WHEN WILL THE CRUISING BUBBLE BURST

[@whopaul]

Prices on cruise lines have been up, up and up, and they're giving us less and less for our money.

[@reneebottomlee9776]

Yet people continue to cruise. As long as we pay what they charge, they will continue increase.

[@larryk.watson2778]

I agree

[@ricktaylor5397]

Yet, it still seems more affordable for most folks than all-inclusive resorts.

[@davidfence6939]

Beach house and condo rentals keep going up and no one is asking for more out of them....

[@davidfence6939]

@@ricktaylor5397 Exactly! Cruises may border the same price of all-inclusive, but still are a bit better deal. Also if someone is expecting top of the line for a low price they're getting it nowhere. The entitlement of vacation goers is insane. What most pay is pennies compared to the most luxurious vacations and then they expect 5 star service that bends over backwards and 5 star quality food for very little. Yes, it's fine to expect expect decent food, a clean cabin, etc. The problem is people go on Carnival, NCL, RCL, MSC, etc thinking they're getting a top of the line hotel experience with amazing food. When you realize you're getting a room smaller than the average hotel room and you barely paid anything for the food you lower your expectations. I'm basic on a cruise. Is the cabin attendant friendly, speaks to me first day, willing to get some non-basics like a bed topper or extra hangers, and does a satisfactory job cleaning my room once a day? I'm set if so. Anything more than I say I got more than I paid for. Is the MDR staff friendly and accommodating to any basic requests? Is the food good enough to be somewhere between an American chain restaurant and an above average local restaurant at home? If so, I'm full and getting a second entree at dinner. Oh, I'll be down for breakfast too. With that I'm mostly satisfied in a cruise. Good pizza, good drinks from the bars, a decent buffet, etc is all icing on the cake for me. I go cruising to relax, maybe catch a few shows, drink a lot of drinks, read, chill on the beach, by the pool, or on my balcony, and catch some sunrises and sunsets. If I comeback home more tired than I was when I left I've done too much.

[@sherylvaillancourt446]

Even more costly for a solo cruiser.

[@nursenessie11]

I was just looking for something as a solo cruiser, knowing I would have to pay double as there is just one of me, and I am not spending $3500 for an inside cabin on a cruise that I used to get a balcony for less than that in the past. It's outrageous.

[@GRANDPRIXDUVAL]

right i hate that i have to pay basically double

[@GRANDPRIXDUVAL]

cruising wont be of value at some point its gonna be cheaper to fly and stay at an all inclusive

[@monikaliebold4225]

​@@nursenessie11I'm experienced solo cruiser. My preferred cruise line is NCL. They are the pioneer of solo cruising and offer on all ships assigned solo cabins in all categories with no double supplement.

[@monikaliebold4225]

​​​@@nursenessie11With Norwegian Bliss (Nov 2023 Mexican Riviera 7 days) - solo studio incl beverage package and specialty dining in total 1,200 $ within promotion booking. With Norwegian Spirit (Nov/Dec 2023 South-Pacific 12 days ) - solo inside incl beverage package and specialty dining also in total 1, 200$ within promotion booking.

[@susanstephon5284]

This is what happened to me for Disney World. Right now, I will stick to the older ships.

[@donnapee8402]

I got a great deal in disney world. 59. A day firc4 day's and hotel less than 100. A day free breakfast With free shuttle to parks daily. I think it can't be cheaper.

[@donnapee8402]

You have to look for deals

[@classyfiftynine8208]

As cruises prices rises.... our frequency for cruises decreases. It's plain economics.

[@AssassinCreep2552]

I use to cruise 3 times a year. I'm now down to one cruise per year.

[@AssassinCreep2552]

Between the cruise ticket price and cutting back on food on cruise and fees for tips is getting out of control. The cruise line is getting greedy.

[@deanmccormick8070]

​@@AssassinCreep2552That's my recent pattern, too!

[@junkyardawg132]

There's hope! What you didn't mention Don, is within a year all the postponed covid cruise credits will be spent and demand will start to diminish This along with ever larger cruise ships, and soon there will be more berths than butts, only then will the prices drop.

[@shaggyofwv]

Cruising is just one of the many things that are no longer “worth it” to us. The middle class is getting squeezed out of existence.

[@marthagrant143]

It is more than just the fare. Cruise lines are charging more for everything--WiFi, drink packages, auto gratuities, etc. Charging for venues that were once included and cutting back on quality in the MDR. All those things will eventually cause the bubble to burst. Not sure how soon, but I do believe it will happen. We just did a 4 day land based weekend trip that included hotels, food, admission charges, two guided tours, etc for less than a three day cruise on Icon. We had a wonderful short vacation and will be doing more of that type travel while we wait for the cruise fares to drop some.

