Upcharges on cruises....thoughts

[just erica]

This is a very interesting topic.

 

On my first cruise (1987) even soda pop was included! Things have changed in terms of what is and isn’t included. But what it really interesting is that cruise base pricing hasn’t changed dramatically in the last 30 years.

 

I have a travel trunk where I keep most of travel memorabilia, including tickets/excursions/ boarding passes, etc... In 1987 we paid $699 per person for 7’days in an inside cabin. Currently, MSc is charging $499 for a balcony room. And strangely, port taxes have been relatively stable also.

Unfortunately- airfare is another story entirely.

 

Considering that, it doesn’t surprise me that all cruise lines offer ala carte experiences. However how much they charge varies greatly. I must admit I was utterly shocked when I saw the price MSc is charging for things like billiards (I can’t remember off the top of my head but it was obscenely high).

 

I have been pricing out some of the luxury lines that are truly all inclusive for a world cruise and considering what is included they may actually be the better value when it’s all said and done.

 

But sadly, I’m afraid up-charges are the way of main stream mArket . The trick is to figure out which lines charge for what so you can make an informed decision. It’s getting more and more challenging to keep them all straight.

 

Ps- are you sailing on pullmantur Zenith by chance? She has a special place in my heart as we were married on her inaugural voyage in May of 92. If it is zenith, I may have a special request photo or two :).

 

 

 

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It was $40 per hour to play billiards as I recall. Our group went up there one night and ended up walking away. To me, something like a pool table in an otherwise empty games room should not incur a charge.

 

It does seem that most people like things a la carte and I guess I can understand why but it doesn't seem to me that base prices have come down that much.

 

No, we are sailing the Sovereign ship on Pullmantur. Must have been exciting getting married on a cruise ship!

[NMsunset]

+1OO

 

Pay base cruise rate for cabin and then add/choose what you want.

Nothing at resorts nor cruiselines is free, better to spend on what has value for you a la carte.

 

I actually prefer the directions things have gone for the major lines, MSC included.

 

I would much rather pay a low base fare, then pay only for those add-ons that enhance my experience.

[Toofarfromthesea]

Hello, I have just recently returned from the Seaside and I was not impressed that pretty much everything had an upcharge. It seems like most cruise lines are going in this direction with having everything a la carte. I guess I like knowing that I can enjoy almost everything on the cruise without having to pay an extra charge.

 

I just booked a Mediterrean cruise on a cruise line that includes everything at payment which I like. It means I wont have any extra charges on a bill at the end of the cruise.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

That price comparisons between a 30 year old 3.5 star ship that hasn't been re-furbished in 10 years and a brand new 4.5 star ship make no sense. I have a feeling that there won't be a lot of up-charges on Sovereign because they won't even HAVE a lot of the things that Seaside up charges for.

 

That doesn't mean that you didn't make a great decision for yourself, just that there will be a lot more differences in the experiences than just fewer upcharges. If the Sovereign experience matches up better with your expectations that's great.

[pumpkin22]

We have booked Aurea on the Musica in June This will be our first MSC cruise. I’m not used to up charges on cruises. Can you tell me some things that require an up charge. Thanks.

[LMaxwell]

I don't enjoy being confronted with constant pricing or upselling on vacation. Downer on my relaxing mood. I liked the inclusive business model where a few things were extra, but your cruise fare covered almost everything except bar, casino, spa, excursion, shopping; steam rooms did not have a charge, there were no upcharges in dining rooms, no costs for exercise classes, no costs for entertainment. It was just a relaxing feeling.

[glittergal1]

Upcharges are everywhere with most cruise lines this is why it pays to do your full research and compare all prices . Myself I prefer to pay the cheaper cruise price and choose what to add on , one add on that often influences my choice is the cost of the all inclusive drinks packages and with MSC I find this excellent value . Ive never eaten in Any Pay for restaurant I see this as a waste of money ,, service charges are also a huge consideration as this can add on a hefty bill at the end too.

