What should be included in basic fare

[orville99]

Everyone can "want" what they want, but the reality is, the only way they've been able to keep prices down over the years is by cutting things. People demand lower cruise prices and then complain when things are cut. Are you prepared to pay more for everything everyone asks for even if it's things you personally don't want?

 

Ask anyone here who cruised in the 80's what it cost then and they'll tell you that it's about what it costs now which explains a lot. Most who cruise now would rarely, if ever be able to cruise if the rate of increases of costs, what was included then, and inflation were applied to the costs from then.

 

Our first cruise was on HAL Veendam in 1981 (NYC to Bermuda). OV cabin (balconies really didn't exist back then). The cost was ~$4000 (back then airfare from "gateway" cities was included). In constant dollars, that cruise would cost ~$6700 today. The food and service were outstanding (still have the MDR menus), but not $2700 great:)

[alfaeric]

Yeah, the same method they used to supposedly control the crowds at Johnny Rocket's which was once included. The cruise lines are imaginative enough to come up with all sorts of new concepts for their new ships but they can't figure out any other means of crowd control other than to get their hands in your wallet.

 

I know the reason one has to pay for the cycling class is also crowd control- make sure the people taking the class are serious about it. And seeing that at least 50% of the classes we take, someone walks up, and gets on a bike "just to try"- it isn't 100% effective.

 

Do you have a suggestion that would control the size of groups, and not make people show up 30 min early just go get a spot? Especially for things that have very small sizes- bar class, wine class, fitness class, JR's.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Some bathroom amenities would be nice, I just got off the Liberty OTS, all it had was shampoo in a dispenser, no conditioner, there was no back up bar of soap, when the shower bar of soap became a sliver you had to reach out and get the one from the sink, thankfully bathroom size made that an easy maneuver:) . Only then would a new bar be placed in the cabin. They are slowly taking things away, I don't see them adding any of the requests any time soon. For me, I think its time to step up a notch or two in cruise lines, maybe Carnival :D

 

 

Steward will leave more soap, just like towels. All you have to do is ask. Also, some levels of CA and suites get toiletries. Again, if you really wanted something pretty sure steward could supply as some cabins already receive.

 

When I first started cruising every stateroom had small cardboard shampoos, lotions, etc. Remember when it was discontinued as part of the save the waves, less garbage program and the dispensers were installed.

[teecee60]

all drinks, all meals, all excursions, all transportation to and from the cruise terminal ,all motels, all meals off the ship, house payments ,car payments college for the kids, cable bill, but not the tips on the ship that should be seperate:)

 

Don't forget a partridge in a pear tree... and I STILL want a PONY! :p

 

 

 

Could it be POSSIBLE that...

 

...people who like SODA want soda included?

 

...people who like ALCOHOL want alcohol included?

 

...people who like PREMIUM DINING want premium dining included?

 

...people who like SPA TREATMENTS want spa treatments included?

 

 

Could it be POSSIBLE that the only reasonable and equitable solution is...

 

...for each and every person to only pay for what THEY want? :eek: :rolleyes:

 

 

As far as "paying" for built in general use shipboard amenities like flow riders...

 

You have already voluntarily paid for the use of those items by booking THAT ship instead of a different one without those amenities. ;)

Edited May 18, 2015 by teecee60

[ColoradoGurl]

I agree with you that cruising includes everything I expect and want for the price. My wife & I do not drink so I don't agree with drinks should be included. Sorry I don't want to pay for others drinking, that's what the drink package is for.:)

 

That's true, I agree with that sentiment as well. When I cruise I don't drink much since I'm with my child and I get sea sick easily as it is, so taking a cruise is a discount vacation for me. When I want all the bells and whistles I go to all inclusives on land with my significant other and no children and take full advantage of the "free" drinks, and we pay 3 times more money. I don't mind the drinks not being included, it was just the only thing I could come up with because I'm satisfied with what is offered already.

