What Am I Missing….This Stinks

[N 2 Sun]

My husband and I are planning on sailing a Back to Back voyage in April - Lisbon to Barcelona and Barcelona to Venice aboard the Infinity. We have a recently retired family member that would like to join us, she will be sailing solo. 
 

We, wrongly, assumed she would pay double the “per person” price for an entire cabin. 
 

When I price the sailings on Celebrity’s web site and through internet travel agencies, I am shocked at the premium being charged for the same guarantee cabin category…..for example, $2,398 for two people sharing an Ocean View cabin……$3,422 for one person in an Ocean View cabin….a 43% premium…current pricing available on Celebrity’s web site. 
 

I am upset on behalf of my sister in law and I am upset in my own behalf…..we will not be taking either cruise if Celebrity is going to penalize someone who happens to have no one with whom to share a cabin. 
 

Am I doing something wrong in my pricing?  Help!

[Bo1953]

Instead of trying to do it online, what is the reason you have not called to verify if what you are getting on-line is in fact accurate? If accurate, then that may be a basis to check other lines with a similar itinerary you are desiring.

 

Also, it could be a popular sailing where they can get the premium.

 

Have you tried pricing similar sailings in the same time-frame on X to see if it holds up?

 

There are lots of variables that can affect pricing... It is not a penalty but how they price.

 

Have you explored other 'options' for booking this sailing?

 

bon voyage

[Guppy99]

12 minutes ago, N 2 Sun said:

My husband and I are planning on sailing a Back to Back voyage in April - Lisbon to Barcelona and Barcelona to Venice aboard the Infinity. We have a recently retired family member that would like to join us, she will be sailing solo. 
 

We, wrongly, assumed she would pay double the “per person” price for an entire cabin. 
 

When I price the sailings on Celebrity’s web site and through internet travel agencies, I am shocked at the premium being charged for the same guarantee cabin category…..for example, $2,398 for two people sharing an Ocean View cabin……$3,422 for one person in an Ocean View cabin….a 43% premium…current pricing available on Celebrity’s web site. 
 

I am upset on behalf of my sister in law and I am upset in my own behalf…..we will not be taking either cruise if Celebrity is going to penalize someone who happens to have no one with whom to share a cabin. 
 

Am I doing something wrong in my pricing?  Help!

I know. This also happened when my daughter sailed solo with my mother and I. on one hand, you would think her cost would be less than double because she's only one person eating. On the other hand, she is taking up a cabin for two but she is only spending for one. So I believe the premium is to make up for the average loss of overall spending an individual does on a cruise. I don't like it and don't agree with it, but I understand the logic and cost analysis.  

[vms]

You are not missing anything.

 

Solo cruisers have to be extremely alert to pricing, as you have discovered. While there can be deals where the price is less than the price of 2x the per person double occupancy rate, there can be cruises where the cabin is priced at a premium at an amount over the price of 2 x the per person double occupancy rate- I've seen 250% and 300% of the per person double occupancy rate at times.  This is often on cruises where there are already a large number of solo cruisers. From the cruise line's perspective, the money is made via add ons like specialty dining, casino play, upgrades to alcohol packages, etc. In these areas, a solo cruiser is not considered to be a good bet vs. those who are sailing with 2 to a cabin.

 

Celebrity is not the only cruise line who does this.

 

I would recommend you trying another itinerary with Celebrity or another line with this itinerary to see if you can get the pricing to work in your favor. Good luck!

 

[Bo1953]

18 minutes ago, N 2 Sun said:

My husband and I are planning on sailing a Back to Back voyage in April - Lisbon to Barcelona and Barcelona to Venice aboard the Infinity. We have a recently retired family member that would like to join us, she will be sailing solo. 
 

We, wrongly, assumed she would pay double the “per person” price for an entire cabin. 
 

When I price the sailings on Celebrity’s web site and through internet travel agencies, I am shocked at the premium being charged for the same guarantee cabin category…..for example, $2,398 for two people sharing an Ocean View cabin……$3,422 for one person in an Ocean View cabin….a 43% premium…current pricing available on Celebrity’s web site. 
 

I am upset on behalf of my sister in law and I am upset in my own behalf…..we will not be taking either cruise if Celebrity is going to penalize someone who happens to have no one with whom to share a cabin. 
 

Am I doing something wrong in my pricing?  Help!

Also, can you explain the reason you consider the pricing 'fraud' as in the thread title???

 

bon voyage

[intr3pid]

Yes, on some itineraries, their pricing engine throws up weird results, and calling them won't do a thing.  It's the same system that everyone works with.  We have seen prices for the third passenger being being higher than the first two.

