OK; so the travel writer is cheap!

Many friends and clients have commented on the preceding post and agree that this woman is a moron. But many cruise lines have created their own monsters by getting caught up in "commodity pricing". Take one of our favorite lines, Holland America, for example. Holland America is a "premium" line that has maintained a tradition of excellence over the years. So why do they feel that they need to advertise a 7-day premium cruise "from" (that ubiquitous term!) $699? That only attracts people like the afore-mentioned that expect all-inclusive luxury for $40 per person/per day. The real price of that $699 cruise (that's a minimum inside cabin) with taxes and port fees is going to be more like $950. And when you upgrade to an Oceanview Cabin - and you know you will - you are at $1,299 and up. And that's a bargain! OK; now you're going to pay extra for the things listed in the previous post. But, it's still a bargain! Do the math and anyone can see that the end price for what you receive is quite low.

Our agency has cost comparisons between a premium cruise and a similar all-inclusive land vacation that proves the value of a cruise. (And, by the way, we don't really care whether we sell you a $1,500 beach vacation or a $1,500 cruise. We do care that we led you to the right choice!)

My message to premium lines like Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity: Don't try to compete with standard class lines on price. Hold your heads high and announce that your product is worth more than the standard class lines - and quit charging extra for soft drinks!


Dick