 

Although now that others have mentioned tips, I agree with that. Everyone is paying tips already so why not just add it to the cruise cost. I think it's because people who are price sensitive or taking cruises because of the low cost would notice that extra $100 or $300 more if it were shown on their invoice, but they don't really factor it in when they don't see it upfront. I've read many posts on this board from people freaking out about coming up with that extra $168 when they realize after they've booked that it's still due.

[DirtyDawg]

....As far as "paying" for built in general use shipboard amenities like flow riders...

 

You have already voluntarily paid for the use of those items by booking THAT ship instead of a different one without those amenities. ;)

 

But the cruise line could easily not include those amenities in the base fare and charge extra for those who actually use the flow rider etc. And those who watch the 'entertainment' too.:D

 

As for being 'built in'. Bars are also built in. They recoup their cost by charging a lot for the booze. Spas are built in and they recoup their cost by charging a lot for their services. Flow riders are built in......., Rock climbing walls are built in....... Balcony's are built in........ and I pay for that amenity.

Edited May 18, 2015 by DirtyDawg

[Paulette3028]

The things I don't mind paying for are the aerobics classes, or yoga or cycling classes and from reading this thread, even those signups are not fool proof.

 

Regular coffee/teas are free and readily available to get around the ships, with the cruiser serving themselves. Specialty coffees are 'for a fee' and that is fine.

 

I don't want to subsidize heavy drinkers, so the purchase of drink packages is fine and I don't want that to change. I believe that per drink prices are too high, but that is the incentive to purchase the drink package whether you will drink enough or not for it to benefit the cruiser.

 

What should CONTINUE to be included in the fare is lemonade and iced tea. I have heard from some cruisers that Royal could be considering that these will only be available as part of the purchase of a drink package. I fully believe that is terrible. It costs pennies to make lemonade or regular iced tea. The increased cost to serve the lemonade and iced tea comes from the fact that wait staff fills the glasses (for example in the WJ) -- instead make it self serve with dispensers in the WJ and around the ships.

 

I don't like that the sauna and steam room is for a fee on Oasis class ships. When we were on Allure, it meant I did not spend a few minutes possibly a few days in the course of a cruise in the sauna....but I was not going to spend $119 for the week to use it, and would not spend $30 for one day of usage -- outrageous!

 

The cruise industry always had entertainment included and that should continue be the case....at home I do pay to go to a movie, but I also have a much more robust TV system from which to choose things to watch, if I want to stay at home.

 

I enjoy options for dinner and the various MDR menus give me that....and then Izumi adds another one for us and I am not disturbed that it is at an additional fee....since it is not the type of food offered at all in the MDR and we eat Japanese food out back at home anyway.

 

I expect activities to be included free, whether it is Flowrider or Rock Climbing or those new ones on Quantum and Anthem (NorthStar and Ifly) and others that they will think of. Sign up required or waiting line is fine. I am patiently in line when I go on Flowrider. I will surely be disturbed if the waterslide has an extra fee!

[Paul65]

Mine was $25 plus tip, so it came to $29 and change. One nice thing they allowed was letting my wife sit in without paying. She wasn't able to drink

 

BTW, it was held on Rising Tide, very small venue. Drawback was the doors kept opening when we parked it in Central park

 

Fair point. We had to pay 18% on top of the price, as well, so it was a total of $23.60 each. Plus, it was such an enjoyable class that we added a little extra gratuity, as well.

[cruisevv]

I like the per fee system now. But I wouldn't mind a more inclusive spa package like Carnival has with the SPA 2.0 Cabins.

 

= 1-2 decks with majority-only spa access cabins that include admittance to a huge venue with thermolasso pools, steam rooms, heated beds, relaxation pools etc

 

Carnival does NOT include spa treatments into the price of those cabins but I've noticed that the spa access area isn't super crowded because its either pay for admittance or purchase a cabin to get inside.

 

Edited to add -

 

Just learned that Quantum of the Seas has spa suites. Any others? Wonder what the amenities are like.

