Highest Prices We Have Seen

[Mary229]

17 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

HAL cruises are currently higher priced then they ever have been, even for what was traditional a cheaper cruise (7 Day Mexico, RT from SD) is the original point of this thread. 

 

How do HAL loyalist deal with the price increases for the product which in most CC'ers opinion has lost it's luster over the years do to cost cutting.

 

-Paul

I think many of us fully understood that travel costs were going to have to increase .  I think it is unfortunate that the lines are cutting quality instead of raising prices as high as they truly need to be.  It is thread like this one that make it obvious that people are really not understanding the depths of the losses incurred 2020-2021 and the impact severe impact of inflation.  

 

Criticism is not unique to HAL.  Cutbacks are being announced and complained about on all lines.   
 

all in all the ships are sailing full and there are record bookings. 
 

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by Mary229

[Sea42]

32 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

HAL cruises are currently higher priced then they ever have been, even for what was traditional a cheaper cruise (7 Day Mexico, RT from SD) is the original point of this thread. 

 

How do HAL loyalist deal with the price increases for the product which in most CC'ers opinion has lost it's luster over the years do to cost cutting.

 

-Paul

I imagine they find something else that better suits their budget and tastes.

[jimdee3636]

@Mary229

I think you've hit the nail on the head when you suggest that it would be better for the cruise lines to raise prices than cut quality. And it would be better not only for them but for those of us who remember when cruises were "special" and who want them to be that way again. Undoubtedly, some people would be priced out of the market if fares were to rise. But there are always---in every retail industry---going to be lower-priced alternatives for those unwilling or unable to pay higher prices. A Holland America lover could choose to: a) pay the higher fares in order to get a better cruise experience; b) cruise less often on HAL; or c) go for the cheap fares offered by Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean, or whoever. People may not always like their choices, but they have them.

[AFNavigator]

19 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I think many of us fully understood that travel costs were going to have to increase .  I think it is unfortunate that the lines are cutting quality instead of raising prices as high as they truly need to be.  It is thread like this one that make it obvious that people are really not understanding the depths of the losses incurred 2020-2021 and the impact severe impact of inflation.  

 

Criticism is not unique to HAL.  Cutbacks are being announced and complained about on all lines.   
 

all in all the ships are sailing full and there are record bookings. 
 

 

The cutbacks are not unique to cruise lines, they reflect changes being made in much of the travel industry.  Most major hotel chains have eliminated or reduced daily room cleaning to an on-request cleaning basis during multiple night stays.  Many have downsized or closed some of their hotel restaurants too to save money as well as to address staffing shortages.  Most major airlines have created a basic economy class that is extremely restrictive and comes with numerous up-charge options.

[Mary229]

9 minutes ago, jimdee3636 said:

People may not always like their choices, but they have them.

Unless quality increases we have made our choice.  We will complete a slate of long, unique itineraries with HAL then move on to other modes of travel.  We are not interested in the “luxury” experience, it is not what we desire. We want quality teamed with unique destinations and minimally 30 day itineraries .   Unfortunately the bargain hunters will find themselves making endless short circles in the Caribbean and Alaska.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Mary229

[ChinaShrek]

7 hours ago, sansterre said:

I'm not fond of these discounts but assume HAL knows that it brings in more $$$ than it costs them.  What does one need to spend (or is it based on losing?) in the Casino to receive such a discount on all cruises?  Does that apply to World Cruises too?

I spend about $300-$500 on the slots on every cruise that I go on. This seems to help me retain my casino discount. I'm not sure about World Cruises.

[sciencewonk]

1 hour ago, kangforpres said:

HAL cruises are currently higher priced then they ever have been, even for what was traditional a cheaper cruise (7 Day Mexico, RT from SD) is the original point of this thread. 

 

How do HAL loyalist deal with the price increases for the product which in most CC'ers opinion has lost it's luster over the years do to cost cutting.

 

-Paul

I think everything is currently higher priced than they ever have been.  Why should cruise lines be different?  Where I live, the price of coffee has become outrageous.  I have a choice.  Pay that price or stop drinking coffee.  The same goes for cruising.

