Anyone of the same opinion pricing is starting to get alittle high?

[AKR2011]

9 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

Do you seriously think that $1100 for 12 days on a cruiseship is much? I think that  sounds like an amazing price! Less than $100/day for the room, food and entertainment.

 

(I must miss something, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Yes, for an inside on NCL that is a lot. My last two 14 days were $800 each base and I paid around $600 for each of those. Base does not include port fees, taxes, grants, etc. When you add that in, plus everything else, that adds up. So to answer your question, no, it's not too much when you think about it, but it's way more than what I paid before. I should also note that I cruise in Nov/Dec when prices are the lowest. I am a bargain hunter and I track the pricing regularly. Only I see a decent price on NCL, I reach out to my TA for an even better one. So I will continue to monitor and wait. 

[AKR2011]

3 hours ago, ronbe65 said:

For a cabin for two? This is a great price. 

 

Happy cruising!

No, that's per person inside in late November out of NYC on The Gem.

[Kalum]

Well in 2016 thanksgiving week we did a cruise out of NYC with the breakaway

Cheapest balcony

Now when I look at this year...ok its the Encore...it is 71% more

 

In 2017 we did the same cruise 7 days over new year...this year...on the getaway...it is 76% more!

 

Both w/o the beverage package or any other free at sea deal

Edited January 18, 2020 by Kalum

[coloradocruiselover88]

So just for giggles, I priced out a 7 day all inclusive with airfare from Denver to St. Lucia at Sandals Resort (mid tier) for a party of two it came in at a little over $6600.00......May 2020

 

Not apples to apples, but close..........

 

Cruise lines are financing new ships while trying to keep prices low and yet still show value to the shareholder.  I think we were just spoiled for a while 🙂

[Trimone]

I don’t mind paying a competitive price, however I expect the cruise to be perfect, the last couple of cruises with NCL haven’t been, I’m cruising with NCL shortly and to be candid it’s last chance salon, I have a couple of cruisenext left, but I don’t care, I just want a cruise with decent food, good friendly staff and no issues.

[April42749]

So....I think I "cracked the code".

I only book "sailaway" because I don't want the "free" drinks or food, or wifi or excursion credits.

The price for a balcony on my upcoming Bliss cruise...when I booked was $496/pp.  Today that rate is $909.

However....the cabins with the freebies...in the past...were always hundreds of dollars more (before adding in the service fee)...which really didn't make the "freebies" free at all.

Now...that differential has declined drastically.  For the sailaway balcony, as I stated, the current price is $909.  But for a regular balcony it's only $1007....less than $100 more.

If I were to book now I'd probably book the balcony where I could choose my room and get the wifi and shore excursion credits for a little bit more rather than hundreds more....instead of risking being in an awful cabin.

Same cruise....sailaway inside is $734.  Inside with one "freebie" is $762....$28 more.

 

IMHO...it's the sailaway rates that have skyrocketed.

Edited January 18, 2020 by April42749

[farmermark]

Saw something like this on another posting.   So for a few years now incomes are up, stock market at all time highs, consumer confidence up (set new record last Christmas shopping season both in store and online WITH A SHORTER time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year as Turkey Day came later).   And you all have been buying Cruise Next deposits at what I am guessing is a record pace as well.  So we have more people taking cruises (my first was in 2018 and leave for my 4th on Tuesday with Rome booked for 2021) and the cruisers with many cruise buffets under their belt booking more.   NCL is (again guessing) sitting back looking at higher than normal Cruise Next Deposits sitting out there in everyone's account; and they are just sitting back and not having to offer as attractive pricing.     I myself am sitting on 4 deposits that expire in 2023 and just not seeing anything to jump on.  But; use them or lose them.  So we might not see such attractive offers until this cycle runs through.  Not seeing as attractive offers and shopping elsewhere now???   How likely are you to then keep gobbling up Cruise Next offers like we do now?  Then take into account NCL has what looks like 6 ships that hold 3,300 passengers each on order coming every year for the 6 years 2022 -2027 (see Jan./Feb issue of Cruise Travel magazine)  And in next 3 years Carnival adds 10,400 passenger capacity... Celebrity adds 8,700 Crystal 1200 Disney 3,750 HAL 2,800 MSC over 16,000!  Princess 12,000 Royal Caribbean over 20,000!!!!     So competition is going to get a little heavier in coming years.    That competition is going to be hitting at about same time I predict NCL MIGHT see a little less Cruise Next inventory sitting in your hands.  Shop around for next few years...but do not abandon ship with NCL just yet.  (Full disclosure...I am a dumb dirt farmer who has to pay attention to world economics in marketing my grain.  All information given here is from a guy who never outgrew playing in the sand box so take that into consideration)