[@niuhuskieguy]

Icon is just expensive period. I'm going on one late next year in a mini suite on the Sun Princess. The price for an inside cabin on Icon for the same time was nearly double the price of our mini suite. Icon was still more expensive even after adding the princess premiere package to our cruise.

[@dalemcelhany4642]

We need food. We need fuel and housing. We don't need cruises. It is a discretionary expense that can be deferred or eliminated. If you want to cruise and find the price acceptable then by all means do so. We're going to cut back a bit.

[@fluffytail6355]

You’re free to spend your money as you see fit

[@charlesturner1377]

Let it burst and the prices come down hopefully

[@dlgregory35]

They cannot possibly allow cruise fare prices to come down how can Carnival with them owe 38 billion? They are stuffed because of their years of greed. They just do not get it their principals have no idea how to operate big buisness if they did they would not have this enormous debt and same applies to RCCL and NCL.

[@gm6545]

​@@dlgregory35 .... The enormous debt is the result from the idiot lockdowns during covid. They had to get tens of thousands of crew home, and still maintain the ships and essential crew during all that time. We are lucky that there wasn't a complete collapse of the cruise industry.

[@wallymanic]

You got it right, Don. They have made ships which carry larger and larger numbers of passengers and crew. They are overwhelming the resources in multiple ports, causing them to restrict numbers of daily tourists, restricting a day each week without any new arrivals, restricting access to tourist areas. In response, and suspecting there will be more port restrictions, the cruise compaies have built larger and larger islands in the Caribbean. At that rate, they will leave a US port, go from one cruise island to another, a few sea days, and then return to the home port. The cruise ship dream will dry up at the expense of the tourist industry in the existing port destinations. It seems so sad that the greed which pushes the construction of large ships may kill the industry.

[@ddhmc8908]

After 10 years of cruising I'm back to all inclusive resort holidays.

[@jacquelyns9709]

I agree that ships are bigger. I don't know about the better part. Huge slides, bumper cars, roller coasters, climbing walls, etc. do not appeal to me.

[@mcshiggitypilot5901]

If I wanted an amusement park vacation, then I’d go to amusement parks! Not a cruise ship.

[@aaronpat123]

Nor me!

[@barbaraauty9966]

I agree, bigger is not better.

[@kellykorte2981]

I use none of the above, a agree there's no way I would pay more to sail on the Icon class.

[@davidfence6939]

Appeals to majority. You're a minority in the family cruise lines. Don't like that? Celebrity, HAL, Princess, etc or the luxury lines are for you. Quit sailing family friendly lines when you don't enjoy what they offer.

[@Susan-hr5qj]

We used to always cruise in a balcony, however, we have started to book ocean view and inside rooms just to save money

[@jobee1]

As long as people are willing to pay these ridiculous prices cruise lines will continue to raise them. I’m already out. I’ve been doing luxury train trips.

[@LisaMartinez-ri6ve]

I agree with you

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

I have been doing the train trips in Europe. Won’t be going back to cruising

[@user-ew3dm1jq6j]

Oooooo! Luxury train trips?! I’m going to look into/research that!!!

[@davidfence6939]

@@scottlewisparsons9551 Good for you. We'll keep enjoying it and listen when you start screaming as prices rise else where.

[@electrictroy2010]

@user-ew3dm1jq6j AMTRAK has multi-day train trips. Hardly luxury & very confining (trains are narrow) .

[@bonniephelps9481]

Thanks for bringing up the discrepancy between US and Canadian travellers. It getting to the point where they might have to have a special Canadian price for Canadian cruisers on select sailings to encourage us to come back onboard.

[@paulnelson5314]

Unfortunately for me, my cruise bubble burst two years ago following my divorce. I live the cruise life through my You Tube subs, Don, Tony&Jenny, Sharon at Sea, and the Shiplife, among others. Thank you ❤

[@zylbygdfn6542]

😂😂😂

[@tod2992]

Did she take it all by a biased judge?

[@davidfence6939]

She took it all I take it? Maybe save up for a year or two a take on as a treat

[@dlgregory35]

The trouble is these people you mentioned only know how to cruise they have no idea how cruise lines operate they know very little. What they tell you, you can easily find out yourself online from official sites. They are travel agents trying to get you to cruise they work for the cruise lines not you. Have you ever heard a single one of them call out the cruise lines for ripping their passengers off?. here people are amateurs kidding you when they know nothing.