 

Just book the room with a second adult, who doesn't have to sail.  Then, monitor the prices and convert to that of a solo cruiser closer to the PIF date if needed.

Edited October 28, 2021 by intr3pid

[808lady]

Would it work to book a “friend”, who might be a no-show on sail day?

[Alakegirl]

I just tried to do a mock booking and it said there were no rooms available.  I wonder if the cruise is sold out or nearly so, or if that cabin category is sold out. I also wonder id there is a glitch in the Celebrity booking system tonight.  Try again tomorrow is my best advice.

[Guppy99]

18 minutes ago, N 2 Sun said:

My husband and I are planning on sailing a Back to Back voyage in April - Lisbon to Barcelona and Barcelona to Venice aboard the Infinity. We have a recently retired family member that would like to join us, she will be sailing solo. 
 

We, wrongly, assumed she would pay double the “per person” price for an entire cabin. 
 

When I price the sailings on Celebrity’s web site and through internet travel agencies, I am shocked at the premium being charged for the same guarantee cabin category…..for example, $2,398 for two people sharing an Ocean View cabin……$3,422 for one person in an Ocean View cabin….a 43% premium…current pricing available on Celebrity’s web site. 
 

I am upset on behalf of my sister in law and I am upset in my own behalf…..we will not be taking either cruise if Celebrity is going to penalize someone who happens to have no one with whom to share a cabin. 
 

Am I doing something wrong in my pricing?  Help!

I know. This also happened when my daughter sailed solo with my mother and I. on one hand, you would think her cost would be less than double because she's only one person eating. On the other hand, she is taking up a cabin for two but she is only spending for one. So I believe the premium is to make up for the average loss of overall spending an individual does on a cruise. I don't like it and don't agree with it, but I understand the logic and cost analysis.  

 

And btw...this is not fraud nor is it bait and switch of any other common phrase people use when they think they're being cheated.  Those terms have legal definitions and they don't apply here.

[crusinthrough]

Just book for two.  Maybe your SIL will find a friend to join her.  If not, the 2nd person is a no show at the pier and taxes are refunded. Pricing will probably also go down between now and April.   It's not a reason to not cruise and alleged fraud, imo.  

[N 2 Sun]

5 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

Also, can you explain the reason you consider the pricing 'fraud' as in the thread title???

 

bon voyage

As I said inmy post, I am trying to understand what is happening with the pricing and looking for help from more experienced CC members. I have called the 800 number to verify pricing that I was given on the web site…..the agent said she would research the pricing and email me back with a quote for the two cabins and two sailings. That was on October 21. I’ve yet to receive a quote by email or phone call. . 
 

The fine print on the web site pricing pages state that the rates offered are “per person based upon double occupancy”. This would indicate that the price for a solo person is double the stated rate. However, when a single price is quoted on the site it is much higher. It doesn’t make sense for the  same cabin category to be priced differently for different types of people….would this be acceptable for any other demographic of people?

 

My use of the word fraud is that, to me, it appears the cruise line is using misleading wording in its “fine print” and is selling the same cabin category at two different prices….one price for double occupancy and a 43% higher price for the same cabin for single occupancy.
 

 

 

[N 2 Sun]

5 hours ago, vms said:

You are not missing anything.

 

Solo cruisers have to be extremely alert to pricing, as you have discovered. While there can be deals where the price is less than the price of 2x the per person double occupancy rate, there can be cruises where the cabin is priced at a premium at an amount over the price of 2 x the per person double occupancy rate- I've seen 250% and 300% of the per person double occupancy rate at times.  This is often on cruises where there are already a large number of solo cruisers. From the cruise line's perspective, the money is made via add ons like specialty dining, casino play, upgrades to alcohol packages, etc. In these areas, a solo cruiser is not considered to be a good bet vs. those who are sailing with 2 to a cabin.

 

Celebrity is not the only cruise line who does this.

 

I would recommend you trying another itinerary with Celebrity or another line with this itinerary to see if you can get the pricing to work in your favor. Good luck!

 

Thank you for your kind response. My husband and I have taken 15 Mediterranean cruises since we discovered the joys of cruising and of Europe in 2011. We are big fans and have on four cruises brought one to two additional couples with us. Until now I had not paid attention to “single pricing”

 

We are set on taking my single sister in law to Portugal, Spain and other destinations on these two itineraries (her travel goals post retirement) but I will not pay more for her cabin than for ours.

 

While it will be challenging using trains and commuter airlines, we may just do a land trip this time. 
 

Clarity in pricing from Celebrity would be much appreciated……parity also. 

[N 2 Sun]

35 minutes ago, crusinthrough said:

Just book for two.  Maybe your SIL will find a friend to join her.  If not, the 2nd person is a no show at the pier and taxes are refunded. Pricing will probably also go down between now and April.   It's not a reason to not cruise and alleged fraud, imo.  

