Target clients

[ohnonotmeagain]

I am genuinely interested,with all comments of declining standards etc.Who do you spends more (the bottom line.PROFIT) The newbies/first timer or the platinum's /elites ?

Do you spend more on the actual cruise and less on board spend  or vise versa?

[Pam in CA]

I think new cruisers spend more money onboard. Experienced cruisers wind up getting far more OBC and I don’t think they buy as many photos, junk from the “sales,” ship excursions, etc. 

[1965]

We seldom spend our own money onboard. If we have obc it is used for daily gratuities. If we booked under a promotion where our grats are paid by princess, our obc is used for excursions. Sometimes we end our cruise with unused refundable obc. To specifically answer your question we are platinum & spend more for the actual cruise, almost nothing onboard.

[famski740]

As we have cruised through the years, our on board account has increasingly gotten smaller.  Between promotions, TA giveaways and the such, we spend less of our own money on the cruise except for the casino.  Although, we have increasingly upped our room accommodations. 

 

We are platinum and on our way to elite.

[voljeep]

Platinum

 

no art auctions

no bingo anymore

less than $ 50 in the casino

no pictures

usually no specialty restaurants

no t-shirts, sales anymore

maybe an excursion or two, depending on OBC and if it's a new port to us

 

usually an inside, but this time got a great rate on a balcony so going to do the ultimate balcony dining for the

first time.

 

If we don't have a sip n sail promo, I will most likely get the PBP and my wife will pay as she goes - works for us

 

that's our breakdown

 

 

[Dani24]

I think new cruisers are more likely to splurge on the extras — because it’s all new to them, and they want to try everything. But, I also think they’re more likely to get a lower category cabin because they don’t have any other experience to sway them otherwise, and it’s relatively cheap. I know when we first sailed we were all about the guarantee obstructed oceanview. Over time, that has bumped up to balcony, and now we’re trying out a suite for our next cruise. We’d certainly go back to Oceanview — but we’re way more inclined to splurge on a higher category these days.

I think veteran cruisers are a lot more likely to pay for higher categories. They might be a lot more selective in spending on the extras, and are probably more saavy or more enabled to get OBC to cover some of those things.

What would be most interesting would be a comparison between the total cost (cabin + extras) for newbies vs veterans. That could potentially be much narrower, and show the money still comes in but there’s just a shift in WHERE it is spent. 

[floridalover5623]

Without a doubt, it's the new cruisers.

We haven't spent more than $20 per cruise in years and if my wife doesn't see anything of interest in the so called "sales" it would be nothing. 

No drinks, no special coffee. no pictures, no casino, no tours, no bingo. 😄

[ohnonotmeagain]

2 minutes ago, Dani24 said:

What would be most interesting would be a comparison between the total cost (cabin + extras) for newbies vs veterans. That could potentially be much narrower, and show the money still comes in but there’s just a shift in WHERE it is spent. 

That's what I'm getting at😀

[CineGraphic]

Platinum:

We spend our money on corkage fees, a night or two in the Crown Grill, one or two cocktails each day, and the rest ends up in those Dyson vacuums disguised as slot machines.

No photos, no excursions. (we book our own)

[goofy559]

Elite:  Look for a bargain on our cabin (prefer a balcony), try to book during sipnsail.  If we can't we will use OBC to buy the drink package.  No photos, no bingo, no ship tours.....will do specialty dining because we enjoy it.

[Micahs Grandad]

The more we cruise the less we spend on the ship. Lately just a coffee card and perhaps a drink or two.

[OCruisers]

1 hour ago, Dani24 said:

I think new cruisers are more likely to splurge on the extras — because it’s all new to them, and they want to try everything. But, I also think they’re more likely to get a lower category cabin because they don’t have any other experience to sway them otherwise, and it’s relatively cheap. I know when we first sailed we were all about the guarantee obstructed oceanview. Over time, that has bumped up to balcony, and now we’re trying out a suite for our next cruise. We’d certainly go back to Oceanview — but we’re way more inclined to splurge on a higher category these days.

