Food for thought...

[mgg42]

There seem to be a growing number of threads and comments about costs. Extra charges for premium dining, cost of cocktails, wine and beer, cost of soda, is the soda card a good deal, charges for the mini-bar.

 

I think this is probably the result both of the expansion of premium options for a fee, and all of us tending to be a little more cost conscious these days.

 

I just think people would be best served to keep in mind that there is always going to be additional costs. I think sometimes people look at the cost of their cruise, and really hold fast to the idea that their total cost won't be more than that.

 

Keep in mind that cruising is not an all-inclusive vacation. It's kind of a halfway point between traditional vacationing and all-inclusive. But there almost always will be additional costs, and they usually are substantial.

 

Is cruising still one of the best deals in leisure travel? Absolutely! Is it the super bargain people want it to be? Rarely! The old axiom still applies, you get what you pay for.

 

If you want to have a super cheap cruise vacation, you can do so. It will mean no booze (unless you slip some one board), no sodas, no bingo, no gambling, no excursions, no premium dining. Will you still have a great time? Sure! Is that the experience most of us are after? No, not really.

 

It just seems to me that too many people sweat the small stuff (cost of soda, cost of beer, both still cheaper than most resorts). And while I TOTALLY respect trying to keep costs in check. I think if people are more receptive to the reality that the cost of your cruise vacation is more than simply the cruise contract, they might save themselves some aggravation.

 

I'm just kicking around some random thoughts here.

[wild0826]

There seem to be a growing number of threads and comments about costs. Extra charges for premium dining, cost of cocktails, wine and beer, cost of soda, is the soda card a good deal, charges for the mini-bar.

 

I think this is probably the result both of the expansion of premium options for a fee, and all of us tending to be a little more cost conscious these days.

 

I just think people would be best served to keep in mind that there is always going to be additional costs. I think sometimes people look at the cost of their cruise, and really hold fast to the idea that their total cost won't be more than that.

 

Keep in mind that cruising is not an all-inclusive vacation. It's kind of a halfway point between traditional vacationing and all-inclusive. But there almost always will be additional costs, and they usually are substantial.

 

Is cruising still one of the best deals in leisure travel? Absolutely! Is it the super bargain people want it to be? Rarely! The old axiom still applies, you get what you pay for.

 

If you want to have a super cheap cruise vacation, you can do so. It will mean no booze (unless you slip some one board), no sodas, no bingo, no gambling, no excursions, no premium dining. Will you still have a great time? Sure! Is that the experience most of us are after? No, not really.

 

It just seems to me that too many people sweat the small stuff (cost of soda, cost of beer, both still cheaper than most resorts). And while I TOTALLY respect trying to keep costs in check. I think if people are more receptive to the reality that the cost of your cruise vacation is more than simply the cruise contract, they might save themselves some aggravation.

 

I'm just kicking around some random thoughts here.

 

 

I think you are 100% correct. I agree that there are too many threads about extras. People also have to realize that everything in society is going up. Cost of milk, gas, clothes, juice, homes, etc. The cruise industy is trying to keep up with the times without totally making it unaffordable. I say go with the times and don't complain or life will pass you by. I think that if you want room service after midnight and are complaining about the little extra charge then get up and go to somplace on the ship that is open 24hrs for food. If not the suck it up and pay and stop complaining.

[CodyC815]

Completely agree, I'm in college and I've cruised a few times with my friends who are also in school, we fit 4 people to an inside room, rarely gamble, don't drink, find our way around the ports by ourselves, and still have a blast... I think some people out there just like to complain for the sake of complaining, but if you want to have fun on a budget it's totally possible

[jlocole]

Agreed. If you happen to live near a port, and don't have to add on airfare and an overnight hotel, take an inside room, and not go crazy with drinks a cruise is a great alternative to land vacations.

 

Excursions shouldn't factor into the price; you'd pay for them if you were at an all-inclusive type holiday.

[xdollbabyx]

LOL... Many of the ones complaining (not ALL) do not think twice about dishing out $7 - $10 a drink, for several drinks each day all cruise long. I have nothing against a drink and enjoy one or two while on my cruise, but that cost can get out of hand very very quickly.

 

Only you can decide your priorities and know your budget. I think the drinks are expensive (soda and alcoholic) so I choose to drink water/tea/lemonade and save my money for things I find more important personally.

 

If I don't like the cost I have a choice, don't participate. Its business, supply and demand, if enough people feel the cost is excessive and stop supporting it the cost will reduce.

