Cruise Talk: Prices of European Cruises

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Topic: Prices of European Cruises

Panos
First Class Passenger
Member # 1022

posted 03-05-2011 10:49 AM

Hi there.

Having cruised the Caribbean 3 times we thought of staying at Europe this year and take a 7day cruise of the Western Mediterranean on RCCL in August.

What was a surprise to us is that despite RCCL having 9-10 ships in Europe this year, the prices are much higher than those of Caribbean cruises on a similar ships and same category.

Is this normal? Such a bog difference (800euros for Balcony in Caribbean - at least 1200euros in Europe) for a 7 day cruise.

Also, I was wondering if prices fluctuate and when is the best time to make a booking.

Thanks in advance.

Posts: 443 | From: Cyprus | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 03-05-2011 11:19 AM

Operating costs are much higher in Europe than out of the U.S., for such basics as fuel oil and food. That translates into higher cruise fares, at least for the US-based companies like Royal Caribbean. You'd have to compare their rates to a local cruise line like MSC or Louis, and I would bet RCI would still come up with a better fare, and offer much more on their ships, as well.

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

Frosty 4
First Class Passenger
Member # 5826

posted 03-05-2011 12:36 PM

Aren't cruise prices always higher for those that live in Europe? Then you have the VAT.
The Western Med cruise was the most hectic cruise ever. Too much to see and shore excursions were tiring lasting all day with a LOT of walking. Buses can't make it through the narrow streets so they drop you off and meet you on the other side of town. For US cruisers this is expensive as well.
Frosty4

Posts: 2531 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-05-2011 06:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Panos:
What was a surprise to us is that despite RCCL having 9-10 ships in Europe this year, the prices are much higher than those of Caribbean cruises on a similar ships and same category.

Unfortunately this is VERY normal. Brits and Europeans are used to paying through the nose for most things including cruises.

If it is any consolation you would get to visit some fascinating ports rather than a series of near identical beaches and palm trees.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Panos
First Class Passenger
Member # 1022

posted 03-07-2011 06:05 AM

I have completely underestimated the operational costs and thought that the higher prices only reflected the demand for European cruises.

I take it that prices won't fluctuate so we shall be making a booking very soon.

Thanks.

Posts: 443 | From: Cyprus | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

haco
First Class Passenger
Member # 11810

posted 03-07-2011 11:18 AM

There is great frustration in Europe that cruise prices are usually much higher than in the U.S.. In most cases it is not possible for Europeans to book cruises in the U.S. It has nothing to do with higher costs for ships they are more or less the same. More likely with provisions for the many cruise agents in Europe and the margins of the cruise lines. Why do you think so many cruise ships during the summer are located in Europe?

Rgds
Haco-nedcruise

Posts: 42 | From: The Netherlands | Registered: Nov 2007 | IP: Logged

Kevin Griffin, London
First Class Passenger
Member # 6010

posted 03-07-2011 01:22 PM

Pullmantur have some excellent fares, really inexpensive and they include drinks on board as well. Your best bet, and owned by Royal Caribbean.

Posts: 148 | From: London, England | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged

Kevin Griffin, London
First Class Passenger
Member # 6010

posted 03-07-2011 01:24 PM

PS: Pullmantur operate in the Baltic as well as out of Venice and Piraeus so it's not just Barcelona on offer here.

Posts: 148 | From: London, England | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged

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