HUGE CUTS, PRICE HIKES and FEES - Are Cruise Lines now Budget Airlines?

[@jturie]

Please send a copy of this video to every cruise line's CEO. Spot on.

[@johnrobinson1020]

Yes and then stop doing what the cruise lines are doing by asking you to pay money to become a Patreon so you will get privileged videos. He is a hypocrite. He wants extra money to upgrade his product exactly like the cruise lines.

[@jturie]

@@johnrobinson1020 yeah, not a fan of Patreon. Creates an "us" vs. "them" split. No thanks.

[@jwesley235]

Just did my first cruise ever last month, on Carnival. It felt like being on the Spirit Airlines of cruises where everything was available for an upcharge.

[@Miss_Cali]

I could never book with Carnival. My first cruise was NCL the second will be with Virgin Voyages

[@vincentsantoiemma5501]

The only way to get better services is for all passengers to make a concentrated effort to NOT cruise. We canceled 2 cruises because these exact issues. We have been cruising for many years but as of the last few years they are less enjoyable. We feel that we have been getting a lot less for a lot more money!! I despise when I feel like we are being taken advantage of.

[@williamwatson689]

Just canceled an Alaska June cruise on Holland made in April. Why, airline flight times from the southeast are so inconvenient and getting worse. Cutbacks on Holland and others have removed the benefits and enjoyment. Just not worth it.

[@pamhuskinson1402]

100% in agreement with you!

[@DebPeterson-rq4xv]

Pay more, get less! We're sick of it! Our income isn't increasing at the rate that the cost is going up...

[@ofallnames]

Deb…….its a cruise. Some of us are fighting price gouging on essentials meanwhile no one is here for deb

[@cathyk9700]

Excellent summary Ben. I like that you and David pay for your own cruises so that you are not be beholden to the corporations when you write your reviews.

[@whiskeytango5680]

Sometimes they do go on cruiseline-sponsored cruises.

[@williamwatson689]

After 23 cruises, we have stopped cruising. Just too many cutbacks in food quality, stateroom cleaning, entertainment, and bar service. Plus, you are held hostage under the cruise contract.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Sounds exactly like the story of Disney. We were annual pass holders, but after Covid, the services and experience went down as the prices went WAY up. We stopped going.

[@ReuvenGoldstein1]

which lines did you sail? I really don't think Celebrity has gone that downhill to warrant this reaction.

[@gilkay1]

As a 50+ cruiser, we are switching to Saga cruises, because everything is included. Yes, the upfront cost is more expensive, but once you are on the ship there are no extra costs. Brilliant!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Oh Ben. Definitely remember when the buffet & MDR with midnight buffets were the highlight. And room service was complimentary. Only payed for drinks and $59 excursions back in the early 90’s. Not $500 - $2000 excursions 😂. It truly is no longer an all inclusive experience. Nickel & dime indeed.

[@peterhatfield]

Even Cunard have let the accountants nibble away at the "White Star" service.

[@Aspencreek-ID]

Even if the amount works out the same, I’m FAR happier with one set lump fee vs lower ticket cost but non-stop upcharges making me question every little purchase.

[@brandonthailand2062]

Cruising is a luxury. It is the first thing to go when people are on a budget.

[@blargblarg5657]

Dear fellow cruisers, So long as cruises are selling out this will not stop and will only get worse until it literally breaks cruising. Sincerely, A gamer that watched it happen to gaming

[@dlgregory35]

Who says cruises are selling out? We only know what the cruise lines tell us. If you read comments here many people have stopped cruising. I am in Australia and this is summer holiday times but inundated with cruise offers and so-called sales so obviously not filling ships. Luxury ones even worse have a look at some so-called luxury or ultra luxury cruise ships they are far from filled to capacity.

[@atlkathy]

Ben, you're spot on! Cruise lines are crafting strategies to nickel and dime/fleece for every penny. I love cruising, but this behavior has me reconsidering going to a land-based all-inclusive instead of a cruise. Thanks for sharing-this is super helpful for cruise newbies!

[@drewski-qu3co]

I'm a long time cruiser. Back in the 80's and 90's food and entertainment was substandard but expected because of how cheap it was to cruise. In the 2000's through teens the food and entertainment got better and the price increased slightly but it was worth it. Present day the price is high and the food and entertainment are back to the standard of the 80's and 90's.