[@beepbeep4785]

@@dlgregory35 You are correct. I was just at Island Time. He will tell you 5 reasons to book your next trip right now :)

[@richardlo4867]

Love being on the sea. Love classical cruising. Love visiting multiple ports each trip. By the end of this year will have been on over 50 cruises all over the world. However, time to go spend more time on land travel. Will still go if I can find a good, cruise specific destination, or find a good deal for a quick getaway.

[@wendysoulliere1305]

I still work and can't vacation more then 3 weeks a year. My husband is retiring next year. I have been watching you and Tony with La Lido loca and Allison and Gordon with Let's go travel tips. You travel people have helped me every time I cruise.

[@karenjensen2345]

Same here! Just got off a cruise with Allison and Gordon to the British Isles!

[@phatcat_slimcat]

solo cruisers cant do it anymore for the most part

[@KenMitchell]

Cruising has been off our list for awhile now. We’ve cruised for years but no more. Don’t like the big ships…the clientele has become so much less polite and respectful, etc. But it’s the pricing…we can do so much more for less now.

[@richb.1453]

Indeed. We went in February, and planned on booking another. But holding off for awhile. Just can’t justify spending that much right now.

[@michaelvitale4029]

Don, here's my strategy: smaller/older ships, interior cabin, NO specialty dining, NO drink package, sailing from Florida (where I recently relocated). Sure, the accommodations aren't what they used to be, but the destinations are the same. Cozumel, St Thomas, St Martin, Grand Cayman, etc will be just as beautiful when you get there as if you sailed on a new ship with all the bells and whistles for triple what you've paid.

[@mike-yo8qj]

Also, there's a bit of charm with some of the smaller and older ships that the new mega-ships don't have. Sure, the cabins might not be as flashy or have the latest tech, but it's a temporary home on a cruise ship.... it's not your forever or current home that you live in whenever you're not traveling. As long as the room functions as designed, I don't mind aesthetics or how dated the room looks compared to peers. I really doubt Jeff Bezos's yachts provide better views going into port compared to Carnival, MSC or any of the mass market lines. (Sure, you're not fighting for space to view something on a Bezos yacht, but you get the picture).

[@dlgregory35]

If you get the chance try Fred Olsen with their two ex-HAL ship older comfier. like being at home and many crew have been with them for many years even the Captain on our ship was in fact from Philipinnes and had been with them 27 years. Do not think too many US-owned cruise ships would have a Captain from the Philippines.

[@sarahj.5970]

You always get at a hard point in the most delicate and positive yet with feeling way. It has been a long wait for the odten travels of young (I hope) senior years and well it has gone so high I am re-evaluating. The faith I have is it is all too high...everywhere and something will give..everyone has to do their best for maintaining their lives and futures and have the balance of reasonable for their budgets breaks. Thank you for saying it dear Don...and I agree 1300 a day on a 3 day balcony and 5000 for an inside is just not worth it, without other things to add on to the trip especially if flying. And when looking for other options where there is enough joy and nice R and R at better prices,,,they willl take it.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

For me the bubble has already burst! I have changed my travel arrangements. Completely different travel. I arrange our accommodation around Europe or Asia, transport, length of time at each stay, etc. yes, it costs more but gives me flexibility. I have found that we like this more. So no more cruises! The cruise companies are playing silly buggers! All the best everyone from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Interesting ... since I don't have to fly, I jumped on a 9-day Alaska cruise on NCL --- solo --- for $400 "last minute" (plus fees/taxes, of course). I had a HUGE (sleeps 5) inside cabin to myself. It was great.

[@rosemarie9956]

Wow that sounds fantastic

[@LarryLMelton]

You are bringing up the very thing I have contemplated for the last couple of years. Cruising is no longer the vacation it once was. I sometimes joke that cruise ships are almost at the point of charging you for the air you breathe while on board. I’ve begun looking into seven or more days to a resort land destination that is far cheaper and offers far more than your 3 to 4-hour excursions on cruises. You come out far better even with paying for the room, transportation, and food. Just wait; the bubble will burst, and then cruise lines will beg prior cruisers to return. The question is, will they be willing to return after they have experienced far better vacations for less money? Larry from Texas

[@garybelew7813]

All true, and people forget that many people drive to ports and the cost of a hotel for the night before and the cost pf parking at the port is more all the time as well. The last one we took from New Orleans parking was $200 for the 8 days, Galveston is a little less expensive, but the way they make people deal with their luggage really stinks there.

[@ronw1864]

Exactly! You echoed what many of us are thinking. Even with looking at cost-saving measures like interior cabins, etc, it's getting to the point where cruising is no longer an option. And even with the rising fares, it feels like less and less is included. Not the value it(cruising) used to be.