 

I am part Scottish (and being cheap is in our blood I swear its not my fault :D).

[wolfganghowell]

I agree, really the drink costs are not that much more than any bar in a major city. Everything else is entirely up to each person and their budget. I do think it's gone overboard on people lugging on cases of water, cases of soda and finding all sorts of ways to get as much booze on as possible. We are all so fortunate to cruise and moaning about a few more hudnred dollars seems a bit much. If EVERYONE brought on their own beverages, then we would ALL be paying for it in higher fares. Sure, I may roll my eyes at a $3 bottled water but it's part of the package when I sign on for a cruise.

 

I love massages and try to get one every 3-4 months. I know the ones onboard are ridiculously overpriced and I accept it before deciding to get one. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't - but it is what it is. They have a captive audience and know they can charge almost anything based on their research on supply and demand.

 

It's also why Oasis is not leaping out at me yet. It seems to me to be more of a floating resort with multiple add on charges than a cruise. I don't fault anyone for being excited about it but I know if I ever decide to go on Oasis/Allure, I will have to approach it with a completely fresh attitude.

[deban42]

I totally agree,I do bring maybe a 12 pk of water, Maybe I'l try to bring something to mix in my cabin while I sit on my Balcony. We don't drink wine. I have not seen a rum or volka package for the room. And I don't want to wait for room service when ever I want a drink on my bacony. But when I'm at dinner, the pool, or anywhere else on the ship. I'm not going back to the cabin to mix a drink. I get one where ever I'm at. I just want to relax and enjoy. I've waited all year for it. No complaining;)

[dachshunddoglover]

I'm so glad they don't charge for luggage. We'd really be in trouble then. ;)

The other charges are just part of being on vacation. :D

E-Beth

[Cruising89143]

The cruise lines have made the decision to keep prices low and have guests pay for the extras that they want. That is fine with me. Some don't drink soda or alcohol so why charge everyone for it?

 

IMHO the quality of food is not what it used it to be and that's not just an RCI thing. While I blame part of this on the size of ships and the number of guests being fed in a given amount of time, it is also the cruise lines cutting back on the quality of ingredients that they're using to save a few bucks. Entertainment is head and shoulders better than it used to be and so are the amentities on board.

 

It's a double edged sword but as long as I feel that the cruise line(s) are meeting or exceeding my expectations, I am here for the long run.

[mgg42]

IMHO the quality of food is not what it used it to be and that's not just an RCI thing. While I blame part of this on the size of ships and the number of guests being fed in a given amount of time, it is also the cruise lines cutting back on the quality of ingredients that they're using to save a few bucks.

 

I don't know if it can be solely attributed to these things. I think they have probably sacrificed quality a little bit in favor of variety. I remember my first cruise, in the early 90's. There were only three or four options for lunch and dinner, no specialty or alternative restaurants, and there wasn't even an alternate buffet! I think it's a lot easier to make four excellent dishes, than the literally dozens of options they crank out now.

[RetireeWannabee]

Everyone is looking for a different experience and yes, travellers should be knowledgeable about the details of their trips. Expectations Management can be a big deal.

 

I'm happy to stare out to sea for hours. Read a good book. Unwind. I'm really not about the stuff onboard. I'll have a few drinks, lose a little money in the casino, but mostly there's just nothing I need except a view of the sea.

 

I'm not enuf of a foodie to choose to eat anywhere other than the dining room. I still like it there. Sure, that we've already paid for the meal enters into it somewhat, but I just can't see "paying for an upgrade" as my husband is nearly polar opposite of foodie. Why bother, you know?

 

When we get to the port, depending on what it is, we'll pay for a tour but many times are better off on our own to take in the sights we pre-selected as most important to us. we want the culture. I want to see ruins and castles and old churches, and meet the people at the farmer's market or check out the pottery or a gallery.

 

I do a ton of research on ports because that's why we're there. Our largest expenses are air, cruise fare, and whatever we do in port.

[ntengwall]

MGG42-

 

I think one of the reasons people feel like this is that there are a lot of land-based resorts (especially in Mexico) that DO include alcohol/sodas and all restaurants in their price. So people have gotten used to the all-inclusive idea and then expect the same on a cruise.

[MrsPete]

Keep in mind that cruising is not an all-inclusive vacation. It's kind of a halfway point between traditional vacationing and all-inclusive. But there almost always will be additional costs, and they usually are substantial.

