These cruise prices are insanely high!!

[goldfish65]

My $.02, we got spoiled the past few years great deals. Now, the prices are more realistic for the experience you are getting. On Freedom last month, four nights for a party of two in a GS was around $3000 counting everything. The ship looked practically new, we remarked that it's pretty amazing to have all the facilities, so much nice staff, great drinks, unlimited quantities of decent food with some real highlights, stunning entertainment, all surrounded by vast ocean. 

 

I did a lot of research before choosing Royal. I know what to expect and I like their product. Other cruise lines may cost less, but it's like, if something has no use to me, I don't care how cheap it is, I'm not going to buy it. I don't want to take the chance of being disappointed....it's worth the money to know I am going to be satisfied. 

 

 

[Tenderpaw]

There is definitely a demand bubble right now for travel, and maybe cruises in particular.  As for how people are affording, well its revolving credit card payments for many.  Prices will drop eventually.

 

All the cruise lines except for MSC took on massive debt during COVID.  I hope they are paying that down while they are awash in cash as this won't last forever.  There are still deals, you just have to hunt for them and you might have to "settle" on not your first choice.

[grandgeezer]

1 hour ago, Tenderpaw said:

There is definitely a demand bubble right now for travel, and maybe cruises in particular.  As for how people are affording, well its revolving credit card payments for many.  Prices will drop eventually.

 

All the cruise lines except for MSC took on massive debt during COVID.  I hope they are paying that down while they are awash in cash as this won't last forever.  There are still deals, you just have to hunt for them and you might have to "settle" on not your first choice.

If it’s not exactly what you want, why would you settle, to most people cruising is not a necessity but a nice to do. The only thing that will lower the price, and maybe slow down the cutbacks, is if the demand is substantially lowered. Even if/when the debt is lowered to a livable amount, they would be fools to lower the price.

[firefly333]

22 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

If it’s not exactly what you want, why would you settle, to most people cruising is not a necessity but a nice to do. The only thing that will lower the price, and maybe slow down the cutbacks, is if the demand is substantially lowered. Even if/when the debt is lowered to a livable amount, they would be fools to lower the price.

Some of us make decisions all the time and get less than we would want if we had unlimited dollars to spend. I'd only book the newest and suites all the time. I wouldn't settle for a grand suite on a older ship, I'd book icon or star. Are you really you dont decide cruises without any consideration to cost. Suites or bust I say. Lol. 

[Tree_skier]

I just got off 2 weeks of Harmony and the second week had 6600 pax (120% of capacity) of which 4100 were first time Royal cruisers.  Even discounting that for cruisers who were first time Royal cruisers but came from other lines, that is an astronomical number of first time cruisers in my mind.  I would think that that is what is driving the current price bubble.  What will be interesting is do these first timers book second, third and forth cruises.  If not then this is a bubble, if yes then these prices are the new reality.

Edited December 26, 2023 by Tree_skier

[alfaeric]

27 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I just got off 2 weeks of Harmony and the second week had 6600 pax (120% of capacity) of which 4100 were first time Royal cruisers.  Even discounting that for cruisers who were first time Royal cruisers but came from other lines, that is an astronomical number of first time cruisers in my mind.  I would think that that is what is driving the current price bubble.  What will be interesting is do these first timers book second, third and forth cruises.  If not then this is a bubble, if yes then these prices are the new reality.

If this is really a demand bubble, the only reason is because those massive number of new cruisers were not satisfied enough to do it again.  We just got off two weeks of the Symphony and the numbers were almost identical to what you saw.

 

Given the number of possible berths in the cruise industry, I really find it hard to think that most of them are being filled with people living beyond their means.  RCI probably hosts over 100,000 customers per day (they have just under 50k cabins available) and Carnival has at least that many.  So probably over 500,000 per day are cruising.  I can't fathom even most of them doing stupid things like living that far beyond their means- especially given how many people here clearly would not do that.

 

The only "hope" we have of this going down is that people are not happy with the spend-benefit equation.  Or that "once in a lifetime" is enough.

