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Maybe Cunard has the right idea with QM2. After all many people seem to feel that QE2 is a ripoff (with its high daily rates) but Cunard is able to charge it because the ship itself is a draw (not just a cruise). Too bad NCL couldn't develop the same with Orient.
It is a fact that more and more people choose cruising as their main holiday for its many advantages.
However, it is also a fact that Europe does not have an adequate capacity at the moment.
Of course in case of a war we may see some Cruise Lines having problems but in the long term future I think that there is space for more ships.
quote:Originally posted by empressport:Yes, you wonder how much lower they can go.
Remember, the fare charged by cruise lines, probably only represents less than 50% of the income generated. I suspect that the onboard accounts are the real money spinners?
Also remember that the cruise lines barely pay their hotel staff, we do that with our tips.
Economies of scale and state of the art propulsion, make these mega ships more economical to run than cruise ships ever were before.
I doubt if there are many empty berths in the Carib? Anyway, it is better to sell the cabins at near-cost, but have a ship full of people, all spending their cash on additionals.
I think the cruise lines do very nicely, in general!
quote:Originally posted by empressport:Who wants to feel like their vacation is being scrimped on?
Interesting point!
It is probably fair to say that the standards of food and service on many ships have slipped over the years, especially in terms of individual attention. However, the ships have become more luxurious, more awesome and certainly have a better range of facilities than ever.
The new cruising public, with little past experience of luxury ocean travel, would probably regard the overall experience today, as better than ever before?
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