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Peter (the travel agent) commented that one of the attractions of cruising used to be that wine in the restaurants and hard liquor in the bars was a bargain compared to land-based hotels. This was made possible because a) the cruise line bought all its liquor duty free and b) paid its staff third-world wages.
Somehow the prices for cruise ship drinks and wine have now climbed to the same level or higher than that found in deluxe hotels while conditions a and be remain unchanged. Simply put, liquor has become the means for the industry to boost profits.
Peter suggests that the time is near when some smart mass market cruise line will copy the Caribbean resort industry and include at least bar brand liquor and "vin ordinaire" in its base price. Frankly, I think he's on to something. I'd be interested in hearing what others think.
Would you be prepared to pay a little more to have your basic bar and wine bill covered on a cruise as is now done by many land-based resorts? Do you think Peter is right and some line (or portion thereof) might adopt this marketing strategy in the near future?
quote:Originally posted by lambcom:Peter suggests that the time is near when some smart mass market cruise line will copy the Caribbean resort industry and include at least bar brand liquor and "vin ordinaire" in its base price. Frankly, I think he's on to something. I'd be interested in hearing what others think.
That said, i have found the prices of drinks to be very low on Pacific Sky. In November 2002, prices for spirits were AUD$3.20, house wine (glass) AUD$2.50, Cocktails AUD$5.80, and Bottled Wine AUD$20-$40. THis is very reasonable compared to land based drinks in Australia, so i certainly still think its great value.
Also i am sure ive read that Silversea and other top-shelf cruise lines have an all inclusive policy, where all alcohol is included?
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