Cost of cruising: now vs then

[Lastdance]

I feel lucky to get a suite on Celebrity for 775 for two people cruising 10 days, in Europe choosing my favorite cabin, an S1 corner aft. I know if I could wait until after final payment I could do better, but then there is airfare. Traveling with friends makes it more fun, so it is what it is!

 

 

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[mnocket]

Value is NOT only measured by the price tag.

 

The entire X experience has been downgraded and "Modern Luxury" has been watered down to mass market average.

 

After 11 X cruises and 2 since last September, we have none planned in the foreseeable future. We can't take the cuts anymore. It was GREAT while it lasted!!

 

Very important point! Price and value are two different things. Value is somewhat subjective and so you will see people argue both sides. I agree with you that across all mainstream lines there has been a trend of decreasing value. Has it reached the point where it has driven me away? Not yet, but I hate the direction things are headed.

[Ma Bell]

I've got to say this is a fascinating thread (at least some of the responses). I think the OP was addressing the idea that cruising had gotten expensive, which in real dollars, it actually hasn't. I realize the experience has changed (although probably 95% of the public wouldn't know that), but what the OP's analysis says (which at least for the US anyone can do by checking the CPI calculator at the Bureau of Labor Statistics) is we're paying less, in general, today, for a cruise. Should it really surprise anyone that you're getting "less", however you define more and less?

 

Economy of scale (bigger ships) has kept pricing down. Eliminating features that didn't matter to new cruisers kept pricing down. Adding additional income centers (extra fee dining) that did matter to many cruisers kept base pricing down. Changing staffing levels kept pricing down (and was probably only noticeable to repeat cruisers).

 

As others have stated, we can all pay more for premium cruise lines for the same sort of experience. Or we can pay similar amounts in real dollars for suites. I suppose in a perfect world, Celebrity would have kept its niche and upped pricing accordingly, but the business model (and largely the industry) went the other way, just like air travel.

 

People used to dress to fly. They were served hot food, and frequently drinks, in an at least reasonably comfortable seat. Today, I can fly from DC to Europe for as little as $500-750, in coach. That old experience isn't really available; in it's place is a much more comfortable cabin with layflat seating, hot meals, and free drinks. For as much as $10,000 on that same route...

 

And today I can fly Phoenix to Europe in the accommodations you describe for $3000 per person.

 

We are fortunate to be able to have as good an experience as there is possible on Celebrity ships. We travel in Sky Suites and are Zenith loyalty members. We are treated fabulously...love the people we sail with and have always found the staff and crew to be fantastic.

 

Celebrity until fairly recently did a wonderful job of finding ways to keep things affordable while keeping things a step above the other mass market cruise lines. In my opinion they have gone over the line and have made the experience for the great majority of passengers who don't book suites or have a lot of great loyalty perks a much less appealing experience than it was just a couple of years ago. I know a lot of people who used to be regular Celebrity customers who aren't any more. I guess as long as they can fill the ships with people who don't know any better they just don't care. I think it's unfortunate.

[Ma Bell]

I feel lucky to get a suite on Celebrity for 775 for two people cruising 10 days, in Europe choosing my favorite cabin, an S1 corner aft. I know if I could wait until after final payment I could do better, but then there is airfare. Traveling with friends makes it more fun, so it is what it is!

 

 

 

 

 

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I think you must have a typo.

[nednrom]

Very important point! Price and value are two different things. Value is somewhat subjective and so you will see people argue both sides. I agree with you that across all mainstream lines there has been a trend of decreasing value. Has it reached the point where it has driven me away? Not yet, but I hate the direction things are headed.

 

I agree with you completely -- as a result of the decreasing value, we will not be booking any other cruises and I may cancel the Edge cruise - we are going on land vacations --

[Lastdance]

I think you must have a typo.

 

 

 

Thanks Ma Bell; I forgot to add per day for two!!!! That would have been a great deal...

 

 

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[Ma Bell]

Thanks Ma Bell; I forgot to add per day for two!!!! That would have been a great deal...

 

 

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Definitely LOL

[Lastdance]

I agree with you completely -- as a result of the decreasing value, we will not be booking any other cruises and I may cancel the Edge cruise - we are going on land vacations --

 

 

 

We enjoy combining the two together and usually do the cruise last if we can. I get too bored if it is all one type of vacation.