Edited December 26, 2023 by alfaeric

[goldfish65]

It's kinda fascinating, because no one knows how prices and market share are going to play out, especially now with MSC aggressively pursuing the N.American market with their deep pockets, private ownership, no debt, and flashy ships. 

[LobsterStalker]

On 12/19/2023 at 4:58 PM, Tree_skier said:

I’m currently on Harmony. 6600 people aboard. Only 2500 have gold status or above. That means 4100 first time cruisers on this ship. Maybe take away a little for first timers from other lines.  Still lots of noobs driving the prices 

 

 

 

2800 C&A members on Harmony in October ... Seems pretty consistent on those 2 at least .That's a LOT of new blood !

[QuestionEverything]

I have cruised since 1989 on RCL, Celebrity and Oceania.

I will not be cruising going forward.

Booked on 3 customized land tours.

There is a big world out there and, with few exceptions (Iceland, Panama Canal, South America etc) a land tour gives one a much more in-depth visit to our history and geography.

If you want a superficial trip, cruise is OK.

If you want to learn about the world, land travel is best.

_______________________________

RCL plans to distract their passengers with all manner of entertainment etc so you will not notice the downgrading. Watch out. 

[Pandamonia]

I’m just amazed what Americans will pay for what is a pretty mediocre holiday and crappy food. 
 

upsells everywhere, junk on sale all over ship. Specialty dining that isn’t special. Shows on repeat for a decade. 
 

where is this demand from? It’s not because it’s such a great product. I’d argue that the product is worse today than it’s ever been with exception of newer ships being just more modern. Most are just full of gimmicks now anyway. novelty worn off most of those fast. 
 

The only explanation is that boomers just don’t have anything better to do with their money and will simply pay what ever the price is just to go on a holiday and royal have worked out that they can easily part these people from their money at ever increasing pricing and lower quality and less value than ever before. 
 

I was told that credit card debt is record high and 50% of Americans live pay cheque to pay cheque so it’s the only explanation that makes sense.
 

 

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Pandamonia said:

I was told that credit card debt is record high and 50% of Americans live pay cheque to pay cheque so it’s the only explanation that makes sense.

 

 

50% seems high though google agrees. Hard to believe.

 

I dont think it's just rcl. I about fell over when I looked at my allstate car insurance bill. I was complaining last time but they got it close to $1k, though it says $1200. Got my  new 6 months bill at $1487.xx. I went in, nothing can be done, that's the bill. Googled and got a quote from progressive for $659 exact same coverage. Imo allstate must be pushing those loyal on auto pay to see how high they can go. She had a long page of people to call... as of today I have a new insurance carrier. Didnt want to change but obviously allstate wanted to see how many would just pay it? That's up more than 50% in a year and I reported no accidents. 1 car, nothing unusual. Texas driver. I've been with allstate over 30 years. 

 

Royal is doing the same thing. Let's push the price and see how many still pay. In royals case there is a finite number of people that can board each cruise so maybe it's even easier to push prices hard.

Edited December 29, 2023 by firefly333

[alfaeric]

2 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

I have cruised since 1989 on RCL, Celebrity and Oceania.

I will not be cruising going forward.

Booked on 3 customized land tours.

There is a big world out there and, with few exceptions (Iceland, Panama Canal, South America etc) a land tour gives one a much more in-depth visit to our history and geography.

If you want a superficial trip, cruise is OK.

If you want to learn about the world, land travel is best.

_______________________________

RCL plans to distract their passengers with all manner of entertainment etc so you will not notice the downgrading. Watch out. 

Did it really take you 34 years to figure that out?  

 

That was obvious on my first cruise 23 years ago.  But that's not why we cruise.

 

FWIW, you can do South America a whole lot better not on a cruise- it's a huge continent.  Let alone Iceland.  The only "destination" that is really unique to cruising is the canal and the various fjords that are only accessible from sea. 

Edited December 29, 2023 by alfaeric

[HicksRA]

I might could tolerate the higher prices if the quality of the cruise was the same as it was before. As it is, I feel insulted when they expect me to pay elevated prices for decreased services and terrible food. I’ve got one more on the books and that’s probably the end for me. 
Maybe all these new cruisers will accept the status quo as the norm and continue to cruise, but it’s a matter of principle for me. 

