Originally Posted by
BurBunny
The cruise lines set themselves up for this, because while they charge on a per cabin fare, they are *marketed* as a per person rate. Like a hotel room, which for US travelers are almost universally sold on a per room basis, cruise revenue is also in actually per cabin. But because they're marketed per person, it makes solos feel horribly discriminated against.
If the cruise industry wants to grow its business, they need do something to attract this potential market. A smart cruiseline will do this. Their business model that penalizes an entire customer base seems foolish.
I've gone around and around with cruise lines, as I know most of my solo clients spend more per diem on average than my couples do per person, as they tend to choose cruise line excursions over independent more frequently, spend more time in bars and casinos for example, and thus on a per person basis spend more. The cruise lines are slowly coming around, but it's a struggle.
The fact that it's a struggle as you say shows that the cruise industry is stupidly hanging on to a business model that loses them money. They are turning their noses down against a customer base that spends more money on their high-profit areas like booze and gambling?? Are they afraid to hire people who can show them how to improve their business model to open up their customer base to attract greater and more profitable business?
Change is happening, but it's slow and a lot of long-held beliefs and pricing models have to change.
It is amazing that this change is slow. Singles can choose from a whole host of vacation options now. The longer the cruises avoid them, the harder it will be to attract them later on.
Originally Posted by ludocdoc
It's sometimes not even that good -- I've seen some that charge over 2x. But, as other posts have described as well, the cruise company really charges per room, not per person. Because it's an "all inclusive" they list the price as per person.
That antiquated business model is a money loser given that the areas of profit like booze and gambling, according to what I've read above, are greater with single passengers.
When you book a hotel, and it's $250 per night for you and your companion, you probably don't think of it as $125 per person. If you did, then you'd have the same reaction when your solo trip costs you $250 per person not the $125 per person you're accustomed to.
First, I'd NEVER spend that kind of money on a hotel room per night. So when we priceline a hotel in London and get a 3 star hotel for $75 per night, I am thrilled whether it is just for me or for my husband and me. I don't say....geez, since I'm alone, I really should only pay $37.50 each night!
