Bad marketing decision?

[Iamcruzin]

Of course. You would have thought Princess would have learned from

giving away short cruises last year.

 

I watched an interview with some hotel CEO recently.

He commented that if you dump your unsold $500/night rooms

on priceline for $200/night, you have just told your customers

that the value of one of your rooms is $200.

This is exactly what princess has done.

 

Over the summer there were posts here:

"Do you think princess will bring back the same short-cruise deals

as last year? I'm waiting for one this year, too!"

 

Hello Princess? By doing this again, you have now shown your

customers that they would be foolish to actually pay for one of your short cruises.

 

This couldn't be more true and it also pertains to everyday shopping habits. Nobody buys anything today without waiting for a sale or presenting a coupon. Unfortunately they wait until they are at the checkout to look for the coupon which holds up the line. With that said, retailers have jacked up prices to account for this. I have always said from day one that the price for the short cruises was way over priced, They cost more money per day than a 7 day cruise. So maybe even with the discount they are still making money.

[Iamcruzin]

Along the lines of marketing decisions....does anyone know the reason Princess no longer offers Caribbean cruises out of NYC/Brooklyn during the spring and summer and early fall?

 

One fall cruise to the Caribbean is offered in late October. There are a lot of tri state (NY, NJ, CT and more) cruisers who would love not to fly down to FLL to cruise.

 

I'm being "forced" to cruise NCL next July with 20+ dear friends. Due to two mobility issues, not flying allowed everyone to join. (Friendship trumps ship). We are all Princess "alumni" and would have definitely booked Princess over NCL.

 

While on a Princess cruise this past March, I asked the FCC officer this question and he said he had no idea why.:(

 

I wish I could get an answer as well. The ship would sell out and I never saw last the minute deals like I see out of Ft Lauderdale. We have been looking at Celebrity and Royal Caribbean since they sail out of Cape Liberty. I would love if Princess would offer the 9 day itineraries out of Brooklyn again.

[The O Mariners]

What an interesting thread! I am happy they decided this strategy. We have been loyal to Princess for many years. The blend of quiet but not geriatric works for us. Their ships are graceful and not like some weird mega hotel adrift. When I wanted to give our Alaskan daughter and Granddaughter a final infusion of sun and warmth before their long winter, my dream was to combine meeting them in Florida, seeing family on land, with a finale of a short cruise. My DH did not think I could pull this off within our budget (we both work long hours at an age I thought we would be retired-me w two careers). I started watching prices in the spring seeing when the final drop occurred time-wise. Initial plan- balcony and an inside across the hall. Imagine everyone's surprise that I could book two adjoining Caribe balconies for my budget! (love those Caribe balconies :D) Then when the price dropped one last time, after we final paid- the Princess rep still honored that drop (was not yet "new bookings only") and the additional cruise credit. Now, can I afford bring some extra cash to reward the staff that serves us? Yes. Might we eat in a specialty restaurant that we otherwise would not have? maybe. Will my husband buy an extra coffee card? Sure. Does Princess have our loyalty? YES! :)

Edited September 30, 2014 by The O'Mariners

[BRANDEE]

I wish I could get an answer as well. The ship would sell out and I never saw last the minute deals like I see out of Ft Lauderdale. We have been looking at Celebrity and Royal Caribbean since they sail out of Cape Liberty. I would love if Princess would offer the 9 day itineraries out of Brooklyn again.

 

Hi fellow Long Islander !

 

So do you think we can convince Princess it would be a great marketing decision to sail a few more Caribbean cruises out of Brooklyn again.:D

 

The only time I wish I lived in southern Florida is when I see those great last minute deals. Although I live 15 minutes from JFK, last minute airfare is very $$$$$. However, car service to Cape Liberty will cost about $250 to

$300 round trip. I'm going to check out the cost of long term parking at Liberty.

 

I'm sure there are enough northerners to fill a ship a few times a year to the Caribbean.:)

[Iamcruzin]

Hi fellow Long Islander !

