Cruise Line Approved Hotels

[SA34]

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

[navybankerteacher]

19 minutes ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

 Of course, if you outsource choice of hotel to the line, they will try to make a profit.

 

Cruise lines think in terms of per person, not per cabin when they quote fares, so they are likely to apply that model across the board.

 

If you have really found that a hotel booked through the cruise line is 2-3 times what the hotels themselves charge, why the #### would you contemplate booking through the cruise line?

[ldubs]

43 minutes ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

 

A lot of folks will book via the cruise line just for the convenience.    I doubt many even compare the pricing.  Additionally perhaps the price includes some pre or post cruise tours/transfers, IDK.   I haven't found pricing 2-3 times higher but I've certainly seen them higher.  We have never booked lodging via the cruise line just for that reason.   

 

Anyway, welcome to cruise critic.  Hope to see you around the boards.   

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

 Of course, if you outsource choice of hotel to the line, they will try to make a profit.

 

Cruise lines think in terms of per person, not per cabin when they quote fares, so they are likely to apply that model across the board.

 

If you have really found that a hotel booked through the cruise line is 2-3 times what the hotels themselves charge, why the #### would you contemplate booking through the cruise line?

Until Covid, I never would've given a thought to the cruise line's land or air arrangements. And I will, in general, remain so inclined for the future.

 

But, my recent first hand experience with Covid related itinerary changes that found us disembarking in Dubai rather than Singapore did suggest that sometimes the extra cost of non-DIY "convenience" may be worth it.

 

While Oceania crew took great care to ease/assist in DIY rebookings (comp long distance calls, translating, et al. concierge services), those who used O's arrangements only needed to wait until the alternatives were provided without having to lift a finger (though a few of those folks did run into snafus).

 

There is something to be said for "convenience at a cost." But, I still prefer DIY for flexibility and direct interaction when it comes to air/hotels/ground transport.

 

That said, one important lesson I learned (from my modified cruise and another one that O cancelled) is that I will continue to prefer United Airlines if for no other reason than the technical sophistication and flexibility of their web/app/phone services and its Star Alliance relationships (except for a few of its members) across the globe (even when United's ticketing is more expensive).

 

 

[clo]

51 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

That said, one important lesson I learned (from my modified cruise and another one that O cancelled) is that I will continue to prefer United Airlines if for no other reason than the technical sophistication and flexibility of their web/app/phone services and its Star Alliance relationships (except for a few of its members) across the globe (even when United's ticketing is more expensive).

 

 

[Joebucks]

2 hours ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

 

Because people are completely and utterly obsessed with things that are "free, included, bundled, etc". If you're paying one price to one company, it must be cheaper. Another one is looking for hotels with "free shuttles". You might pay $50 more, but damnit, you saved $20 on an Uber.

 

I understand the buying for convenience, but this is one you won't ever see me do. I would much rather spend a half hour looking up a hotel that might offer me better location, price, and amenities. "Free transportation" is hardly ever convenient. Leaving at a time of someone else's choosing, in a shuttle full of people. I'd much rather take my own Uber/Lyft when I want.

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

Some lines  also include  Hotel Breakfasts/transfer to the hotel & transfer to the port

 Some people like to be taken care of

 

Some port cities  the hotel/transfers  works  better than others

 If you want a 4 or 5 * hotel    then compare the prices of all the components  then decide

 

I am happy  with  doing my own Hotel/taxi 

YMMV

[cruisemom42]

In Europe, the prices charged for the hotels offered by the ships are usually highway robbery.

 

Additionally, most of them would not be my cup of tea with regards to type of hotel and location. Ships tend to use bigger, blander more American-style hotels on the outskirts. Which makes it difficult to get around on your own -- everything requires transportation and initiative.

 

I far prefer boutique European-style hotels in the city center, where I am in the midst of everything and all I have to do is walk out the door of my hotel and be on my way.

 

[clo]

3 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Ships tend to use bigger, blander more American-style hotels on the outskirts.

Ugh. 

 

3 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I far prefer boutique European-style hotels in the city center, where I am in the midst of everything and all I have to do is walk out the door of my hotel and be on my way.

 

This. We always spend time in a city first. We also frequently will stay in an airbnb'esque type place cause we love the local foods and don't want to eat every meal in a restaurant.

[Roz]

2 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

If you have really found that a hotel booked through the cruise line is 2-3 times what the hotels themselves charge, why the #### would you contemplate booking through the cruise line?

 

The OP didn't indicate they were booking thru the cruise line.  They simply did some research and are asking a legitimate question.  

[cruisemom42]

7 minutes ago, clo said:

Ugh. 

 

This. We always spend time in a city first. We also frequently will stay in an airbnb'esque type place cause we love the local foods and don't want to eat every meal in a restaurant.

 

I like European hotels, preferably historic ones. And I adore eating out. I have plenty of days at home to cook.

 

View from my room at my favorite hotel in Rome (building on the left is the Pantheon) on my most recent stay:

 

[ldubs]

7 minutes ago, Roz said:

 

The OP didn't indicate they were booking thru the cruise line.  They simply did some research and are asking a legitimate question.  

 

Thanks  We should try to be a little more welcoming to new members.   

[George C]

We never use cruise sponsored hotels and we now always stay at least one night before cruise. We had a great hotel in Barcelona which we stayed a couple of nights it had a great rooftop bar and pool with a great view of the city, would love to spend more time there on a future trip.