I too am trying a Pullmantur cruise for the first time On Horizon February 18th round the Canaries it will be our Honeymoon

[Beamafar]

We have booked Aurea on the Musica in June This will be our first MSC cruise. I’m not used to up charges on cruises. Can you tell me some things that require an up charge. Thanks.

 

Aurea includes some things that others would have to pay for, such as the classic drinks package, a massage, access to the Spa thermal suite and private sundeck (and a complimentary room diffuser), so you're pretty much covered there. Other upcharges on Musica would be for the speciality restaurant and, in the MDR, there is an extra charge for lobster or t-bone steak. Another upcharge which may be put to you, would be to upgrade the drinks package. We experienced a bit of pushing of that one on our Magnifica cruise last year, but not so much a few weeks later on Orchestra. YMMV on that one.

[just erica]

That price comparisons between a 30 year old 3.5 star ship that hasn't been re-furbished in 10 years and a brand new 4.5 star ship make no sense. I have a feeling that there won't be a lot of up-charges on Sovereign because they won't even HAVE a lot of the things that Seaside up charges for.

 

That doesn't mean that you didn't make a great decision for yourself, just that there will be a lot more differences in the experiences than just fewer upcharges. If the Sovereign experience matches up better with your expectations that's great.

 

Yes, of course. I wasn't trying to compare pricing, more the idea of a la carte vs more inclusive pricing.

[just erica]

I don't enjoy being confronted with constant pricing or upselling on vacation. Downer on my relaxing mood. I liked the inclusive business model where a few things were extra, but your cruise fare covered almost everything except bar, casino, spa, excursion, shopping; steam rooms did not have a charge, there were no upcharges in dining rooms, no costs for exercise classes, no costs for entertainment. It was just a relaxing feeling.

 

This is exactly what I was trying to communicate.

[LMaxwell]

I don't think this is about doing homework and choosing less expensive vs more expensive; it is about stepping foot on a ship and having a (mostly) inclusive model versus a "coin operated" model. I preferred inclusive. No prices to look at, no upsell constantly in my face telling me what is included isn't good and I need to pay more. When they are constantly selling I don't relax and don't have as enjoyable a trip. No amount of homework changes that.

[Hlitner]

I am booked with Pullmantur cruise line. It was considerably less expensive than what I paid for Seaside.

 

Interesting and we assume you have done your homework regarding this line. Like a few European-based cruise lines, Pullmantur is what some refer to as a "second hand ship" line. All of their ships are old vessels (around thirty years old) from the RCI Corp family (2 from Celebrity and 2 from RCI). We actually cruised on 3 of their ships when they were relatively new and owned by their original owners. Being older ships (built before balcony cabins were common) there are few balcony cabins. The line is not popular with many Americans and primarily caters to a European clientèle. It helps to be fluent in Spanish on this line.

 

Hank

[just erica]

Interesting and we assume you have done your homework regarding this line. Like a few European-based cruise lines, Pullmantur is what some refer to as a "second hand ship" line. All of their ships are old vessels (around thirty years old) from the RCI Corp family (2 from Celebrity and 2 from RCI). We actually cruised on 3 of their ships when they were relatively new and owned by their original owners. Being older ships (built before balcony cabins were common) there are few balcony cabins. The line is not popular with many Americans and primarily caters to a European clientèle. It helps to be fluent in Spanish on this line.

 

Hank

 

Thanks for the info. Yes, did a bit of research and the agent that I booked with gave me some more info as well. We stumbled upon an insane deal and just could not pass it up. We love being in Europe. I'm not fluent in Spanish but I am in Italian so I am hoping that will help me although we have been assured that there is also some English speakers aboard too.

 

I know there will always be some level of upcharging on all cruise lines, I guess I just noticed it so much more on the Seaside. I think I am leaning towards more of a relaxed, not so much bells and whistles type of cruiser. If I have to pay extra for every little thing I see on the ship, then it just turns me off.

[toxicfairy]

I think some of the problem also is the issues we are having. We booked this Seaside cruise last summer. After a failed RCI cruise ( hurricane Harvey) and some extremely poor customer service from RCI after the fact.