 

So do you think we can convince Princess it would be a great marketing decision to sail a few more Caribbean cruises out of Brooklyn again.:D

 

The only time I wish I lived in southern Florida is when I see those great last minute deals. Although I live 15 minutes from JFK, last minute airfare is very $$$$$. However, car service to Cape Liberty will cost about $250 to

$300 round trip. I'm going to check out the cost of long term parking at Liberty.

 

I'm sure there are enough northerners to fill a ship a few times a year to the Caribbean.:)

I live 20 minutes from JFK which translates to 45minutes with traffic.We usually take the LIRR to the Airtrain. My wife has a monthly ticket and a metro card so it's more convenient than driving. Can't believe it costs that much for car service to Cape Liberty. We have one of our son's drop us off and pick us up.

 

I have given up on Princess out of NY and have been booking Celebrity out of Cape Liberty. The food isn't as good but I like the entertainment and the room is better. larger showers in the bathroom and the ship is smaller with less passengers so you don't get the crowding like you do on Caribbean Princess. I'm going to book Bermuda for 2015. They are offering the free drink package and paid gratuities for Bermuda sailing 2015. The offer ends 10/31

 

All of the other lines sail from NY to the Caribbean I don't know why Princess can't keep a ship here at least during the Summer months.We sailed the repositioning cruise twice. I can't believe that they won't make money. All of the other lines with less ships in the fleet seem to be able to do it.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[Iamcruzin]

As their loyal customers age toward the graveyard, all cruise lines are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to capture the following generations. Short cruises and rock bottom prices are one idea. They may never make money on those cruises, but if they generate loyal customers who come back for the regular-priced 7+ day cruises it was a worthwhile marketing technique.

 

After reading the thread about OBC becoming non refundable, it seems that Princess has only lured the graveyard crowed out of Florida by offering more OBC than the cost of the cruise. Some were planning to cash out the OBC to make a profit. Who needs to pay for assisted living when you can get a deal like that?

Edited October 2, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Out of curiosity questioned many people this last few days (on the CB) to see where they live and surprising enough although there are many that live close to the Port Everglades there are still a load of people who have flown in for both the 5 & 4 day trips. The crowd is also filled with younger couples which is very un-typical for Princess. If that was their intent, they're definitely attracting a new group of future cruisers as well as the older Elites taking advantage of the high OB credit.

[Ethel5]

After reading the thread about OBC becoming non refundable, it seems that Princess has only lured the graveyard crowed out of Florida by offering more OBC than the cost of the cruise. Some were planning to cash out the OBC to make a profit. Who needs to pay for assisted living when you can get a deal like that?

 

I am offended by your insulting comments regarding Floridians. Not all of us are ready for the graveyard and we don't need assisted living. Shame on you!

[Iamcruzin]

I am offended by your insulting comments regarding Floridians. Not all of us are ready for the graveyard and we don't need assisted living. Shame on you!

 

I apologize but after reading that non refundable OBC thread one would get the impression that it would attract retired passengers who are Florida residents. South Florida has been a retirement area for years so who better to take advantage of the deals. Not many Middle aged passengers with kids in schools and full time jobs can't take advantage of the last minute sailings even if they live in Florida. Trust me I'm looking forward to becoming a retired Floridian. I'm not that far off but I hope they still have these deals by the time I get there.

 

As far as the graveyard comment I was quoting someone else and commenting on their observation.

[RDC1]

Sure. But, I think in this case, Princess is simply desperate to get

people onto poorly selling short cruises.

 

If they had wanted loss leaders, I don't think they would have first

offered the cruises at a high price, and later discounted them

(using massive OBC)

 

Also, see the second paragraph of this review:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44267330&postcount=1

 

Short cruises are very effective in getting people to try the brand. Last year when Princess did the short cruises out of LA and gave the cruise fare back as FCC, they got a lot of people that had never tried Princess before. I was on two of those cruises and found that most of the people we talked including the other 8 people at our dining table had never cruised Princess before. Most of them (especially those that had sailed Carnival and RCCL) said that they would sale Princess in the future. Because of the FCC they were talking about booking 7 or 10 day cruises.