[@MegaBeaches]

The problem is land based vacations still are often more expensive than cruising. I don't think this bubble will burst until pricing for alternative types of vacations come down. As for myself I have changed cruiselines because of the prices. I love NCL but I think they're overpricing their cabins so my next two cruises are with princess.

[@Millertime1717]

The airline prices keep me from thinking about all inclusive resorts. Cruises still are the most affordable vacation.

[@JC-sf2qm]

I priced NCL and the prices were ridiculous 😮😅😅

[@pileofstuff]

@@Millertime1717 Those airline prices have to be added to the cruise price for lots of us. I can't afford that double-whammy.

[@jesseg872]

I agree! I think this video disregards the fact the cruising is still FAR cheaper compared to land-based vacations. You are getting 5-star meals and 5-star entertainment. Sure, the newest ships will be the most expensive, but even $5,000 for 2 adults over 7 nights for the newest ship in the world is far superior than what you would pay staying in a hotel and having to pay for food, drinks, and entertainment a la carte... so as long as its competitively priced to land based vacations, there is no "bubble" this guy speaks of

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

As long as people pay……

[@michaelellis6660]

I couldn't have said this better myself. Just a week ago I had this very conversation with my girl. In the last two years, we have been on 7 cruises and have another one coming up in July at Port Canaveral. But, I don't have any cruises booked after that. It will be cheaper for us to fly to a vacation spot, rent an AirBnB and rent a car. And we will still have saved at least $2000. So, while they are rolling in the dough at the moment, that bubble will burst sooner or later. And thanks for bringing this to the forefront.

[@Allthathingss]

But what about your meals, gas/ubbers & entertainment? Have you factored that in? Just curious.

[@joeseatac331]

Exactly why I am going to get to know my state - from one end to the other. I’ll drive & stay at AirBnB’s until gas or hotel stays increase.

[@tntmyth]

I won't pay the crazy prices these days to go on a brand new ship. We have fun on any ship. Doesn't need to be brand new. We did go on Sun Princess on her second voyage since we booked it way in advance and it was reasonable for a new ship. Mostly we will wait for good prices or just not cruise. There are other options. We already cut the Disney World parks out. And Don, you're right. We don't really think about Disney as a vacation option anymore. It doesn't even come to mind. We live in Florida and used to go to the parks a few times a year. Now we haven't been for several years. They probably lost us permanently as customers. Not that they probably care.

[@debbiebrown7665]

Its crazy how much cruises have gone up. Gratutities keep going up and they are taking away things only 1 cleaning per day. Wifi is gone way up. Good thing I have a few cruises booked for next year and I got the lower prices for them.

[@shawnferrell1983]

I can only speak on Royal Caribbean but it seem like they’re more focused on new cruiser and new families and totally disregard their loyal long term cruiser

[@choco.es.unlimited]

The prices are INSANE. It's as bad as the cruise restart. You can't cruise for less than 2500 for 7 to 10 days.

[@glent7853]

I'm on princess 7 days in February 2025 for 1700$ cdn

[@choco.es.unlimited]

@@glent7853 that's crazy. I like to cruise last minute. Anything can happen a year later

[@desmondasam]

​@glent7853 is it the Mexican Rivera itinerary? Because I got mine for 3900 cad that includes the plus package.

[@rosemarie9956]

@@desmondasamwe did the Mexican riviera on RCCL out of LA in April and it was $2300 CAD for two with ocean view window. Wanted to see LA and area so added on days there now that part was expensive. But we booked 1 more cruise this year and one next and just happened to get a deal IMO . We also don’t get the drink package but do do trips when in most ports You do pay a lot more for balconies

[@kenradsstuff9273]

I'm with you Don. We had long been a 1 cruise per year couple...but the past 2 years took a bit of a jump and did 2 cruises. Thought about doing it again this year, took a look at prices, and easily decided against the second one. And to your point...next year is just as bad or worse. The other thing you didn't mention, forget about the price going up, it feels like you're getting less now too. The most evident example is that in most cases you only get 1 cabining clean per day now(though 2 really wasn't necessary). And personally, after my last cruise (Royal), I feel like some (not all) of the entertainment is starting to slip. Again nothing major, but when you add everything in, makes you re-evaluate what you're paying for.

