How Cruise ships make Money - MUST SEE TV

[singinglizzie]

I keep reading so many posts from first time cruisers that aren't properly prepared for a cruise then complain afterwards that they feel nickle and dimmed to death. I stumbled upon (from another post here on CC) a TV show (cruise inc.) that shows how cruise ships operate and make their money.

 

IMHO this show should be a mandatory watch before taking a cruise. You will better understand why the bar servers are hawking drinks, etc and you will appreciate the pressure of the ship trying to make a buck, at least I do now. But see it for yourself!

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1139954767&play=1

[Cruisin' Chick]

If this is the one about NCL, we saw it about a year or two ago. They seem to be on one side of the continuum when it comes to nickel and diming.

[Cuizer2]

If this is the one about NCL' date=' we saw it about a year or two ago. They seem to be on one side of the continuum when it comes to nickel and diming.[/quote']

 

Yes, this is the one about the NCL Pearl. I also saw it when it aired. I was surprised at how open NCL was about revenue aboard the ship.

[aohkay]

I keep reading so many posts from first time cruisers that aren't properly prepared for a cruise then complain afterwards that they feel nickle and dimmed to death. I stumbled upon (from another post here on CC) a TV show (cruise inc.) that shows how cruise ships operate and make their money.

 

IMHO this show should be a mandatory watch before taking a cruise. You will better understand why the bar servers are hawking drinks, etc and you will appreciate the pressure of the ship trying to make a buck, at least I do now. But see it for yourself!

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1139954767&play=1

 

Thanks for reposting the link. Good for NCL for being open about operations.

 

To some extend ALL of the cruiselines do some or all of what NCL does in terms of making extra money from drinks, the casino, laundry, speciallty restaurants etc. Some cruiselines may not charge for specialty restaurants and some of the other add-ons, but for sure the cost of the cruise is going to be more expensive.

 

All of the cruiselines need to make money...it astounds me when people always complain about "nickle & diming".

1. Shame on you for not doing your research BEFORE you booked your cruise.
   
2. Find a different cruiseline that doesn't charge for all the extra's, but charges twice as much for the cruise.
   

There's a cruiseline out there to suit everyone's wants and needs :)

[Cruisin' Chick]

Considering that not everyone has the time or inclination to "research," that's a pretty harsh statement to make. I bet many people just book their first cruise at one of the online sites and go on the basis of cost. That's why whenever I see a newbie posting for advice on which cruise to book for their first one, I try to suggest they seek out a cruise specialist so they can get good advice.

 

But from what I've heard about NCL from people who have gone on their cruise, I'm just not interested in their product.

[singinglizzie]

Maybe I used the wrong choice of words to start this post when I mentioned the idea of nickle and dimming passengers. I think though that most first time cruisers don't realize that the Mass market lines not only need the passengers to get on board but also to buy drinks, tours, etc for the cruise line to make money. I think if more cruise passengers knew this upfront, it would help them to have a better cruise experience.

[PattyG12]

We cruise on Royal Caribbean but found that show very informative. If people would just look at the breakdown of their invoices they would see why they are "nickled and dimed" ... Besides, you don't HAVE to buy the stuff. Fortunately we are able to cruise a couple times a year. I am not scrimping on a cruise. I intend to have fun. It's well worth the cost! Thanks again for posting that link. I agree that everyone should do their research before setting foot on board. Maybe that link should be sent out by the TAs.

[electro]

If this is the one about NCL, we saw it about a year or two ago. They seem to be on one side of the continuum when it comes to nickel and diming.

 

I've been on Carnival, RCL, Celebrity, MSC and NCL and didn't find NCL to be any worse than the others.

 

They are all out to make money and do that with onboard extras.

 

Carnival was the worst for pushing drinks.

 

Lois

[darrween483]

All of the cruise lines do some or all of what NCL does in terms of making extra money from drinks, the casino, laundry, restaurants etc. Some cruise lines may not charge for specialty restaurants and some of the other add-ons, but for sure the cost of the cruise is going to be more expensive.

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[harber78]

Well I am a first time cruiser and thanks for the posting. Not expecting everything included obviously but nice to know.