 

 

-------------

 

Apparently it sucks...

 

"A disappointing thermal suite with just four ceramic beds and the typical assortment of rooms (herbal steam, saunas and rainforest showers) is in a windowless area in the middle of the spa. Entrance is $30 a day or $150 for a week."

Edited May 18, 2015 by cruisevv

[Desert Cruizers]

Since we all will be paying $12/day, I would rather pay that cost up front then see the $12 daily add on. However drink packages should remain since not everyone drinks alcohol. For our upcoming cruise since gratuities are alreaded added into our total cruise price, we won't be seeing that daily charge at the end of our cruise.

[bgetter]

I'd say the arcades. They are already paying for the electricity. They can't be making THAT much on them. Kids and even grown up kids could spend a lot of time there, with the added value far exceeding the costs.

Edited May 18, 2015 by bgetter

[squadron]

Carnival do it in Australia [P&O Carnival and Princess at least] while Royal Lines {Royal Caribbean and Celebrity] don't so I am sorry they can do it one off.[/

 

Owned by different corporations.

[John&LaLa]

Our first cruise was on HAL Veendam in 1981 (NYC to Bermuda). OV cabin (balconies really didn't exist back then). The cost was ~$4000 (back then airfare from "gateway" cities was included). In constant dollars, that cruise would cost ~$6700 today. The food and service were outstanding (still have the MDR menus), but not $2700 great:)

 

I have HAL menus from 93, that was a nice touch. Pretty sure my '93 cruise wasn't anywhere near that expensive and air was not included

[squadron]

I agree include the "gratuities" in the price of the cruise - call it a service charge or whatever and then pay ALL staff a fair wage. Customer can then tip IF they get exceptional service and no staff member gets stiffed by people not wanting to tip. I think basic drinks (fresh juices at breakfast, teas (including herbal), coffees (including cappuccino, latte etc but maybe not flavoured coffee), cordials and soda should be included at meal times. Alcoholic drinks packages I am happy to pay extra for as a drinker. In regards to on board activities I like that a fair bit is currently included but would like to see classes such as casino classes,any sort of cooking class etc included in the price.

 

Basic tea including herbals, coffee and juices are already included . Specialty coffees , cordials(?) etc should be an upcharge. I have seen a free cooking demo on almost every cruise I have been on.

[John&LaLa]

I'd say the arcades. They are already pasing for the electricity. They can't be making THAT much on them. Kids and even grown up kids could spend a lot of time there, with the added value far exceeding the costs.

 

Good idea, it will keep the little darlings out of the whirlpool. ;)

Edited May 18, 2015 by John&LaLa

[John&LaLa]

Basic tea including herbals, coffee and juices are already included . Specialty coffees , cordials(?) etc should be an upcharge. I have seen a free cooking demo on almost every cruise I have been on.

 

Cordials is flavored water in some parts of the world. In the states it is flavored liquor. :cool:

 

Cooking demo and cooking class are different. Classes need to have limited participation. We did a rissoto class in Chops galley on Freedom

Edited May 18, 2015 by John&LaLa

[squadron]

As well as showing the tips in the overall cost, I'd like for local shuttle buses at ports to be included as well (the ones that cost $1-$5). At some ports they seem to be free, others charge a small amount for them - it would be easier if they'd just include "ship to port entrance/taxi rank/town centre/public transport stop". I'm not talking about ports where the main attraction is a 90 minute drive away, just the smaller places.

 

Buses are not owned by the cruise company - they would have a contract. The prices are much cheaper if you had to pay for transport by an non contract service. Free shuttle buses are in Hawaii anyway provided by a business but once there you can walk to other businesses.

[John&LaLa]

You're welcome!

 

Will you agree that it works better as a new thread?