 

I would suspect that you have the same in Florida, except there you have more lines to compete with. The shorter cruises also work for people that want some time in Florida around a vacation week. Again very attractive to new cruisers.

Edited October 2, 2014 by RDC1

[holula]

We are one of those new cruisers that Princess has attracted. We live in Central Florida, late 20s/early 30s, no kids. For us, it was a great price and a perfect way for us to try them out. We are looking to sail to Alaska again in the future and Princess was our top choice as Glacier Bay is a must. Now we get a shorter cruise to find if they are a good fit for us.

 

We never had any plans to cash out at the casino either. ;)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Host CJSKIDS]

I couldn't believe the amount of first time Princess cruisers last week on the Caribbean Princess, lots and lots of blue cards. Seems like it's a great way to attract new cruisers to their line which is a good thing.

[Reader0108598]

Not ready for the graveyard or a Floridian,not a newbie either..but we booked a five day cruise.

 

How could we pass up a five day cruise for 600.00 with 400.00 OBC?

 

Had a credit with Jetblue soooo.. off we go! :)

 

Reader

Edited October 2, 2014 by Reader0108598

[RickEk]

I couldn't believe the amount of first time Princess cruisers last week on the Caribbean Princess, lots and lots of blue cards. Seems like it's a great way to attract new cruisers to their line which is a good thing.

 

And that's what the short Getaway cruises are all about...

[aikensbest]

mwlillie - I have no idea if they make money or not. But I don't like them.

Even booking a b2b to make it 9 days does not help much. I do not like coming back to FLL in the middle of my cruise.:(

 

I totally agree. We love Princess, but this last year went to other lines for 2 cruises to escape taking a b2b.

[aikensbest]

A business owner who is determined to make a profit on EVERY sale soon goes out of business because customers are turned off by that attitude. Many businesses use loss-leaders to build their customer base.

 

True, BUT a loss leader is usually a small part of the sale. Not the complete sale. I know. I spent 55 years in the retail business. You don't give the whole store away.

[tothemall&beyond]

I apologize but after reading that non refundable OBC thread one would get the impression that it would attract retired passengers who are Florida residents. South Florida has been a retirement area for years so who better to take advantage of the deals. Not many Middle aged passengers with kids in schools and full time jobs can't take advantage of the last minute sailings even if they live in Florida. Trust me I'm looking forward to becoming a retired Floridian. I'm not that far off but I hope they still have these deals by the time I get there.

 

As far as the graveyard comment I was quoting someone else and commenting on their observation.

 

 

I, too, took offense at your initial comment. South Florida may have been more of a retirement location many years ago, but since at least the mid-70's when Coral Springs, Boca Raton and other such cities were being developed, it is FAR from a retirement location. In our town, we have 4 public high schools, along with another 1/2 dozen private high schools. It isn't 65 year olds who are populating those schools. We moved here in the early 1980's when we were newlyweds in our mid-20's, as did thousands of other younger adults.

[Host CJSKIDS]

After reading the thread about OBC becoming non refundable, it seems that Princess has only lured the graveyard crowed out of Florida by offering more OBC than the cost of the cruise. Some were planning to cash out the OBC to make a profit. Who needs to pay for assisted living when you can get a deal like that?

 

Seriously!! Guess I didn't realize that at age 52 I was considered part of the graveyard crowd! I'm sure my 22 year old didn't realize that either!

 

The crowd that was on the Caribbean Princess last week had a lot younger crowd that I see many other times of the year.

