Berlitz 2011 accuses cruise operators of ‘ripping off’ passengers…..

Cruise lines are busy defending themselves from claims in the new Berlitz Guide, due to be released in October, that they are trying to boost revenues during the recession with schemes to ‘rip off’ passengers.
The  ‘cruise bible’ author Douglas Ward actually lists what he refers to as the “six best cruise line rip offs”, naming cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL and Celebrity. He claims that they are known for charging extra.
I personally get feedback from many clients of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity who complain about the very high surcharges on drinks and spa treatments, on top of the actual cost of them, and on top of the gratuities that they already pay for service.
I have also had feedback from several clients, using the same cruise lines, that often the restaraunts on board are ‘out of stock’ of the more affordable bottles of wine, so that if they want to have wine with their dinner in the evening they are abliged to buy the more expensive stuff.
Costs of transfers between airports and ships, and shuttle buses from ports also seems to be another bone of contention, while Princess has been accused of charging astronomical rates for tours of the bridge. Good old NCL, true to form, was though to be charging extortional sums for Bingo cards! Horses for courses! They defended themselves saying that $40 was standard charge for a bingo card – not in Shipleys in Redditch it isn’t!

Douglas Ward states that he receives around 3000 letters and emails each year from cruises complaining about being ripped off. He conceded that things had been difficult for the industry and the operators were always looking for ways to make extra revenue. However, he hoped that if the complaints continued the cruise lines may modify things.