Need For an Economy Cruise Line?

[haroldwilliams]

Thanks,

It could have been Easycruise . They had two ships and did allright, for awhile. I think they tried to go too many places too quickly. It did have cabins that were in various catagories, but I think most of the dining was buffet, but I can`t say for sure. I do remember they stayed longer in ports - even into the night - and gave people a lot of time to explore on their own. It was intended to be a niche cruise line, and not for everyone. I think it suited a younger crowd, and a off the beaten path ports. I don`t think there was a casino on board but I could be wrong about that. I thought for beach trips and for those who could do volunteer work it would be good, but most people aren`t thinking of volunteer work on a vacation.

Edited July 22, 2015 by haroldwilliams

[jacketwatch]

Thanks,

It could have been Easycruise . They had two ships and did allright, for awhile. I think they tried to go too many places too quickly. It did have cabins that were in various catagories, but I think most of the dining was buffet, but I can`t say for sure. I do remember they stayed longer in ports - even into the night - and gave people a lot of time to explore on their own. It was intended to be a niche cruise line, and not for everyone. I think it suited a younger crowd, and a off the beaten path ports. I don`t think there was a casino on board but I could be wrong about that. I thought for beach trips and for those who could do volunteer work it would be good, but most people aren`t thinking of volunteer work on a vacation.

Sounds like a hostel on the ocean.

[CactusCruise]

A low cost cruise line is not necessary. There are many ways to book a lower cost cruise along with many ways to save money once onboard. If a cruise line is going to charge a low cruise fare they're going to make up that money somewhere else. You will never see a cruise line that doesn't plan to make money on alcohol and other onboard activities. Cruise lines are businesses like any other, driven by profit. The lines that don't don't turn a profit don't stay in business.

[CactusCruise]

Thanks,

It could have been Easycruise . They had two ships and did allright, for awhile. I think they tried to go too many places too quickly. It did have cabins that were in various catagories, but I think most of the dining was buffet, but I can`t say for sure. I do remember they stayed longer in ports - even into the night - and gave people a lot of time to explore on their own. It was intended to be a niche cruise line, and not for everyone. I think it suited a younger crowd, and a off the beaten path ports. I don`t think there was a casino on board but I could be wrong about that. I thought for beach trips and for those who could do volunteer work it would be good, but most people aren`t thinking of volunteer work on a vacation.

EasyCruise ceased to exist because it was too bare boned for even young people. Older people looking to cruise are interested in a more comfortable, and yes a little more luxe vacation. I like to mix land and cruise vacations simply because I really like to spend time in a country. To eat the food, shop the stores, immerse myself in the culture. You can't really do this on a cruise. I cruise for the relaxation and the comfort.

[WeCruiseToo]

Very interesting topic Harold, thanks for starting it. Thinking back on our first cruises nearly 20 years ago, I don’t think the pricing has really gone up much if at all for the basic itineraries – I’m not sure that can be said about many things.

Yes, the newest, biggest ships definitely command a premium price, and we’ve spent a lot more to visit Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and so on (often with airfare being more than the cruise) but we still get great prices for the Caribbean. Regarding things like liquor, specialty dining, shore excursions, parking, etc: these are all optional – we’ve been on cruises where we’ve paid for all of these things and we’ve been on cruises where we’ve paid for none of them.

Overall, I don’t think there’s a vacation option out there today that’s more economical than cruising.

[WeCruiseToo]

It could have been Easycruise

I remember reading about EasyCruise back when they were announced and this made me look them up. These links go to the cruise line and their first ship:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyCruise

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyCruiseOne

But I found this really descriptive of their business model: “Things like food, cabin cleaning and maid service were charged for when used.”

The EasyGroup company stills seems to be around and doing okay but I’m not sure it would be the right fit for us. The EasyHotel model states: “Toiletries are not supplied and the use of the TV and housekeeping is additional.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyGroup

[haroldwilliams]

I`m glad there has been a lot of response to the question. My first cruise from Port Evereglades on Costa years ago was about $59. and $6 or $7. in taxes and port charges. I believe there were 3 of us in the room -Ernie, Dennis and myself. It was a 4 Day cruise. We paid about $180. for the room. Today the taxes are about $100. per person for the room, making the taxes more than what we paidfor the room itself. Groceries were less then, too. But there has been a lot of inflation making the dollar worth less.

I don`t support bare bones travel. We all like to be comfortable. We want our sheets changed and we have to eat. I wonder if we are doing mother earth any good, in the scheme of things, by our excessive pricing, and paying for things we do not use.

Yes , for sure, new ships have to be paid for, and government requirements have to be followed, but there must be some common ground. Many people have never cruised. I feel like we are getting fewer ports for the larger ships, which may make less choice. As ships get larger, air reservations to the embarkation port is harder to come by, too.

Edited August 8, 2015 by haroldwilliams

[haroldwilliams]

I feel like you should not have to pay for things you do not use. Also, I was thinking if it were posssible to have stand-by fares, where one could negotiate with the cruise line on the day of, or day before sailing.,

The newer ships do command a premium price, but what about all the used ships on the market - is there any chance they could be used, or are they headed for the breakers ?