The cruiselines are greedy...
Dec 1st, 2002, 01:09 PM
#1
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The cruiselines are greedy...
..and I'll tell you why. Because I lost my job a few months ago, and my husband's company is laying people off left and right, we could not plan a winter vacation this year.<BR><BR>I was watching CNN which reported what dire straights the cruiselines are in, especially now with the illnesses and the abundance of new ships. They said that there would be great deals on cruises. Since my husband does still have a good job we decided that if we found a good deal, we'd book a cruise for Presidents week with the kids. First of all there seem to be plenty of cabins available that week, but do you think they're discounted? Oh no, on the contrary, they are charging a premium because it's a holiday week, and are charging outrageous rates ($700, $800, $900 and up), for the third and fourth pasengers! Excuse me, but I thought the cruiselines were hurting? God knows the rest of us are. Times are tough, all kinds of businesses need to create customer incentives. The travel industry is no different.<BR><BR>The way I see it if they want to charge top dollar for a holiday week they deserve to sil with empty cabins and lose whatever revenue they might have gained by selling them off.<BR><BR>Give people a reason to travel, it isn't the 80's, we need one.
Dec 1st, 2002, 04:08 PM
#5
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They probably charged you extra because they knew how much you'd whine. I guess they'll e-mail you now and say how sorry they are they didn't reduce the prices.<BR><BR>How do you know there were plenty of cabins available? Why wouldn't they try to hold their prices during a popular week.<BR><BR>Oh...and so sorry you couldn't plan a winter vacation. Guess all those people who worked at your husband's coompany appreciate it.
Dec 1st, 2002, 05:03 PM
#6
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Last time I checked the US was a capitalist society, with supply and demand determining prices of everything from food to toys to cruises. Last month we voters confirmed resoundingly that that's the way we want it. Either you have money and can afford things, or you don't.
Dec 1st, 2002, 07:14 PM
#7
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They are greedy for trying to make a buck??? What about your grocery store? <BR>The local Walmart? Do they lower their prices for you because you say you can't afford what they have? NOT.<BR>If you can't pay for a cruise or better yet, if you feel you are ripped off on the price, then stay the hell away and forget it. DUH
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:17 AM
#8
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Actually yes. Walmart is lowering it's prices to generate business, as are many other businesses. Don't you people read the economic news?<BR><BR>Bottom line is, I won't care either. I'm not stupid enough to pay top dollar just because the cruiseline is holding out for the suckers willing to fork over a premium in tough economic times. All industries are discounting - cars, clothers, electronics,etc. Travel industry needs to do the same.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 11:18 AM
#11
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Okay. If whomever is running the cruiselines had any sense, they'd realize that they better start disounting even the holiday sailings with all the viruses going around. <BR><BR>Who in their right mind is going to pay $800 or $900 a week for a third and fourth person in a cabin? Not me, that's for sure.<BR><BR>And we'll see who's unrealistic Grumpy. How much do you want to bet those prices for President's week do come down? Anyone who pays big bucks to book a cruise right now is dumb as dumb can be.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 11:50 AM
#13
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Have a little patience and be willing to check a variety of travel sources regulary.....you may be pleasantly surprised. When we decide to cruise, fly, take a vacation or just spend a few nights away from home, we check several websites DAILY. Depending on the trip, we may also check with a travel agent to get ballpark figures. Travel deals are e-mailed to me almost every day and I take the time to read them. We NEVER pay full price for anything and often find great deals just by doing a litle research and constant checking. We just got back from a 7 day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Sea Princess. We had a balcony cabin for $888 per person during a peak time (Thanksgiving week). We got one of our plane tickets FREE and the other was $50 off (using credit card miles). Our next trip is to Vegas for 5 nights over Christmas. We will fly first class RT for FREE (using FF miles) and will stay at Paris for only $59 per night. There are ALWAYS bargains to be had, you just have to be patient!
Dec 2nd, 2002, 12:04 PM
#15
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Boy some of you people are really something, you know that? I love all this compassion for those with uncertain economic futures, it must be wonderful to be financially secure yet so arrogant that you can tell those who can't afford it to just stay home. What nice guys some of you are!<BR><BR>First of all, we can't plan a vacation because as I said, I lost my job, and my husband's job is on shaky ground. The only way we are going anywhere is if I find a great deal. I don't think I'm the only person in that situation these days. If you feel the travel industry is in a position to charge top dollar, then you have blinders on or are just in denial. <BR><BR>Businesses should not do what I want. They should do what they have to do to stay in business, and right now that means cutting prices. Let the ships sail with empty cabins, I'll book a last minute trip to the caribbean, there are plenty of those to be found.<BR><BR>And Lenore, thank you for your help. I will check everyday. I know that there are deals to be had for those who wait, especially in the next few months.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 12:53 PM
#17
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Grumpy - you're wrong about the third and fourth passengers - my daughters third and fourth rates have gone from $499 apiece at original booking rates down to port charges only ($179) by the time final payment was made. And this was not a one time phenomenon.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 03:44 PM
#19
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stayingathome... i agree w/ a few people here that if you're compaining that much about forking over the dough.. then STAY HOME!!! I'm sure the crusie staff would much rather have an empty cabin than you in it and wind up getting stiffed for a tip on top of it all after waiting on you all week!!! and with such a "uncertain ecomical future" maybe you should be banking it so when the time comes you have the money to feed your family and pay your bills.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:21 PM
#20
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Stay at home, you are more greedy than the cruise lines, as it seems you are looking to take a family on a cruise for next to nothing. If you had a free cruise, you would probably find somthing to complain about.<BR>Better for you and the cruise lines to stay home.
