Finding What You Expect

Boarding a cruise brings anticipation of all the good that will come.

If you've cruised previously, you have expectations based on that experience.

As such, you will be disappointed if the cruise fails to live up to those visions.

That basically explains why cruise lines continue to try to improve their product as they build new ships.

They want to exceed high expectations of not only their own past guests who have clear standards but of new customers attracted by their offers.

To do this, they have past guest surveys and receive other feedback designed to reveal what customers feel needs improvement and, just as importantly, what they would ideally want.

This has resulted in more inclusive offerings, with features such as alternative dining and drink packages included, at a price.  That does not require major retooling, but obviously those additional perks must be built into pricing in some way.  As the late economist Milton Friedman famously said, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Building new ships or refurbishing with improved features require larger capital outlay than continuing with an outdated fleet, hopefully leading to a product sufficiently improved to justify higher pricing required to pay for them.

In any case, we have all noticed prices have increased on our preferred cruise lines.

If prices increase and you feel the quality is not improving or, even worse, declining, then know that is not because the cruise lines are trying to rip you off.  As with any business, there is more involved in price than just quality of product and what customers are willing to pay.

There are cost concerns.  Various departments within any company have their own budgets dependent on acquiring products outside of their immediate control.  If quality beef costs twice as much as previously, then short of starting their own ranch to raise cattle --- which would not be the highest and best use of their specialized knowledge --- then they will have to either raise prices sufficiently to compensate for that or substitute a less costly item like pork or chicken in entrees.

Sometimes, this might create sufficient dissatisfaction for passengers to encourage finding their own remedies by adding more alternative dining and perhaps a la carte steaks at a fee, at a marginal cost only beef-eaters need absorb rather than forcing even someone who is a vegan or prefers white meats to pay more for the same cruise.

Contrary to popular belief, businesses cannot arbitrarily double prices to automatically double profits.  At higher price points, progressively more customers will seek alternatives outside of that particular cruise line's offerings.

Perhaps that will involve a different cruise line.  With this new opportunity, passengers will likely compare the new cruise line to their old favorite, and because of human nature, they often will find it lacking, especially if the reason for their switch is price, because it still is not the way it used to be on their old favorite.

That is not to say that you shouldn't try a less expensive brand if you feel like you are no longer getting what you expect for a price that fits your travel budget.

I know I usually choose a cruise based on which ship is going where I want to go at a value proposition that seems rational.

Frankly, if money were no object, I would most likely take small, upscale cruises, with shore excursions in every port.

Why not?

That's definitely a great way to go, if you can afford it, although many people prefer that big ship excitement, in the same way they love the big city buzz of New York City or London.

We're all different.

Families with teens and younger kids prefer mega-ships with outrageous designs that include features more expected at amusement parks.

I am happy to have the opportunity to help you find the right cruise for your next vacation, understanding that we all go through our own changes that will be reflected in what we enjoy now that might not have been preferable a decade ago.

The more you share with me what you expect, the better I can direct you to the right ship, perhaps one you've never considered because you didn't know it existed or believed it to be different than it actually is.

Let me help you find that cruise you've been longing for.