[@ViscountCharles]

Gratuities added to the bill is a nasty way of (i) adding hidden costs, and (ii) paying their staff too little, making up that low pay with tips. And because it's endemic in the American hospitality industry it's an easy add for them :(

[@blargblarg5657]

Unpopular opinion. Remove tips day one. If everybody did this today it would stop in a month. Too much guilt tripping and not enough putting the blame where it belongs.

[@sharonharms2737]

Right on.this spring will be our last…5 star HAL..too bad it’s lost everything it used to be

[@lolal1026]

When cruiselines are reporting big profits, definitely who's pocketing the $$$ Nickle & diming passengers for a lot less product

[@Carkebe]

I noticed this on Celebrity; Cafe al Bacio had a staff of two to serve a ship of 4,000 passengers. Even waiting for a baked treat took upwards of 15 minutes at times, usually because the staff were making complicated UPCHARGE drinks for guests. The bars weren't much better. I probably waited well over half an hour in line AT the bar on embarkation day to grab a beer.

[@gabrielladiaz6933]

Which ship was it? Was looking at celebrity cruise lines for me and my husband maybe it could be the ship your on?! Any feed back will help me a lot thank you

[@terryk1260]

After four cruises in 18 months, I’m checking out all-inclusive resort vacations. The excess pricing has me exhausted - literally and financially!

[@davidedwards5920]

100% agree with you Ben, I’ve been cruising for about 10 years and mainly with RCCL but last year was our last and have gone back to AI hotel holidays this year and for the foreseeable future.

[@TheNoeticSkeptic702]

It is harder and harder for me to justify cruising as a solo cruiser. I have found that the "FREE" Wi-Fi, Drinks, and Specialty Meals can be negotiated away for a lower fare, so they were never really "FREE." Speaking of Cruise Add Ons, it is also happening in places like Cruise Vloggers who are charging for additional videos, and other specialty fare, just like Budget Airlines. For this video at least, you should have forgone the upsell sales pitch because you are doing exactly what you are berating the cruise lines of doing.

[@neonblowfish]

everyone take one year off of cruising! Then watch what happens to prices. Everyone complains about prices and continues to go on a cruise. Does no one see the flaw in the logic here?

[@Mojo9106]

Year long boycott or more if necessary until the powers that be get the message

[@gradePhixsius]

@@Mojo9106 Or go on really worth-it cruises, like Virgin, Celebrity or Disney. Yes, they are Expensive, but if one calculates the basic price plus the gratuities and extras, you are probably around the same price.

[@happycruiser]

We have been fortunate with Celebrity. The only service shortage we noticed was in the main dining room. Almost need to beg for a second glasss of water. Our room was clean, food good, and there is not a lot of up charging. I still find cruising to be a better value than staying ashore, even all inclusives these days (according to some of my friends) have horrid service and are quite expensive if you want any quality of a stay.

[@markw639]

We are suspending/ canceling our future cruises until further notice. Way too many cuts. But as long as ships are sailing at capacity there’s no reason for the lines to change

[@AniaKeis]

I do agree! After coming back from our last cruise our next one is Explora - yes more expensive but no hidden costs!!!!

[@tamipaskins4849]

Great post. I don't mind paying more but what I do mind is getting less. Less service less food quality and less entertainment. They should at the very least keep it the same quality as before.

[@tonyintrevado8960]

Good reporting here. I've been cruising for almost 25 years and am rethinking it. Can appreciate the difficulties they encountered with Covid and have share holders to please BUT why bite the hand that feeds them and keep paying executives ridiculous salaries.

[@pullcarsmelly8051]

My sister and brother in law sailed on NCL to Alaska 6 months ago. Both came back with covid. I just got off of a celebrity cruise to the ABC islands and 2 of my family members also tested positive for covid. lack of crew and declining cleanliness standards are definitely impacting things.

[@SamSitar]

corporate greed needs to stop.

[@rickreid8572]

'tested positive'....lol

[@pullcarsmelly8051]

@rickreid8572 you find that amusing? "lol"

[@rickreid8572]

@@pullcarsmelly8051 why would anyone sane test themselves for 'covid' lol in 2025

[@allenellzey5735]

People have stopped washing their hands regularly, which is what i have noticed. Cruise lines are now removing the hand sanitizer stations I think mainly because people stopped using them. I am not a germ a pobe but dang people you are on a ship with thousands of people, wash you hands please.