I think veteran cruisers are a lot more likely to pay for higher categories. They might be a lot more selective in spending on the extras, and are probably more saavy or more enabled to get OBC to cover some of those things.

What would be most interesting would be a comparison between the total cost (cabin + extras) for newbies vs veterans. That could potentially be much narrower, and show the money still comes in but there’s just a shift in WHERE it is spent. 

 

Agree with the above! 

Also, veteran cruisers are much more likely to take long cruises to "far away" places.

 

[c-boy]

we didn't book a cruise to go on the cheap . Suite, specialty restaurants, art auction, photos, tours,  etc.... I/we can't take it us when we go, might as well have a great time while we're here.

[Safety Squirrel]

As I often cruise solo - I use the ship excursions.  Next cruise, Roll call is almost non-existent so private tours not an option.  Just returning to Princess after 10 years on Celebrity.  As they do not have a premium non alcoholic package -- will order case(s) of water and soda package for mocktails.  Only bought the photos first and possibly second cruise.  OBC credit will be used for excursions this time.  Previous cruises, I have bought jewellery on board (expensive and cheap stuff!!) but do not need any more (so my children tell me!!).  Have also eaten in specialty restaurants and will do so this time.  Never participated in art acutions - bingo etc.

 

First cruise family booked a balcony for me and I was hooked.  Whether travelling solo or with a companion book a Concierge balcony (Celebrity)  and Mini-Suite on Princess this time (so will a have a small couch).
 

I agree that most new cruisers tend to spend more on things like pictures, t-shirts etc. than the seasoned cruisers.

[Thrak]

We may not spend as much onboard but we definitely book more expensive and longer cruises than the newer folks. I think it balances out.

[EightFurryPaws]

I always purchase a new $10 watch at the great 3 hour sale, which I get for $9.

It's cheaper than buying a new battery and it's very exciting to rummage through all the designer watches which Princess offers that I have seen onboard over the last 10 years.

 

That's about what they get from me onboard.

 

Pam

[floridalover5623]

2 hours ago, EightFurryPaws said:

I always purchase a new $10 watch at the great 3 hour sale, which I get for $9.

It's cheaper than buying a new battery and it's very exciting to rummage through all the designer watches which Princess offers that I have seen onboard over the last 10 years.

 

That's about what they get from me onboard.

 

Pam

That's only your excuse to take another cruise. 

[Redwing55]

Ours has gone down as the trips go up.  Not surprising IMO.  It's for this reason that I scratch my head about loyalty programs with cruise ships.  I'm surely grateful for them, but other than the competition having one, I wonder how the line rationalizes it.  Of course, it takes all kinds to get those ships filled.

[Dani24]

52 minutes ago, Redwing55 said:

Ours has gone down as the trips go up.  Not surprising IMO.  It's for this reason that I scratch my head about loyalty programs with cruise ships.  I'm surely grateful for them, but other than the competition having one, I wonder how the line rationalizes it.  Of course, it takes all kinds to get those ships filled.

 

 

I think part of the appeal of the loyalty programs is in having newbies come back. They offer these perks that look enticing to newbies -- especially as they're busy being nickle and dimed otherwise, and the promise of something "free" sounds really great in comparison. Without the loyalty programs, newbies might be more inclined to try other lines, especially after they've attained "status" of some level (generally on their second cruise). At that point you can go get nickle and dimed and get nothing out of it on some new cruise line, or you can go back to the one you did the first time and at least get a couple of perks out of it. And once you're on the loyalty track there's a draw for many to stick it out until you achieve a higher status.

[mellon1]

I think back to our first cruise...we did ALL the excursions and were going from 5:30 am until the ship closed.  We were young then!  We spent money on drinks too.  We did have an inside room though.  We didn't know if we would cruise again, but we did and have been ever since.  

 

Now 30 years later, we book a more expensive room, many times a suite, but now are doing a mini because the suite prices have gone up so much and we go for 30 days at a time.  We like a large balcony.  We do get OBC, but we use it and then usually go over.  I like to use the sanctuary the entire time, get wine at dinner, sometimes buy art work as a memory for the trip, always book Crown Grille multiple times and sometimes Sabatini's, book the spa and sometimes get something in the shops (not jewelry) if it calls to me...plus cash for extra tips for the wonderful crew.