While I know you are 100% right . . . the idea that a cruise is an all-inclusive vacation is quite pervasive. It's essentially an urban legend. So many people THINK it is true that people sign up for a cruise genuinely not knowing that there are costs beyond the ticket price (and transportation to the port city). And, in all honesty, when you're booking, the cruise line doesn't do much to dispel this idea. They just want you to sign on the proverbial dotted line -- they'll hit you with the extras later.

 

It'd be nice if all these people were smart enough to research the cruise before booking . . . nicer still if they'd read the materials sent to them by the cruise line. But everyone doesn't.

[BroncosFan2010]

I think you are right. Perhaps the cruising industry needs to do a better job of explaining that a cruise is not all-inclusive. I think most people (Non-CC members) have no idea that alcohol and pop are not included. We always budget the extra cost, but we have cruised for quite some time.

[lovemylab]

I think you are right. Perhaps the cruising industry needs to do a better job of explaining that a cruise is not all-inclusive. I think most people (Non-CC members) have no idea that alcohol and pop are not included. We always budget the extra cost, but we have cruised for quite some time.

 

The RCCL website, brochures that are available through TA's and cruise documents that are mailed out to clients make it very clear that a cruise is not an all-inclusive. I really can't think of anything else they could do to make it more clear (other than to phone their passengers, which would be an annoyance). IMO, if someone doesn't want to research things themself or read the material that is available for them, then they should be going through a travel agent who can notify them of these things.

 

The same people that complain about the extra costs on a cruise are probably the same people that do not realize that all-inclusive resorts can also have extra costs for excursions and some activities.

[MrsPete]

I think you are right. Perhaps the cruising industry needs to do a better job of explaining that a cruise is not all-inclusive. I think most people (Non-CC members) have no idea that alcohol and pop are not included. We always budget the extra cost, but we have cruised for quite some time.

I think they DON'T WANT to disspell that notion, even though it's not true. If they can hook a person in with a low price, even if he figures out later that it's not really all-inclusive . . . well, he's already booked, already excited about the trip, what's a few more dollars?

[MrsPete]

The RCCL website, brochures that are available through TA's and cruise documents that are mailed out to clients make it very clear that a cruise is not an all-inclusive. I really can't think of anything else they could do to make it more clear (other than to phone their passengers, which would be an annoyance). IMO, if someone doesn't want to research things themself or read the material that is available for them, then they should be going through a travel agent who can notify them of these things.

 

The same people that complain about the extra costs on a cruise are probably the same people that do not realize that all-inclusive resorts can also have extra costs for excursions and some activities.

I don't think the idea's coming from the cruise line's literature. I think it's sort of a popular culture thing. An idea that people pick up from hearing half-stories from friends, from seeing this or that on TV.

[LawnGuylandGirl]

I agree.

 

There are really no "hidden" charges. It's not like you buy your cruise, get on the ship, and find out you have to pay $500 per person to eat for the week!

 

If all you want to do is stay on the ship, dine and drink iced tea or (unbottled) water, you can do so for your fare, tips you choose to leave, port taxes and transportation.

 

If you want to don't want to drink the soda, don't.

 

If you don't want to buy the pictures, politely decline when the photographer approaches (smile --- it goes a long way!)

 

If you don't want to go ziplining, take a walk in port.

 

If you don't want to dine at an alternative eatery, then for goodness sake, don't go!

 

I still think you get the best bang for the vacation buck on a cruise. It's all up to you how to spend it.

[zekekelso]

It just seems to me that too many people sweat the small stuff (cost of soda, cost of beer, both still cheaper than most resorts).

Then again, if the costs *do* bother people, they should speak up and not have to worry about other posters telling them how they should or shouldn't feel.

[AtlantaAlly]

I just wish there were an All-Inclusive option. I know that some resorts in Mexico have it where you can go AI or select not to. They could monitor it with the cards. Everyone in a room has to be one or the other- can't be both. I'd pay a few extra $$ to be AI on a cruise and to not have to worry about the $$ at the end. Just my $0.02.

[zekekelso]

I really can't think of anything else they could do to make it more clear

You can't think of anything?? Really?

 

I started researching RCI cruises a few months ago. Maybe I'm stupid, but it took a lot of work to find out what was and wasn't included. If ti weren't for sites like this one, I might still be trying to figure it out.

 

In RCI's promotional material and videos, included and for-fee items are blended together with no easy way for the newbie to know what they have to pay extra for. Yes, the info is there if you hunt down in the weeds, but it sure ain't obvious.

