Bermuda - Why So Expensive

[CateW]

The port charges and government taxes are really high.

[antsnanny]

Just venting but what annoys me now with going to Bermuda is the lines spending less time in Bermuda than they used to. Celebrity used to run two ships every week to Bermuda and as an example if you left on Saturday you arrived in Bermuda on Monday Morning and left Thursday afternoon. Now they take two plus days to get there. I suspect that it has to do with berthing problems because the lines pretty much only go to Kings Wharf and don't do two ports in Bermuda anymore. Also, believe they make more money at sea for two and half days in the casinos and shops. Maybe with the casinos open while in Bermuda there might be some thought to making the stop longer. Also, really think Celebrity should put a Solstice class ships there to compete with the Breakaway.

 

 

Did I read someplace that Celebrity was going to stay for one more day in Bermuda?

[miched]

The port charges and government taxes are really high.

 

I think that the OP is quoting a price for a balcony that doesn't include the port taxes and fees.

 

One of the things that I find odd about the taxes and port charges for Bermuda is the fees and port charges are different for each cruise line and ship.

 

Check out what the crusie lines charge the passengers as fees and taxes per couple. A NCL ship is there the same time as X and there is different NCL ship there at the same time as RCCL.

 

X is $447, and NCL is $379.

RCCL is $357 and the NCL is $312

 

Another is each passenger will pay pay the same port fee per port for that ship, but why do they pay the same tax. Tax is usually based on a amount paid. I wonder why passengers pay the same amount of tax no matter how much the cost of the cabin is? When you book a cruise it doesn't matter what category or how much your cruise fare is the fees and taxes are the same.

 

🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[A Sixth?]

Did I read someplace that Celebrity was going to stay for one more day in Bermuda?

 

More would REALY give them an edge IMHO

[Viva_la_Vida]

Just venting but what annoys me now with going to Bermuda is the lines spending less time in Bermuda than they used to. Celebrity used to run two ships every week to Bermuda and as an example if you left on Saturday you arrived in Bermuda on Monday Morning and left Thursday afternoon. Now they take two plus days to get there. I suspect that it has to do with berthing problems because the lines pretty much only go to Kings Wharf and don't do two ports in Bermuda anymore. Also, believe they make more money at sea for two and half days in the casinos and shops. Maybe with the casinos open while in Bermuda there might be some thought to making the stop longer. Also, really think Celebrity should put a Solstice class ships there to compete with the Breakaway.

 

 

 

I'm just off the summit to bermuda and I heard the captain answer your question. According to him, the little time in port is mainly due to rising fuel costs. The ship sailing at full speed costs something like $250,000 per day, if I remember correctly. The cost is cut dramatically when the ship slows down and takes her time getting there. Bermuda is a lot farther away from the U.S. than the Caribbean islands are, after all. Also he did mention how expensive it is to be in port there.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dkjretired]

I'm just off the summit to bermuda and I heard the captain answer your question. According to him, the little time in port is mainly due to rising fuel costs. The ship sailing at full speed costs something like $250,000 per day, if I remember correctly. The cost is cut dramatically when the ship slows down and takes her time getting there. Bermuda is a lot farther away from the U.S. than the Caribbean islands are, after all. Also he did mention how expensive it is to be in port there.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thank you, certainly makes sense but I do miss the 3 1/2 days in Bermuda.

[suntan]

Wanting to know how much Bermuda receives in taxes from cruise lines I researched the government's website. Here are the rates per passenger, per cabin, per night:

 

Period Per passenger cabin per night

May 1 to August 31 $14.00

September 1 to October 31 $10.00

November 1 to April 30 Nil for non listed ships

November 1 to April 30 $10.00 for Schedule 2 ships

 

Despite the cost I still have the Bermuda cruise on my radar for 2015!:) Just need to keep an eye on the sales.

Edited June 15, 2014 by suntan
add comment

[cherylroslyn]

OP I think you also have to consider the demographics and income level of the mid Atlantic and the Northeast.

 

The Bayonne, NJ departure point is accessible by car and/or rail for many affluent states. In particular the residents of NY, NJ, and CT. When you factor in the fact that we do not have to fly to the departure port, the fares can be much higher and still a great value to us.

 

That coupled with the fact that the incomes in this area are much higher than most parts of the US, as are the expenses.....so essentially we are used to being ripped off....

 

All that being said, I would book and watch the price like a hawk. I guarantee that price will come down, and when it does, prior to final payment you can enjoy the benefit of a price drop.

 

That price is way too high considering the kids are not yet out of school, three weeks later and I would say the price is right on for a northeast summer vacation cruise....but 1500 for a June 9 cruise is too high and it will come down.

[DonnaK]

I realize that you are looking at cruises for next year, but at the beginning of June, we booked a Summit cruise for this coming August, and there were true bargains to be had, especially for guarantee cabins, and for residents of Northeastern states. AQ cabins were going for $999 (those are gone now) Celebrity even gave us free parking vouchers and onboard credit. (I think that this Take Both promotion expires today).

 

We also booked a Summit cruise at the last moment for last August and got an excellent deal.

Edited June 15, 2014 by DonnaK

[Viva_la_Vida]

Thank you, certainly makes sense but I do miss the 3 1/2 days in Bermuda.

 

 

3 1/2 days would be so nice!! Too bad there are no solar powered boats in the X fleet!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ehfl]

Bermuda is expensive. There is a very high fuel cost, as the travel distance is great. Purchasing fuel in the US or Bermuda is expensive compared with purchasing fuel in the Caribbean where most ships refuel. For example Oasis/Allure refuel in Philipsburg. Taxes and port fees are high in northeastern states, compared with southern states. There are also fewer cruise lines and sailings, so supply/demand comes into play.