[Guest ldtr]

3 hours ago, kangforpres said:

HAL cruises are currently higher priced then they ever have been, even for what was traditional a cheaper cruise (7 Day Mexico, RT from SD) is the original point of this thread. 

 

How do HAL loyalist deal with the price increases for the product which in most CC'ers opinion has lost it's luster over the years do to cost cutting.

 

-Paul

Except the cruise referenced  to start the thread was the eclipse cruise.  A unique event for the next 20 years (the next time an eclipse will cross North America.  That would command somewhat of a premium even in the minds of HAL critics.

Edited April 7, 2023 by ldtr

[CruiserBruce]

3 minutes ago, ldtr said:

  That would command somewhat of a premium even in the minds of HAL critics.

Apparently not all critics...

[Mary229]

5 minutes ago, ldtr said:

Except the cruise referenced  to start the thread was the eclipse cruise.  A unique event for the next 20 years (the next time an eclipse will cross North America.  That would command somewhat of a premium even in the minds of HAL critics.

That continues to be glossed over.  This is a special cruise for a special event with high demand and likely will sell out quickly. 

[Guest ldtr]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

That continues to be glossed over.  This is a special cruise for a special event with high demand and likely will sell out quickly. 

Princess actually changed the itinerary of a cruise to be able to catch the eclipse, after their one cruise for that purpose sold out.  I expect HAL has seen similar demand for such a unique event.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

17 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

On the flip side, we just added to our time share points with Hilton.  We have been working that system for almost 20 years and when coupled with the Hilton Honors program points, and the affiliated AmEx card points, we feel we have maximized our value.  We rarely pay for a hotel room anymore and our resort stays are booked with points.

 

They key, though, is to pay off the AmEx card every month and not pay any interest.

 

We actually bought 3 contracts last year, starting with HGVC.  We're not getting oversized value out of it compared to Wyndham, but it is a nice treat for longer stays in Las Vegas (Elara) and in Waikiki.  We definitely utilize the Hilton Aspire credit card!  Right now American Express has a 30% boost on transfers from Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors.

[HappyInVan]

10 hours ago, ChinaShrek said:

I spend about $300-$500 on the slots on every cruise that I go on. This seems to help me retain my casino discount. I'm not sure about World Cruises.

 

Thats fine if you can limit your losses each trip. Many people can't. The casino operator is gambling that eventually they will clean you out.

 

In any case, I don't see the point of spending hours in a smoky room just to save a few hundred dollars. 

[rodndonna]

1 hour ago, HappyInVan said:

 

Thats fine if you can limit your losses each trip. Many people can't. The casino operator is gambling that eventually they will clean you out.

 

In any case, I don't see the point of spending hours in a smoky room just to save a few hundred dollars. 

 

As you have said  - most importantly you have to be able to limit your loses which we can (I'm a poor loser, so it comes naturally). It also only works if you actually enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment which we do. Really not hard to avoid the smokers at the times we ave spent in the Casino.

 

For those reasons, for us, it is well worth saving a few hundred dollars. 

[rodndonna]

7 hours ago, ldtr said:

Princess actually changed the itinerary of a cruise to be able to catch the eclipse, after their one cruise for that purpose sold out.  I expect HAL has seen similar demand for such a unique event.

 

We booked that Princess Eclipse cruise when it came out underestimating how popular it would be. Took the cheapest guarantee inside figuring we would look at upgrading cabins later. With a week it was clear absolutely no chance as it effectively sold out and the few available cabins were MUCH ore expensive.

 

[Mary229]

1 hour ago, HappyInVan said:

 

Thats fine if you can limit your losses each trip. Many people can't. The casino operator is gambling that eventually they will clean you out.

 

In any case, I don't see the point of spending hours in a smoky room just to save a few hundred dollars. 

When you cruise you are presented with many options to overindulge.  Overeating, over drinking, over sunning, over spending, over napping, gambling is not the only addiction on display.  Many of us can manage moderation 

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Yes, that Princess Eclipse cruise is sold out. I am waitlisted for it, but I seriously doubt the WL will clear.

