It was a rough winter for the cruise industry.
One of its most celebrated, newer vessels was tossed around like a cork in a Jacuzzi by a major storm, and then had to return early on a cruising a month later due to threats of another serious gale. And in early March, a Texas man either fell or jumped from the deck of a Royal Caribbean vessel.
With all of this happening, not many people noticed that it’s been a rough winter for would-be cruise passengers, too. But over the past few months, a number of the cruise lines have implemented new fees and policies that likely will hit passengers where it hurts most: in the wallet. This is especially true of those who might have been spooked by the recent bad luck at sea. If those passengers want to cancel upcoming cruises, they’ll have less time to do so, at least on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The company just announced that it will be cutting down on the amount of time passengers have to cancel a cruise without being hit with monetary penalties, from 90 to 75 days for cruises of five days or less; and from 75 to 60 days for longer cruises.
And cruisers won’t be able to game the system by choosing their trip at the last minute anymore, at least on Royal Caribbean. It has pledged to stop offering last-minute deals, which it’s defining as discounts in the last 30 days before a sailing. Whether or not it will be able to stick with this goal is up in the air. Some in the industry think it may be a bluff.
The changes aren’t just on Royal Caribbean; rival Norwegian Cruise Lines is upping prices on food and drink. And for its potent-potable packages, prices are jumping a good 15 percent in some cases. For its “Ultimate Beverage Package,” which covers cocktails, wine and beer, the rate will increase from $69 to $75 (plus an 18 percent gratuity).
The cocktail-free version, “Corks and Caps,” also is going up in price. And specialty dining packages will now be $10 more, per person, per day. Finally, Carnival Cruise Line, which instituted strict policies against carrying any bottled beverages aboard in 2015 (even non-alcoholic ones) has upped its prices 20 percent for bottled water. Thirsty? You’ll now pay $3.99 rather than $2.99 for a 12-pack of water. Ouch.
*** Note to the reader: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. The information in this column was accurate when it was released, but prices are competitive, sometimes limited and can always change without notice.
*** Pauline Frommer is the Editorial Director for the Frommer Travel Guides and Frommers.com. She co-hosts the radio program The Travel Show with her father, Arthur Frommer and is the author of the best-selling Frommer’s EasyGuide to New York City. © 2016 by Pauline Frommer Distributed by King Features Syndicate Photo caption: A Royal Caribbean cruise. Photo credit: David Spinks/Flickr