[@samuelcollins1331]

For us the “answer” is to book cruises on the older, smaller, Baltimore based ships. We live in suburban Baltimore, so we can drive or Uber, etc. to the Cruise Terminal and not pay air fare or pre-cruise hotel expenses. These ships do NOT have all the latest features, but they DO provide a wonderful cruising experience for much LESS MONEY than booking bigger, more luxurious ships from Florida. Sam, Towson, md

[@teresah5318]

Supply and demand. If the demand continues and the supply is reduced, it will cost more. The only thing that businesses understand is that when people are no longer willing to pay higher prices, they will have to reduce the cost. Now that we are retired, I was hoping we could cruise more often however with these price increases, we aren't. Money talks. Thanks for sharing!

[@marvinmoss2216]

Us too!

[@whitebeltchamp1]

I totally agree with this. I was extremely loyal to NCL. i’m even a stockholder They priced me out. I’m looking at different cruise lines for next year.

[@garyroelli855]

Prices are too high, they charge for what was free, crowds are much worse. Service is cut, Just not worth it now.

[@davidfence6939]

That's everything in life, my friend. And crowds are always going to be worse when an industry is growing. It's perfectly worth it sailing the older ships. Your choice, but your opinion doesn't make it a bad value.

[@garyroelli855]

when I first started cruising passengers were treated like royalty. It’s definitely not that now and the prices have tripled with poorer service.

[@martincampbell7774]

As a solo cruiser, the balcony rooms are getting out of line from a price perspective. I have booked for this November and also for next November, but unless the cost drops for the November 2025 cruise, I am cancelling - both cruises are on premium cruise lines, but the cost for a similar room at the end of 2025 is 50% more.

[@mariodopico5581]

I'm a big cruiser. I'm currently navigating the current pricing environment with casino rate cruises and waiting out this crazy pricing by the cruise lines. Eventually if they don't drop then guess what? That land based vacation will start looking more appealing.

[@GlitterSparklez1]

Hi Mr. Don. Thank you for another great video. I'm down to 2 cruises a year now. My next one is with NCL March 2025 for 1250.00 in a solo cabin for 7 days. It was a bargain compared to getting a balcony. I'm booking again IF the cost goes down for December 2025 sailing. Crusing is the only type of vacation I take. It's really so expensive now.

[@NeedtoSpeak]

Great presentation…..add to it the factor that cruise destinations are turning against the industry as a whole. Cruisers are seen as environmental destroyers and are feeling the unwelcome vibe.

[@silversurferhi]

The age old economic question of what is the point of diminishing return? For example, theme parks have not reached that point yet as evidenced by their endless price increases. Will cruise lines find that point before theme parks? I don't think we will find out soon.

[@andrewsmith1168]

You need to start getting your cruises comped don. We get most of ours comped and haven’t lost loads of money in the casino. It makes it so much cheaper to cruise in the long run.

[@LL-ex8qb]

Hello Don - Yes cruise pricing has gone through the roof. October 2023 we took a 25 day Mediterranean cruise with Holland America - we selected an inside cabinet - no drinks price was $ 1,849.00 plus tax -- Canadian . Now for same cruise in 2024 price is over $ 3,000.00. Where does it stop ? Over the past 30 years we have cruised over 25 times and we understand prices will go up - but now we are looking at different vacation options. We still enjoy cruising and hope to continue based on pricing. I do hope the cruise companies get the message to stop inflating the prices. Thanks again.

[@investinginsacramento]

You are spot on here. I just looked into a 2-bedroom condo at Tahiti Village in Vegas for a Week for around $1200. Even with food not included there are definitely land-based options that are now equal to or less than cruises. With the Tips, Port Fees, and all the add-ons right now cruising is not a bargain.

[@charlieortega467]

I totally agree. We love cruising however we have been taking trips directly to Mexico, Bahamas etc at all inclusive resorts and had a wonderful time. We already reserved our next trip.

[@robertkoch1936]

Your right Don. The prices of everything is up and being retired on a fixed income our vacations now are shorter and we just do shorter trips around home. We use to do 2 cruises a year.

[@petshopgirl39]

We’re new to cruising having done our first one last year to the Norwegian Fjords and doing another one to Alaska this September. We use cruises to visit destinations that are either practically difficult to get around on land or prohibitively expensive. Otherwise we do land based holidays and are not planning to cruise again for a couple of years at least. It is extremely expensive compared to what we can pay for a land-based holiday. We book our holidays through British Airways and have just booked next year’s holiday taking advantage of their current business class sale. We live in 🇬🇧. We’ve just booked a week in Cadiz In Andalucia, Spain (a cruise ship port too!), staying in a suite with a spectacular sea view in a gorgeous Parador hotel, flying business class with BA lounge access. All for £2,500 which is around £2k less than a week cruise in a balcony cabin. We just had a short break in Cadiz staying at the same hotel as a taster and loved it. Spanish food is so good and tapas and wine are cheap. There’s no ways we’ll spend even £1,000 on eating out for a week in Cadiz. We loved wandering around, going from tapas bar to tapas bar and just relaxing. Beautiful hotel pools, plenty of deck chairs, spectacular sunsets. Cadiz is not overcrowded with tourists except in a couple of places in the centre. We don’t want to be part of the over tourism problems that big Mediterranean cities and Greece are facing and we don’t stay in Airbnbs on principle - because they contribute to the affordable housing crisis faced by local people in those cities. I have noticed the cruise fares have leapt considerably this year. We won’t be doing any more for a while especially as we can have much better value and more fulfilling land holidays.