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Great post and vey accurate I don’t sail on the main stream cruise lines-I like smaller ships. Did two last year and serious budget cuts, and quality food/produce of food - very noticeable and a lot more expensive

[@markochkie752]

Just came back from an NCL cruise, ( The Epic ) & you hit the nail on the head. 100% correct sir.

[@NamyDoesCruising]

We love the fact that Disney provides a breakdown, at least you know where your money is going.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Hey, Feels just like a story about Disney!!!!

[@ddc163264]

Cruise lines better be careful. They risk, losing the very customers that they have attracted. The difference between them and "budget airlines" is that the airlines are JUST transportation. In some cases NEEDED transport. Cruise lines AREN'T. They are a VACATION option! So you tick off, the people who HAVE those options and they WILL go elsewhere! They'll take those budget airlines to all-inclusive resorts. Especially as more and more locations are becoming "cruise hostile". Barcelona, Mexico, Nordic countries, etc., just to name a few. Are all either limiting or outright banning cruise ships all together. Even charging extra to come there.

[@paulinelinton3382]

you are spot on! I am cruising less.

[@travelwithdands]

We enjoyed cruising during it's hey-day. We've done several since covid and it's not the same. We're doing more land trips or specialty cruises (example we sailed in Norway on Havila last year). we are gradually shifting away from mainline cruises.

[@TeresaWilliams-f2e]

Maybe don't build so many ships, fix the ones you have.

[@dean4793]

I'm usually loyal to Royal, though after going on Disney I must say it was a nice change to have great food, great service and no up-selling

[@susanbentley9055]

I agree with everything you have said Ben. Being seasoned cruisers that have cruised for many years we have seen lots of changes, most notably for the better. The prices now are so expensive and yet they are launching so many new ship how are they going to fill them all. The service on many of them has dropped considerably as has the standard of the food. We are beginning to wonder if we should find an alternative holiday experience which is such a shame as we love the traditional way of cruising x

[@GeoffreyklGeoffreykl]

Great video Ben. Exactly what is happening now.

[@Jodster223]

I'm an avid cruiser. Appreciate all you do for our enjoyment.

[@fiestygurlizme]

My last cruise was excellent in all areas. But I was on a small ship (649 passengers), on a cruise line that has 4 ships.

[@pamelamays4186]

Staff. Over worked, under paid and under appreciated.

[@johnrobinson1020]

How strange is that? twelve-plus minutes raving about upselling by cruise lines and how awful it is and at the end of the video encourages viewers to "upgrade " and become a patron and you will receive extra content that the normal viewer doesn't get. (of course, you have to pay for the privilege of being a patron) Now I admit, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but surely isn't that "upselling" ?exactly what he has been complaining about? He spent 12 minutes condemning this practice. and then tells us if you want something more, you have to pay for it. What a hypocrite.

[@SpareGiraffe]

It would be nice to see a cruise line adopt a true all-inclusive model similar to popular resorts in central and south america.

[@ronniekrogh4943]

Look at Azamara. They do well on this. Internet to be paid but beside that all incl. All you have to do, enjoy

[@404goldie7]

This may be an anomaly but I cruised on Independence of the Seas three times recently, and they almost had too much crew....there were so many in the dining room and public areas that often they would congregate and not really pay attention. The cabin stewards were stretched to the limit however. But each time, they did a great job. For me the fact that the ships are packed to capacity is more of a drawback.

[@francesgill8621]

Switching to smaller ships resolves these problems. Of course it costs a little more.

[@lindakowalski8687]

Most crew don’t smile or seem happy. Crew just try to get through the day. So sad.

[@brandonthailand2062]

I will likely do a land tour in New Zealand,partly do to the nickel and dimeing.

[@AprilHines-t6x]

💯We just got off Anthem of the Seas where we were harassed on the first night by half a dozen crew to book specialty dining whilst we were eating- ruined our first meal as they were so insistent. Crew morale did seem low- more people upselling specialty dining than behind the bar. It took 20mins to order a drink. There was the odd exception but generally the feeling was very mid. A port was cancelled (Nha Trang, Vietnam due to repairs that I feel Royal knew about…) with no compensation but another day at sea to spend more money on the ship…$49USD for bingo! $10USD tables in the casino…what happened to $5? As long as people keep paying these ridiculous prices nothing will change. We enjoyed the cruise more than our precovid experiences on Carnival and P&O but we will be looking at a more inclusive experience if we ever cruise again.