Now when we booked the Seaside it wasn't built and it Was being sold on tv as a more American experience from that line. Weather it is or not isn't our big issue. But things that were part of the cruise are now an extra charge. And it seems that more and more things are having charges added. So when we did our research and booked it was one price. However with 5 months still to go many of the things have had extra charges attached that were not " an extra fee" when we booked. Therefore it does put a bad taste in our mouths before we go. We are not going to cancel and we will go with an open mind and make the best of it all. We do feel a bit as though we got taken advantage of as these "for fee" were added after we booked.

 

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[Beamafar]

I think some of the problem also is the issues we are having. We booked this Seaside cruise last summer. After a failed RCI cruise ( hurricane Harvey) and some extremely poor customer service from RCI after the fact.

Now when we booked the Seaside it wasn't built and it Was being sold on tv as a more American experience from that line. Weather it is or not isn't our big issue. But things that were part of the cruise are now an extra charge. And it seems that more and more things are having charges added. So when we did our research and booked it was one price. However with 5 months still to go many of the things have had extra charges attached that were not " an extra fee" when we booked. Therefore it does put a bad taste in our mouths before we go. We are not going to cancel and we will go with an open mind and make the best of it all. We do feel a bit as though we got taken advantage of as these "for fee" were added after we booked.

 

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Can you elaborate on what are now extra charges that were included but are now "an extra fee"?

[kerryincork]

I think the zip line was the only thing that has changed in regards an extra charge being added. I can't think of anything else.

 

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[Beamafar]

That was my understanding, too, which is why I asked. The poster claims ... "And it seems that more and more things are having charges added."

[LMaxwell]

I do know the Trio Package for specialty dining went up this week, and if you had booked the 18 drink voucher plans they are not being honored.

[Beamafar]

Neither of those items were originally included in the cruise fare.

[deliver42]

I'm booked on the Seaside as well, and I don't remember anything they are charging for was promised as a free item. The Formula 1 and bowling were always an extra charge, even on the Divina, and nowhere did it say that the zip line was free. They just said it would be on the ship. I agree that the zip line should be free, as it is on RCCL, and the ropes course is on NCL, but that's their choice. If you don't want to pay for these things, then don't. The only issue I have with MSC is that they will not honor the drink pkg for those that paid for it, or was part of the booking. They do, however, have the option of discontinuing it, as they have done.

[LMaxwell]

Neither of those items were originally included in the cruise fare.

 

Not having something you paid for be honored when you get onboard is pretty shady of the company. Leaves resentment.

 

I have the T&C's of my black card perks from when I booked. Now they have been devalued.

 

Just a few points to understand why people have negative thoughts based on value and getting less than was promised.

 

Oh yeah, and armpit of the Bahamas; Nassau instead of Ocean Cay.

[Beamafar]

I agree that something you pay for should be honoured and, also, as someone who made it to Black by cruising regularly with MSC, I, too, am less than satisfied that the perks that were promised at the time of booking are now not the same.

 

However, a poster has claimed that "more and more things are having charges added". The only change that I'm aware of since the launch of Seaside is that a charge for the zipline has been introduced.

[LMaxwell]

I agree that something you pay for should be honoured and, also, as someone who made it to Black by cruising regularly with MSC, I, too, am less than satisfied that the perks that were promised at the time of booking are now not the same.

 

However, a poster has claimed that "more and more things are having charges added". The only change that I'm aware of since the launch of Seaside is that a charge for the zipline has been introduced.

 

Fair point. Guess we will have to watch and see how things evolve. It seems right now MSC is in chisel mode. (cost savings through reductions). Let's see if that is going to be coupled with more charges.

