KSF is coming at $4,927 non refundable. Add +/- $900 for just wifi & gratuities and you’re at $1,400 more on icon before excursions. If you want an OV Balcony you’re coming in at just under $9,000. I’ll take disney any day if that is my trip’s budget.

Have gone on a few Disney cruises- no more- great if you have little children as they will also be screaming and running around.  Found main areas very noisy.  Not a restful dinner in the main dining rooms.  Expensive to see people dressed in costumes- but little kiddies enjoy- Nothing really special about the cruise ships.  Plus found the ships extremely expensive for a decent cabin or suite.  We really enjoy RC Oasis class and will be trying the Icon next spring.  Booked when they opened up bookings- but yes expensive as we like suites.  Probably will stick to Oasis class and Celebrity Edge and S class ships going foward- As we enjoy adult only pools and special adult only areas.

 

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by Cruise a holic

[SUgwoz]

7 hours ago, seasidemama said:

 

surfside balcony on cheapest icon sailing hurricane peak Sep 2025 with KSF is coming at $4,927 non refundable. Add +/- $900 for just wifi & gratuities and you’re at $1,400 more on icon before excursions. If you want an OV Balcony you’re coming in at just under $9,000. I’ll take disney any day if that is my trip’s budget.

I wouldn't pay that either, however, there is sailings in April, May, and November (which is the three months I would prefer most to cruise in) in 2024 where a family of four can get a balcony and at times that included Oceanview Balcony for anywhere between $4500-5000.  I think how people identify deals on cruises is changing, at least when using traditional sites.  For example one sailing shows sold out balconies, but that is only for 2 person balconies.  

 

With Icon and the high demand, they are putting out high prices to see how they fill up, and lower as they can go. 

 

In the end, if the ships sail empty prices come down, if the ships are full then this is how it will be.  Most people are unhappy with Disney World high prices, and it blows me away someone would drop $5k-10k in the middle of summer when it can feel like 110 degrees.  However, most of the time the parks are packed.  

[PhillyFan33579]

7 minutes ago, SUgwoz said:

I wouldn't pay that either, however, there is sailings in April, May, and November (which is the three months I would prefer most to cruise in) in 2024 where a family of four can get a balcony and at times that included Oceanview Balcony for anywhere between $4500-5000.  I think how people identify deals on cruises is changing, at least when using traditional sites.  For example one sailing shows sold out balconies, but that is only for 2 person balconies.  

 

With Icon and the high demand, they are putting out high prices to see how they fill up, and lower as they can go. 

 

In the end, if the ships sail empty prices come down, if the ships are full then this is how it will be.  Most people are unhappy with Disney World high prices, and it blows me away someone would drop $5k-10k in the middle of summer when it can feel like 110 degrees.  However, most of the time the parks are packed.  

I live in Florida and have an annual pass to Disney World. I keep reading and seeing videos online saying attendance is down at WDW, but the parks are always crowded when I go and I only go on week days. Bottom line for any travel related business is they are going to charge as much as the market allows. 

[cruiselvr04]

I’d like to sail on Icon just to check it out but won’t pay that kind of price to do it, at least not yet. I don’t care for the ports of call either and we’d probably just stay on the ship.  We are sticking to older ships with longer itineraries.  I’ve already had to go to ocean views on half of those because of pricing.  I’d rather cruise on Viking or Seaborne at $500 or more pp per night which are Icon rates. We don’t need water parks except when we cruise with the grands. 
 

Yes travel in general has gone up just like groceries and everything else.  It will be okay, it just takes some adjustment and getting used to. We have choices about where the money goes. 
 

I’m doing the planning for our Australia New Zealand cruises right now and am having heart palpitations every time I look at excursion pricing.  Through the cruise line or independent they are super high.  I’m so glad we booked the cruise when we did, that’s the cheap part.  Airfare we got a deal on too.  So I guess I shouldn’t complain about excursions.
 

[vjmatty]

Luckily transatlantic sailings have stayed low, which is most of what we sail, but if you avoid brand new ships the first year or two they sail and keep checking for price drops, fares sometimes will go back to being reasonable during the course of a booking.  That being said, I'm still waiting to book anything for 2025 since nothing appeals to me at the moment.

[AlyssaJames]

3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Have gone on a few Disney cruises- no more- great if you have little children as they will also be screaming and running around.  Found main areas very noisy.  Not a restful dinner in the main dining rooms.

This is why we were one & done with Disney. People talk up the adults-only/child free areas, but limited dinner offerings means you're locked into a looong dinner with people letting their kids run absolutely wild & full volume. And don't believe people who tell you the late seating is quieter. 🙂 During one of our late-seating dinners, some kids were literally lying on the ground in the path of the servers bring large trays to tables, while their parents looked on adoringly. 

[nferr]

On 9/17/2023 at 7:48 AM, Billy Baltic said:

If you consider current prices to be a good deal, I have some magic beans I’m willing to sell you at the right price. 

 My cruise for Oct. 15 is sold out, same for Oct. 8, so obviously a lot of people disagree with you. I look for bargains and I'm pretty patient so I've been finding deals here and there on cruises.

[SUgwoz]

7 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I live in Florida and have an annual pass to Disney World. I keep reading and seeing videos online saying attendance is down at WDW, but the parks are always crowded when I go and I only go on week days. Bottom line for any travel related business is they are going to charge as much as the market allows. 

Disney World is a good example of not rewarding loyalty.  They stripped away a lot of the perks for annual passholders.