If A Cruise Line Offered...

[Pier290]

Include EVERYTHING like the all inclusive land resorts do....so we don't have to squander over tips, drinks etc....it would be so nice to just include it all under 1 price and be done.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

[KarimaJ]

I have been on a few cruises, but for me I would like the free unlimited internet. I also want longer ports times as well. This would help sway me, I always feel as though we don't have enough time without rushing.

[bob brown]

Include EVERYTHING like the all inclusive land resorts do....so we don't have to squander over tips, drinks etc....it would be so nice to just include it all under 1 price and be done.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

As it has been mentioned...there are several "All-Inclusive" cruise lines to choose from, such as Regent 7 Seas, Seabourne, Silverseas, that offer just what you ask for, at a dear price....

And there are others at various levels in-between, to choose from, like Oceania, Crystal, Viking Ocean, etc.

It's great that there is something for everyone...:)

[ksmcdonald]

Cruises are actually priced the same as 30 years ago. I found my original invoice for my Carnival Holiday 7 days cruise in Sept. of 1988. We paid $749 for a balcony! Just noticed that is the same price (before port taxes and fees) that I'm paying for a balcony on the Breakaway in a couple weeks. The reason the cruise lines can give us 1988 fare prices is because they make most of their money on the alcohol, excursions and casino and specialty restaurants. I believe they just break even on the cruise fare.

[NLH Arizona]

I remember when all those things, plus more, were included. Most of all, I remember the price I paid for my cruises way back when (way more than a cruise costs today). Everyone wants the cheapest cruise fair they can get and then have an issue because some things are not included any longer. Do folks really think that if cruising was like the olden days, the prices would be as low as they are today....If so, someone needs to wake up and stop dreaming.

[Thrilled2012]

Cruises are actually priced the same as 30 years ago. I found my original invoice for my Carnival Holiday 7 days cruise in Sept. of 1988. We paid $749 for a balcony! Just noticed that is the same price (before port taxes and fees) that I'm paying for a balcony on the Breakaway in a couple weeks. The reason the cruise lines can give us 1988 fare prices is because they make most of their money on the alcohol, excursions and casino and specialty restaurants. I believe they just break even on the cruise fare.

 

I don't think you are accounting for inflation though. $749 in 1988 is not the same as $749 in 2017. You were paying more for your cruise back then.

[Thrilled2012]

I am happy to pay a base fare and if I choose to pay more for extras, then its my choice...but I don't have to. I am sure that on our upcoming cruise, we will partake in the free room service that Carnival still offers and might even order lobster in the MDR on formal night but I certainly am not basing which ship/line I choose on these kinds of things. I care more about the ports and the activities for kids than anything else.

[jancl57]

My first cruise was in 2001. We had a balcony stateroom and it cost roughly $1,000 pp. We aren't huge drinkers. I think our total bill at the conclusion of the trip was less then $300. They did not add gratuities to your account back then. We paid them what was recommended at the time. 16 years later, we are paying $2,500 for an ocean view cabin on the Dawn in June. We have, as perks, the UBP and prepaid gratuities....Would prefer balcony, hoping for an upsell. Have a cruise booked on the Epic next February, also for about $2,500 total, balcony deck 12 and have the UBD & SPD. But the long and the short of it is, we are getting more bang for our buck 16 years after our first cruise. I always have coffee and pastries delivered to our stateroom free of charge. I really enjoy lobster, but living on the east coast, I can get it whenever I choose, so I don't miss it on the cruise. I would not pay $24.99 as an upcharge for a lobster tail. So, I'm happy paying what we are paying and getting what we are getting!

[DLyn1176]

I'm newer to cruising and only book when I can find a great deal as the sail date approaches. For me, the biggest issues I have are ensuring I can bring aboard an unlimited amount of bottled water AND 1-2 bottles of my favorite wine for evening in-room enjoyment.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[seashells]

No they're not the same.

I miss the steel band most of all...

That same music I can get at home does not put me into vacation mood.

BRING it BACK!

[Gimmiethebeach]

No they're not the same.

I miss the steel band most of all...

That same music I can get at home does not put me into vacation mood.

BRING it BACK!

 

 

That is the only thing I miss. I loved sitting by the pool listening to the steel drum band. It was something special to look forward to!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[MMOMOM]

No, I can't think of anything that I am missing from when I started taking cruises 20 years ago.

 

When was internet ever free on a ship? One of the best things about a cruise is that my work email doesn't come through on my phone. Being able to completely disconnect is priceless.

 

Room Service breakfast is still free, which is enough for me. A simple tag on the door at night ensures I have coffee, fruit, and pastries in bed or on the balcony each morning.

 

Lobster isn't anything I would purchase in a restaurant and I don't expect it on a cruise ship. It is much cheaper and easier to steam up some lobster at home.

 

I agree with you. Only once on RCI after boarding when they offered a great deal combined with our Diamond sailing status did we take them up on the internet. It was nice because we were in the Mediterranean and I could post some neat things, but otherwise, who needs it? Our favorite thing is coffee, fruit and maybe some pastry/muffin/toast etc. out on the balcony in the morning before we shower and head out, so we've got that. And, never really liked Caribbean Lobster anyway! So, we're good with what we have.

 

We also book mostly based on price and destinations. But, we've also noticed that since all these 'free' drink, dining, gratuity and internet included deals, that the overall prices of the cruise seems to have risen some .... just not that many really good deals out there. You can find them, but not as plentiful, IMO .... this next cruise was one of those good ones thought, and we'll get the breakfast room service, do without internet and be perfectly fine eating in the dining room and buffet! You're on a cruise .... what can be bad?!! LOL!!;)

[thatjoeguy]

Lobster and all those other "we used to have's" AGAIN, and without an "upcharge"

OR

Free Room Service

OR

Free Internet

Would you be more inclined to cruise with them?

