Celebrity at it again, I guess the new CEO can’t seem to tell the truth!

[markeb]

2 hours ago, mysticbluebmw said:

Exactly, and what keeps getting overlooked, is that one of the primary fiduciary responsibilities of the BOD is to maximize profits, which generally in time translates to higher share prices. That’s the goal of every for-profit business. If we keep paying it, in fact, throwing our money at them (which has only worsened inflation with surge spending) it only legitimizes what they can or will charge.

 

However, I would imagine cruise companies have performed extensive analysis in determining pax occupancy vs all other aspects of the experience (dining, entertainment, gambling, etc…) in determining rates. The logic behind whatever algorithms they’ve decided to settle on, would likely be difficult to see. Their business model hinges on having good estimates of how many passengers on a particular ship (to make it profitable enough) will need to be catered to, in order to have enough crew, food, activities, etc…In the end, we the passengers may not like the model used for rates, but their bottom line relies on it to stay in business. People are tired of hearing it, but vote with $$$, there are other cruise line with more favorable models (ships as well w/special solo cabins) for solo travelers. Trying to pound a square peg in a round hole is likely only going to frustrate you. 😅

 

Yep. The Celebrity president (she's not a CEO!) isn't lying when she says she wants to change this. But any change is going to have to be no worse than revenue neutral. If they're going to give up the revenue for selling singles at over the double occupancy rate, they're going to have to model where that difference is coming from. Because apparently they're selling cruises at those rates. And RCG's obligation as a corporation and BOD is to the stockholders. I'm sure they've got data to support the pricing, and they can probably apply the same data to other revenue options. But that's not happening overnight. And regardless of the optics, if they're selling, there's no reason to make a change.

 

Not meeting their fiduciary responsibilities to the shareholders on the other hand would be grounds for removing leadership.

[zitsky]

How does the single fare today compare to the fare paid by two pax in the same cabin on Celebrity?  Is it more for single than for double?  If a cabin is $1,000 pp, does the single pay $2,000 or more than $2,000?

[ch175]

14 minutes ago, zitsky said:

How does the single fare today compare to the fare paid by two pax in the same cabin on Celebrity?  Is it more for single than for double?  If a cabin is $1,000 pp, does the single pay $2,000 or more than $2,000?

I think the answer is it depends. I was looking at cruises as a solo, some were over the cost of two in a cabin. I found one I liked that was a little under the cost for two.

 

I got the impression that it was always not a good idea to book the all included (or whatever it is called now).

[PTC DAWG]

25 minutes ago, zitsky said:

How does the single fare today compare to the fare paid by two pax in the same cabin on Celebrity?  Is it more for single than for double?  If a cabin is $1,000 pp, does the single pay $2,000 or more than $2,000?

Varies by sailing…apparently..

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

42 minutes ago, zitsky said:

How does the single fare today compare to the fare paid by two pax in the same cabin on Celebrity?  Is it more for single than for double?  If a cabin is $1,000 pp, does the single pay $2,000 or more than $2,000?

More than $2,000.  Have you not read the posts here?

[DaKahuna]

On 6/9/2024 at 4:42 PM, miched said:

I did a mock booking for a Panama Canal  cruise.   Checked the prices of a SS.  Did it for 2 passengers and 1.    It is really sticking it to the solo passenger and not right.  Same cabin with the prepaid gratuities.

 

 So the moral of this story is to always cruise with a friend. 

 

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

1 minute ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 So the moral of this story is to always cruise with a friend. 

 

 

 

No, the moral of this story is:  always check the pricing both ways and if you're a solo, don't book with the outrageous upcharge.

 

I do cruise with friends.  I just don't share cabins with them.

[zitsky]

42 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

More than $2,000.  Have you not read the posts here?

Not all of them.

[Lena11033]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

How does the single fare today compare to the fare paid by two pax in the same cabin on Celebrity?  Is it more for single than for double?  If a cabin is $1,000 pp, does the single pay $2,000 or more than $2,000?

 

Ones I've looked at it depends on the sailing and ship.

One route I was looking at was the same price as what I paid in 2022.

 

Others it was more but then it was about what I was quoted for NCL. So really I feel like it's you need to look around for deals.

[At Sea At Peace]

This is an interesting thread we read today as it has rained all day long.  ⛈️

 

Although not in the need to sail solo mode, and not taking a side (if there actually is one), we wonder if many use available resources such as CruisePlum (CruisePlum Solo Deals) to take advantage of the wealth of information that is there?

 

It is not a TA, not a CC post violation, etc.  A really good resource too (for a lot of various interests).  Using it points us in directions that ultimately are incredibly valuable to us. 

 

Hopefully, solo cruisers can use some of their 'Solo Deals' data mined and presented to help find more cost friendly cruises aggregated specifically for them.

 

cruiseplum.com

 

 

[pzsdd6]

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 So the moral of this story is to always cruise with a friend. 

