Has the cost of cruising really gone up

[klepton]

Their largest single operating cost (fuel) is a fraction of what it was a few years ago.

 

While you might be correct, I wouldn't count out the cruise lines doing heavy fuel hedging to mitigate the cost of fuel. I seem to remember reading something 2-3 years ago where Carnival Corp was starting to do it (so they were too late for this round) and RCL had been doing it for years. Because of that, RCL could have been paying a lower fuel cost than the others throughout the fuel cost boom (like Southwest did in the early 2000s). I really don't know, just throwing it out there. If I have time later I'll read up on it some.

[eponym]

Here is a shortened version of estimates for 2015: I am not debating or standing on the numbers below:

 

Estimated 2015 average cruise revenue and expense per passenger for ALL cruise lines. The average per passenger per day is projected to be $222.00, $168.43 ticket price, $53.57 on board spending (average cruise duration 8 days, median 7 days).

 

Revenue

Ticket $1,350

Onboard Spending $429

-Casino & Bar $236

-Shore excursions $86

-Spa $43

-Other onboard spend $64

Total spending $1,779

Expenses

Other operating costs $258 14.5%

Agent commission $231 13.0%

Ship fuel costs $192 10.8%

Corporate Operating Costs $206 11.6%

Payroll $196 11.0%

Depreciation/Amortization $171 9.6%

Victualing (food) $107 6.0%

Onboard and other $78 4.4%

Other and transportation $59 3.3%

Interest Expense $55 3.1%

Total Expenses $1,553

Profit before taxes $226 12.7%

[CruisersNC]

I agree that the price of a Carnival cruise is still as big a bargain as it was many years ago. However....there ARE other things too that are even bigger bargains when compared to years ago. In 1977 I bought my first new color tv for $299. It was 19", had no remote control, and absolutely no bells and whistles. It was a Montgomery Ward bottom of the line model. Look at the tv's you can get today for $300!! But I agree with your post. ;)

 

ps...I wish cars were like tv's and cruises. :D

[lido deck larry]

Base fares have probably not gone up for most, but total cost may depending on your spending habits. How much did drinks cost on board back in 2002, for example?

[rdler]

I don't know much about Enron stock, and in fact, I did not know anyone still owned it, given that the company is bankrupt and a felon. The poster should probably consult her broker, or look for another. I would guess it is not even trading anymore.

 

When I started cruising in 2006, I paid around $1300 for a Lido Balcony over my son's spring break. When I went this easter, it was around $1950 for a second floor ocean view, and that was before the upcharges. I don't know how that equates with inflation. I do know their fuel prices have been more than halved.

 

I don't think of cruising anymore as a value. It is a vacation, and I pay accordingly.

[13cheermom]

Just compared a family vacation for our family of four, back in 2009, actually the same ship, same # of days and same itinerary. It's about the same price/pp that it was back then in June (which is considered prime time in the caribbean). I feel like if we can cruise 6 years later same type of cabin and everything else the same we are doing well. Also figuring in all the extras now on the ship (2.0 upgrades and such) we feel like we are fortunate to do so. I know everyone wants to talk about the cutbacks, but I would rather focus on all the added features that have changed for the better. :)

[BallFour4]

Their largest single operating cost (fuel) is a fraction of what it was a few years ago.

 

Our neighbors serve the Carnival ships in Galveston with heavy fuel. The ten year average has risen for the past three decades. It is down slightly now as compared to a 1-2 years ago, but overall fuel costs have risen.

 

Every food product placed onboard has risen in bulk cost, labor costs, port costs, etc. all have. Cruise lines cover the prices of operation by hawking shore excursions, spa treatments, alcohol sales and the casino.

 

Look at the Carnival annual report, the cost of operation has increased right along with the average cost of fuel.

 

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Edited April 13, 2015 by BallFour4

[vlynn]

7 day Eastern Caribbean on Carnival Pride October 2010 we paid 700pp for obstructed balcony.

 

7 day Eastern Caribbean on Carnival Pride October 2016 the price for obstructed balcony is 779pp

 

Not much of an increase in 6 years I would say! Plus that could always come down by sail date! :D

[matt082600]

I am paying more for my interior cabin this coming October than I did for my balcony back in 2008. My balcony was also during the high season. I think it depends entirely on the cruise, port, itinerary and booking times.

 

I agree 100%. It's supply and demand. This is such a difficult topic/question to answer. Are we paying more per passenger ticket than 10 years ago; perhaps in some instances. However, the other question that begs asking is "Are you getting the same service, quality, amenities, etc. (i.e. value) for your passenger fare"? That's a far more difficult question to answer (imho) and quite subjective. There are far more "add on services' today than 10 years ago, (specialty dining, some room service choices, coffee/milkshake outlets, etc.) There are also more "free things to do as well.

 

My view of vacationing/cruising is that I absolutely love to cruise and it's worth every penny I spend. Additionally, it is still the most (or among the most) competitvely priced vacations as compared to other options. As long as those two factors continue, I will joifully keep cruising!

[matt082600]

 

Our neighbors serve the Carnival ships in Galveston with heavy fuel. The ten year average has risen for the past three decades. It is down slightly now as compared to a 1-2 years ago, but overall fuel costs have risen.

 

Every food product placed onboard has risen in bulk cost, labor costs, port costs, etc. all have. Cruise lines cover the prices of operation by hawking shore excursions, spa treatments, alcohol sales and the casino.

 

Look at the Carnival annual report, the cost of operation has increased right along with the average cost of fuel.

 

.

 

Exactly, and that money has to come from somewhere.

[orville99]

In constant dollars, probably not so much. $1 in 2009 dollars would cost you $1.10 today

[starfish216]

I agree that the price of a Carnival cruise is still as big a bargain as it was many years ago. However....there ARE other things too that are even bigger bargains when compared to years ago. In 1977 I bought my first new color tv for $299. It was 19", had no remote control, and absolutely no bells and whistles. It was a Montgomery Ward bottom of the line model. Look at the tv's you can get today for $300!! But I agree with your post. ;)

 

ps...I wish cars were like tv's and cruises. :D

 

Forgot all about how the prices of TV's have come down….I've actually cruised more times than I purchased TV's….lol

 

I'm with you I wish car prices were like TV's and cruises.

[going2cruz]

We just came back from AI six nights in Cancun at #2 adult only resort that had unbelievable service. We had a great time and the best part, our 2k with air fare final bill never went up. That AI made cruising look super expensive when you have to add in air and drinks. I think now that were empty nesters we will be doing mostly AI's

Edited May 5, 2015 by going2cruz

[sprite.4]

July 2011 - 7 days booked at $3,882 (4 people).

July 2013 - same ship same week, booked at $4,230 (better itinerary), ended up paying only $3,220 with price drops before final payment.

July 2015 - same ship, same week, same better itinerary, booked at $4,110 - no price drops at all before final payment.

[going2cruz]

July 2011 - 7 days booked at $3,882 (4 people).

July 2013 - same ship same week, booked at $4,230 (better itinerary), ended up paying only $3,220 with price drops before final payment.

July 2015 - same ship, same week, same better itinerary, booked at $4,110 - no price drops at all before final payment.

 

And then I would have to add air and drinks 600-1k per person.........just say-n

[evandbob]

The fare is only the tip of the charges that we pay. There are drinks, excursions, specialty restaurants, gambling, travel costs to get to the port and back home, parking fees, hotels pre and postcruise.

 

I tend to do a few cruses and a few land based (AI or not) vacations each year. My overall costs are not significantly different.