Why Cruise Ships Keep Getting Bigger

Is bigger, better when it comes to cruise ships?

The recession has not hit the cruise line business as it has the rest of the travel industry.  The major cruise lines continue to build bigger boats containing lots of attractions to keep us busy.  No longer is it just shuffleboard and card games, now its zip lines, water parks, wave machines, ice rinks and even boxing arenas.

Oasis of the Seas:  In December, Royal Caribbean will be launching the 5,400 passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in any line.  With a price tag of $1.2 billion the Oasis of the Seas will have 2,700 staterooms, 16 decks and two dozen restaurants.  Right behind the Oasis of the Seas is the Celebrity Solstice with a price tag of $700 million.  Of course with that price they ship has been outfitted with the first and only half acre lawn.  Someplace where cruisers can have a picnic or croquet or just lie around in the soft grass. 

Is Bigger Better?  Are these bigger boats with their even larger attractions going to be able to draw enough passengers to stay afloat?  After all zip lines, green lawns, ice rinks and the such are not cheap to maintain for these cruise lines.  Many of these mega ships were ordered several years ago when cruising was a $25 billion business.  Cruise lines assumed that their ever growing industry would keep pace with the free spending passengers.  Most cruise lines are anticipating a 15 percent decrease in cabin revenue and have had to cut cruise fares by as much as 20 per cent this year.

It’s About Choices:  One way the cruise lines are attempting to make their money back on these large ships is to increase the “pay to play” choices.  Specialty restaurants and late night room service which were once free items on ships are now opportunities for the cruise lines to make back some of its expenses.  For anyone who has had the chance to cruise, charges for extras have always been the norm.  However, with the advent of the bigger ships there are more chances to charge the customer these days.

Look for the Deals:  Many lines have offered their ships at substantial savings to the consumer.  With the cabin rate reductions many have been lured into the possibility of a “cheap” vacation.  That is until the final bill arrives after the cruise has been completed.  Charges for internet usage, laundry, photos, meals in the specialty restaurants, drinks, salon visits and gratuities can more than double your bill. 

Know Your Budget:  Cruise lines have recognized that in this economy, they need something to bring back their customers.  Some have tried to make their ships more customer-friendly by stabilizing their fares and adding more online booking options for their cruisers.  Some are issuing voucher promotions for many of their onboard activities.  The best advice comes from those frequent cruisers who make a budget before boarding.  Stay in that budget, avoid the optional dining rooms, keep away from the spas and if your hungry many of the ships offer a 24 hour dinning room.  You just have to get up and go get it yourself.