[@jblhunter]

I agree with you 100%. I take my family of 4 on a cruise every year. We’re going on the Icon in January. I see that as being our last cruise for a while. Cruising is no longer the cheaper alternative for us. 😢

[@may86bear]

Cruising now is like the Car market then. It will happen 😮 Time to tone down the Mega Ships; these are scaring the ports. Too many people at once🤔

[@choco.es.unlimited]

We need more mega ships. Those small ships are terrible. It's like a funeral home

[@may86bear]

@@choco.es.unlimited Give me a break 😡

[@DRMTTJ]

Totally agree with you. The smaller ships can go into so many more ports, seeing places we've not been to before. . Sadly, I don't blame some of the ports for saying "enough"!

[@tammygermiller8307]

You said it. Now ports are limiting. Enough of these monsters. I don’t want to be in a port if one comes in.

[@davidfence6939]

I think RCL's Freedom and Voyager are the perfect size "mega" ship and can still sail a lot of ports. You won't ever see the family friendly lines go much smaller than that in the future. Prices would go up on the smaller ships by a lot if they gave up packing mega ships. Some lines may say they won't go bigger, but they still want the money so it's either larger capacity or increase the product cost. For some it's both. I sail older ships right now and keep an eye out for sales on the newer mega ships just to check them out when the family has a shot.

[@davidyoung3237]

I’m with u Don if a cruise is significantly higher than a daily price in a hotel say $330 aud I won’t do it- I’ll wait till the bubble bursts and get back to post Covid-19 cruising once that happens. AUD$10K plus for an inside cabin is way too much for me in any lifetime

[@QueenSuperJ]

That price is the exact reason why I have not been on Icon yet. I check every single month, the price is still outrageous. 2024 Holiday cruises are insanely priced this year too!

[@deborahsheldon9951]

Many people are living on credit cards and booking cruises with cards. When the credit stops, cruise companies will be hurting. Cruise companies are being deceptive also. I have a Princess cruise to Canada in July that has been paid for a long time. I received a notice that excursions were buy one get one for 50% off. I thought I would go back and select more expensive excursions. When I checked, all the excursions were the same price that I paid for them, no sale at all.

[@marianneward8980]

The airlines do that all the time with their supposed sales too.

[@ricktaylor5397]

Look at smaller, older ship. I just booked an 8 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Dream in Feb 25, SOLO balcony cabin for $2400. By my math that’s $300/nt solo or $150/nt per couple.

[@mountaingirl5013]

I haven't cruised since Sept 2019 (20 cruises total.) First it was all the covid requirements that kept me away. Now I will not pay the high prices for even the basic cabins on the smaller, older ships that I love. I miss going but I won't pay a premium. I am keeping an eye on a transatlantic crossing next spring. But will only book that with a refundable until balance due price (a new way to charge us more $) in case unrest in Europe escalates.

[@julietheisen7015]

Yes it's absolutely ridiculous. Me and my husband liked to cruise royal but no longer can go on royal because the prices have gone up so much.

[@iangill8984]

There is the same problem across the world. It appears the ports are getting greedy, cruise lines are trying to make as much as possible. We live in the UK, have a few family commitments coming up and had our eyes on finding a well priced cruise in early October. Fat chance.

[@rockydaleo6998]

Hi Don, my bubble has already burst. Think I’ll travel by plane and where I can drive for a while! Keep up the good work

[@JudithWright5]

You are so right. We are getting to the stage that the price is too high! We have been fortunate since 2006 but now looking at alternatives. We have stuff booked to 2026 and then will take a view.

[@johndehof4076]

I have a cruise scheduled on the Wonder of the Seas in October. I have booked an interior cabin. MSC is still affordable, but I did not like the last cruise. You are going to have go on smaller ships. Or go on the Msc or carnival. Fortunately I have no desire to go to Alaska. It is just too expensive and I have lived in Florida too long.