Don't tell anybody "it isn't possible" because we all know that it is.

Which line is going to "break ranks" first?

 

I'm much happier with the dueling pianos and broadway show cruises I take now than I was with the "free" lobster and variety show cruises I took 20 years ago. I believe that they were also much more expensive back then, for worse entertainment.

Edited March 8, 2017 by thatjoeguy

[csopi]

I will take the Tomahawk steak over lobster anytime.

Walking a couple of flights of stairs in the morning to get breakfast is good for you, don't need room service.

Just got off the Getaway last week from my first NCL cruise and loved every bit of it ( well except for the Illusionaruim show and dinner). The UBP and SDP more than make up for lobster and room service.

Have cruised on other lines before and enjoyed every one of them.

Loved the easy going NCL style and I have no idea why all the negative comments about nickel and dimming or unhappy staff.

The staff were friendly, attentive and were always in good humour. There were the usual announcements to buy things but nothing more than any other cruise line.

I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise with NCL and would not hesitate booking with them again if there is a good deal to be made.

[ksmcdonald]

I don't think you are accounting for inflation though. $749 in 1988 is not the same as $749 in 2017. You were paying more for your cruise back then.

 

 

I agree I didn't account for inflation. But when you look at it, my first car in 1980 was $3,000 brand new off the lot, today the same car would be five times that amount. Shouldn't the cruise by five times that 1988 price? If you can buy anything for the same price as you paid thirty years ago, that is a deal!

[Thrilled2012]

I agree I didn't account for inflation. But when you look at it, my first car in 1980 was $3,000 brand new off the lot, today the same car would be five times that amount. Shouldn't the cruise by five times that 1988 price? If you can buy anything for the same price as you paid thirty years ago, that is a deal!

 

Good point, you 😁. And...I stand corrected!

[ECCruise]

2 comments.

1st, not sure where people are getting some of these cruise prices. We have been sailing since 1998 (65+ cruises) and prices today are higher than they have ever been. Maybe it is different if you sail the Caribbean (which we will not) but for Europe, South America, Asia and other locations prices are MUCH higher than they were (for those locations).

 

2nd, there are cruise lines that do offer at least some of what you desire. Lobster on at least one night on Celebrity. Free room service, also, including hot breakfasts in all cabins, plus many more choices in Concierge and Aqua cabins (not that much more $$$) and of course, suites (lots more $$$). And since we sail Celebrity and NCL interchangeably, the price difference is usually minor (and sometimes cheaper on Celebrity). And they don't grab you on the beverage package. Tips are included.

 

You CAN get all you want on Viking Oceans. For about triple the price.

[DMH15]

Just got off Epic.

 

I got free 30 mins internet. I am platinum.

 

I got free room service. I was in the Haven.

 

Plenty of great food options. Did not miss lobster.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Kova15]

For us, losing lobster is sad. We live in CO and the only way to get lobster is to pay a pretty penny for it. My DD loves lobster night.

The free room service is very sad. We enjoy coming back to the cabin after a long evening and while getting ready to settle down for bed ordering a late night snack. I am on vacation and this little perk is special to us, as its not something I let the kids do at home. We previously cruise Carnival and pay $1.50 for a plate of fries, but $7.95 for a delivery charge plus tipping is a little much!

Internet is not something that bothers me. I dont cruise to get on the internet. I pay a lot of money to relax and do something I wouldnt do at home. The only time I would have used "free" internet is last year when I received a job offer the day before boarding the ship. It would have been nice to be able to check on the status of that for free on the ship. Otherwise we disconnect!

I am excited to have a "Free" Drinks package. This is our first time with it and I am quiet excited!

[gymbomb]

No, those things are not an added value for me.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rala]

I agree I didn't account for inflation. But when you look at it, my first car in 1980 was $3,000 brand new off the lot, today the same car would be five times that amount. Shouldn't the cruise by five times that 1988 price? If you can buy anything for the same price as you paid thirty years ago, that is a deal!

 

Cruising was expensive years ago. Maybe the food was better, etc, etc.. but you paid for it ! That being said , here's another vote for bringing back the steel band on Caribbean cruises. Love that sound! :D

[Pitzel]

Considering that I have only ordered room service once over the course of 5 cruises and I actually relish the fact that I am disconnected while on a cruise vacation, I would find no need in having free room service or free internet.

 

I can take or leave lobster. Honestly, I am not sure what all of the fuss is about, as there are typically many other free items that I would prefer to eat while on board.

[Thrilled2012]

Considering that I have only ordered room service once over the course of 5 cruises and I actually relish the fact that I am disconnected while on a cruise vacation, I would find no need in having free room service or free internet.

 

I can take or leave lobster. Honestly, I am not sure what all of the fuss is about, as there are typically many other free items that I would prefer to eat while on board.

 

Agreed! I love being off the grid while on vacation so I won't get any internet package. Family knows how to reach me in an emergency. Earlier, I said (tongue in cheek) that we may partake in the included lobster on our next Carnival cruise. I doubt that we really will. Where we live, fresh lobster is $7-$9/lb. So it's about the same that shrimp here costs. To us, it's not a special treat and we can definitely taste the difference of previously frozen lobster. I realize that others may find it to be a special treat and I respect that but we would rather order other things on a cruise.