I have been asked this question almost on a daily basis recently. Which is usually followed by, ‘I only paid £xx last year’, or ‘The last time we did this cruise in 2015 it only cost £xxx’
People seem genuinely perplexed as to why the price of a cruise has increased year on year.
I think if you look at what has happened around the world, even in the last 12 months, apart from the stock markets, currency fluctuations etc, this may give you an indication as to part of the reason why.
Lets see now…
Hurricanes IRMA & MARIA devastated large areas of the Caribbean, resulting in port closures in the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, St Martin, St John and St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St Barts and Barbuda, which were among the islands that faced the most extensive damage. Ports in Florida including Miami, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and Dominican Republic were closed, which resulted in cancelled cruises, re-routing of cruises to ports of call unaffected by the Hurricanes. Ships which were forced to remain at sea incurred extra expenses without any new revenue. Other ships were re-deployed to assist in the rescue of stranded victims of the devastation.
Because ships almost always sail at capacity, lost revenue from missed voyages is very difficult to recover. So what steps do you think the cruise lines would take to recover their losses?
We also had the Typhoon Talim in Japan, causing death, destruction on land, as well as disrupting cruise ships at sea.
The Diamond Princess for example paid out compensation to passengers for the delays caused.
Also, look how many new ships have been built, are in the process of being built, re-furbished etc.
We have the CELEBRITY EDGE, Royal Caribbean’s SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS, SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS, Azamara PURSUIT, CUNARD, due to be launched in 2022, CARNIVAL HORIZON, NORWEGIAN BLISS, MSC SEAVIEW etc etc. With more ships in the pipeline for 2019-2020.
Symphony of the Seas
Where do you think the money is coming from to pay for these? How would you try to recoup your losses? That’s what I think, but would be interested in what your opinion is?
However….. The cruise lines are trying to balance the effects of these tumultuous events of 2017 with some great offers for you!
Royal Caribbean & Celebrity currently have a fantastic Buy One Get One Half Off, with a drinks package included. NCL are offering the all inclusive drinks and prepaid gratuities with extra Speciality Dining package and on board spend… and lots lots more bargains are out there!
So dont despair! There are loads of good deals around, bargains to be had, and fantastic cruises to be enjoyed in the coming months!
Click here for all your 2018 cruises in one place!