Demand for cruises have increased. The overall industry has served more passengers than it did during 2019, the year before the Covid pandemic.
Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) have both done incredibly well in 2024, posting record numbers and serving more customers than ever before.
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Increased demand, however, has led to higher prices. That's something that's true both with cruise fares and with all the add-ons passengers purchase.
Carnival Cruise Line has been clear about some price increases. It angered passengers when it increased the price of the Cheers beverage package and its various WiFi packages without any notice.
In the past, similar price increases were made after giving already-booked passengers a chance to lock in the old prices. By not doing that, the cruise line angered some of its most-loyal passengers.
Carnival Cruise Line has also raised prices on a number of onboard extras and passengers are letting Brand Ambassador John Heald hear about it.
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Image source: John Heald/Facebook
Carnival has raised a lot of prices
Tina Crowe, who identified herself as a "Carnival loyalist," wrote to Heald about her upcoming sailing,
"The price increases are getting excessive. I was just booking the Mardi Gras, and in 3 days, the Vacation Protection increased from $98 to $130. Bonsai Teppanyaki has now surpassed in price both Rudies and Fahrenheit 555 to $58 per person and that's not including the drink package and WIFI increases that just took place a couple of weeks ago. Not to mention, the base cruise fare has increased by 10-20% in the last few months," she wrote.
Crowe shared that the rising prices may impact how often she will sail with Carnival.
"We have been twice-a-year cruisers 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 are we supposed to take?" she added.
Heald was kind in his response, which attempted to provide some context for the price increases.
"Thank you, well, obviously, all of these things are important. They are important because it is onboard revenue that allows us to keep the price of the actual cruise so very affordable," Heald shared.
Basically, he suggested that Carnival has chosen to raise prices on add-ons in order to keep the price of its basic cruise fare down.
Carnival shares clear strategy
Heald shared the idea that many of the things Crowe listed are extras that aren't entirely necessary.
"Obviously these are also things that you don’t actually need but are there and remain massively popular and do book out each and every cruise. I will pass on your thoughts to my colleagues. And I do sincerely thank you for taking the time to let me know. If there is anything I can personally do before your next cruise please also let me know and I wish you nothing but happy days full of fun," he added.
Many passengers jumped in to defend the price increases.
"Unfortunately Tina prices are up on everything we purchase. My husband and I go out for burgers and fries. He has 2 beers, and I have a soda, and without the tip, we pay $55," shared Vicky McDonald-Traczyk. "Mind you, this is not a gourmet burger, simply a burger and some fries.
She believes that Carnival is justified in raising prices.
"Carnival doesn't have a choice but to raise prices. Believe me, I wish cruises were as cheap as when we started cruising 28 years ago, but I also understand why the cost has gone up, and I don't blame the cruise line for the increases. We always book our cruises 10-15 months in advance, which I think helps with keeping the cost down," she added.
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McDonald-Traczyk also defended Carnival for offering a good value.
"We will be on Carnival Celebration in a Havana Cabana balcony cabin, two people, and with taxes, port fees, prepaid gratuities for an 8-day cruise we paid $2500. We would not be able to go on an 8-day vacation, explore all the beautiful ports, eat as much food as we want, and enjoy shows and constant entertainment for this price. In our opinion, cruising is much cheaper, more enjoyable, and less stressful, as well as safer than traveling any other way," she posted.
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