“Today marks the day when most major cruise lines will begin including government taxes and fees in advertised prices. While this is the result of a new California law, cruise lines operate in California, so the change is being made nationwide to ensure advertised pricing is consistent no matter where clients purchase their cruise, according to Carnival Corporation.” Cruise Week reports.
Princess Cruises is just one cruise line tasked with communicating this to its pax. They reinforced with their Captain’s Circle members that they have not changed prices but rather just how they display them.
Will it affect cruise bookings? Cruise Week spoke with an expert. "I expect that raising the displayed price will temper demand from first-time cruisers a bit," replied one top national seller. "By exactly how much remains to be seen."
Moving a cruise price from USD $999 up by a few hundred dollars might initially induce sticker shock, as cruise lines and other industries impacted by the law change continue to educate passengers.
“The one thing I have learned being in this industry for 25+ years is that things will never remain the same. Change is always coming, and the individuals, companies that adapt are typically the ones that reach the finish line.” says U.S. advisor Greg Coiro of Direct Line Cruises, talking to Cruise Week.
“So, with that said,” he continues, “while I believe there will be some short-term frustrations and potential weakening of demand once this new price structure goes into effect, I believe long term if we adapt and continually make adjustments as an industry, we will be perfectly fine.”