 

My DH and I are also booked on the Edge. We don't cruise the Caribbean anymore because the ports in Europe are so fantastic, but since it is a new ship, we booked the first hour it was open. However, we might choose to cancel.

I think if you have done anything over and over you need a break from it, especially if the value is decreasing from your point of view. It is your money and you deserve to do whatever makes you happy...life is way too short!!!

 

 

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Edited July 19, 2017 by Lastdance

[cb at sea]

The problem long-time cruisers have is that the overall experience is not the same. Yes...you can get the "good" food and ambiance by paying extra, but it used to be included! The "good" food was served nightly to everyone...not just those who chose to pay extra for it! It's the "FEEL" of cruising that has changes for old-timers. New cruisers don't know how it used to be, so they are as happy as......................(fill in the blank) with what is offered! Long time cruisers know better!

[Banjo]

I have never and I mean never been able to book a balcony cabin on any Celebrity ship for under $100 per person per day that included any perks. The cruise we just got off on Sunday was $155 per person for a 2B Balcony and that doesn't include port charges and fees.

 

You must tell me your secret.

 

They are hard to find but they do exist.

 

 

April of 2016 I got a 13 night trans-Atlantic Silhouette balcony for $599pp. I did book that after final payment. Unfortunately no booking perks.

[boscobeans]

The problem long-time cruisers have is that the overall experience is not the same. Yes...you can get the "good" food and ambiance by paying extra, but it used to be included! The "good" food was served nightly to everyone...not just those who chose to pay extra for it! It's the "FEEL" of cruising that has changes for old-timers. New cruisers don't know how it used to be, so they are as happy as......................(fill in the blank) with what is offered! Long time cruisers know better!

 

+100

We've only been cruising since 2001 but agree totally. Things have changed a lot over the course of our 23 cruises, a lot.

 

bosco

[grandgeezer]

They are hard to find but they do exist.

 

 

April of 2016 I got a 13 night trans-Atlantic Silhouette balcony for $599pp. I did book that after final payment. Unfortunately no booking perks.

We were on that cruise also and paid the same price. W also did the following cruise, a nine day cruise that went to Norway, and other countries in that area. We paid more for it than we did the TA.

[cruisingdelt]

All cruise lines are changing. They have to get the next generation of people hooked. My philosophy is simple. If DW and I still have a great time and feel we are getting value we keep cruising. If the day comes that the fun or the value are gone, well then it is on to something else. But back to the original post...My DW gets annoyed that I save many things. Our first cruise was July 7, 2001 on the Zenith to Bermuda (bad cruise because I got hooked). We had an outside room with a window. There were four of us (DW, our two young children and me). We paid $5135 and this included no extras. I think the 3rd and 4th berths were at $200 each so the two person price was $4735 or $2368 per adult. DW and I are booked on the July 8, 2018 cruise, wow almost 17 years to the day) to Bermuda. When I strip out all the extras (classic package, gratuities, etc) the price for our Sweet 16 cabin with veranda on the Summit is $4587 or $2293.50 per person or just slightly less than 17 years ago but with a better cabin. I wish my property taxes followed the same trajectory. Do I miss the Zenith and the way things were back on the Zenith, YES! But from a value perspective it is still a great deal. Vacations are subjective just like food. Everyone should do what makes them happy. DW and I will still be cruising, at least through 2018. May you all enjoy your vacations!

[Cruise Raider]

Just checking back in after reading some great and interesting responses ... thanks for all of them.

And yes, the point I was making in the OP was that, of course, just as I would expect, the cruiselines have to look for ways to make money where they can all while still remaining competitive in terms pricing for a cruise. Some of these revenue tactics have been realized in cutbacks and others in charging for extras while onboard.

That competition, as well as inventory, is responsible for keeping the price of cruises pretty much the same over the years while the costs for the extras is what has gone up. I am just happy that if I want to pay for the extras, I do and if I choose not to, I don't have to but can still cruise at what I consider a very reasonable cost. And, I haven't really noticed any decline in service over the years.

