RCCL doubling fares for 2017! Too rich for us

[orville99]

Really, please re-read again his post... He title is, RCCL doubles prices. His current cabin was raised $200, not nearly double... but from an I cabin to a balcony was more than double...

 

 

 

Do I really not understand? Yes, I do know how to read, just have problems with my Southern Accent.... I am guilty of that.... please be nice...

 

 

First of all, the OP is a she. Second, and I'll type slow so you can keep up, she was in an E1 (balcony) for $1450 and priced the same cat for 2017 and it was $2800. Let me know if any of the big words have you stumped.

[aubreyc1988]

Just for the interest of conversation, here is my "Cruise sheet" which contains a list of itineraries I am trying to choose from for a sept/october cruise. Just thought people might be interested to see some price comparisons. Remember, these are Sept/October sailing prices as of right now. They might go up or down. I try to include the port taxes and fees, as well as the room and dining room mandatory service charges, and any taxes and gratuity beverage packages may have. No surprises here!

 

NCL Escape - EMBARK Miami (Florida), St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands)

Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Nassau (Bahamas), DISEMBARK Miami (Florida) - 2058 Inside, 2582 Balcony = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, dining packages and service charges.

 

NCL Breakaway - EMBARK New York, Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), DISEMBARK New York - 2586 Inside = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, San Juan, Labadee - 1831 Inside, 2611 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges. [/b]

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, St Thomas, Nassau - 1886 Inside, 2666 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Allure - Nassau, St. Kitts, St Thomas - 2000 Inside, 2780 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

I didn't even look up balcony prices for RCI since it just was already COSTLY. I guess I could potentially go without the beverage package but I really just like having everything paid for in advance and included soI have a worry free vacay.

[ONECRUISER]

Just for the interest of conversation, here is my "Cruise sheet" which contains a list of itineraries I am trying to choose from for a sept/october cruise. Just thought people might be interested to see some price comparisons. Remember, these are Sept/October sailing prices as of right now. They might go up or down. I try to include the port taxes and fees, as well as the room and dining room mandatory service charges, and any taxes and gratuity beverage packages may have. No surprises here!

 

NCL Escape - EMBARK Miami (Florida), St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands)

Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Nassau (Bahamas), DISEMBARK Miami (Florida) - 2058 Inside, 2582 Balcony = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, dining packages and service charges.

 

NCL Breakaway - EMBARK New York, Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), DISEMBARK New York - 2586 Inside = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, San Juan, Labadee - 1831 Inside, 2611 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges. [/b]

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, St Thomas, Nassau - 1886 Inside, 2666 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Allure - Nassau, St. Kitts, St Thomas - 2000 Inside, 2780 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

I didn't even look up balcony prices for RCI since it just was already COSTLY. I guess I could potentially go without the beverage package but I really just like having everything paid for in advance and included soI have a worry free vacay.

 

I don't drink...

[Magellan321]

BecciBoo-

 

I totally agree...the pricing for next year are :eek: for the usual dates we travel. Cabin for cabin and date for date is averaging 260 to 400pp more. Add an extra $500 to $800 on top of the respite bill i have to pay for vacation is making me rethink our vacation options.

[aubreyc1988]

I don't drink...

 

For the NCL ones, you can just shave 200.00 off the price, 200 more if you do a inside GTY. Around 599.00 per person before port taxes and grats, I think RCI were ranging 699-899 per person insides.

[cruisinfanatic]

If true, RCCL is gonna have a lovely time trying to fill those bazillion-dollar ships they're building. Good luck, fellas. And count me out -I am not going to pay for your dumb business decisions.

How is it dumb if the ships sail full?

[cruisinfanatic]

First of all, the OP is a she. Second, and I'll type slow so you can keep up, she was in an E1 (balcony) for $1450 and priced the same cat for 2017 and it was $2800. Let me know if any of the big words have you stumped.

Bad day?

