Demand for cruise ships increased. The industry as a whole is serving more passengers than in 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
royal caribbean (RCL) and Carnival Cruise Lines (copper clad laminate) Both companies delivered incredibly strong results in 2024, setting record numbers and serving more customers than ever before.
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However, increased demand has led to higher prices. This is true both for the cruise fare and for all the extras purchased by passengers.
Carnival Cruise Line has made it clear it will be making some price increases. The prices of Cheers drink packages and various WiFi packages were increased without any notice, angering passengers.
In the past, similar price increases have followed giving already-booked passengers a chance to lock in the old price. By not doing so, cruise lines have angered some of their most loyal passengers.
Carnival Cruise Line is also raising prices on some onboard extras, and passengers are asking brand ambassador John Heard about it.
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Photo credit&col;John Heald/Facebook
Carnival prices increase a lot
Tina Crowe, a self-described “Carnival devotee,” wrote to Heard about her upcoming cruise,
“The prices have gone up so much. I just booked for Mardi Gras and within three days the vacation cover went from $98 to $130. Bonsai Teppanyaki prices are now over Rudies and Fahrenheit at $555 per person $58, and that doesn’t include the beverage package and WiFi price increases that just happened a few weeks ago, not to mention the 10-20% increase in base cruise fares over the past few months,” she wrote.
Crowe said the price increase may affect how often she takes Carnival cruises.
“We cruise twice a year and were hoping to add a third this year, but instead we may have to cut back to once a year or less. How much more should we take?” she added.
Heard responded kindly, trying to provide some context for the price increase.
“Thank you, obviously, all of those things are important. They’re important because the onboard revenue allows us to keep the price of the actual cruise very affordable,” Heard shared.
Basically, he suggested that Carnival opts to raise the price of add-ons to drive down the price of the base cruise fare.
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Carnival shares clear strategy
Hield also believes many of the things Crow listed are extras and not entirely necessary.
“Obviously, these are also things that you don’t actually need, but are still around and are still very popular and do get booked on every cruise. I will pass your thoughts on to my colleagues. I sincerely thank you for your time Come and let me know if there is anything I can do before your next cruise, I wish you nothing but happy days and lots of fun.
Many passengers have come out to defend the fare increase.
“Unfortunately, everything Tina bought has gone up in price. My husband and I went out for burgers and fries. He had two beers and I had a soda, and without a tip we had to Pay $55,” shared Vicky McDonald-Traczyk. “Please note, this is not a gourmet burger, just a burger and some fries.
She thinks Carnival’s price increase is justified.
“Carnival has no choice but to raise prices. Believe me, I wish cruises were as cheap as they were when we started cruising 28 years ago, but I also understand why costs have gone up and I don’t blame cruise lines as we are always 10-15 ahead Book cruises every month, which I think helps keep costs down.
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McDonald-Traczyk also defended the Carnival as offering good value.
“We will be attending the Mardi Gras festivities in a balcony cabana in Havana for two people, plus tax, port fees, and prepaid tips for an 8-day cruise, which we paid $2,500 for. We will not be able to enjoy our 8-day vacation in order to For this price explore all the beautiful ports, eat as much food as you can, and enjoy the shows and constant entertainment. In our opinion, a cruise is cheaper, more enjoyable, less stressful, and safer than any other way to travel.
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