[alwayshappytocruise]

We booked a last minute Bermuda cruise on Grandeur OTS last week that leaves Maryland on 4 July. We wanted inexpensive so looked for an inside cabin...all that was left was an inside guarantee so we bit the bullet and booked!! The best part is that is was only $1200 for the two of us and we got a small upgrade to an outside/window cabin!

 

Lynda

 

PS Not that it matters but we booked directly with RCCL on line.

[mapleleafvoyage]

We booked in December to go to Bermuda for May 11. 2014

We paid $1450- total for me and my dh!

We were very happy, and felt we got a fantastic deal!! We were on an inside. cabin, 2135- loved this location! (right around the corner from the elevators!!)

 

We wanted to book our next trip back to Bermuda, but the prices were right off the map.. (compared to what we just paid) .. so we just booked a future cruise for next June, (for the $200 deposit) and will move it to the following year... and hope to get as good a deal.

 

We stay the night before in Newark, and do a cruise and park combo...

 

Loved Bermuda, and can't wait to return!!!

[miched]

Wanting to know how much Bermuda receives in taxes from cruise lines I researched the government's website. Here are the rates per passenger, per cabin, per night:

 

Period Per passenger cabin per night

May 1 to August 31 $14.00

September 1 to October 31 $10.00

November 1 to April 30 Nil for non listed ships

November 1 to April 30 $10.00 for Schedule 2 ships

 

Despite the cost I still have the Bermuda cruise on my radar for 2015!:) Just need to keep an eye on the sales.

 

I think that the OP is quoting a price for a balcony that doesn't include the port taxes and fees.

 

One of the things that I find odd about the taxes and port charges for Bermuda is the fees and port charges are different for each cruise line and ship.

 

Check out what the crusie lines charge the passengers as fees and taxes per couple. A NCL ship is there the same time as X and there is different NCL ship there at the same time as RCCL.

 

X is $447, and NCL is $379.

RCCL is $357 and the NCL is $312

 

Another is each passenger will pay pay the same port fee per port for that ship, but why do they pay the same tax. Tax is usually based on a amount paid. I wonder why passengers pay the same amount of tax no matter how much the cost of the cabin is? When you book a cruise it doesn't matter what category or how much your cruise fare is the fees and taxes are the same.

 

🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

The fees that I quoted were for a cruise in Jume. According to your fee schedule it would be 3 x $14 = $42 x 2 = $84. What justifies the rest of the extra cost that varies from $312 to $447?

 

.💰

[dread_pirate]

The fees that I quoted were for a cruise in Jume. According to your fee schedule it would be 3 x $14 = $42 x 2 = $84. What justifies the rest of the extra cost that varies from $312 to $447?

 

.

What makes you think that any government justifies their taxes? They charge the extra costs because they can.

[Vacationlover2]

How do we know how many people the $1500 is for? I am paying $2800 including taxes etc for four people in an inside August 30 and now I think I am paying way too much

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[Christine Frances]

I just looked on X's website for that June 7/15 Summit cruise and the price was $1509 plus $246 (taxes & fees) per person.

 

I have a confirmation from X for a future cruise that is $1419 plus $118 (taxes, fees) BUT the invoice from my TA has it broken down because it shows the non commission able amount this way. Cruise rate $1189, Port Charges $230, Government fees $118

 

Interesting:cool: So from Celebrity's website you don't know what the actual port charges are for that Bermuda cruise from what I can see.

[mapleleafvoyage]

How do we know how many people the $1500 is for? I am paying $2800 including taxes etc for four people in an inside August 30 and now I think I am paying way too much

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

 

Our cruise for just under $1500 was for me and DH. It was for May 11-18, 2014.. Before prime time.

Your going in peak season?

 

I'm travelling in May again.. It was totally worth it :)

I'm sure you will have a fantastic time and perfect weather...

 

All my friends are shocked when I tell them we went for 750 each!!!

Edited June 16, 2014 by mapleleafvoyage

[cle-guy]

 

Interesting:cool: So from Celebrity's website you don't know what the actual port charges are for that Bermuda cruise from what I can see.

 

True, they stopped displaying port fees separate about a year or so ago, and now just include it in the fare. It was done at the same time they now require port fees to be paid based on double occupancy, even if sailing solo (like I generally do, so it kind of sucks, but it is what it is). Solo's still only pay the tax for 1, and now don't really think about the double port fees as it's included int he displayed cruise fare. I think some other lines started doing this and X followed suit.

 

My TA still quotes the port fee separate though as yours does.

[miched]

What makes you think that any government justifies their taxes? They charge the extra costs because they can.

 

Apparently you don't understand what I am asking. Why is there the large spread between what each cruise line charges?

 

In each case both ships are there at the same time and all 4 are there for 3 days.

 

 

🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Christine Frances]

The fees that I quoted were for a cruise in Jume. According to your fee schedule it would be 3 x $14 = $42 x 2 = $84. What justifies the rest of the extra cost that varies from $312 to $447?

 

.💰

 

A guess:confused: Maybe because all the other ships are larger than the Summit with more pax. If there was a flat charge placed per ship the cost would be less per pax on a larger ship. The fees you quoted are just for taxes, the port charges are included in the base fare so don't know how much they are or if they are different between cruise lines.