[Mikew0805]

First of all, the OP is a she. Second, and I'll type slow so you can keep up, she was in an E1 (balcony) for $1450 and priced the same cat for 2017 and it was $2800. Let me know if any of the big words have you stumped.

 

LMAO. :eek:

 

I was waiting... I kept thinking... "Oh that guy will go back and catch his mistake." Guess not!

[IsanTom]

Cruise off season. Yes, you will pay more in the high season when children are out of school. Try a TA and you'll have a great time!

[Magellan321]

BecciBoo and I are seasoned cruisers with multiple cruise lines.....i'm pretty sure she understands high season and travel agents. The statement is that apples to apples this coming season pricing for our usual travel dates and itineraries have increased higher than expected.

[nealstuber]

BecciBoo and I are seasoned cruisers with multiple cruise lines.....i'm pretty sure she understands high season and travel agents. The statement is that apples to apples this coming season pricing for our usual travel dates and itineraries have increased higher than expected.

 

 

I'm sorry I just don't see it out of Galveston during that time. Comparing CCL Breeze and RCCL Liberty Balconies, they're within $150 of each other and Liberty includes tips.

 

I think OP's title post was very misleading, RCCL has not DOUBLED their prices. I'm sure there are particular sailings on particular dates where this could be the case year over on any ship on any line. But for a veteran cruiser to post that RCCL prices have doubled when they're comparing peak and non peak weeks would indicate that they are not as savvy as they ought to be or just flat out lying.

 

I'd also say that comparing identical cabins on identical ships is not a clear test - also has to do with how far out you were looking and how committed you are to a certain sailing.

 

$750 for an E1 on a voyager/freedom was a pretty good deal, on par with what we would normally pay. If we can't come close to that we look for something else. Sometimes we see a sale on a sail we weren't even thinking about and sometimes we think we want to do something at a certain time and it just ain't there - so we table it. It's called shopping.

Edited July 17, 2016 by nealstuber

[Magellan321]

Just for the interest of conversation, here is my "Cruise sheet" which contains a list of itineraries I am trying to choose from for a sept/october cruise. Just thought people might be interested to see some price comparisons. Remember, these are Sept/October sailing prices as of right now. They might go up or down. I try to include the port taxes and fees, as well as the room and dining room mandatory service charges, and any taxes and gratuity beverage packages may have. No surprises here!

 

NCL Escape - EMBARK Miami (Florida), St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands)

Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Nassau (Bahamas), DISEMBARK Miami (Florida) - 2058 Inside, 2582 Balcony = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, dining packages and service charges.

 

NCL Breakaway - EMBARK New York, Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), DISEMBARK New York - 2586 Inside = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, San Juan, Labadee - 1831 Inside, 2611 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges. [/b]

 

RCI Oasis - St Maarten, St Thomas, Nassau - 1886 Inside, 2666 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

RCI Allure - Nassau, St. Kitts, St Thomas - 2000 Inside, 2780 Inside with Premium Beverage Package = this price includes taxes and port fees, gratuity on beverage packages, and service charges.

 

I didn't even look up balcony prices for RCI since it just was already COSTLY. I guess I could potentially go without the beverage package but I really just like having everything paid for in advance and included soI have a worry free vacay.

 

This is too funny....I do the exact same thing tracking date and cost to decide including all the misc expenses!!!

[aubreyc1988]

This is too funny....I do the exact same thing tracking date and cost to decide including all the misc expenses!!!

 

it's my cruise OCD coming out - I have a spreadsheet and everything lol

[ONECRUISER]

For the NCL ones, you can just shave 200.00 off the price, 200 more if you do a inside GTY. Around 599.00 per person before port taxes and grats, I think RCI were ranging 699-899 per person insides.