Edited January 18, 2020 by farmermark

[sverigecruiser]

6 hours ago, gerryuk said:

I suppose it depends on the disposable income that each individual has, what is expensive for one is cheap for somebody else.

I have booked 24 days from Dubai to Savona in Italy for $1400 and a 18 night transatlantic from Savona to Rio de Janeiro for $700 with Costa cruises, and those are solo prices. Shop around, don't stick to the same line and you will find some reasonable fares out there.    

 

I don't think someones disposable income has anything to do with the price.

 

Compared to anything else, less than $100/night for a cruise is cheap.

 

Hos much does a decent first class hotelroom cost in New York? 250? 300? Yes it's a bigger room with a window but I still think that a cruise for that price is supercheap even if it's $100 each and not for two. How much does it cost to eat at that hotel?

 

Of course you can disagree with me but I really can't understand how anyone can think that's expensive.

[gerryuk]

OK I am from the UK, so could be a bit dumb, what exactly are Cruise N

[gerryuk]

Sorry I was trying to ask what are Cruise Next Deposits? 

[sverigecruiser]

2 hours ago, AKR2011 said:

Yes, for an inside on NCL that is a lot. My last two 14 days were $800 each base and I paid around $600 for each of those. Base does not include port fees, taxes, grants, etc. When you add that in, plus everything else, that adds up. So to answer your question, no, it's not too much when you think about it, but it's way more than what I paid before. I should also note that I cruise in Nov/Dec when prices are the lowest. I am a bargain hunter and I track the pricing regularly. Only I see a decent price on NCL, I reach out to my TA for an even better one. So I will continue to monitor and wait. 

 

To add port fees and taxes may be what I was missing because when I see the price for a cruise that is always included. How much will that $1000 be when that is included? 

[_Rick_]

https://www.ncl.com/cruisenext

 

[Newleno]

Well we dont buy the alcohol package nor do we buy any drinks on board (however on our last ncl cruise we got the free b2b cocktail hour, free platinum cocktail hour, free bottle of wine, and free bottle of sparkling wine) we usually can find a cruise per person at $75 or less (cruise fare, taxes, gratuities).  Lately NCL has been the cheapest, we go with the best overall deal, NCL been killing it lately, for us that last 2 years all cruises have been on ncl, not because we are married to them but because of price.  Right now we are looking for a FEB deal after feb9, there some good ones out there but we already did new zealand and the asia cruise on the jade leaving feb 17 does not include a stop at halong bay (bucket list).   However the nz and asia prices are great!!!

[DrSea]

8 hours ago, david_sobe said:

That RCCL price of 8k for a balcony is insane.  I know the Symphony of the Seas is new and in hot demand but that's just crazy.  

 

Many moons ago cruising was for older wealthy people.  Then it became affordable and families started cruising.  With these prices a family cruise costs several thousand dollars and cruising is for the elite again.

 

OMG, I remember that summer about 6 years ago where you could score a 7 night Epic balcony stateroom for $700 pp.  The price was so good it almost just made you take a cruise.  I suppose we will never see those prices again ☹️

Let's see how the economy does in the next few years. 

