Just curious...pricing cruising with 1 and 2 year old....

[C-Dragons]

15 hours ago, tartana said:

4 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

However, included in that research should be the the fares for passengers one and two on the cruises with reduced fares for children.

 

This is especially true for childless passengers.

 

Often the fares for adults will be higher for any adult, with or without children, to subsidize the reduced children's fare compared to a comparable cruise on the same line, ship and itinerary without the reduced children's fare.

 

While Disney fares have been mentioned as being high, Disney also tries to attract adults without children. Those adults will also pay the same high rates without children to help subsidize the children's fares for others. 

Prices are also based on time of year and holidays. Spring breaks, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas fares are usually priced higher.

[Homosassa]

28 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

Prices are also based on time of year and holidays. Spring breaks, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas fares are usually priced higher.

Yes, I should have included the same time period (month, shoulder season, etc.) in that comparison list.

[tartana]

Thank you everyone for your responses.  I appreciate everyone taking the time :)  It's not likely we will be doing 3 generation family cruises anytime soon, but I was just checking out the current promo with some future dates out of curiousity - and was very surprised at "baby" pricing. Someday, maybe we will check into it more closely. Our family has been very familiar with all inclusive resorts for many years, and that is always a future option as well.  But since then, we have acquired an interest in cruising as well. We will see what the future holds.  Have a good day. 

Edited June 4, 2022 by tartana
added

[Homosassa]

14 hours ago, mahdnc said:

 

tartana,

 

The pricing sounds correct although a long time ago your two grandbabies' cruise fare could have been free!

 

We have sailed with our two kids for 14 Celebrity cruises since 1996.  I have watched the pricing for kids change over time. 

 

On our first cruise in 1996, Celebrity had a reduced fare for children under 12 as long as they were sailing as 3rd/4th passengers.  It was only about $100 cheaper than an adult sailing as a 3rd/4th.  Also back then our infant son sailed for free because that was the fare for kids under two years old although they still paid taxes and fees. 

 

 

Yes, we cruised at a time with our daughter when it was standard that children cruised for only taxes and port fees when sharing a cabin with their parents.

 

However, cruise fares were higher at the time. The cruise lines didn't depend on revenue streams of high priced booze (drinks were priced at half or less than half of a comparable drink ashore), specials fees for food upgrades, entertainment  or other cash grabbers that cruise lines depend on now adays for the much lower fares to get people on board.

 

Parents also realized that a cruise was a family vacation to spend time with all the family. We didn't have or expect dedicated programs where we could drop and forget the kids.  

[mayleeman]

1 hour ago, docsneeze said:

Some of the comments on these boards regarding children seem to be mean spirited and as a parent I understand EVERYONE wants to have a pleasant and peaceful vacation.  But parents should be able to enjoy an upscale cruise experience also.

 

I have never seen posts directed at children with animosity toward them.

 

I have seen many comments about things children did (comments here and on RCCL), and those comments were almost always directly squarely at parents who make no effort to supervise. Sneaking diapered kids into pools, letting them wander in the buffet grabbing food, ignoring screaming like banshees... Yes, parents deserve vacations, but they need to be aware that the others aboard did not sign up to experience chaos!

 

Frankly, I wouldn't have wanted our grandson aboard before he was able to actually understand what was going on around him. Back then, cruises were a respite!

[Guppy99]

2 hours ago, Homosassa said:

However, included in that research should be the the fares for passengers one and two on the cruises with reduced fares for children.

 

This is especially true for childless passengers.

 

Often the fares for adults will be higher for any adult, with or without children, to subsidize the reduced children's fare compared to a comparable cruise on the same line, ship and itinerary without the reduced children's fare.

 

While Disney fares have been mentioned as being high, Disney also tries to attract adults without children. Those adults will also pay the same high rates without children to help subsidize the children's fares for others. 

I see no reason why a cruise line should reduce the fair for infants/toddlers beyond the already reduced fair for traveling as a third or fourth person..

[Homosassa]

20 minutes ago, Guppy99 said:

I see no reason why a cruise line should reduce the fair for infants/toddlers beyond the already reduced fair for traveling as a third or fourth person..

At the time, children of any age were not that common on cruises. 

 

If there were  4-6 kids on board (all ages) , that was a lot.

 

As I said, fares were much higher and the cruise lines were not losing money in additional revenues from adult spending as many things that are extra nowadays were provided in the cruise fare.

[Guppy99]

15 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

At the time, children of any age were not that common on cruises. 

 

If there were  4-6 kids on board (all ages) , that was a lot.

 

As I said, fares were much higher and the cruise lines were not losing money in additional revenues from adult spending as many things that are extra nowadays were provided in the cruise fare.