 

Done NCL, always cheaper cruise all around. Diamond Plus so Royal is usually better deal for me... Funny thing is when first Mega ship Sovereign of the Seas came out in 1988, my first cruise, our Honeymoon, price for two of us was $2350. This for 7 nite Cat I small porthole window on deck 2. So I dont complain about prices too much now... Like gas, started driving in 1981, gas was $1.06, i made $3.35 hr and my 1973 Chevelle got 9 miles per gallon. Better income and MPG car I now drive & $2.19 per gallon now, no complaints..

[aubreyc1988]

Done NCL, always cheaper cruise all around. Diamond Plus so Royal is usually better deal for me... Funny thing is when first Mega ship Sovereign of the Seas came out in 1988, my first cruise, our Honeymoon, price for two of us was $2350. This for 7 nite Cat I small porthole window on deck 2. So I dont complain about prices too much now... Like gas, started driving in 1981, gas was $1.06, i made $3.35 hr and my 1973 Chevelle got 9 miles per gallon. Better income and MPG car I now drive & $2.19 per gallon now, no complaints..

 

I looked at some of my old cruise receipts, when I did Getaway the first time, was 899 aft balcony a person with ultimate dining package. I got lucky there. The second time, was I paid 699 regular balcony with UBP which was like 200 in gratuity, but still a good deal. Things are bit more expensive this time around for a balcony, but I'll just do an inside and upgrade later if I feel like it. I just kinda go for the best option within my budget. I mean, all of the sailings I posted are not far off from each other price wise, it's just RCI needs to start offering some better perks. Currently, I can't afford 700.00 for alcohol on TOP of price they want for an inside. Now, if I come into an extra 700 before August, you can bet i would go for RCI over NCL - just a better product all around - but any cruise is a good cruise :D

[ONECRUISER]

I looked at some of my old cruise receipts, when I did Getaway the first time, was 899 aft balcony a person with ultimate dining package. I got lucky there. The second time, was I paid 699 regular balcony with UBP which was like 200 in gratuity, but still a good deal. Things are bit more expensive this time around for a balcony, but I'll just do an inside and upgrade later if I feel like it. I just kinda go for the best option within my budget. I mean, all of the sailings I posted are not far off from each other price wise, it's just RCI needs to start offering some better perks. Currently, I can't afford 700.00 for alcohol on TOP of price they want for an inside. Now, if I come into an extra 700 before August, you can bet i would go for RCI over NCL - just a better product all around - but any cruise is a good cruise :D

 

"any cruise is a good cruise" I second that!

[aubreyc1988]

"any cruise is a good cruise" I second that!

 

plus i learned that RCI has a NON Smoking Casino! to me, that's almost worth the extra money - SO tempting!

Edited July 17, 2016 by aubreyc1988

[LMaxwell]

Trying to price a "sneak in" cruise for May 2017 that I can drive to. These are all the cheapest cruises available in May 2017 for the respective ships (dates overlap; start of month)

 

Enchantment of the Seas 4 day Interior for 3; $1352 with taxes and fees. Extras include Diamond perks (DL / 3 drinks per seapass nightly, two free photos, etc.).

$112 per person, per day.

 

Allure of the Seas, 7 day interior for 3, $2569 with taxes and fees. Extras include Diamond perks (DL / 3 drinks per seapass nightly, two free photos, etc.).

$122 per person, per day

I am paying $300 LESS to go on the NCL Escape for 7 nights in a balcony room WITH the ultimate beverage package.

 

MSC Divina 7 day interior for 3, $1344 with taxes and fees. Extra include $100 OBC, Black Card perks (two specialty dinners, two bottles of wine, two free photos, two one hour thermal spa sessions, etc.)

$64 per person, per day

 

One could say the MSC deal is an unusual steal, maybe so. But the Royal prices per day are a bit stiff too considering they are inside cabins. It was not long ago that price per day per person is what I'd pay for a balcony. I have a great deal reserved on Navigator for 2018, so there are deals to be had, but pricing is definitely WAY up.