[@bettyb1581]

Msc seascape was horrible I rather stay home

[@juliomunoz6950]

I so agree. For example for my wife’s birthday we looked into a 7 day cruise. The prices were around $5,000 for both. It included nothing extra, gratuities, drinks specialty restaurants. We found going the same dates December 7 to the 14 including flights!for $4900in a luxury resort in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic with everything included. We’re in Texas, therefore,we would need to add flights and everything else to our trip.

[@user-ff3ow9ym5t]

I guess we all need to move to Miami.

[@Frenchiesonthego]

I live in France and have two kids. That means I can't go on a cruise whenever I want, I have to wait for vacations when prices are high. Last year, we took two mini cruises (5 days); which gave us the opportunity to sail during those vacations. This year, well... Prices are higher AND companies don't do those mini cruises anymore during vacations (I mean april and october vacations, not summer). So... Less cruises it is. Until no more cruises ? Until I get way more money at my job (which I will primary use for something more essential since everything is more expensive now).

[@tammygermiller8307]

With all these giant ships coming seemingly every day the lines have to fill them. A new ship generates excitement but as you said that bubble burst is coming when supply outpaces demand. Prices are up and so is buckle and diming. I found a reasonable trip for February but I wouldn’t have booked it if I felt the value wasn’t there.

[@skeletor9121]

I used to take 3 cruises per year. Not anymore with their increase in prices. Now down to one annually and maybe none going forward if prices continue too rise.

[@RoryTom-jg6ql]

I heard a rumor that cruise lines are overbooking cruises like Airlines. I heard of 2 incidents but that is both costly not to mention upsetting. The only thing is a full refund and a discount on a future cruise. Why would you even go on a future if treated like that.

[@indianasunshine833]

I’m thinking of getting new flooring for my home!!!😂😂😂 forget cruising. 😂Lol 😂

[@cherryfoot32]

I'm having the same issue. The prices have gotten too much for my budget. I have 2 cruises booked that I booked last year but even though I keep looking for next year I can't make myself commit to the price. And RCCL Icon prices are RIDICULOUS!!!!

[@jamesbainton]

Was looking into a Transatlantic for an Interior Room on any RCL ship this fall. As a solo cruiser, most rooms seem to be going for $3k. It's Insanity!!!

[@jfk609]

Exactly Alaska is almost impossible to book for this year if you want anything then an inside cabin. You have to plan for next year and the prices are getting out of hand.

[@karenpeacock6780]

Cruising is getting ridiculous! We are seriously considering just traveling in the States and seeing what we haven't experienced here before. Right here in Kansas, where we live, there is so much to see that I didn't even know was here until I saw a KZbin video from a guy who shared his Kansas experience.

[@donnapee8402]

That's something we'd consider also. My husband would love to see all the USA

[@johnwilliamson958]

We, unfortunately, do not have many options around our area. No "all inclusive" resorts without flying to another country. We'll stick with cruising for the one's we have booked and see what happens then.....

[@judydale9661]

We are already there, Don. When you’re retired, and don’t have that income coming in, you have to think twice about spending that much😢

[@Ravenclaw0536]

We haven’t been on a cruise since 2019. We booked our next one 9+ months out and it’s a stretch for us. It has gone up more than $3500 since then for 3 of us. We are booking excursions through other companies to help with cost. We will also only be dining in the MDR. I hope the bubble bursts soon.

[@John-hl4wz]

I have cruised 17 times in the last three years with Princess, Celebrity, P&O and Royal Caribbean and generally love it. However we have also used all inclusive resorts in Europe and have saved significant sums of money. They also include flights and transfers from airport to hotel and back to airport.

[@carolm1754]

We have been thinking about how to reduce our cruise fare and inside cabins are one way! It is such a shame as I love to cruise. I wish they would do more shorter cruises out of New York/New Jersey on occasion. But I guess it is not cost effective anymore. However if they did they might find some new people after they are able to "test" it out.

[@jamesmitchell3422]

So what are the alternatives? I would be interested to know.

[@stevewilson6390]

To be honest Don it's already bust for our family! Your right the price of enjoying a cruise is way to expensive , plus as a Celebrity cruiser they have also cheated it's customers my reducing the choice of meals in the mdr plus the taking away of gratuities paid in It"s packages, plus even if you stump up the cost of a premium drinks package it dosent get you a decent cocktail ( it used to ) My prediction is they will get away with these inflated prices for a few years ( because cruises have been pre - booked for up to three years ) when we have all experienced the bite and the chew of being mauld by the cruise ship companies even the most loyal of us will look for alternative itineraries.