 

So thinking about it.  As we are now older, Princess gets their money upfront for the room.

[happy cruzer]

My theory (we all have one 🙂 ) is that Princess tries to appeal to multi generational groups/families.  Something for everyone.  One target group will not be enough to fill the big ships.

[nukesubsailor]

The first few years of cruising consisted of two 7-day cruises per year in either balcony or mini suite cabins.  Played the slots and bingo, bought art and photos, took excursions in every port.

Now we have many more years of cruises under our belts and we put together cruises back to back so we always have an average cruise length of 3 weeks.  Last year we took two cruises but both consisted of back to back 7 and 14 days cruises.  So far this year we have cruised for 28 days and have another 42 planned. We have been there/done that in so many of the ports that we seldom book excursions anymore.  We also always book a full suite.  Now I wish they would eliminate the art and photo departments since we don't use them and they get in the way.  If the wife really gets bored she might play bingo on a couple of days.  No playing in the casino any more either.  We get lots of OBC due to being a veteran, a shareholder, using future cruise deposits, and having enough cruise credits to get the Princess loyalty credit on every cruise.  We also book under promotions and get credit from our travel agent.  Since we book a suite we get a free Specialty restaurant dinner each cruise.  After the 28 day cruise we just took, our total folio liability at the end was a whopping $92 and that was only because we had no drink package the last 7 days.  

I think the cruises who have cruised more often spend more up front and less while on board when compared to the newbies.

[LarryL]

For us the appetite for longer cruises has become greater. 7 day cruises go by in a blink and we find ourselves looking for more cruising days, with a preference for sea days. The ships have become our primary destination unless the itinerary is somewhere new. I can't say we spend less money as our tendency is to book earlier to get our desired cabins. Not that good deals don't come our way. We have been Platinum for several cruises now so we enjoy the perks, although they don't save anything for us. I do get the veterans OBC automatically, which is very much appreciated. We do opt to pay corkage fees so our wine selections are what we like to drink. That way, we don't pay $40+ for a $12 bottle of wine. Overall, we don't spend any less. We just get more bang for the buck.

 

[Mytravellove]

Elite on both Princess and Celebrity but only started cruising in November 2011.

I do many cruises as a 'solo' where I may go either inside or balcony, depending on the number of sea days and ports we will be docked at. On those cruises, I keep my costs as low as I can (since I am paying double) on the cabin and use any non-refundable OBC on the slots and give the winnings as extra tips. I don't buy any photos, tours, drinks, internet, etc., but enjoy the perks of being Elite. When I cruise with my husband, we cruise Balcony/Mini-suite on Princess and Concierge on Celebrity and I have to keep a closer eye on the OBC as he usually enjoys lattes, pre & post dinner scotches, wine for dinner, tour of the inside happenings of the ship, spa and one speciality dinning. At least he doesn't buy the dust collectors from the stores anymore.

So, our out-of-pocket costs have decreased as we cruise, more because we get more OBC as shareholders, travel agents offers, etc. compared to the very first cruise we did together, when we didn't know much about cruising and bought everything anyone was selling.

I'd be interested in knowing what the comparison in general would be.

[floridalover5623]

2 hours ago, Mytravellove said:

I'd be interested in knowing what the comparison in general would be.

An excerpt from a CC post from BruceMuzz in 2014 was as follows....

He works for the cruise industry (not only Princess) & oversee's most aspects of the ships operations. 

"Carnival proved to the rest of us long ago that frequent cruisers are the biggest money loser we have.

They are generally high maintenance and not cost-effective to the line. The more cruises they take, the less they spend onboard our ships. Since today's cruise line sales model is selling cruises at cost or at a loss, then recouping profits through onboard spending, the frugal frequent cruiser is our worst enemy.

My employer recently conducted a study, comparing frequency of cruising with onboard spending.

Every time a passenger takes another cruise, his/her onboard spending drops an average 9%.

After 10 cruises, they are spending essentially nothing onboard. The cruise line is transporting them for free."