 

I have always said I will pay a slight premium for Royal's product, but these premiums are not slight and to me don't represent good value. But they are filling ships up, so that's fine, I am not complaining about it. When the right itinerary fits my budget I book. Adopting a brand agnostic strategy the last couple of years has let me find great deals. So what if it takes me longer to get to D+?

[LMaxwell]

plus i learned that RCI has a NON Smoking Casino! to me, that's almost worth the extra money - SO tempting!

 

I have never been on an RCI ship with a non-smoking casino. Just non-smoking sections or the occasional non-smoking night. Celebrity is non-smoking in the casino. MSC is non-smoking in the casino. I believe even HAL (the smokers line) has a non-smoking night or two per cruise.

[aubreyc1988]

I have never been on an RCI ship with a non-smoking casino. Just non-smoking sections or the occasional non-smoking night. Celebrity is non-smoking in the casino. MSC is non-smoking in the casino. I believe even HAL (the smokers line) has a non-smoking night or two per cruise.

 

I was under the impression Oasis was completely smoke free? Am I wrong in this? Im giving my husband a handful of itineraries to choose from, and he really disliked the way the smoking in the Escape casino was so strong and affected deck 6-7-8...he wants to do RCI for various reasons, but non smoking casino is one of them

[LMaxwell]

I was under the impression Oasis was completely smoke free? Am I wrong in this? Im giving my husband a handful of itineraries to choose from, and he really disliked the way the smoking in the Escape casino was so strong and affected deck 6-7-8...he wants to do RCI for various reasons, but non smoking casino is one of them

 

If a non-smoking casino is a high priority look to Celebrity or MSC (awesome cruise, btw). Royal is NOT non-smoking, it is split between smoking and non-smoking sections but no physical barrier. The Casino is down on deck 4 though so smoke smell really won't travel to other public venues.

[aubreyc1988]

If a non-smoking casino is a high priority look to Celebrity or MSC (awesome cruise, btw). Royal is NOT non-smoking, it is split between smoking and non-smoking sections but no physical barrier. The Casino is down on deck 4 though so smoke smell really won't travel to other public venues.

 

thats SO unfortunately, you can't SPLIT a casino into non smoking on a cruise ship. Smoking doesn't bother me, like in Vegas, but on a cruise ship, DEFINITELY does. MSC isn't an option due to some reviews we have read - maybe in the feature when we have more vacation and can just afford a "lets see if this cruiseline is good" cruise. Celebrity I want to try, but only has Alaska sailings during Sept.

 

 

Thank you for the info. Do you personally consider the smoke on RCI Oasis/Allure/independence class to be as bad as the "Away" ships? I've never smelled anything so bad as on the NCL ships in terms of smoke in the casino and literally, I have ZERO sense of smell normally.

[LMaxwell]

thats SO unfortunately, you can't SPLIT a casino into non smoking on a cruise ship. Smoking doesn't bother me, like in Vegas, but on a cruise ship, DEFINITELY does. MSC isn't an option due to some reviews we have read - maybe in the feature when we have more vacation and can just afford a "lets see if this cruiseline is good" cruise. Celebrity I want to try, but only has Alaska sailings during Sept.

 

 

Thank you for the info. Do you personally consider the smoke on RCI Oasis/Allure/independence class to be as bad as the "Away" ships? I've never smelled anything so bad as on the NCL ships in terms of smoke in the casino and literally, I have ZERO sense of smell normally.

 

Ignore the reviews. You are selling yourself short. If you are open minded it will be great. Many of the gripes I read were brand loyalists to other brands that did not deal well with things outside of their normal routine on their preferred line. I was skeptical, glad I ignored reviews and went. There is no more gorgeous mainstream ship out there. Will go again (probably 2018 on Seaside).