Hi and thank you for that thought…..but is it allowed?  I think I might feel as if I was trying to trick the cruise line and I don’t want to be guilty of what I feel they are doing in their unequal pricing. 

[N 2 Sun]

5 hours ago, Guppy99 said:

I know. This also happened when my daughter sailed solo with my mother and I. on one hand, you would think her cost would be less than double because she's only one person eating. On the other hand, she is taking up a cabin for two but she is only spending for one. So I believe the premium is to make up for the average loss of overall spending an individual does on a cruise. I don't like it and don't agree with it, but I understand the logic and cost analysis.  

 

And btw...this is not fraud nor is it bait and switch of any other common phrase people use when they think they're being cheated.  Those terms have legal definitions and they don't apply here.

Thank you for your clarity on the legal definition of the word…..if Celebrity is in fact penalizing solo travelers far more for the very same cabin than it charges two people, I’ll just say it stinks. 

[crusinthrough]

19 minutes ago, N 2 Sun said:

Hi and thank you for that thought…..but is it allowed?  I think I might feel as if I was trying to trick the cruise line and I don’t want to be guilty of what I feel they are doing in their unequal pricing. 

You are not doing anything deceptive.  It's possible your SIL will find a cruise mate.  I've  booked cruises with a friend who had to cancel and also booked cruises with the 2nd person as "TBA" and added a name later.  Life happens and things change.  Of course, you have to pay the deposit for two vs one.  

[Tapi]

I’ve noticed that, since Celebrity started cruising again post pandemic, their pricing has been a bit “off” if you’re trying to book something besides a cabin for 2 people. We are a family of 4, and it’s cheaper to book two double cabins than one cabin for 4 in the same category. The third and fourth guest rate has consistently been through the roof, sometimes more than double the rate for the first and second guest.
 

I’ve also priced out 3 guests instead of 4 (different combinations; one triple cabin, or one double cabin and one single cabin), and no matter what I try, the total cost is always more expensive than 4 guests in 2 double cabins. 
 

I’ve also noticed that, on some sailings, if I enter 4 passengers, I’ll get a “no cabins available” message. But then if I enter 2 passengers, I’m able to select cabins that have a 4 passenger capacity. 
 

It feels like Celebrity is trying to discourage families, or anybody not sailing at double occupancy, from sailing at this time. 

Edited October 28, 2021 by Tapi

[excitedofharpenden]

I've had this too. The key thing is they are not offering OV guarantee cabins to solos on this sailing at present and that accounts for the higher price. On some sailings they do, on others no. 

 

What you could do is to book it as a guarantee by making up a second person travelling with her and then cancelling that second person before final payment. I've heard of this being done, but never tried it myself (basically because I'm not keen on guarantees). Maybe a travel agent poster here can confirm that it can be done and any pitfalls. 

 

Phil 

[emmas gran]

Whatever you decide the 20% sale finishes on Nov 1st ,so would not delay a booking.

[Bo1953]

1 hour ago, Tapi said:

I’ve noticed that, since Celebrity started cruising again post pandemic, their pricing has been a bit “off” if you’re trying to book something besides a cabin for 2 people. We are a family of 4, and it’s cheaper to book two double cabins than one cabin for 4 in the same category. The third and fourth guest rate has consistently been through the roof, sometimes more than double the rate for the first and second guest.
 

I’ve also priced out 3 guests instead of 4 (different combinations; one triple cabin, or one double cabin and one single cabin), and no matter what I try, the total cost is always more expensive than 4 guests in 2 double cabins. 
 

I’ve also noticed that, on some sailings, if I enter 4 passengers, I’ll get a “no cabins available” message. But then if I enter 2 passengers, I’m able to select cabins that have a 4 passenger capacity. 
 

It feels like Celebrity is trying to discourage families, or anybody not sailing at double occupancy, from sailing at this time. 

t - it also has to do with number of passengers in a category for life boat occupancy, as I understand it, if a certain section of the ship is to capacity for life boats, then the total number of 2+ occupants of a category will be limited.

 

We have a sailing coming up soon on The Summit, which there are three (3) friends who need cabins for three or four and have to be in different parts of the ship in different cabin levels because the Family cabins have been booked (and for some time at that).

 

bon voyage

[Tapi]

6 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

…it also has to do with number of passengers in a category for life boat occupancy, as I understand it, if a certain section of the ship is to capacity for life boats, then the total number of 2+ occupants of a category will be limited.