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Holland used to advertise as "no tips allowed" but the crew still worked for that extra tip. Have not sailed with them since 2003, not sure that is still policy, probably not

 

Holland has a "hotel service charge" (aka tips) that are automatic. I thought they were included last year, but that may have just been with our group where we had prepaid them and our tour escort had to go rounds when they were trying to charge them to us again.

 

Honestly they - especially our dining room staff -are lucky it was already done and since we were in a group we couldn't adjust them because there is no way I would have left it as it was for the servers if on my own. Even the supposed "head server" was a hot mess and screwed up almost everything.

 

My fingers are crossed that we have a better experience with service on RCCL this summer. (And yes, I even leave my Disney glasses and expectations at the door. Promise.)

[nelblu]

It increases to $12.99 effective June 1, '15.

[Ocean Boy]

Everyone is paying tips already so why not just add it to the cruise cost. I think it's because people who are price sensitive or taking cruises because of the low cost would notice that extra $100 or $300 more if it were shown on their invoice, but they don't really factor it in when they don't see it upfront. I've read many posts on this board from people freaking out about coming up with that extra $168 when they realize after they've booked that it's still due.

 

Do you think this is why they do daily charges of gratuities to the cabins instead of in just one full charge? I always found this rather odd. Afterall, pretty much everyone on the ship is there for the duration of the cruise. Maybe they are concerned if people see one large charge they won't spend any more during the week?

[steveru621]

The current set-up is just fine with me. (As long as you let me continue to complain about the price increases :D)

 

Only been to one specialty restaurant. D+ get free drinks for three hours which is more than enough for me.

 

The current two-tier tipping seems to be working just fine. I prefer to tip, or not, for service. If tips were to be absorbed into the fare, 5 years, and lots new cruisers later, tipping would be expected all over again.

 

Shuttles in cruise ports are controlled by the ports. Where you pay for a shuttle, that is a local market monopoly that is unlikely to be cracked by RCI. If you take an RCI excursion, 99.9% of the time you board your bus on the pier, or are able to walk to the gathering point. Why should I pay for your shuttle to a private excursion?

 

Activities, specialty coffees, and soda beverages we rarely use. I think the charges are a way RCI controls usage/capacity. Can you imagine the line at caffe latitudes if the coffee was free?

[STANCPA44]

Many of the things mentioned here will add to the cost of the cruise, and lets be frank as a non drinker why should I pay for your booze, and if you are a drinker why should you pay for my soda.

 

Tips, taxes and port fees are the ones that I want to see in the price, they are the ones that I have to pay anyway.

 

 

I don't drink soda, so why should I pay for someone's soda. I am a light drinker so I agree with you about not paying for drinks.

[BND]

Do you think this is why they do daily charges of gratuities to the cabins instead of in just one full charge? I always found this rather odd. Afterall, pretty much everyone on the ship is there for the duration of the cruise. Maybe they are concerned if people see one large charge they won't spend any more during the week?

 

I'm sure that's why. It's also why they haven't just added it to the cost of the cruise. Some people can't see past the total. Give them a breakout by day and they're like "ok, that's not much", but give them the total amount for two people for the entire cruise and they won't like it, even when it's the exact same amount.

Edited May 18, 2015 by BND

[astro57]

Steward will leave more soap, just like towels. All you have to do is ask. Also, some levels of CA and suites get toiletries. Again, if you really wanted something pretty sure steward could supply as some cabins already receive.

 

When I first started cruising every stateroom had small cardboard shampoos, lotions, etc. Remember when it was discontinued as part of the save the waves, less garbage program and the dispensers were installed.

 

I can't say that I believe a bar of soap needs to be handled as a special request, I'm not sure the attendant could have heard me calling him from the shower anyway:) . As for the save the waves, that principal started many years ago in the hotel industry asking that towels be used more than once, people accepted less because an environmental spin was put on cutbacks. There was no cutback on the number of papers sent to my room to sell me something though.

This thread was a great way for people to look at what they want in a cruise and some will have to search out a cruise line that delivers the wants, likely at a higher price.