 

You are right, you can't split a casino without a physical barrier. Like having a peeing corner of a pool. I think RCI, due to physical placement of the casino, has less smoke smell intruding to other areas. NCL casino is adjacent to a main hub. Even ships I have been on like Royal Princess and Regal Princess have an "open" casino to the shopping area that just makes the adjacent areas smell like stale cigarettes. I don't spend much time in any casino that allows smoking, the stale smell isn't appealing to me. So I guess it depends on your tolerance, and if you are right on the line of the smoking/non-smoking, or far away from where it is allowed, and how long you will be in there. If you're at the casino bar you will definitely smell it. The worst, for me, is usually Carnival because people just smoke wherever they want on the interior promenade if they can squint and see the casino...:rolleyes:

[aubreyc1988]

Ignore the reviews. You are selling yourself short. If you are open minded it will be great. Many of the gripes I read were brand loyalists to other brands that did not deal well with things outside of their normal routine on their preferred line. I was skeptical, glad I ignored reviews and went. There is no more gorgeous mainstream ship out there. Will go again (probably 2018 on Seaside).

 

You are right, you can't split a casino without a physical barrier. Like having a peeing corner of a pool. I think RCI, due to physical placement of the casino, has less smoke smell intruding to other areas. NCL casino is adjacent to a main hub. Even ships I have been on like Royal Princess and Regal Princess have an "open" casino to the shopping area that just makes the adjacent areas smell like stale cigarettes. I don't spend much time in any casino that allows smoking, the stale smell isn't appealing to me. So I guess it depends on your tolerance, and if you are right on the line of the smoking/non-smoking, or far away from where it is allowed, and how long you will be in there. If you're at the casino bar you will definitely smell it. The worst, for me, is usually Carnival because people just smoke wherever they want on the interior promenade if they can squint and see the casino...:rolleyes:

 

thanks for the info! I am open to anything, but like I said I am letting my husband choose, so WHO knows what will happen! I ONLY like playing in the casino when there is nothing else to do, like video poker or something. And if the smoke smelling is overwhleming, really bums be out. Be that as it may, IS NOT A DEAL BREAKER FOR US, as we can avoid the casino, but with "Away" class ships, the smell drifts from 6-7-8 decks. I don't like Carnival, so only options for me are MSC, NCL, RCI. And I know my husband really wants to do RCI again just because of the shows and service quality, so HOPEFULLY we can afford it. Would you consider the smoke in RCI casino passable? i just remember on the Escape it was like CHAIN smokers always sitting next to every machine, no where to escape.

[molly361]

Trying to price a "sneak in" cruise for May 2017 that I can drive to. These are all the cheapest cruises available in May 2017 for the respective ships (dates overlap; start of month)

 

Enchantment of the Seas 4 day Interior for 3; $1352 with taxes and fees. Extras include Diamond perks (DL / 3 drinks per seapass nightly, two free photos, etc.).

$112 per person, per day.

 

Allure of the Seas, 7 day interior for 3, $2569 with taxes and fees. Extras include Diamond perks (DL / 3 drinks per seapass nightly, two free photos, etc.).

$122 per person, per day

I am paying $300 LESS to go on the NCL Escape for 7 nights in a balcony room WITH the ultimate beverage package.

 

MSC Divina 7 day interior for 3, $1344 with taxes and fees. Extra include $100 OBC, Black Card perks (two specialty dinners, two bottles of wine, two free photos, two one hour thermal spa sessions, etc.)

$64 per person, per day

 

It was not long ago that price per day per person is what I'd pay for a balcony. I have a great deal reserved on Navigator for 2018, so there are deals to be had, but pricing is definitely WAY up.

I have always said I will pay a slight premium for Royal's product, but these premiums are not slight and to me don't represent good value. But they are filling ships up, so that's fine, I am not complaining about it. When the right itinerary fits my budget I book. Adopting a brand agnostic strategy the last couple of years has let me find great deals. So what if it takes me longer to get to D+?

 

I agree- The prices now for an inside or an OV are also what we used to pay for a balcony