I’ve read that before, and I agree with you. But I think there’s something else going on here.  There are times when the website won’t allow me to book a quad cabin, but it will allow me to book that same exact quad cabin for 2 people and the connecting cabin right next to it for the other two. Unless the line for different sections of the ship happens to be right between those two cabins, I think that lifeboat capacity isn’t the issue here. 

[Bo1953]

2 hours ago, N 2 Sun said:

As I said in my post, I am trying to understand what is happening with the pricing and looking for help from more experienced CC members. I have called the 800 number to verify pricing that I was given on the web site…..the agent said she would research the pricing and email me back with a quote for the two cabins and two sailings. That was on October 21. I’ve yet to receive a quote by email or phone call. . 
 

The fine print on the web site pricing pages state that the rates offered are “per person based upon double occupancy”. This would indicate that the price for a solo person is double the stated rate. However, when a single price is quoted on the site it is much higher. It doesn’t make sense for the  same cabin category to be priced differently for different types of people….would this be acceptable for any other demographic of people?

 

My use of the word fraud is that, to me, it appears the cruise line is using misleading wording in its “fine print” and is selling the same cabin category at two different prices….one price for double occupancy and a 43% higher price for the same cabin for single occupancy.

 

Well, to be sure the sailing is relatively soon to be sure.

 

Many of us who sail with some sort of frequency AND always or sometimes sail solo understand cruise line pricing and how it can be dynamic and appears to be not 'fair' for single passengers yet we sail if the final pricing is tolerable OR we go elsewhere and sail for that particular itinerary.

 

The pricing clearly states it is 'base on double occupancy', while I understand how one can think or believe that a 100% mark up would be in order for a single occupant yet in the clips posted of the T & C's and etc., no where does it categorically state that a single occupant will pay the fare as if two (2) individuals occupy the cabin or did I miss that?

 

There are cruise lines out there who have mark ups (from time to time) as little as 25% with an average of 50% mark up for single occupancy, that might be the way to go in your case if the mark up on X is not tolerable (not fraudulent in the least bit).

 

As for getting back to you, welcome on the ship, as many have challenges getting what we consider 'timely responses' from X at this time and there are many current threads to prove it... LOL

 

You may wish to engage a TA to assist you in this and not think about or worry about waiting for a response from X?

 

At any rate, I trust you get the pricing and experience you desire and get to take this sailing with the family, as desired.

 

Good luck and bon voyage

[mfs2k]

Have you considered upgrading your cabin to something larger and have your friend join you as a third?  That may be cheaper for everyone. 
Of course sharing a cabin might not be what you want. 

[Jeremiah1212]

Is cabin #2 for the single a GTY category? 

 

If you are looking at a Simply Sale rate, those rates are based on double occupancy. Reducing to 1 person in the cabin is eliminating the GTY option. Likewise, on group rates through TA will typically only apply to double occupancy. 

[excitedofharpenden]

1 hour ago, Bo1953 said:

 

Well, to be sure the sailing is relatively soon to be sure.

 

Many of us who sail with some sort of frequency AND always or sometimes sail solo understand cruise line pricing and how it can be dynamic and appears to be not 'fair' for single passengers yet we sail if the final pricing is tolerable OR we go elsewhere and sail for that particular itinerary.

 

The pricing clearly states it is 'base on double occupancy', while I understand how one can think or believe that a 100% mark up would be in order for a single occupant yet in the clips posted of the T & C's and etc., no where does it categorically state that a single occupant will pay the fare as if two (2) individuals occupy the cabin or did I miss that?

 

There are cruise lines out there who have mark ups (from time to time) as little as 25% with an average of 50% mark up for single occupancy, that might be the way to go in your case if the mark up on X is not tolerable (not fraudulent in the least bit).

 

As for getting back to you, welcome on the ship, as many have challenges getting what we consider 'timely responses' from X at this time and there are many current threads to prove it... LOL

 

You may wish to engage a TA to assist you in this and not think about or worry about waiting for a response from X?

 

At any rate, I trust you get the pricing and experience you desire and get to take this sailing with the family, as desired.

 

Good luck and bon voyage

Not sure if you read my previous post? It's a simple case of not offering GTY rate to solo cruisers. Well not at this point in time at least. I've faced this on a few occasions. 

 

Phil 

[Z'Loth]

See https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=21 

 

The per-person pricing is based upon two people occupying a cabin. This makes it harder for people like me who like to travel alone. I would like to have a balcony cabin all to myself, but with the premiums that the cruise lines charge, I ended up taking a inside cave. There are very few ships, and only one in Celebrity's line, that actually have that rare solo cabin.

 

I can understand a 25% premium, or maybe a 50% premium, for occupying a cabin for two for myself. 100% gives me pause.... and they don't offset it with additional OBC or points.