 

As for the post requesting to know my secrets on keeping the base price of the cruise at $100 a day per person:

- a flexible schedule helps a lot and flexibility on itinerary is also key

- book last minute or way in advance (or if you find a mistake .... it's true, they exist)

- take advantage of discounts and free perks (casinos, credit cards, loyalty credits, future cruise credits, travel agency group discounts, cruiseline stock, etc)

- scan these boards .. people are so willing to share price drops, deals, money saving tactics

- be willing to book an inside, oceanview or guaranteed cabin and upgrade if pricing goes down after final payment

- ask about extras ... you'd be surprised at what you can get for asking and the worst they can do is say no

[CruisingUS]

I posted something similar to this on the Princess boards as well when I saw so many people complaining that they were charging passengers an extra $10 if they ordered a second entree in the Crown Grill. And, now I see that people are complaining on this board about being charged for the gourmet style burgers they are going to be serving at what was formerly the Mast Grill on Celebrity.

 

Here is my experience and my feelings about cruising:

My first cruise was back in the early 80's ... it was on Carnival and I booked a week long cruise in an oceanview room for just a little under $100 a day per person (not including taxes, port charges, gratuities, trip insurance, etc). Food was all included but if you wanted a drink, you bought a drink. Fruit punch and even fountain sodas were self serve and free of charge... right there at the pool. They had a daily happy hour where they charged under $3 for a cocktail. We knew nothing about going for a spa treatment so not sure of the cost. Bingo was a mere $5. Gratuities were not automatically collected ... you got change at the front desk and filled your envelopes to hand to your room steward, your dining room waiter (there were no specialty restaurants), etc. The gratuities totaled approx $7 a day pp. Port charges, taxes, government fees, etc were a lot cheaper than they are now ... just as the gratuities, additional costs for specialty restaurants, single cocktail prices, excursions, etc. ... I mean, they were a LOT cheaper back in the early 80's.

Now, what hasn't really gone up exponentially like all these costs have?? It's the base price of an actual cruise!! I can still get a room on a major cruise line for under $100 per day per person for the cruise portion only ... I can and I do....and not on Carnival, either!! What I get now, though, is a balcony room for that pricing and it usually will come with at least one free perk, oftentimes three free perks so end up with a free beverage package, free gratuities and free onboard credit, sometimes even a free specialty dinner or two for each person in the cabin. And I usually can get this all for the same base price of the actual cruise fare that I paid way back in the early 80's....approx 35 years ago. So, while I am a bargain traveler, it really doesn't bother me to pay a little extra here and there onboard. Do I wish all these prices stayed the same and all the little extras remained free of charge? Yes, but when it comes down to it, the choice is mine and I don't have to purchase these extras if I don't want to. I am just thankful that the base fares haven't priced me right out of my favorite way of vacationing ... cruising is still a great bargain!! When they stop offering great fares and great perks, I guess I will have to stop cruising. But in the meanwhile, I just appreciate being able to do so!!

I haven't tried X before.

 

Is this $10 fee fleet wide and apply to the MDR?

[Cruise Junky]

I haven't tried X before.

 

Is this $10 fee fleet wide and apply to the MDR?

 

Just the crown grill right now I believe.

[Luvcrusn]

I haven't tried X before.

 

Is this $10 fee fleet wide and apply to the MDR?

The Crown Grill is not on Celebrity.

 

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[caribill]

The major cruise lines say that their main competition is not the other cruise lines, it is land vacations.

 

There are about 200,000 hotels in the world (per our friend Mr. Google) and about 300 cruise ships (again courtesy of Mr. Google).

 

As long as cruising can present a decent vacation at a total cost lower than that of a land vacation, the cruise companies believe they can increase prices.

[theriac]

I have never and I mean never been able to book a balcony cabin on any Celebrity ship for under $100 per person per day that included any perks. The cruise we just got off on Sunday was $155 per person for a 2B Balcony and that doesn't include port charges and fees.

 

You must tell me your secret.

 

You just need to look. Last year I got a 12 night in a concierge class room on the Constellation for $899 pp. That included drinks and grants. With port fees I believe it was like $1050 pp. It cost more to fly to Rome and home from Athens than the 12 nights on board.

[4774Papa]

I posted something similar to this on the Princess boards as well when I saw so many people complaining that they were charging passengers an extra $10 if they ordered a second entree in the Crown Grill. And, now I see that people are complaining on this board about being charged for the gourmet style burgers they are going to be serving at what was formerly the Mast Grill on Celebrity.