 

 

As others have posted here, their plan is to book for 2 with no intention of having a second passenger. I like others prefer to not cheat, even though lots do, no judgement. I worry that if I did that, the fine print seems to say that Celebrity can charge the prevailing rate, which could end up being north of 300%, not sure I want to take a chance that I’ve interpreted incorrectly. I know some have done this without issue, not sure if Celebrity has actually penalized or charged the higher rate on anyone. I’m pretty sure that if this became more common, Celebrity would step in.

Would a blow up life size doll count? Hmmmmm……lol

[miched]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 So the moral of this story is to always cruise with a friend. 

 

 

Especially one with benefits.  Or travel with  2 friends for more interesting benefits.

 

Very Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

[drakes2]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 So the moral of this story is to always cruise with a friend. 

 

 

None of my friends can afford it. Once I actually paid my friend's cruise fare but we shared a cabin.  Can't do it all the time though. 

[miched]

Years ago people would book a round trip on an air line because it was cheaper than one way.  They wouldn’t show up for the flight back.   The air line wised up and somehow charged them for a higher cost than it would have been for the one way.  Don’t know the real truth or what happened as it was years ago. 
 

I know this is the truth as I tried it and was told that the airline doesn’t allow it.  I live 10 miles from the main airport for Detroit area.   I live about 40 miles from the Toledo Oh airport.   I wanted to book a flight to Las Vegas.   It was a lot cheaper to go thru Toledo but it wasn’t non stop as it flew to Detroit and then the used the same flight to Vegas.   I thought why not book that flight and just drive to Detroit and board there.   Can’t do.  If I don’t take the first flight I can’t get on the 2nd.

 

The companies aren’t as stupid as we are or think.   I don’t understand people posting on these boards ways that they beat the system for everyone to know.    Ex upgrade to one premium pack if you both have the classic and then both “share” the premium pack when needed.    What happened?   Everyone now needs the premium package in the same cabin if you want to upgrade. 
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅
 

 

[TGfromTX]

2 hours ago, drakes2 said:

None of my friends can afford it. Once I actually paid my friend's cruise fare but we shared a cabin.  Can't do it all the time though. 

I haven't had issues finding a rommie in past, but after Covid many of mine aren't comfortable with ship travel just yet.

[Thejuggler]

Cruise ships work on the basis of total revenue per passenger.  A couple will pay twice as much in gratuities, buy more in bars, spend more on excursions, shops, casino etc etc.

 

Singletons spend far less.  I have a friend who travels solo 5-6 cruises a year. Her only on board spends are the OBC.

 

It also explains why in general larger ships are better value than smaller ones operated by the same cruise company.  More on board revenue opportunities from 4,000 passengers over 2,000.

[billc23]

11 hours ago, miched said:

 

The companies aren’t as stupid as we are or think.   I don’t understand people posting on these boards ways that they beat the system for everyone to know.    Ex upgrade to one premium pack if you both have the classic and then both “share” the premium pack when needed.    What happened?   Everyone now needs the premium package in the same cabin if you want to upgrade. 
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅
 

 

It is best not to post workarounds of the rules, as the loopholes will be closed. This has been happening with turning NR OBC into cash (still possible but not as straightforward) and manufactured spending, of which there used to be amazing opportunities. 

 

I do not travel solo, but if I did I do not think Celebrity would not be my first choice because of their pricing. Perhaps they do not want solo traveler and set pricing similar to the busy contractor who does not want the job but will take it at a high price.

 

As recommended above, CruisePlum is a great resource for all, solo or not.

[Tom and Ingrid]

On 6/10/2024 at 9:33 PM, Ommadawn said:

 

Could you, please, back up that last sentence? I would like to know if that is an absolute fact.

 

On 6/10/2024 at 9:45 PM, canderson said:

It's not 75%, but still an enormous % of the whole.

 

Here's how it looked just pre-COVID

https://www.statista.com/statistics/287114/cruise-passenger-share-by-source-country/

with the US providing 46% of the pax, and Germany in 2nd place at 8.7%.

 

With the U.S. removed, it would be a very different industry.

It's an interesting topic, and one the RCCL answers - in their own way - in the annual filings.

 

In their last 10-K filing, they state, that for the industry as a WHOLE, the North American market (US, CA, and maybe Mexico) are 63% of the cut (putting the US at least at 50%):

 

 

...and for RCCL (all lines), the US was ~75% of their clientele:

 

 

For Carnival - owner of more "international" options - they too are heavily weighted towards the US/NA market with the US/CA being 59% of the 2023 passenger total, and Europe w/ UK at 29%:

[pzsdd6]

Thank you for posting this, it’s much more detailed than what I have seen. This just bolsters my point. The U.S. market really is what drives the market, from trends to changes.

[pcur]

I always find it fascinating when I read threads like this one. I can understand the reasoning of double paying if cruising solo, since I do that.  However, on RCCL I do benefit from the C&A promo code that allows me to pay a 50% supplement instead of 100%.

