Customer wishing Cruises Lines stop charging “extras”. Maybe it's not the right cruise line for you.

Now that I’m on Cruises Inc Advisory Council, I asked some of my Top Cruisers (been on 7-30 vacations with me)… Is there anything, that you would like to see us make available or change, to help you here at Cruises Inc ?”

Though my question was in reference to Cruises Inc … Here’s is a response I received from one of my Top Cruisers:  “Only thing bothering us about the cruise industry at this point is that they sound more like airlines.  Every little thing is beginning to be "extra" and the costs mount up.  The one extraordinary thing about cruising was it touted itself as a one price vacation.  You knew when you left home what it would cost you the entire time.  Now it is a matter of deciding if you can afford to eat, be entertained, and everything else you would want.  Heck, I even remember when ice cream was free!!!”

I wrote back:

I do understand the “one price vacation” and now they keep adding cost for extras.    Crazy as it sounds … Way back, cost was about $1500 pp for a balcony (just giving example) … Today, I’ve seen as low as $499 (higher or lower). 

Folks seem to want to see this “low cost” … And of course, some folks can only afford to go, if at these lower cost.   So to make up the money, these cruise lines are going after the extras …
“Those things that folks don’t need, but want” …And the cruise lines do a “good job” at turning folks into wanting them !  And Yes, these extras are getting truly pricey.  Whether it’s, drinks, cokes, pictures, extra dining, spa, and more ! 

It becomes a matter of … Can you do without these items and keep your cruise price down.  Or … Choose lines that allow for more free or complimentary items.

·         Many cruise lines today, allow you to bring on a bottle of wine.  As long as you consumer in your room, there is no corkage fee

      ·         Cruise Lines are turning to the opportunity for pre-buying a bottle of liquor onboard (at a high cost) to be consumed in your room.
      ·         Usually you can also bring on a minimum of bottled water and/or soft drinks.
      ·         There are now drink packages.  You pay per day, but for the entire time.  This is purchased onboard.  Some cruise lines like Princess, the drinks are endless … Others, like Carnival have a maximum of 15 per day.
      ·         Royal Caribbean gives, to folks who have sailed a minimum of 10 cruises (it’s now a point system), and guest are given complimentary wine, from 4:30 to 9pm (times vary; select areas).  After 25 cruises (again, a point system), this time includes liquor.  On select ships, like my experience on the Grandeur of the Seas, you were not differentiated between Diamond and Diamond Plus cruisers.
      ·         Carnival still gives complimentary soft-serve ice cream, 24 hours a day.  Holland America has dipped ice cream available in the café, usually 3 times a day.  Even my Regal Princess cruise in November, offered soft serve at the pool.  There’s others.
      ·         Now Norwegian offers a dining package.  $119 for unlimited dining in their specialty restaurants (select ones not included).  This may go up for the NCL Escape (?).


Though I don’t personally believe in paying extra for specialty dining rooms … This is appealing to many folks.  And those who don’t want to pay it, just ignore it rather than be offended by the charge.  With NCL offering such a low cost for this package, and since I don’t care much for the food on NCL, I actually love this idea !  I will look at my cost for the cruise, add $119, and then decide if I still believe this is a great value.  With Cruises Inc risk space rates or great offers for folks who buy Hawaii early … I believe this package is worth it !  I plan to buy for my NCL Escape cruise, November 2015.

FYI … Things are changing in the industry.  We talked with many of the cruise lines at our Cruises Inc convention in November (2014). 

The cruise lines are in hopes of … Stopping the “coming down” of cruise pricing.   coming down on price.  Instead, they are going to give bonus’ to the folks who book early.  Such as onboard credit, or complimentary drinks, etc. 

Though this won’t change the fact that these “extras” will continue to be at a cost and will probably get higher … Pictures, shore excursions, spa, etc … Folks who “think” they are getting a lower rate on their cruise by waiting … I essence, will have missed the mark … Cause their price won’t include the added amenities, that cruiser who bought early, received !

The cruise lines seemed to have survived these lower cost.  Its more important to the cruise line, that the ships are filled, so the staff can get paid (those who get tips and those who don’t).  That’s nice !

Have you ever considered a Regent Seven Seas cruise ?  Base may seem higher … But LOOK what’s included:  http://www.rssc.com/experience/all-included/

Call me when you’re ready for me to answer your questions about Regent Seven Seas.  Thank you for your continued support as my customer.  Vivian M Webb, MCC