I don't know what "at the time" means exactly. May daughter has been sailing on Celebrity since she was 4. It always cost for us to sail with us.  The OP doesn't even indicate how long the cruise is, what the ports are, and what the ship is. Apparently she expected a "eat all you can buffet plus kids under 12 free" type deal. It's not appropriate given all the factors which need to be considered. Also, if child prices were reduced, do you (not you, the general you) honestly think that regular adult prices would not increase accordingly?

[docsneeze]

2 hours ago, mayleeman said:

 

I have never seen posts directed at children with animosity toward them.

 

I have seen many comments about things children did (comments here and on RCCL), and those comments were almost always directly squarely at parents who make no effort to supervise. Sneaking diapered kids into pools, letting them wander in the buffet grabbing food, ignoring screaming like banshees... Yes, parents deserve vacations, but they need to be aware that the others aboard did not sign up to experience chaos!

 

Frankly, I wouldn't have wanted our grandson aboard before he was able to actually understand what was going on around him. Back then, cruises were a respite!

You may not have seen them, but sadly there have been many.  Some have been particularly nasty when discussing minimal access for 1 hour a day to indoor pools (only if properly potty trained!!) during cold weather sea days.  This is inappropriate when realizing as we are in this post that they are paying customers also which has nothing to do with their food consumption or whatever. 

 

I agree that parents have a responsibility to ensure their children's behavior does not disturb others and most parents are acutely aware of that.  However, some families can not and will not want to be away from their children.  I'm over 60 with a very young child so I might be dead before he develops complete "behavioral awareness"!!  Shouldn't we all be able to enjoy our vacations with family?

 

In the meantime, as parents and fellow cruisers we will do everything possible to respect each other.  My wife and I would be the first to act if our child was rude or disrespectful.  I am willing to pay a little more to cruise on an upscale line like Celebrity for our family for the same reasons as everyone else, children or no children.

[Guppy99]

No one has ever posted anything that equates to hating children or not wanting them on the ship. Celebrity does an excellent job with the kids/teen program. Generally there are many more children on the ship than anyone knows because the program entertains them in areas when the adults are not likely to be there.

 

There are only three places where children are prohibited or very unlikely to be. The casino, the solarium pool, and Blu restaurant. Blue restaurant because Aqua class cabins only accommodate two, and as a consequence in the past 7 years I have only seen one child (traveling with er father) in Blu.

Children simply do not belong in a casino (or at the late night comedy show.) As for the solarium, it is designated as adult only therefore that is the expectation. Opening the pool for an hour at 4:00 pm for families, when the weather is inclement, is fine if it is posted.  The fact that the solarium is adults only is a very big reason why a sail on Celebrity. Object to prime hours and more hours being open to children would sour me on Celebrity. It does not mean I don't like children. I don't want to swim with them in a small space. Children are loud and they splash.  They also pee in the pool (no matter how often you tell them otherwise I suspect).  Unsupervised and ill mannered children are a problem no matter what cruise line you choose. That can be laid at the feet of the parents. Pressing all the elevator buttons, tossing balls indoors, running up and down the halls, climbing over the seats in the theater, touching everything in the buffet, etc. are issues. Less so on Celebrity because it costs a bit more and the parents are likely to me more attentive, and there are fewer children on board.

 

Anyone who takes this as being anti-child or spouting animosity or hateful comments regarding child passengers, requires some lessons in reading comprehension.

 

As to the original posters outrage/annoyance that children are charged as a actual person doesn't make sense. They use different services, but probably wind up consuming the same amount of effort to serve and the same amount of space space.

 

 

 

[Homosassa]

2 hours ago, Guppy99 said:

I don't know what "at the time" means exactly. May daughter has been sailing on Celebrity since she was 4. It always cost for us to sail with us.  T

My time frame for my daughter cruising for just taxes and port fees is the 1980s and early 1990s.

 

As I said, very small number of children on the cruises.

 

Children were considered to be twelve and under. There was a fare for 13 -to 18 in the cabin with parents  that was slightly less than the third/fourth passenger rate which was close to the first/second passenger rate.

 

Such a fare schedule is not realistic nowadays - too many children to prorate their fares plus there is now expectations of elaborate children programs (or outright day care) that require expenses for the cruise line for staff, facilities, and supplies.

 

It is only appropriate that the children pay the third/fourth passenger rates when sharing with their parents  or first/second passenger rates in a separate cabin.