[alfaeric]

2 hours ago, Pandamonia said:

 

I was told that credit card debt is record high and 50% of Americans live pay cheque to pay cheque so it’s the only explanation that makes sense.
 

 

That's as much a transition away from cash and checks as it is bad economics.  According to Lending Tree- 35% of card holders pay off their debt every month.  American Bankers Ass says that is more like 44%.  Lending Tree also says that only 46% of debt will take more than a year to pay off.

 

We constantly have CC debt, but we also pay it off every month, so technically, we are both part of the problem you think and not at the same time.  Using phones to pay for stuff also contributes to that.

[alfaeric]

1 minute ago, HicksRA said:

I might could tolerate the higher prices if the quality of the cruise was the same as it was before. As it is, I feel insulted when they expect me to pay elevated prices for decreased services and terrible food. I’ve got one more on the books and that’s probably the end for me. 
Maybe all these new cruisers will accept the status quo as the norm and continue to cruise, but it’s a matter of principle for me. 

Honestly, the more people do that, the faster fares will go down.

[QuestionEverything]

10 hours ago, alfaeric said:

Honestly, the more people do that, the faster fares will go down.

People are canceling cruises - my household and 2 friends households have all ended cruising.

We have moved to high end escorted tours all over the world. We want to eat real local food, spend time in locations (not 8 hrs), 

I do not necessarily agree with anything the cruise lines shrill, they have a vested interest in misleading the public and stockholders.

Suffice it to say, I am not an "obedient consumer" and will place my $ where it is in my best interest.

This being said from a long time cruiser who started in 1989 on the Sovereign of the Seas.

[Steeler Nation At Sea]

12 hours ago, alfaeric said:

Did it really take you 34 years to figure that out?  

 

That was obvious on my first cruise 23 years ago.  But that's not why we cruise.

 

FWIW, you can do South America a whole lot better not on a cruise- it's a huge continent.  Let alone Iceland.  The only "destination" that is really unique to cruising is the canal and the various fjords that are only accessible from sea. 

 

Totally agree and it's not why I cruise either.  I've never felt connected to a new place until I spend an evening/overnight so I prefer land trips, but, cruises are so easy to plan.  Book it and board is like Set it and forget it.  I don't have to do a lot of planning and find cruising to be more about relaxation. 

 

 

@Another_Critic

 

I'm off to find that $5 Wendy's lunch with 2 sandwiches 2 frosties and a fry now.....I don't think I'll be successful where I live. 😉

Edited December 29, 2023 by Steeler Nation At Sea

[SUgwoz]

6 minutes ago, Steeler Nation At Sea said:

 

Totally agree and it's not why I cruise either.  I've never felt connected to a new place until I spend an evening/overnight so I prefer land trips, but, cruises are so easy to plan.  Book it and board is like Set it and forget it.  I don't have to do a lot of planning and find cruising to be more about relaxation. 

 

Agreed, I take trips that require a lot of planning and coordination which ends up being a great experience seeing the world.  I cruise for the opposite.  Usually there is a day where I essentially do nothing.  While on a trip to Japan, I am likely walking 25k+ steps everyday not wasting any time.

 

That's a big part of the growing demographic they are targeting.  For families, cruises mean available food, kid's are perfectly happy with pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fruit.  Parents don't have to go find a restaurant and spend $10/meal.  Activities always available for different ages, can split up easily.  Always close to room to be able to change/rest/ect.

 

The money being spent on Icon class and Oasis class is for amenities targeting families, not focusing on fine dining/adult only oriented experience.  Veteran cruisers will be disappointed that they are paying for amenities that they will not use.

[Biker19]

Cruiseplum is great for doing this type of high level comparison:

 

Cheapest per day (for two including tax/grats, excludes repos) cabin on:

Star $550

Icon $530

Wonder $312

Odyssey $281

Oasis $274

Symphony $243

Harmony $223

Freedom $214

Navigator $204

Grandeur $191

Jewel $176

 

[SRF]

On 12/28/2023 at 6:52 PM, QuestionEverything said:

I have cruised since 1989 on RCL, Celebrity and Oceania.