 

What fascinates me is the judging and complaining about "fairness" from posters.

 

If I went into (or online) to shop at a business, say for bedsheets, and found that for my bed size the sheets were double the price, I would be really irritated.  But, then I decide if my need/want for the sheets overrides "this isn't fair/this is a disgusting business practice", or even "Wow! The price of sheets has really gone up!!"

 

Cruises are a product offered by a business. The price fluctuates based on demand.  You buy the product or not. But, I've never gotten angry at Walmart when they've doubled the price of something:  I decide whether it's worth it to me to buy my sheets from them, or some place else. 

 

With cruising, it's my price per night that is my deciding factor.  If the price per night is close, or less, than the price of a hotel, I book it.  Of course with my TA who offers obc, refundable deposits, and group rates!! 

 

 

[pzsdd6]

I hope others will continue to add to this thread. By updating and adding posts from others who have experienced or agree that this is not right, we can keep this thread on top of the board so others can see. You don’t think that the cruise lines don’t have people monitoring what’s posted? They most certainly do! The only way to deal with companies that operate like this is to put them under the spotlight and draw attention. Keep posting and let others know when they are not telling the truth. The CEO of Celebrity doesn’t know how to tell the truth! 

[pzsdd6]

8 minutes ago, pcur said:

I always find it fascinating when I read threads like this one. I can understand the reasoning of double paying if cruising solo, since I do that.  However, on RCCL I do benefit from the C&A promo code that allows me to pay a 50% supplement instead of 100%.

 

What fascinates me is the judging and complaining about "fairness" from posters.

 

If I went into (or online) to shop at a business, say for bedsheets, and found that for my bed size the sheets were double the price, I would be really irritated.  But, then I decide if my need/want for the sheets overrides "this isn't fair/this is a disgusting business practice", or even "Wow! The price of sheets has really gone up!!"

 

Cruises are a product offered by a business. The price fluctuates based on demand.  You buy the product or not. But, I've never gotten angry at Walmart when they've doubled the price of something:  I decide whether it's worth it to me to buy my sheets from them, or some place else. 

 

With cruising, it's my price per night that is my deciding factor.  If the price per night is close, or less, than the price of a hotel, I book it.  Of course with my TA who offers obc, refundable deposits, and group rates!! 

 

 

Well thank you for the startling insight into the cruise industry. I’m glad you have a method to decide which cruise to take, but that’s not what this thread is about. It’s about a less than fair discrimination against solo travelers. They were called out for it, and when confronted with the facts , the CEO or president, whatever you want to call her,  said this was wrong and would stop the practice! They did not stop it and continue to discriminate………she lied! Period!

[pcur]

1 minute ago, pzsdd6 said:

Well thank you for the startling insight into the cruise industry. I’m glad you have a method to decide which cruise to take, but that’s not what this thread is about. It’s about a less than fair discrimination against solo travelers. They were called out for it, and when confronted with the facts , the CEO or president, whatever you want to call her,  said this was wrong and would stop the practice! They did not stop it and continue to discriminate………she lied! Period!

Thanks for the info......your sarcasm is also duly noted for my future reference.

[PTC DAWG]

If I don’t like the price of something,  I don’t buy it, works for me every time. 
 

 

[iandjm]

38 minutes ago, pcur said:

I always find it fascinating when I read threads like this one. I can understand the reasoning of double paying if cruising solo, since I do that.  However, on RCCL I do benefit from the C&A promo code that allows me to pay a 50% supplement instead of 100%.

 

What fascinates me is the judging and complaining about "fairness" from posters.

 

If I went into (or online) to shop at a business, say for bedsheets, and found that for my bed size the sheets were double the price, I would be really irritated.  But, then I decide if my need/want for the sheets overrides "this isn't fair/this is a disgusting business practice", or even "Wow! The price of sheets has really gone up!!"

 

Cruises are a product offered by a business. The price fluctuates based on demand.  You buy the product or not. But, I've never gotten angry at Walmart when they've doubled the price of something:  I decide whether it's worth it to me to buy my sheets from them, or some place else. 

 

With cruising, it's my price per night that is my deciding factor.  If the price per night is close, or less, than the price of a hotel, I book it.  Of course with my TA who offers obc, refundable deposits, and group rates!! 

 

 

You make some very good points however what celebrity’s expecting some single traveler's to do is the equivalent of going out for dinner on your own and being asked to pay 3 times for the one meal.
We all reluctantly accept paying for an imaginary person is part of having a solo cabin to ourself, of course with that we are also paying for the imaginary persons food and all other items we get included as part of the price. But to be asked to pay above the 100% cabin price is just wrong. It’s as unacceptable as an airline charging a solo traveler for 2 seats not just the one. 
we all have a choice of which cruise line we go with and as you say we do not have to pay the silly prices, but that does not excuse this immorally wrong practice.