 

Here is my experience and my feelings about cruising:

My first cruise was back in the early 80's ... it was on Carnival and I booked a week long cruise in an oceanview room for just a little under $100 a day per person (not including taxes, port charges, gratuities, trip insurance, etc). Food was all included but if you wanted a drink, you bought a drink. Fruit punch and even fountain sodas were self serve and free of charge... right there at the pool. They had a daily happy hour where they charged under $3 for a cocktail. We knew nothing about going for a spa treatment so not sure of the cost. Bingo was a mere $5. Gratuities were not automatically collected ... you got change at the front desk and filled your envelopes to hand to your room steward, your dining room waiter (there were no specialty restaurants), etc. The gratuities totaled approx $7 a day pp. Port charges, taxes, government fees, etc were a lot cheaper than they are now ... just as the gratuities, additional costs for specialty restaurants, single cocktail prices, excursions, etc. ... I mean, they were a LOT cheaper back in the early 80's.

Now, what hasn't really gone up exponentially like all these costs have?? It's the base price of an actual cruise!! I can still get a room on a major cruise line for under $100 per day per person for the cruise portion only ... I can and I do....and not on Carnival, either!! What I get now, though, is a balcony room for that pricing and it usually will come with at least one free perk, oftentimes three free perks so end up with a free beverage package, free gratuities and free onboard credit, sometimes even a free specialty dinner or two for each person in the cabin. And I usually can get this all for the same base price of the actual cruise fare that I paid way back in the early 80's....approx 35 years ago. So, while I am a bargain traveler, it really doesn't bother me to pay a little extra here and there onboard. Do I wish all these prices stayed the same and all the little extras remained free of charge? Yes, but when it comes down to it, the choice is mine and I don't have to purchase these extras if I don't want to. I am just thankful that the base fares haven't priced me right out of my favorite way of vacationing ... cruising is still a great bargain!! When they stop offering great fares and great perks, I guess I will have to stop cruising. But in the meanwhile, I just appreciate being able to do so!!

 

Once you factor in inflation from 30 years ago, those prices would look a lot different. In 1986, I bought a house for a little over $100K. That house today would be worth four times that much. I am retired and take home 2.5 times what I did in 1986.

 

I remember purchasing airline tickets for transatlantic flights in the 80s that cost about the same price they do today. Both the US and Europe have deregulated airline fares and competition had brought down prices, so modern day prices are even better than they were in the 80s. I didn't cruise during the 80s, but I have read many cc posts were people opine that considering inflation, cruises are cheaper today.

[CruisingChick]

If these crulse lines keep building bigger and bigger ships, there will be more supply than demand and I am hopeful that will bring down prices. Especially during "off-season". So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[NLH Arizona]

I didn't cruise during the 80s, but I have read many cc posts were people opine that considering inflation, cruises are cheaper today.

Even without inflation, I can cruise for less today than my first cruises.

[Merriem]

I agree with you completely -- as a result of the decreasing value, we will not be booking any other cruises and I may cancel the Edge cruise - we are going on land vacations --

We went to Hawaii, the big island twice this winter. STayed at the Mauna Kea...we had a middle of the road beach view room with no food for a week, and it ran over $400 a day, plus taxes which are over 10%. We also went to the Four Seasons for two days, and it was $1000 a day, no food, plus taxes. I still think Celebrity is a great deal, at least for us with the added perks, and Luminae.

[CruisingChick]

Even without inflation, I can cruise for less today than my first cruises.

 

Not me. Our very first cruise in 2000 was $1,500 for 3 people for 7 nights out of NYC and drink prices were low. Much cheaper than in a good restaurant or bar at home at that time.

 

Our first Celebrity cruise in 2002 on Millennium, which was only 2 years old at the time, was $3,000 for 3 people and it included airfare. It was a 10 night cruise. Martinis were only either $6.95 or $7.95 at the time and they gave you the entire shaker..

[TommyD3]

I have never and I mean never been able to book a balcony cabin on any Celebrity ship for under $100 per person per day that included any perks. The cruise we just got off on Sunday was $155 per person for a 2B Balcony and that doesn't include port charges and fees.

 

You must tell me your secret.

There are deals to be had. Many months ago I saw a posting here on CC for 11 night Equinox cruises in Concierge or Aqua for $999 per person plus port fees and taxes. We booked two of them. Under $100 per person per day!!! Sailing in Sept and Oct.