Do cruise companies actually want our business?

[ManofNorfolk1805]

We would like to take our family consisting of 6 adults and 4 children (aged 17, 14, 14 and 11 at the time) on a cruise during the summer school holidays in 2023 to celebrate our Golden Wedding. We will need a total of 5 cabins - 3 outside and 2 inside).Trying to get an indicative quote of prices at present for a group booking for a party of this size from any cruise company or agency is like pulling teeth. We have made two enquiries so far without any positive response. If they do not want our business, I would be happy for them to say so , then we would know where we stand.  

[Harry Peterson]

Have you tried a specialist cruise travel agent? We’re forbidden from making recommendations but a lot of us use one particular specialist, where the staff do actually know what they’re talking about because they only deal with cruises.

 

No branches anywhere near Norfolk, indeed only one centralised operation about 130 miles away from Norwich, but all their business is done over the phone. Big company, operating for over 50 years, and they know what they’re doing.

 

Part of the problem though is that cruise companies now use dynamic pricing, so prices can change literally from hour to hour. That may be why you’re struggling to get indicative quotes.

 

 

[ManofNorfolk1805]

Harry, Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I can research the online prices per person as they stand, no problem, but I would like to know whether any company is ever inclined to give a group discount for a party booking of this size. Thanks again. 

[ovccruiser]

On 4/14/2022 at 1:28 PM, ManofNorfolk1805 said:

Harry, Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I can research the online prices per person as they stand, no problem, but I would like to know whether any company is ever inclined to give a group discount for a party booking of this size. Thanks again. 

That is why Travel agents are so good, they can book for larger groups and offer possible additional discounts.

[FamilyCruiserUK]

We just emailed our TA and they got back with prices. Saved the hassle of ringing each company. Just pet them know where and when you want to go and room type.

 

Good luck and happy cruising

Edited April 24, 2022 by FamilyCruiserUK

[RedgeToo]

They certainly don't want solos judging by their solo supplement prices!

 

I understand they want as many people as possible but why does a single person have to pay 80-100% more for a cabin, even a solo cabin?

[Harry Peterson]

5 hours ago, RedgeToo said:

They certainly don't want solos judging by their solo supplement prices!

 

I understand they want as many people as possible but why does a single person have to pay 80-100% more for a cabin, even a solo cabin?

Apparently because singles don’t spend as much onboard, and that’s a huge chunk of the bottom line, particularly these days.

[RedgeToo]

5 hours ago, Harry Peterson said:

Apparently because singles don’t spend as much onboard, and that’s a huge chunk of the bottom line, particularly these days.

good point