[@mrbaker1739]

Just booked on Carnival and the drinks package is more expensive than the cruise

[@Metromulchers]

So if cruising isn’t the value that it once was, what does one do now? All inclusive resorts?

[@karlahart_AK]

Book a hotel in a place that interests you and have time to enjoy all that the destination has to offer. Go out to meals and drinks wherever strikes your fancy. Lounge by the hotel pool, if lounging by the cruise ship pool is your thing. There are so many alternatives that are better in every way.

[@ellenstefura1763]

The probllem is cruiseing will never come back like it was. They realize they can give us less and we keep coming. So untill we stop cruising it will stay this way. And I am guilty of keep on cruising. But I am looking at all lines when I cruise now.

[@marias902]

How many of all these ridiculous costs are more a result of building new billion dollar ships? As people get more frustrated with paying for so many extras, they will cruise less. So who will be filling up these 7,000+ passenger ships?! We now cruise on the premium lines, with maybe 85-90% of these things all included. They also have maintained the “old” level of personal service and friendliness of crew members.

[@MichaelandDylan22]

Sadly it's one of those 'if we get away with it, we'll keep it this way' With more people then ever cruising they wouldn't see the negative side to it. It will take a downturn in cruising which also means they will just cut it more. They have all become too money hungry IMO,

[@_Ekaros]

At least the budget air lines are budget that is cheap. I am looking at prices on these lines and noping right out, specially as I am asked to pay double...

[@tf51d]

If you pay it they'll charge it. So complaining about it is like complaining about spilt milk! It will only keep getting worse until people say enough. I think this trend at this level started when Bob Iger took over Disney. from 2005 he raised ticket prices and all other resort rates and food on property at a much higher rate then before . and we see the same thing People complain about the higher prices with less service, yet they still came. Other companies like cruise lines saw this and saw it worked, and has adopted this practice themselves!!

[@catherineklein1808]

Some of this is why we cruise DCL only!

[@utterlee]

It looks like the enshitification of everything has reached cruising, what a shame. Surely this is going to put customers off and harm business eventually?

[@pcyopick]

More reason to sail Virgin Voyages

[@Tee55118]

Yes. Just got off Scarlet Lady. Included wifi and gratuities and fine dining. Crew told me that they were happy and would only work for Virgin and for no cruise line at all.

[@alexandrahall2012]

I have noticed a steady incline in dining out , even at fast food! $20 for a single meal at McDonald's is normal now. I do think cruising is still a good value as far as travel goes. Since I previously traveled on road trips, hotels, dining , and fuel charges have all gone insane since covid. I do think though that the C-Suite of the cruise lines could do for a pay cut and bring back some of the staff as the shows need to come back! Entertainment is one of things you pay for and a good cruise director is one thing you don't want to skimp on. In fact, being in the service industry- they need to remember that the money only comes in if they actually provide a service. Things that don't touch or affect a customer may not be needed, do you really need a company jet? NO. Do you need to hire 4 more bartenders and 10 more cleaning crew? YES. Do you need to refurbish the board room? NO , do you need to repaint the pool deck? YES. Does every executive need a big bonus? No, do you need to update your network servers? YES. all the "Yes's" directly touch the customer. Spend money on that.

[@sergioortega7640]

We are old timers in cruising we were on the carnival when they were only two ships and all the cruise ships were SS not MS all steam powered with oil boilers many of the lines we were on over the years are no longer in business. we used to cruise several times a year but lately we just don't feel right on these new floating overcrowded mega ships. don't get me wrong i still love to cruise with the wife. But it feels less and Less like a getaway and more like a trip on the Mall. As you mentioned the food has been going down hill for quite some time now, Port time is a Joke. Remember when you were in port for at least one day to enjoy the ports of call Now just a few Hours with very little time to explore and forcing you to Buy onboard excursions at a premium cost. The last few cruises were Not as Enjoyable as the old smaller ships with smaller crowds and better attention from the crews. we no longer take several cruises per year as we once had and the experience is Not as Good.

[@francesgill8621]

Cruiselines are not nonprofits so what can you expect?

[@InsideCruise]

Better value for money, the same level of product and service we had a few years ago, more transparency. Not asking for much.