[rodndonna]

43 minutes ago, SJSULIBRARIAN said:

Yes, that Princess Eclipse cruise is sold out. I am waitlisted for it, but I seriously doubt the WL will clear.

 

Maybe closer to sailing .. but it won't be cheap.

 

Honestly it had just been released at a time when I happen to be looking to book Princess for Mexican Riviera (because I grew up watching the Love Boat) and when I saw it .. thought "I guess that could be kinda cool" . Really had no idea how big of a thing it is for some people but am getting pretty excited about it now.

 

The cruise is a year away, and the original roll call is now at 51 pages and had to divide into a second roll call  now at 10 pages. Crazy ....

 

EDIT: As this thread was about cruise cost - I looked it up - 

For that Eclipse 10 day cruise booked when it came out -

We paid $3046 US$ for 2 people, inside cabin, taxes and Princess package included (drinks, gratuities, wifi and shore excursion credit).

I thought it was a great deal, and still do. 😃

Edited April 7, 2023 by rodndonna
correction

[Mary229]

13 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

Maybe closer to sailing .. but it won't be cheap.

 

Honestly it had just been released at a time when I happen to be looking to book Princess for Mexican Riviera (because I grew up watching the Love Boat) and when I saw it .. thought "I guess that could be kinda cool" . Really had no idea how big of a thing it is for some people but am getting pretty excited about it now.

 

The cruise is a year away, and the original roll call is now at 51 pages and had to divide into a second roll call  now at 10 pages. Crazy ....

Ditto for the ultimate Alaska.  Except for a handful of suites it sold out in less than 3 months. Some complained about the price, well guess what, they aren’t going

.

 

seriously when the big box stores release their inventory you might have a chance at a better cabin

Edited April 7, 2023 by Mary229

[Guest ldtr]

1 hour ago, SJSULIBRARIAN said:

Yes, that Princess Eclipse cruise is sold out. I am waitlisted for it, but I seriously doubt the WL will clear.

Did you see the story that they changed the itinerary of another ship. You might look at that one.

[kangforpres]

Yes, even though it's not the point of the thread. If you can gamble on a budget you can get lots of great cruise deals and free hotel rooms in Vegas and Reno, and I assume Atlantic City and other casino destinations and not destroy yourself financially while doing it. 

 

I'm about to go on a "free" 22 day Carnival Trans-Pacific even though I have never sailed with them before. The wife says if I stick to my budget she will green light future long cruises by myself. (I'm retired, she works)

 

Will power is the hardest human behavior to manage. whether it's eating, drinking, gambling or accepting free casino cruise offers

[HappyInVan]

8 hours ago, rodndonna said:

 

As you have said  - most importantly you have to be able to limit your loses which we can (I'm a poor loser, so it comes naturally). It also only works if you actually enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment which we do. Really not hard to avoid the smokers at the times we ave spent in the Casino.

 

For those reasons, for us, it is well worth saving a few hundred dollars. 

 

Good for you. Unfortunately, the casino operators continue to run these programs because they are profitable.

[PACD_JG]

Just now, HappyInVan said:

Unfortunately, the casino operators continue to run these programs because they are profitable.

Spoken like a true comrade.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

4 hours ago, ldtr said:

Did you see the story that they changed the itinerary of another ship. You might look at that one.

Thanks for the advice. I am with a group and the TA can't get any more rooms yet. I am hopeful but if no cabin by final payment, I'll probably cancel. 

 

I have a guarantee for the ultimate Alaska. I just wasn't quick enough to book these two cruises.

[jeh10641]

On 4/3/2023 at 3:35 PM, mcrcruiser said:

We were speaking to HAL today ,With regards to a March 23 ,2024 Mexican Riviera cruise on koningsdam .Shocked to learn that a refundable deposit on a VH cat handicap with Club Orange for upgrade was $2988  for 2 refundable  deposit  cruise fares .The Club Orange added a total of $350 to the over all cost . Port taxes are $135 per pax included in the dare above. No on board credit

 

 In 2019  that cruise would have been about $1700 for 2 people .Taking off Club Orange at $25 per day per person ,the fare comes down to $2638 . $ 938,00 more than we once paid.That is a rather substantial increase in a cruise  fare

Amen!