[Beamafar]

Over the course of the last 2 years, I've certainly noticed cutbacks being slyly implemented. When you cruise 4 times a year (as we've been doing) the changes from cruise to cruise are more noticeable. (My experiences are on cruises where the onboard currency is Euros, so everything I refer to will be in relation to this). The range of drinks included in the premium package has diminished, for example, as has the value per drink, while the price has increased, which is a double whammy. For instance, you could get Remy Martin XO which was priced at €12 when the package was €42 pppd. That was removed and the best brandy/cognac was the Janneau XO at €8.90, when the package was €44. Now the best is Martell at €6.90 and the package price is €50.

 

A very small one, but another, nonetheless, is the removal of the well-being kit for Aurea guests. It wasn't worth much to begin with, but it was obviously worth the saving for MSC to stop providing it.

 

A strange one from MSC is the latest price structure for drinks packages, depending on cruise length. On <9 nights, the all-inclusive is €26 ppp and the deluxe is €50. On cruises of 9+ nights, one is €21 and the other €40 - the difference between the 2 is €19. However, MSC will charge €24 pppd to upgrade regardless of the length of the cruise.

 

One of the implementations that was welcomed warmly by cruisers was the introduction of the premium package being included for those who book YC. What some don't get is that YC prices have increased significantly as a result.

 

Then, of course, there's the much discussed, latest, regarding the complimentary meal for 2 for Black Card holders being reduced to one per cabin.

[lcpagejr]

IMO...This comes down to experience and realistic expectations (which can be alleviated by reading about the ship and offerings through brochures, online, etc)

 

Yes.... Years ago (prior to 2000) the experiences on a cruise ship were more eloquant with more included offerings (i.e. midnight buffet, general welcome aboard parties with drinks,more personalized service, more freebies in rooms, etc).... However, there were few other dining options other than the MDR at night.....eventually the Steak House option began and fast forward to today and there are numerous a la carte options on ships. Of course activities were basic...then came the mega slides, waterparks, movies under the stars, the Oasis style ships with every activity you could think of, IMAX theatre, Beverage packages, etc

 

What I am saying is cruising has evolved . Yes many of these add on's are chargeable and/or cruise fares are adjusted upward to accomodate the cost of these items. However, its obvious cruiselines have done their homework and based on feedback from past passengers , focus groups, etc.....they have added more bell and whistles. There is obviously a demand or else these newer and larger ships wouldn't be built.

 

Passengers have options ...even on the bigger ships. If you want an all inclusive type of experience, with more privacy...each line has options. If you want the general cruise experience ...you still get the main staples for free but you have a la carte options.

 

Other than the subtle cutbacks in some areas....you can still enjoy a similar experience like years ago. There have even been some positive improvements (Beverage packages being offered) that I wish were there when I cruised in the 80's and 90's. What we can't get back is the intimacy and true cruising experience we all had a chance to enjoy on the smaller ships....these days are gone for the mainline cruise companies. However these experiences are still available on the more upscale lines usually frequented by older passengers and those who have the discretionary income to pay for this experience. Wasn't this the way cruising was when people cruised in the 50's 60's and 70"s?? Like flying on a airplane....it was a special event back then!!

[mom2tcdx2]

I guess I really enjoy both ways, paying less and adding what I like (or slightly higher and all included), though I do find some charges just odd. The bowling fee for instance is ridiculous - $25 for 30 minutes is insane. At least NCL was like $6 a game and often did a buy one get one offer. Another add on we never participate in is Bingo or photos, so those are extras that don't appeal to me.

 

I do like the drink packages and I like the specialty dining packages on NCL (mostly because I think their main dining rooms are awful). MSC I was going to do a specialty dining, but the menu options for the packages don't appeal to me, while the ala carte pricing is just too high. So most likely we will not partake in a specialty restaurant on our trip. I am tending to try and book sailings that will include the drink package, if the price isn't too high. This cruise in May we have three in a balcony for $2600 with the drink package (including the $56 each we paid to upgrade). As well as $100 OBC. Personally I don't think that is a bad price. Though I have also gotten an 8 day Carnival cruise in an inside cabin for two the week of Christmas for $500 (fantastic promo I will probably never see again).

 

We also don't add shore excursions, so there really isn't much else for us to really add into our cost.