The cruiselines are greedy...
Dec 3rd, 2002, 05:20 AM
#23
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Actually we have very healthy savings accounts, probably because we don't spend frivolously. We have a years salary in the checkbook, college all taken care of for the kids plus healthy retirement savings. I happen to be a generous tipper and would never stiff or scrimp on tips. My husband is Senior VP of Business Development for his company, we just don't throw money away (and yes, feel free to call me cheap, we were both brought up in frugal households and like living below our means)<BR><BR> You're right, I am looking to cruise for next to nothing, as I've always managed to do so in the past. When I do book my awesome deal, I'll be sure and post back to let you know.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 06:28 AM
#24
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Hi Peter:<BR>Just read your post on 3rd and 4th passengers (after I posted). As of today, we're still paying 600.00/kid for a January cruise (it's 300.00 in the cheapest cabin). Do you have any suggestions what to do should 3rd/4th passenger rates go down? Do we have to ask for an adjustment, and how likely are we to get it?
Dec 3rd, 2002, 06:51 AM
#25
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Ingrid - all of the adjustments we've received for 3rd and 4th passenger rates have been before final payment. If you still haven't made final payment, whomever you went thru to book the cruise should adjust your invoiced amount. If you've already made final payment, I would certainly still ask, but I have no experience so I don't know what the odds for success are.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 06:54 AM
#26
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Staying:<BR><BR>I'm sorry you lost your job; I hope your search for a new one is progressing well. Hopefully when you do find a job they'll let you take a week off to go cruising during your first few months of work.<BR><BR>Cruise lines price their fares based on the demand for each particular cruise, lowering prices if they have more cabins to move; raising prices when they have fewer. By the time the ships sail, they're almost always full or close to it.<BR><BR>There is absolutley nothing "greedy" about this practice--it's simply good business. Cruise lines try very hard not to book a cabin at $500 when someone is willing to pay $1,000 for the same space. By the same token, you wouldn't take a job at $10.00/hr if you could get a similar job for $20.00/hr--do you consider yourself "greedy" because of it?<BR><BR>All to often, people blame "greedy big business" for their problems, instead of appreciating what "big businesses" make possible--cruises, for example.<BR><BR>Cheers! <BR><BR>
Dec 3rd, 2002, 09:51 AM
#27
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I have to agree with Staying...I also think those BMW dealers are greedy too! I bought my 2000 325ic when my job was going well, now I want a 7 series but they have the nerve to charge over 75 grand for one! I mean shouldn't they discount in these times of hardship for those of us who deserve a new 745i? Who wants to pay 75 grand for a car? I think they should sell it for 9 dollars and make us all happy.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 11:19 AM
#28
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Staying Home -<BR>Lady, where do you think you and your husband made your wealth? Based on your comments, I assume it wasn't inherited which means it was made in the same capitalist society as the one in which the cruise lines make theirs. While I'm sure your money was "earned" the good old fashioned hard way, the cruise lines are just being greedy, and stealing money from poor people like you. Who is the greedy one lady? From my perspective, the fact that your husband is in business development means he is doing (philosophically)the exact same job as the folks who decide to set the fares on the very cruises you are wanting to take. Ask him tonight how his job is differnt than the ones deciding on the cruise lines fares...
Dec 5th, 2002, 10:08 PM
#34
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I have cruised on Silverseas, Holland America,Crystal, and Royal Caribbean. All of these on some kind of discount, but not gigantic, because we really enjoy having a veranda. I do a lot of research for any vacation and get good prices but like most things, you get what you pay for. I agree with the other posters -- its a free market economy--thank God-- and if you don't like the price then you don't buy it.
Dec 31st, 2002, 12:20 PM
#35
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<BR>Staying home, not being American, I can only assume that Presidents' week is a time when there are lots of folks looking for a one-week getaway, and hence the prices reflect the demand. If it's possible to take the kids out of school for a few days, why not try booking a couple of weeks after the fact, when the demand might be less?<BR><BR>I'm about to take my first cruise, and my husband and I are paying a fairly high price -- but we've been saving up for a long time and were prepared to pay extra for a balcony. Where I think my sticker shock is going to come from is all the add-ons -- beverages, shore excursions, etc. etc. etc. -- these things add up, particularly in Canadian dollars!<BR><BR>Good luck finding a relaxing vacation, and good luck with your work situations. <BR><BR>On a last note, it's my first time on these boards, and probably the last. I'm quite surprised at how quickly these degenerate into name-calling and spitefulness with very little useful information.<BR><BR>
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:51 PM
#37
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cruise lines are doing just fine. Cruises have increased business over 40 percent in the last ten to 15 years. People are realizing they are the best value for your money. I wouldn't go any other way. Should have booked earlier. Prices only go up on cruises then people go on the wait list.
Jan 7th, 2003, 05:45 AM
#38
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Just a thought - but if your kids are old enough and responsible enough - you can usually book an inside room across the hall from your room for $900 or less - AND get another bathroom. We did this last summer and are planning to do it again in March. The cruise lines require an adult in each room - so we booked the rooms that way. We found, however, that the cruise line didn't care and either did our room steward if we played musical rooms - as long as the kids (as I said) were old enough and responsible enough to be on their own. This summer we actually put four kids in a room (cousins). The third and fourth passenger rate did go down before we made final payment (from $600 to $400) and this was on an extremely elegant Celebrity European cruise. The service, food, and accomodations we received were worth every penny - if not more.
