What! No Lobster!

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Does Low Price = Satisfaction?

On many of my recent cruises I have overheard and talked with fellow passengers while sailing on contemporary cruise lines who are price shoppers.  They are usually people who over time have cruised several times, and may even be loyal passengers to a particular cruise line, but look for sailings that offer the lowest price.  These people are appalled that they are not receiving what they had received over the years.  Noticing how things are evolving as things that were once enjoyed are eliminated or minimized.

They were first attracted to the amazing low price, and will even state, “That is the lowest price I’ve paid for a cruise like this in years.”  Then ask the question, “What happened?  NO lobster, no ….”, and the list continues.  Not acknowledging that they really did receive value for the price paid.

Especially when you consider what is included in the price – accommodations, service, entertainment and food to the destinations where to go there by air and stay at a hotel could cost considerably more.

What does one expect when prices are beginning at about $50 per person per day?  And, they received a significant amount of shipboard credit too as part of a promotion? 

The mutterings continue as you overhear the passengers by the pool.  “This cruise was one of my worst ever", were words cited by more than one person.  “They didn't offer the things I like to enjoy while on a cruise.”   The complaints seemed endless, and this was not on the same cruise or cruise line.   

One passenger said, “This is O.K. for the first time cruiser who doesn’t know any differently, but I know what to expect.  This is dissatisfactory.”

Sadly, these people are not putting things into perspective.  When prices are as low as they were for that particular sailing, how can they expect a cruise line to operate and offer premium cuts of meat and seafood?   It doesn’t stop there. Surely compromises should to be expected. 

The truth is that cutbacks do exist.  However the cruise lines are doing all that they can to provide value-packed vacations within the confines of lower rates and the costs that they are incurring because of inflation.  Menus are changed to provide passengers with a pleasant dining experience with as many choices as possible.   

Also, the truth is that the cruise lines have not cut out those premium cuts of meat and seafood, but are offering alternatives.  These alternatives are called “specialty” restaurants, and most come with an added fee or charge.

If one is looking for premium quality items, then consider paying extra for dining at one of the specialty restaurants featuring the items you like.  Or, pay more and sail on a premium/luxury cruise line so that the likelihood that the items that you are accustomed to will exist on the cruise line of choice.  You may come home happier and feeling more satisfied.   

As new ships are introduced or existing ships updated, the number of specialty restaurants have increased in number on the many ships belonging to the contemporary and premium cruise lines.   These restaurants offer variety, and higher quality items and service.   If you are looking for a premium food product or a better dining service experience, be prepared to pay extra for it.  The extra charge is minimal when you compare the quality of food and service with that of like kind on land.   

The price charged for a cruise is reflective of what one can expect.  Odds are greater that you will have the option of a lobster tail in the main dining room if that sailing is charging fares to support it, but not guaranteed.  When prices are as low as $50 per person or less a day, when the average cruise fare is over $100 per person per day, before taxes and fees, should we expect to get the frills we once did?

Price shoppers need to keep in mind that you always get what you pay for.  If the price is substantially lower than most in terms of price for the same/like itinerary, you the consumer should lower your expectations and expect compromises.  By doing so, you should feel satisfied that you got away from home and had the opportunity to visit places at a remarkable value. 

Please do not book and buy solely on price.   Book with a travel professional you has experienced and knows the differences.  Otherwise, you can expect to come home disappointed; or worse yet, having the overwhelming feeling that it was your “worst vacation ever”.    Wouldn’t that be a waste of your hard-saved money?  It’s more than lobster.