[clo]

10 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I like European hotels, preferably historic ones. And I adore eating out. I have plenty of days at home to cook.

 

Oh, I adore eating out also. But also love meats and cheeses and the like. Or after a heavy lunch with wine, perhaps just a scrambled egg and toast for dinner.

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

Many,many years ago when there was no talk about a pandemic we booked a hotel through the cruise line and were very happy.

[cruisemom42]

3 minutes ago, clo said:

Oh, I adore eating out also. But also love meats and cheeses and the like. Or after a heavy lunch with wine, perhaps just a scrambled egg and toast for dinner.

 

I manage that just fine too. Directly across the street in my photo above, for example, is one of the best salumerias in the historic center -- I can nip in and buy some cheese, salami, a fresh roll, a bottle of vino. Or a delicious porchetta sandwich freshly sliced from the roasted pig....

 

[clo]

2 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I manage that just fine too. Directly across the street in my photo above, for example, is one of the best salumerias in the historic center -- I can nip in and buy some cheese, salami, a fresh roll, a bottle of vino. Or a delicious porchetta sandwich freshly sliced from the roasted pig....

 

Speaking of, have you spent any/much time in Buenos Aires? I didn't know this until this trip but the majority of their residents are of Italian heritage. Our apartment was in the Recoleta nabe and, wow, was the food wonderful.

[cruisemom42]

17 minutes ago, clo said:

Speaking of, have you spent any/much time in Buenos Aires? I didn't know this until this trip but the majority of their residents are of Italian heritage. Our apartment was in the Recoleta nabe and, wow, was the food wonderful.

 

Italy was a devastatingly poor country from the late 1800s particularly through the 1920s. They emigrated in masses to a number of countries where there was more opportunity in North and South America and also Australia.

 

I haven't been to BA (no Roman ruins) but I'm sure I'll get there someday, probably on the front or back end of an Antarctic cruise.

 

Edited June 6, 2020 by cruisemom42

[clo]

3 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Italy was a devastatingly poor country from the late 1800s particularly through the 1920s. They emigrated in masses to a number of countries where there was more opportunity in North and South America and also Australia.

 

I haven't been to BA (no Roman ruins) but I'm sure I'll get there someday, probably on the front or back end of an Antarctic cruise.

 

We were there at the beginning of an escorted land tour of Patagonia, Argentinian and Chilean, and then a cruise of the Chilean fjords, Antarctica and Falklands Islands. Then in December we did a cruise from Rio (where we used to own an apt.) and BA. We'd love to return but Brazil is a real mess with COVID.

[navybankerteacher]

1 hour ago, Roz said:

 

The OP didn't indicate they were booking thru the cruise line.  They simply did some research and are asking a legitimate question.  

“2-3 tiimes what the hotels’ websites offer”    sounds a lot more like hyperbole than

part of a legitimate question.

[mom says]

11 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

“2-3 tiimes what the hotels’ websites offer”    sounds a lot more like hyperbole than

part of a legitimate question.

I disagree. Depending on the port, cruise line, and hotel, I've encountered quite a few cruiselines hotel  offers that were at least twice what was posted on the hotel website. 

 

It's an easy way for the cruiselines to make some money from the unsuspecting, the lazy, or those with more money than sense.

[Aquahound]

4 hours ago, SA34 said:

Can anyone explain why the pre-cruise hotels are so expensive (2-3 times what hotel websites offer) and why they are priced per person and per night?

 

 

Anyways, back to the actual topic. Cruise lines try to lure you in with what they pass as all inclusive, offering their recommended hotels and hoping you fall for their gimmicks, such as free transportation to the ship.  For the same reasons I would never book flights through a cruise line, I would also never book a hotel.  Besides, I most likely have enough rewards points through other means for free flights and hotels anyways. 

[Roz]

16 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

“2-3 tiimes what the hotels’ websites offer”    sounds a lot more like hyperbole than

part of a legitimate question.

 

This morning I was checking pre- and post- cruise hotels in Europoe for a cruise line I've never sailed with.  Just curious as to what hotels they use and where they're located.  I was blown away by the prices, so not hyperbole.

[Flatbush Flyer]

23 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

“2-3 tiimes what the hotels’ websites offer”    sounds a lot more like hyperbole than

part of a legitimate question.

Whenever I've done such a comparison, the per person cruise line hotel cost has often totaled (for two people) approx 3+\- the hotel's own per couple price for the exact same room. I've even DIY booked the same hotel in places like Lima, Miami and Rio. 

Of course, I had to pay the ground transfers. But,  with the savings, we could do a private town car AND have dinner(s) out.

Edited June 6, 2020 by Flatbush Flyer

[Roz]

9 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

 

Anyways, back to the actual topic. Cruise lines try to lure you in with what they pass as all inclusive, offering their recommended hotels and hoping you fall for their gimmicks, such as free transportation to the ship.  For the same reasons I would never book flights through a cruise line, I would also never book a hotel.  Besides, I most likely have enough rewards points through other means for free flights and hotels anyways. 

 

I agree with you to a point.  I've done 3 European river cruises on Uniworld, and all 3 times I couldn't beat their airfare, and neither could my full-service TA.  As an example, on my last river cruise in Nov. 2018, Uniworld's airfare from Nashville to Amsterdam and then Basel to Nashville was only $651.