Edited June 4, 2022 by Homosassa

[mayleeman]

21 hours ago, tartana said:

I just priced a potential late 2023 cruise with our grown children and grandbabies who will be 1 and 2 years old at the time.  Celebrity prices them both at over $900 each.  Is this normal?  This is the first time I have even looked potentially at taking them, so I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on similar scenarios? It seems pretty crazy for 2 and less to be that price IMO. 

 

 

 

@Guppy99 If you that post as outrage, you are reading things into it I don't.  I think the OP admitted their newness to the subject, and asked questions inviting others to chime in. The pricing can legitimately seem "crazy" to the uninitiated, just as it still seems crazy to me that my non-drinking wife has to pay the same fare under AI as I do.

[docsneeze]

27 minutes ago, Guppy99 said:

No one has ever posted anything that equates to hating children or not wanting them on the ship. Celebrity does an excellent job with the kids/teen program. Generally there are many more children on the ship than anyone knows because the program entertains them in areas when the adults are not likely to be there.

 

There are only three places where children are prohibited or very unlikely to be. The casino, the solarium pool, and Blu restaurant. Blue restaurant because Aqua class cabins only accommodate two, and as a consequence in the past 7 years I have only seen one child (traveling with er father) in Blu.

Children simply do not belong in a casino (or at the late night comedy show.) As for the solarium, it is designated as adult only therefore that is the expectation. Opening the pool for an hour at 4:00 pm for families, when the weather is inclement, is fine if it is posted.  The fact that the solarium is adults only is a very big reason why a sail on Celebrity. Object to prime hours and more hours being open to children would sour me on Celebrity. It does not mean I don't like children. I don't want to swim with them in a small space. Children are loud and they splash.  They also pee in the pool (no matter how often you tell them otherwise I suspect).  Unsupervised and ill mannered children are a problem no matter what cruise line you choose. That can be laid at the feet of the parents. Pressing all the elevator buttons, tossing balls indoors, running up and down the halls, climbing over the seats in the theater, touching everything in the buffet, etc. are issues. Less so on Celebrity because it costs a bit more and the parents are likely to me more attentive, and there are fewer children on board.

 

Anyone who takes this as being anti-child or spouting animosity or hateful comments regarding child passengers, requires some lessons in reading comprehension.

 

As to the original posters outrage/annoyance that children are charged as a actual person doesn't make sense. They use different services, but probably wind up consuming the same amount of effort to serve and the same amount of space space.

 

 

 

We can agree to disagree but I have read many, many posts that are blatantly anti-children.  You only have to go through old postings on children to see that.  In fact, your generalizations only further support my concerns of mean-spirited observations.

 

Nevertheless, I understand your concerns which is why we do everything possible to avoid the aforementioned scenarios.

 

Parents in these days of Covid don't allow children to touch buttons, seats, walls, etc. much less buffet items to protect them as well as others.

 

Parents are too tired to even consider going near a casino and the whole family is usually in bed by 8 so shows in a theater are not possible.

 

We have to eat at 5:30 for dinner and finish quickly due to their restlessness so usually gone before main crowds go to dinner.

 

So please don't claim there is no anti-child sentiment here.  We were childless until 4 years ago and have been on over 25 cruises so we are well aware of the comments that others make.  Our own viewpoints have changed with the magical experiences that children provide.

 

We will continue to cruise Celebrity because it is a superior product to other cruise lines.  At the same time, we will do our best to be role models for our children to respect our fellow passengers as the utmost priority.  I suggest you do the same.

[Guppy99]

5 minutes ago, mayleeman said:

 

 

 

@Guppy99 If you that post as outrage, you are reading things into it I don't.  I think the OP admitted their newness to the subject, and asked questions inviting others to chime in. The pricing can legitimately seem "crazy" to the uninitiated, just as it still seems crazy to me that my non-drinking wife has to pay the same fare under AI as I do.

You're correct. Reading through the posts, I picked up on the vibe. I don't drink either usually and I don't use the internet.  I do drink many virgin frozen drinks, and maybe a beer of wine at dinner. but...I like everything being prepaid and that the choice is mine at the moment. Maybe with cruise only pricing, I might do things differently next time I book a new sailing.

[Guppy99]

3 minutes ago, docsneeze said:

We can agree to disagree but I have read many, many posts that are blatantly anti-children.  You only have to go through old postings on children to see that.  In fact, your generalizations only further support my concerns of mean-spirited observations.

 

Nevertheless, I understand your concerns which is why we do everything possible to avoid the aforementioned scenarios.

 

Parents in these days of Covid don't allow children to touch buttons, seats, walls, etc. much less buffet items to protect them as well as others.

 

Parents are too tired to even consider going near a casino and the whole family is usually in bed by 8 so shows in a theater are not possible.