I will not be cruising going forward.

Booked on 3 customized land tours.

There is a big world out there and, with few exceptions (Iceland, Panama Canal, South America etc) a land tour gives one a much more in-depth visit to our history and geography.

If you want a superficial trip, cruise is OK.

If you want to learn about the world, land travel is best.

 

That is why I do both.  Mix land and cruise.  And cruising, I prefer sea days.  Port days are too hectic.

[PhillyFan33579]

On 12/28/2023 at 6:52 PM, QuestionEverything said:

I have cruised since 1989 on RCL, Celebrity and Oceania.

I will not be cruising going forward.

Booked on 3 customized land tours.

There is a big world out there and, with few exceptions (Iceland, Panama Canal, South America etc) a land tour gives one a much more in-depth visit to our history and geography.

If you want a superficial trip, cruise is OK.

If you want to learn about the world, land travel is best.

_______________________________

RCL plans to distract their passengers with all manner of entertainment etc so you will not notice the downgrading. Watch out. 

Just curious, are you saying it took 34 years for you to conclude cruising was superficial? 

[FamilyCruiserUK]

Cruising for me gives me more opportunities to visit new places and countries. I do moan about Royals prices from the UK or around Europe especially when i look across the pond at how much cheaper it seems to be to cruise from Florida.

But on the flip side you can be in a different country almost everyday on a European Cruise. Add in  the flights, i can get rtn flights for 3 to Europe from the UK for cheaper then a rtn flight for 1 person to florida. 

The ships excite me from Florida, Icon,Star, Any Oasis class but the destination does not. Once is enough at coco kay. 

So for us its cruises from Europe, around the Med or Greek Islands. 

Going with MSC and P&O in 2024 as they were far cheaper, including Graturites then Royal. 

So cruising is still something i enjoy instead of land holidays but i am no way loyal to Royal anymore. 

[firefly333]

3 minutes ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

Cruising for me gives me more opportunities to visit new places and countries. I do moan about Royals prices from the UK or around Europe especially when i look across the pond at how much cheaper it seems to be to cruise from Florida.

But on the flip side you can be in a different country almost everyday on a European Cruise. Add in  the flights, i can get rtn flights for 3 to Europe from the UK for cheaper then a rtn flight for 1 person to florida. 

The ships excite me from Florida, Icon,Star, Any Oasis class but the destination does not. Once is enough at coco kay. 

So for us its cruises from Europe, around the Med or Greek Islands. 

Going with MSC and P&O in 2024 as they were far cheaper, including Graturites then Royal. 

So cruising is still something i enjoy instead of land holidays but i am no way loyal to Royal anymore. 

Florida rcl cruises obviously are just as high. I booked a TA to spain and a leg in Europe to save money and looking for another fall 2025. Agree msc is cheaper and you said booked p & o. 

[Tenderpaw]

Cruises aren't good for "in depth" at any port.  BUT they are good to get a taste of a lot of things quickly, only unpack once, and have accommodations that are of a known quality level.  

 

I'm kind of picky about accommodations and thus tend to stay at chain hotels after some thread bear/dusty experiences in Europe, so knowing that the cruise ship cabin will be at a certain level is a plus for me.  

 

Regarding "why would you settle", life is full of choices and there is only so much money in my case so sometimes second or third choice is better than sitting at home.  

[grandgeezer]

2 hours ago, Tenderpaw said:

Cruises aren't good for "in depth" at any port.  BUT they are good to get a taste of a lot of things quickly, only unpack once, and have accommodations that are of a known quality level.  

 

I'm kind of picky about accommodations and thus tend to stay at chain hotels after some thread bear/dusty experiences in Europe, so knowing that the cruise ship cabin will be at a certain level is a plus for me.  

 

Regarding "why would you settle", life is full of choices and there is only so much money in my case so sometimes second or third choice is better than sitting at home.  

Everybody has the right to their opinion. For us money is no problem so we have the choice of paying or staying home. Since we don’t see the value in the product, we choose the later.