[tumblew467]

8 hours ago, xcell said:

 

I have been bouncing back and forth from NCL and RCCL over my cruise history. I started with RCCL and went to NCL when their Xmas cruise (NCL Epic) was half the price RCCL wanted.

 

Then stayed with NCL because overall the perks and price was worth it (this is when they offered the dining package for 7 days and everyone in the room).

 

But then RCCL started to be cheaper and in a funny way -- instead of booking 1 room with 4 people in it, it was cheaper to book 2 rooms with 2 people in it (balcony even -- where did they get their math skills I don't know).  Can't do this with NCL but I do lose the perks BUT my wife loves the second bathroom.

 

But then my kids got over 12 and on RCCL they are no longer considers them as kids but NCL had the 3rd and 4th passengers for free promos, so back to NCL.

 

Long story short -- the prices are there, you just have to spend the time (and a lot of it, I think I check daily) on your cruise prices as they fluctuate, even within a few days.

 

My next cruise in March spring break (RCCL) I booked 2 obstructed balconies for $2100 CDN/room (2 in each room) including $100 USD OBC and $95 Costco cash card -- this was booked a year ago.

 

My Aug cruise is back with NCL -- Balcony for 4 including all the perks for $3900 and $140 Costco cash card -- now looking at the same cruise, it's going for $5100 -- this was booked in Sept 2019 and the $3900 was only on for 3 days.

 

Now to find a decent Xmas cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you find that xmas cruise let me know b/c they are rid priced as well. I've been looking for one as well.

[IrieBajan54]

2 hours ago, Newleno said:

Well we dont buy the alcohol package nor do we buy any drinks on board (however on our last ncl cruise we got the free b2b cocktail hour, free platinum cocktail hour, free bottle of wine, and free bottle of sparkling wine) we usually can find a cruise per person at $75 or less (cruise fare, taxes, gratuities).  Lately NCL has been the cheapest, we go with the best overall deal, NCL been killing it lately, for us that last 2 years all cruises have been on ncl, not because we are married to them but because of price.  Right now we are looking for a FEB deal after feb9, there some good ones out there but we already did new zealand and the asia cruise on the jade leaving feb 17 does not include a stop at halong bay (bucket list).   However the nz and asia prices are great!!!

.

.

I agree that Australia-NZ and Asia have some great deals. I took advantage of one recently and actually didn't mind my long 17 hour flight on Qantas. However, I think most CC'ers are criticizing the pricing on cruises close to home. For those wanting exotic cruises there is a bargain to had. However, FDR will take you to the cleaners for trips out of the USA.

[AKR2011]

3 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

To add port fees and taxes may be what I was missing because when I see the price for a cruise that is always included. How much will that $1000 be when that is included? 

I just priced an IB on The Gem for the end of November. That's my usual category. Midship Inside on deck 8 or 9. No perks and $2394/person. $2790 if I add the drink package. It actually did drop a little from the other day when I looked. BUT I also know that it will drop at some point, so I will wait. 

Edited January 18, 2020 by AKR2011

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

I know that someone commented that the sailaway rates have soared, but so have the Haven prices!  My husband is not a crowd fan, we like to read and play games with the kids in the cabin, so we are big HAVEN fans.  The prices are getting ridiculous, so we are now cruising on MSC in the Yacht Club for a fraction of the NCL price.  Although I noticed that MSC prices are also going up.  Geez, its like there's inflation or something...  You do get all the perks with HAVEN, but I have figured out that we don't drink enough to even cover the taxes that are required if you select that item.;)

[AlexandNessa]

Yes. Just canceled our Encore cruise and now have no NCL cruises booked for the first time in 6 years. I'll keep my eye open for any last minute deals we'll be able to avail ourselves of, but, like many have said, prices are up across the board. Though we are Platinum +, we are not loyal to NCL. We are finding prices up, regardless of cruise line. 

[mking8288]

6 hours ago, Trimone said:

 (snipped) ... don’t mind paying a competitive price, however ... expect the cruise to be "near" perfect, but ... just want a cruise with "edible" food, good friendly staff and "minimal" issues.

