radiance - Why is 5 night cheaper than 4 night?

[ejeffo]

Just out of curiosity (learning here)...

 

I am sailing on the Radiance to Cabo Sept. 25, 2009 on a 5-night cruise. I notice that my cruise is cheaper than the 4-night one that leaves the day we return to San Diego. Why is this? What makes that 4-night cruise more appealing? I have always wondered about that. Mathematically, it makes no sense. I am just trying to learn the ins and outs for future cruise planning.

[msett1]

To an extent cruise line pricing works similar to the airlines. As the ships fill up and continues to sell well, they will raise the price. For some reason the cruise after yours is selling better or yours wasnt selling as well. I am thinking the cruise after yours might fall over Columbus Day and some people have a day or two off. This might be why the prices are increased.

[Coralc]

I don't know why. :D But that is why we are sailing on the 5 night. :) Actually, I think on the 4 night nearest our sailing, it's about $50 cheaper per person. :D

[allseas1586]

Usually the 4 nights are over weekends and the 5 nights during the week, so there is more demand for the 4 night cruise (less vacation time used for a lot of people). :)

[negc]

Prices can even vary on sailings of the same length on the same ship. They are often dependent on the dates you choose to sail. If the price is slightly different it might be that the port fees on the 5 night cruise are actually less than those on the 4 nighter. Most of all, however, the prices depend on how well the cruise is selling or how well they expect it to sell. A less popular 5 night itinerary might require them to charge a lower price than a more popular 4 night one. As with so many things in life, the best answer to your question is : "It depends."

[BillOh]

I've heard day of the week of departure affects as well as Cruises leaving on a Saturday or Sunday book easier.

[wrp96]

All I know is I'm saying thank you today for the price drop in our Radiance 5 nighter!

[Kurbanfan]

It has always been that way........just like a 4 night is cheaper then a 3 night.....the shorter cruises are easier to fill because of less week days off........

[Coralc]

All I know is I'm saying thank you today for the price drop in our Radiance 5 nighter!

 

I agree! We had one last Thursday. Thank you Royal Caribbean! :D