David148 Posted October 11, 2014 #1 Share Posted October 11, 2014 ok I know prices go up or down depending on the demand. But I'm curious if anyone knows what usually happens for the Fantasy cruise out of Charleston? I know it's the only ship around and that can make prices rise. But has anyone had any experience booking this cruise around may in previous years? I want to say that its after spring break and before school gets out so prices may go down but then I think about how its the only ship around the area and it may sky rocket. I know there is no definite answer to this question but what seems to be the trend? Thanks, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishtales6 Posted October 11, 2014 #2 Share Posted October 11, 2014 (edited) We booked the January 18 cruise. Figured kids would all be back in school and the demand reduced. We've seen the prices increase, so glad we paid when we did. As for the ability to do so being the only ship nearby for many of us, that's essentially the same point I've tried to make with NC DOT and the planners...that if they build a cruise port on Radio Island near Morehead, that the tourist industry here will make a BOOM, seeing as to how relatively easily the Radio Island terminal can be built. That places ships about 5 miles form the sea lanes, so they'd be able to save fuel getting into the sea lanes. Edited October 11, 2014 by Fishtales6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David148 Posted October 11, 2014 Author #3 Share Posted October 11, 2014 We booked the January 18 cruise. Figured kids would all be back in school and the demand reduced. We've seen the prices increase, so glad we paid when we did. As for the ability to do so being the only ship nearby for many of us, that's essentially the same point I've tried to make with NC DOT and the planners...that if they build a cruise port on Radio Island near Morehead, that the tourist industry here will make a BOOM, seeing as to how relatively easily the Radio Island terminal can be built. That places ships about 5 miles form the sea lanes, so they'd be able to save fuel getting into the sea lanes. Ahh. I have family who wants to go on this cruise with me but cant book until JAN. Im hoping prices don't rise to much. As far as a cruise port in MHC. WOW wouldn't that be nice? lol But could u imagine the traffic over the bridges on hwy 70? It would be a pure headache for the residents of MHC and Beaufort trying to cross the bridges. They just don't have enough roads in that area to accommodate the traffic. They would have to build a few more escape roads from MHC and Beaufort. As much as I would like to have a cruise port here, I think Wilmington would make a better choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted October 11, 2014 #4 Share Posted October 11, 2014 You've booked over MLK weekend. Many will get that Monday off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwightnwynonia Posted October 11, 2014 #5 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Have sailed the Fantasy several times from Charleston always booked early saver and only one time was there a price drop enough for a on board credit Sent from my SPH-L710 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
path145 Posted October 11, 2014 #6 Share Posted October 11, 2014 Sailed on Fantasy a few years ago in January. Saw a few price drops which came to about $50-60 per person. The price drops all happened before final payment so we got the price reduction on our cruise fare. Ended up being $229 for a 5 day cruise! My friends were really happy they let me do the booking!! And I was happy it worked out that way and I was the Hero! hahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishtales6 Posted October 13, 2014 #7 Share Posted October 13, 2014 As far as a cruise port in MHC. WOW wouldn't that be nice? lol But could u imagine the traffic over the bridges on hwy 70? It would be a pure headache for the residents of MHC and Beaufort trying to cross the bridges. They just don't have enough roads in that area to accommodate the traffic. They would have to build a few more escape roads from MHC and Beaufort. As much as I would like to have a cruise port here, I think Wilmington would make a better choice. On Radio Island, there is plenty of room for parking, and plenty of things for tourists to do, prior to cruising. The port is underutilized. As for Wilmington, the infrastructure is present, but would be overcrowded. Another issue would be the transit time from the port to the sea lanes. Cruise lines want to get out past that three mile limit as soon as they can to open casino and shops. Transit down the Cape Fear, in addition to taking time and fuel, also takes the ship past Sunny Point military port, which transships ammunition and other military materials, thus requiring a more robust security requirement for the cruise line and the military port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mzlinda Posted October 14, 2014 #8 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I booked on the Fantasy in january for a cruise 10/21. (Next week! ) I'm going solo which means I basically paid for 2 people. I paid $688. The price is now $1018. Also taxes and fees went from $88 to $102. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mzlinda Posted October 14, 2014 #9 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I'm in an ocean view room on the empress deck with a window, not a porthole. And I am a past guest. I booked early saver. I've watched for price drops, especially when a new sale comes out, but the prices has consistently risen. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David148 Posted October 14, 2014 Author #10 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Wow ok looks like they will jump up. Not really surprising being it's the only cruise around the area. Thanks for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Poupon Posted October 15, 2014 #11 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I booked in Feb this year for 10/04 sailing. The prices have remained pretty much the same. There was a price drop but the taxes went up so no OBC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCcruiser123 Posted October 15, 2014 #12 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I live near Charleston but driving to Jacksonville next month to cruise. It is $100 pp cheaper for the same cruise out of Jacksonville. Charleston prices have always been higher than other ports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David148 Posted October 15, 2014 Author #13 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I live near Charleston but driving to Jacksonville next month to cruise. It is $100 pp cheaper for the same cruise out of Jacksonville. Charleston prices have always been higher than other ports. That is true . But at least they have come down overall from the first year the Fantasy arrived there. It was like double the price b4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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