 

We have to eat at 5:30 for dinner and finish quickly due to their restlessness so usually gone before main crowds go to dinner.

 

So please don't claim there is no anti-child sentiment here.  We were childless until 4 years ago and have been on over 25 cruises so we are well aware of the comments that others make.  Our own viewpoints have changed with the magical experiences that children provide.

 

We will continue to cruise Celebrity because it is a superior product to other cruise lines.  At the same time, we will do our best to be role models for our children to respect our fellow passengers as the utmost priority.  I suggest you do the same.

i have no desire to be anybody else's role model.  I've had my magical experience. I don't need or want yours.  Once again, not anti-child. Just want a predominantly adult experience when and where my expectations have been set to have it. 

[docsneeze]

5 hours ago, mayleeman said:

 

 

27 minutes ago, Guppy99 said:

i have no desire to be anybody else's role model.  I've had my magical experience. I don't need or want yours.  Once again, not anti-child. Just want a predominantly adult experience when and where my expectations have been set to have it. 

No one's asking you to be a role model.  But I have a responsibility to be a role model and respect others such as yourself despite our different opinions.  

[ymncruise]

The on-board atmosphere is a lot better than you’d think by reading the message boards. We’ve cruised on celebrity since the 90s and have sailed with our son since he was 1. My son was perfectly happy and participated in the kids activities. I think Royal is better once the kids are in their teens because there are more on-board activities. Cruise with your family and enjoy. 

[tartana]

Boy, some of you are harsh and like to argue LOL - I'm not talking about kids that would be "looked after" by anyone else on board...1 and 2 years old....I can understand an older child range, but we're talking babies here. We are very experienced travellers, totally respectable people who would NEVER let our kids run wild or expect other people to "tend" to them. I realize my own posts weren't the argument factor here;  I was just wondering if this was the norm for "baby" fares. Thanks to some of you for the kind, helpful words. Cheers everyone. 

[docsneeze]

Absolutely agree.  We were surprised at the fares when our child was only 2 also. But it is what it is.  Happy cruising.

31 minutes ago, tartana said:

Boy, some of you are harsh and like to argue LOL - I'm not talking about kids that would be "looked after" by anyone else on board...1 and 2 years old....I can understand an older child range, but we're talking babies here. We are very experienced travellers, totally respectable people who would NEVER let our kids run wild or expect other people to "tend" to them. I realize my own posts weren't the argument factor here;  I was just wondering if this was the norm for "baby" fares. Thanks to some of you for the kind, helpful words. Cheers everyone. 

 

[cruisemom42]

23 hours ago, tallnthensome said:

Why? You don't like kids on your cruises ? 1 and 2 year olds don't consume a whole lot so they shouldn't be charged that much. Not receiving direct service like adults as well. 

 

Gee, I have to pay FULL fare for a passenger that doesn't even exist -- they don't eat, they don't receive any direct services, they don't even use any towels or require someone to make up their bed. (Solo supplement.) 

 

But no one wants to hear me whine about it. Cruise pricing is what it is.

[docsneeze]

18 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Gee, I have to pay FULL fare for a passenger that doesn't even exist -- they don't eat, they don't receive any direct services, they don't even use any towels or require someone to make up their bed. (Solo supplement.) 

 

But no one wants to hear me whine about it. Cruise pricing is what it is.

I empathize with your situation also.  I have heard other cruise lines do not charge a single supplement.

[LGW59]

35 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Gee, I have to pay FULL fare for a passenger that doesn't even exist -- they don't eat, they don't receive any direct services, they don't even use any towels or require someone to make up their bed. (Solo supplement.) 

 

But no one wants to hear me whine about it. Cruise pricing is what it is.

Sounds like a not so veiled whine to me…

[cruisemom42]

3 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Sounds like a not so veiled whine to me…

 

I guess the sarcasm wasn't apparent enough....

[tartana]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Gee, I have to pay FULL fare for a passenger that doesn't even exist -- they don't eat, they don't receive any direct services, they don't even use any towels or require someone to make up their bed. (Solo supplement.) 

 

But no one wants to hear me whine about it. Cruise pricing is what it is.

I have also looked at cruising solo occasionally because my hubby isn't always as adventurous as me...and I agree with you....Celebrity is really lacking in the Solo fare dept typically.   

[Mark_T]

9 hours ago, tartana said:

I have also looked at cruising solo occasionally because my hubby isn't always as adventurous as me...and I agree with you....Celebrity is really lacking in the Solo fare dept typically.   

It is part of the same logic from the cruise line's perspective, one less 'guest' that can be expected to be an additional revenue source during the cruise.