The Benicia Fullosopher

   Ship Cheapness Factor (SCF): Rather than raise fares, cruise companies have begun to charge for many things that were formerly free. I created the term “Ship Cheapness Factor” to describe this practice that applies to the mainstream and premium class ships.
The welcome drink: In the past, guests boarding would be greeted by smiling waiters holding trays with sparkling wine, mimosas, or soft drinks free of charge. A few years later, on some ships the smiling waiter would offer drinks and, after you took a sip, you were told there was a charge. On our February 2018 cruise on a premium class ship, there were no welcome drinks at all. *   Ice cream: In the past, many ships would offer six or more different flavors all afternoon. Now, on some ships free ice cream is only available for dessert in the main dining room, and there are special counters where you must now pay for it.
Specialty coffee: Gone are the days when we used to enjoy a free cappuccino anytime during the day.
Fruit juice: Several juices were available for breakfast and lunch. Some ships now only have juice at breakfast, and you must pay for it at other times of the day.
Afternoon tea: A classic—waiters in white gloves, trays of sweet and savory treats—was available every day. Now formal tea is offered only occasionally on a cruise, and some ships charge extra.
Chocolate on pillow at bedtime: No longer offered on some ships.
Soft drinks: Previously free, but no longer.
Room service: Some ships now charging. As one seasoned traveler said, “Cruise lines are nickel-and-diming us to death.”
Guest self-service laundry: Formerly free, this is now coin-operated or not available.
Specialty restaurants: Fifteen years ago there was no charge. Then the cost was $5 per person for a tip. Now prices are up to $45.
The port shuttle: Some ships provide a free shuttle from the dock into the port city. Many ships now charge.
Now for the high-end SCFs.
Party for former cruisers: These used to be quite elaborate, offering any wine or spirits (free), a large assortment of hors d’oeuvres, and special decorations with beautiful flower arrangements. Through the years the parties provided fewer and fewer things to drink or eat, and a staff member gave long pitches for upcoming cruises. My recent cruise offered nothing as we entered the theatre. I left after a 20-minute sales pitch. I found out later that guests were given a coupon for a free drink as they left the room.
Stage productions: Many ships formerly had lavish song-and-dance stage productions with a ten-piece live band and many set and costume changes. A few years later there were fewer musicians on the stage, and recorded music was played to fill in for the missing instruments. Then, for some shows, there were no musicians at all—all the music was recorded. Now, instead of elaborate set changes, we have sometimes seen no set changes, or different images projected to change the scenery.

Packing: On most mainstream and premium ships guests no longer wear tuxedos and long gowns for formal night. The word “formal” has been replaced by “gala” or other words indicating a dress-up dinner. I cruise for two months with only a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin of airplanes. I worry that my bag, if checked, would not arrive. I have received numerous compliments on my clothes along with, “You must have a lot of luggage.” Here’s my typical one-suitcase list: four black, two white, one print trousers, seven casual tops, seven dressy tops, three pair of shoes, bathing suit and wrap, underwear, hair dryer & brushes, office supplies, hat that folds flat. Tops are mostly non-patterned on which jewelry stands out. I wear two jackets on the plane. Clothes are folded and stacked in long layers. Shoes are stuffed with underwear or small cosmetic items and placed on top. Then I poke my hand all around to find places to stuff other small items. I carry jewelry, an umbrella, sunglasses, readers, computer, cell phone, Sudoku book, notebook, pencil, and first aid in my “personal item” bag that fits under the airplane seat. The above packing would only work for warm weather cruises with clothes in thin fabrics, my preference being silk or cotton. If you want to pack really lightly, you might try a clothing-optional cruise where all you need are shoes and an outfit for dress-up night.

Final Notes

There are many discount agencies. I’ve used ktran@vacationstogo.com several times. Costco may have similar prices with up to $400 onboard credit plus up to 5 percent of the fare rebate. Zoe’s Cruises and Tours in Sacramento offers similar fares plus numerous personal services including transportation to and from ports, special parties, advice on ports, onboard and escorted port tours, daily gifts such as backpacks, hats, T-shirts, chocolate, often an onboard event coordinator, and much more. Also unique among travel agencies, their profits are donated to animal welfare organizations around the world. (800) 444-4256 Ext 4.
With prices often in the range of $75 to $150 per day (less for children), there is no better travel bargain than cruising, where you receive accommodations, food, entertainment and transportation all included. Many ships have special cabins for those with physical limitations—extra-wide cabin doors, wheel into showers, crew assistance as needed—making it an especially a pleasant way to travel for those with special needs. For families with children, it is a far better bargain than theme parks with high admission, food, and lodging costs. In addition to all the activities for children, there is free childcare available all day long. Anything else you want to know about cruising may be found on the Internet. Just Google your question and be amazed.
Bon voyage!!!
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The Benicia Fullosopher is retired as a guest speaker and dance teacher on cruise ships.

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