 

First, apology for hijacking yours ... snipped & modified for us.  It's not being too "demanding" on expectations on getting a reasonable ROI (return of investment ... for our hard earned vacation dollars).  

 

Not going to discuss the merits of hotdogs, fried chicken, tuna salad, pizza, spaghetti and coal fish, or (plain) pasta fettuccine alfredo on a cruise and how upscale/appealing that is or not - food opinions are subjective & personal, especially when someone else is doing the cooking, etc. 

 

For 2020, like previous years, cruising isn't the only means for how we plan to spend our vacation time - especially when there is a world of choices out there.  Perhaps, call it a time-out and give those sea legs a rest.  Look around & do the search: there are some good, competitive fly & stay packages out there ... both domestic & international, as much as DW hate flying and the TSA theatrics.  

 

The key, vote with your own wallet & credit card - it's economics 101, supply & demand.  Taking a good, hard look ahead for Cunad, Princess & Holland, etc. under the Carnival's corporate umbrella ... 

[Sotermarler]

We were loyal NCL until last year when we sailed the Oasis for $1000 less than NCL to the Caribbean.
 

This year we have the Carnival Horizon booked for October 2020 @ $2600 for 3 in October in an extended Aft balcony. NCL isn’t offering many Caribbean cruises this year in October, so not much to compare it to.

 

I have a deposit on the Encore for Alaska for October 2021 but at $5600 for 3 people in a spa balcony, but we won’t be going unless it comes down some. I know Alaska is an expensive cruise, but you would think October would be off season pricing.

 

[Bonobochick]

On 1/17/2020 at 10:04 PM, marktwothousand said:

Ya, prices too high. Still OK for solo travelers but only in studio cabins.

 

Not even then, IMO. Encore Bermuda cruises this summer, even studios are priced at around $1700 at the cheapest before taxes, fees, and any gratuities. Same Escape cruises in 2019 were like $950 for a studio.

 

I got Escape 7-day Bermuda solo balcony deals twice last year for $599 each. I highly doubt studios will go below $1500 at this point. I saw NCL charging almost $1100 for a 4-day Bermuda cruise studio from NYC. Nah. 

Edited January 19, 2020 by Bonobochick
fixed something.

[EllieinNJ]

Yep.  We just booked the 9 day Carnival Sunrise out of NY to Bermuda & more in September.  You can get a balcony for as little as $909pp.  I know its hurricane season and hope I don't regret it.  Also hope I like Carnival.

[ABoatNerd]

Good analysis.

 

In addition to the prices increases well above inflation, there is the issue of the continual cutbacks across all lines (that includes the premium lines, particularly Oceania). 

 

Add the 2 trends together, and there is declining overall value to the cruise consumer.  Yes, there can be some "deal" bookings.

 

For the first time since 1989, we have no cruises booked.

 

But we have customized, land vacations booked, some with private car and driver. Took a great land tour past June of Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany and returned from Hamburg to NYC aboard the QM2. Totally outstanding value, ate real regional foods, saw all the major cultural/physical highlights of the area. Excellent hotels.  Great price. Did not really have to lift a finger other than pack our suitcase every couple of days. Wow.

 

After taking this fully escorted trip, we have no interest in a cruise - cruises simply can not provide real exploration of our world and the on board experience is fake.

 

NCL is a mass line, but the same value paradigm applies.

 

If you are going to spend thousands of dollars, consider alternatives to cruising. There is a big world out there to see.

 

[schmoopie17]

Our bottom line price (including all taxes, fees, drink package gratuity and specialty dining gratuity) for our upcoming 12 day Escape Mediterranean cruise was $4600 total for two. This was for an angled balcony mid-ship cabin. Did I mention the free air and two free days extended on the front and the back?

 

Our TA says that's the most smoking deal she has seen in 20 years of being a TA.

Edited January 19, 2020 by schmoopie17