[@sharonharms2737]

Mass marketing, slave labor, and gouge the guests everywhere they can

[@nightaloryt5653]

I disagree I just got off the Disney treasure and almost everything on board is free

[@coachab100]

Glad my next cruise is on Virgin. Better food, gratuities included, wifi included, etc.

[@dlgregory35]

You mention lack of service and gratuities. If you take a 4,000-passenger ship and it is full as they would have you believe, and assuming a 30-day month those 4,000 passengers paying $20 per day for a 30-day month are giving the cruise lines $2.4 million each month and over a year that is $25.8 million. Then on top of that an 18% charge on anything and everything bought on the ship, which must get somewhere as near as the same amount as the gratuities. What is this 18% even for? Does not stop there either everything the cruise lines buy for their ships is duty and tax free anyway but they charge far more than retail stores or shops on land. Why is this? Pur greed and we are all stupid enough not to realise how we are all being ripped off. Do not also forget they do not even pay taxes in the US etc. Greed just utter greed. As for giving any of this to the crew who they are cutting back on, does anybody really believe the cruise lines will give their crew any part of these huge amounts of money. Simply ask the crew if they get it, we pay the cruise lines who knows who they give all that money to. Themselves probably.

[@pamhuskinson1402]

Trying to recoup costs is a lame excuse when they are spending billions on new and giant ships. Cinch your belts like the rest of us. We may be done after this next cruise because of their lowered standards. I don’t mind paying more for better service, but I DO mind paying hard-earned money for less service and bad food.

[@fw7993]

😐

[@petebell3060]

We have been cruising for over 30 years , the value of cruising is better overall than 30 years ago ( taking into account inflation) We don’t drink alcohol, but are given 14 free drinks , that we exchange for bottled water, I don’t like paying for things we don’t use. A few extra cash tips covers a lot of extras . We currently only sail out of SFO , and the prices are very good . Just our experience with cruising 😎

[@Tee55118]

Exactly. I don't drink. I prefer water. I don't like specialty restaurants. I want the same table and crew every night. Also, I am vegetarian: don't care about steak and lobster. What I do want are crew that take care of me. I don't like staffing cuts in these client-facing areas.

[@colinmacdowell1629]

Even with all of the changes, cruising is till the preferred vacation for this guy and his family. Everything nowadays is more cost combined with less service.

[@dlgregory35]

After the pandemic? No way it all started to happen when Carnival and other US owners took over European lines such as Cunard , P&O, HAL and so on. The greed was there right from the start and gradually got worse but did accelerate after covid.

[@Tee55118]

CCl saved those bankrupt cruise lines from the graveyard.

[@gregmalloy9425]

Nickel and dime us back to land vacations

[@UnknownMale565]

DO NOT CRUISE

[@richardparmenter188]

We did our first cruise in 2021. Since then we have done 10 more and have 5 booked for this year. (Sorry kids, your inheritance has been spent) We can see the difference from our first to our tenth so I can only imagine what we missed out on pre covid

[@DavidWong-q5f]

I actually dont like room service. I dont know if its because im always worried my stuff will get stolen, but we always tidy up a bit in the morning ourselves anyways and its good enough. We reuse our towels at least once and will just ask for fresh towels as needed. My parents are the same. They literally tell them no room service when they first meet. My attending staff had to try so hard to convince us and my parents to let him clean the room at least once that We finally let him do it. The elephant he made out of towels was very cute tho.

[@Tee55118]

I'm the same way: Day one, I work out a daily schedule with the room steward so he doesn't get into trouble, and I tip him. And I told him that the elephant was cute, but that one was enough, and please don't make any more.

[@freeagent8225]

I don't complain, I am healthy and have the $. Cruising attracts the most vocal complainers.

[@LadyAuld]

Yeah I’m first at last.

[@vicki8042]

but you added nothing to the conversation

[@LadyAuld]

@ and you have????

[@Cruisecraver]

Don’t agree at all. I’ve been cruising 45 yrs all lines. Anyone who travels in suites must be treated VIP over inside & balconies. None of our business how they divide tips. Only cheap people adjust tips if service not up to par choose another line. Price increases are on par with the world hopefully this keeps low class low budget people from cruising & fighting on cruises.

[@whiskeytango5680]

Aren't you high and mighty!

[@InsideCruise]

It totally is our business - you throw money away all you want! I want to know who my money goes to.