 

I actually think this does a disservice to RCI, as they tend to charge for less than their closest competitors.

[Rmunson72906]

I completely agree that some people(not all) just look for things to whine about. As to RCI or any cruise line not being clear on what is and is not included they are. What is and isn't included can be found on their website (look under plan a cruise/onboard expirience) the things that have an extra fee usually have an asterisk. In any brouchures they send you and your travel documents. All you need to do is be able to read especially the fine print. And if for some reason you can't seem to find the information that you are looking for in those areas pick up the phone and take 2 mins. to call the cruise line and ask one of the reps. a question. If you are to lazy to research your vacation(any vacation not just cruises) and find out exactly what you are getting and what is extra costs then you have no room to complain. And if you did research your trip and do know what you're getting and not getting you still have no room to complain,because you knew what you were singning up for, unless they charge you for something you didnt buy etc. It just seems to me that people want everything for free or they'll complain. really? your going to complain about your drinks being $7 when you knew it would be pricey and you had the option not to rack up that $200 bar bill? and that will be the main focus of the stories you tell your friends when you compain to them, when in fact the focus of the stories you tell should be that you just had a great vacation on a huge, beautiful ship, where almost everything is included in the price you paid, not to mention you just got to visit multiple itineraries in multiple countries in one vacation. I think that people should indeed stop complaining about the small stuff (especially stuff they knew or could have easily found out) and be grateful that they have the chance to go on such a vacation at all.

[ntengwall]

I completely agree that some people(not all) just look for things to whine about. As to RCI or any cruise line not being clear on what is and is not included they are. What is and isn't included can be found on their website (look under plan a cruise/onboard expirience) the things that have an extra fee usually have an asterisk. In any brouchures they send you and your travel documents. All you need to do is be able to read especially the fine print. And if for some reason you can't seem to find the information that you are looking for in those areas pick up the phone and take 2 mins. to call the cruise line and ask one of the reps. a question. If you are to lazy to research your vacation(any vacation not just cruises) and find out exactly what you are getting and what is extra costs then you have no room to complain. And if you did research your trip and do know what you're getting and not getting you still have no room to complain,because you knew what you were singning up for, unless they charge you for something you didnt buy etc. It just seems to me that people want everything for free or they'll complain. really? your going to complain about your drinks being $7 when you knew it would be pricey and you had the option not to rack up that $200 bar bill? and that will be the main focus of the stories you tell your friends when you compain to them, when in fact the focus of the stories you tell should be that you just had a great vacation on a huge, beautiful ship, where almost everything is included in the price you paid, not to mention you just got to visit multiple itineraries in multiple countries in one vacation. I think that people should indeed stop complaining about the small stuff (especially stuff they knew or could have easily found out) and be grateful that they have the chance to go on such a vacation at all.

 

I agree with almost everything you said BUT I do agree with the other poster who said they should offer an ALL inclusive option like a lot of land-based hotels do. I would also be willing to pay more and have everything included up front.

[andrzej5914]

I agree with almost everything you said BUT I do agree with the other poster who said they should offer an ALL inclusive option like a lot of land-based hotels do. I would also be willing to pay more and have everything included up front.

 

Some of the luxury cruise lines do offer all in packages. If you are really willing to pay then look into Seabourn, Crystal, etc...

 

You may be shocked when you see the sticker price. ;)

 

Seabourn Signature Delights are the little things that make your experience an extraordinary one at every turn.

 

They include:

 

An intimate yacht that visits places inaccessible to others

All-suite accommodations

Impeccable personalized service

Open bar throughout the ship

Open-seating Restaurant with gourmet, prepared-to-order cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer

Evening Under the Stars® sumptuous barbecue dinners or gala parties with live music and dancing on the open deck

Fine soaps by Hermes and L’Occitane; bath amenities by Molton Brown

Pure PamperingSM bath drawn by your suite stewardess

Caviar in the Surf®

where available

Seabourn's Personal ShopperSM

Shopping with the Chef

Water sports from the ship's unique marina

Wi-Fi access from suites and public rooms; cell phone service at sea

Tipping is neither required nor expected

[yarlenna]

I agree with almost everything you said BUT I do agree with the other poster who said they should offer an ALL inclusive option like a lot of land-based hotels do. I would also be willing to pay more and have everything included up front.

 

Try Regent - it is almost inclusive and it great (and very $$$)