I am a firm believer in the saying ‘You get what you pay for’. In my opinion this applies to most aspects of life including cruise holidays. However certain people are of the view that when on a cruise holiday you should keep your hard earned cash firmly in your wallet and beware of the evil corporate cruise machine trying to trick you into spending money you shouldn’t have to.
I came across this article by award winning writer and ‘cruise expert’ Sara Macefield of the Daily Telegraph and quite frankly have never read so much rubbish in my life.
Sara Macefield, ‘cruise expert’ writes,
‘As fierce competition pushes the basic price of cruises lower, cruise lines are increasingly finding ways to tempt customers to part with more money once they step on board their ships. The rise of the speciality restaurant is one of the main routes cruise companies use to boost on-board takings. Commonly, the charges average between £16 and £23 per person, though once you add wine and menu supplements you can end up signing off a bill for two of £70. The most obvious way to avoid such extras is to stick to the main dining room and self-service buffet.’
Really?…….Of course, why would anyone want to treat themselves once in a while on holiday? Why on earth would you want to spend an evening in a four or five star, beautifully designed quality dining establishment, offering impeccable service and menu’s crafted by some of the worlds most celebrated chefs – when you can avoid such ‘unnecassary extra’s’ by staying put in the self service buffet…..
Speciality restaurants from £16 per person?…… I’ve spent more in Burger King!
She sounds like a right bundle of joy to go on holiday with, god forbid anyone should want to pay for dinner once in a while. Another pearl of wisdom from Sara Macefield, ‘cruise expert’ is,
‘Companies such as P & O Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer wine packages that can work out cheaper if you drink enough to make them cost-effective. Keep an eye out for happy hours or special-rate drinks of the day, but beware waiters proffering trays of tempting cocktails at sail-away parties – there’s often a price to pay.’
Pay for a speciality cocktail when celebrating a special occasion perhaps? Are you mad?….. Just follow Sara’s advice and get paralytic by drinking enough of the wine package to make it ‘cost-effective’. That is of course until you are faced with the medical bills for repairing your broken bones after the drunken stupor you collapsed down the stairs in.
I know economic times are tough for all of us but Sara’s idea of going on holiday to save money is ludicrous. If the thought of actually paying for dinner or buying a drink is a concern for her I think maybe it’s best she stays at home.
I’d be interested to know what you think. Are you one of those people like Sara who once the holiday is paid for that’s it, any further expenditure is a complete no-no. Or like me are you happy to embrace a few new experiences and live a little even if it can cost upwards of £16!
All comments greatly appreciated.