[RMM34667]

After reading the thread about OBC becoming non refundable, it seems that Princess has only lured the graveyard crowed out of Florida by offering more OBC than the cost of the cruise. Some were planning to cash out the OBC to make a profit. Who needs to pay for assisted living when you can get a deal like that?

 

WOW. WOW. WOW.

 

A little judgmental? Or just sour grapes?

[pablo222]

After reading the thread about OBC becoming non refundable, it seems that Princess has only lured the graveyard crowed out of Florida by offering more OBC than the cost of the cruise. Some were planning to cash out the OBC to make a profit. Who needs to pay for assisted living when you can get a deal like that?

 

I did two short cruises on Carribean.

 

The first was over memorial day, and was a very young, active crowd.

I think everyone onboard had purchased the liquor package.

 

The second was right after labor day. It was definately retirement

village. I heard many times from people working on board how much

better the crowd was on the previous cruise (which was over labor day).

 

This has been my experience with early december as well -- when the

prices are really, really, low, and families are waiting for school holiday

breaks, the ships are full of older bargain hunters.

[Iamcruzin]

Seriously!! Guess I didn't realize that at age 52 I was considered part of the graveyard crowd! I'm sure my 22 year old didn't realize that either!

 

The crowd that was on the Caribbean Princess last week had a lot younger crowd that I see many other times of the year.

 

I'm 54 also have a 22 yr old son. My children have only sailed Princess and loved it when they were still young enough to attend the kids club. If I'm paying for the trip they have no choice but to go where I'm going. However, if they were booking the cruise their choice now would be Royal Caribbean or Carnival. The younger generation is not looking to Escape Completely or Come Back New. Sorry if it hurts but that's our generation. So for someone to state that Princess is cutting prices and offering OBC to attract a new generation of cruisers is false statement. They are looking to fill ships. If they were searching for a younger crowd they would change their advertising and they would be more competitively priced with Carnival and Royal Caribbean for the short cruises. From the beginning the 4 and 5 day sailings were over priced especially in Oct and Nov during hurricane season and school being in session. Last year they gave these sailings away for free. This year they are offering a low price and OBC. I don't see this being offered on the other lines. Looking at next years prices I expect that they will be giving them away again as they are double the price of Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Maybe I will book a cheap flight now to take advantage of these deals next year. Worst case I will just spend a week with the in laws at the 55 and over community. Next year I will actually be eligible to live there.:)

Edited October 3, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[pablo222]

So for someone to state that Princess is cutting prices and offering OBC to attract a new generation of cruisers is false statement. They are looking to fill ships. If they were searching for a younger crowd they would change their advertising and they would be more competitively priced with Carnival and Royal Caribbean for the short cruises.

 

I agree completely.

 

The same is true with having the original love boat cast

in Ft. Lauderdale for the regal christening.

 

If princess is trying to attract younger cruisers, they are not

going to do it with the cast of a show that was on before

the younger cruisers were even born.

[RDC1]

I agree completely.

 

The same is true with having the original love boat cast

in Ft. Lauderdale for the regal christening.

 

If princess is trying to attract younger cruisers, they are not

going to do it with the cast of a show that was on before

the younger cruisers were even born.

 

Attracting new cruisers to the brand, is not by any means the same as focusing on attracting younger cruisers, though new cruisers might include some younger cruisers. What I saw on the short cruisers last year the first time Princess cruises spanned a wide range of age groups. A lot of people new to Princess, but not by any means a focus on just attracting young cruisers.

[swedish weave]

Princess is wasting money by paying their marketing department when they can get all this "free" marketing advice on CC.

[Host CJSKIDS]

Princess seems to be trying to attract new cruisers not a new and younger demographic, that's two different things entirely. Without building rock walls, skating rinks, new bars, etc. they will not get the younger demographic. They will not get the spring break crew.

 

It does seem like they are trying to attract new people to the cruise line and from what I saw last week with many blue cards and with many people that I personally spoke with, they were successful. Now whether or not they cruise with Princess again, who is to say. But it got many people on board.