[@joelroach416]

These ever growing prices have me scared that I will lose the one luxury I have in life.

[@reginaobrien8983]

I think it will happen pretty soon. Especially for solo cruisers. I’m waiting and holding out.

[@ritad7927]

Yep. And just like the housing market and stocks. There are cycles. They go up, down or no change. I have an amount I will go to for cruising. If they raise it over the amount I set for myself, then I'll find an alternative.

[@sharonvc9647]

Prices are getting out of control. I usually have trips booked for next year. I’m dragging my feet.

[@ralphg450]

Only one for next year

[@QueenOz]

Yep for sure, I love cruising but now the prices are out of my reach. I’ve got a 7 day Princess cruise in November, but that’ll be the last I’m afraid

[@dwilliams3730]

Recently booked a Carnival Cruise for this Fall. Wanted to book RCL but the prices were just too high for all ships. That bubble has now burst for us!

[@pattappurple]

We've got no ocean cruises booked for next year. Going on a river cruise which always used to look expensive.

[@mikemcmanus2049]

NZ on the Grand in february 2024 at $6300 for two people, now looking at same 14 day cruise on Holland Am and they want $7000 each which is 14000 for the same cruise. i think cruising is finished for us in Aus

[@LarryHauk]

At Cruise World last year the cruise lines were complaining that they were to cheap compared to all inclusive resort. They are driving my clients to resorts

[@bobbyfandango]

Don, it would be valuable for your users to discuss what IS in fact value for money in terms of pricing for cruises on a cost per day basis.

[@rosemarie9956]

Yes that would be interesting- I have done that on our recent 4 cruises (just on the cruise fare no gratuities or any packages etc) and it was informative- but yet hard to compare unless you keep room type the same etc

[@sonnycaplar1661]

Even though I fell in love with cruising on a 7 day Equinox weeks before Covid Don we went 6 days on the second with our best friends Harmony then a 5 Equinox and now its going to be a 4 day Allure because it’s the only way I can get everyone to buy in because exactly what you are saying..now it’s likely back to Punta

[@rondonze5285]

I stopped booking months ago. Used to book 7 cruises a year. Now, nothing.

[@margarethauwert]

I think there is more money out there than previously thought. Many, many people live beyond their means including seniors so when will the prices come down? I will say not for awhile.

[@justinnelson9178]

My Wife and I are going on the pre-inaugural cruise of Utopia in a few weeks. She is a travel agent and the trip is comped by Royal. However, we were looking up the price of that trip if we had to pay and it was as exactly as you said. It would have been around 3000.00.

[@edc4642]

So crazy, Sun Princess MAY 2026 in the Med, 14 days $12,550 CAD. Opening day I got online at 5am (mdt) and it was 85% sold already, managed to get a balcony midship and I continue to watch the bookings. Now Barcelona, Santorini, Mykonos are clamping down, whose next and will it be worth the expense in the end.

[@garybelew7813]

Like everything, bookings will reduce when people can find other things to do that cost less. I love cruising but they went from offering almost free cruises to get people on board to adding more and more cost to the cruise itself, plus adding more and more additional costs to the fare.. Internet prices are constantly going up, and new dining options are more often at an additional price.. What made cruising attractive to most people was the all inclusive nature of them.. I can go stay in a nice short term rental or hotel room for far less than staying in a walk in closet with a bed in it, then have crowds that get larger all the time, then pay almost $150 for internet access, $12 for a drink, or over $900 for a drink package for two. They limit more and more what people can take on a ship, which appears to be even more nickel and diming. I have one booked in the beginning of October, but that might be our last for a while as we have similar options on land for far less.

[@StartingSixSportsPicks]

We love cruising and my fan of four goes at the most expensive time during Christmas.. Due to prices we are looking at inclusive in the DR and MX. we actually have found some and will do this instead.. I’ll spend my 7k somewhere else then a cruise ship. It stinks but I have to get the most for my $

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Don, the Travel market will make a correction when the price ends up being more expensive than a land based one. That is the great thing about the Free Market economy! RCCL sure hyped up the Icon of the Seas this year which supercharged cruising demand across all cruise lines. I do expect in the next couple of years a cooling off of cruise demand as the current prices being charged are unsustainable. I have the Utopia of the Seas booked for September next year as I am betting the Star of the Seas will pull away customers wanting to go on the newest biggest ship driving prices down. We will see!

[@TheSuperParatrooper]

It sucks for me because I just went on my first cruise last year, and loved it, and wanted to start cruising a couple times a year. Now I can't justify paying the prices they are asking, especially when you add air fares. So for now cruising is out for me. I can go to so many more wonderful places on half the money.