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Despite reports that cruise prices are at their highest level in
several years due to increased demand, a cruise vacation is a much
better bargain than it was 25 years ago.
The current minimum price of a seven-day Carnival Caribbean cruise
from Miami is $599 per guest - just as it was 25 years ago. But when
adjusted for inflation, a seven-day Carnival cruise that sold for
$599 in 1980 would cost $1,373 per guest today. When comparing
today's ultra-modern "floating resorts" to the ships of 25
years ago, $599 buys so much more.
Indeed, where older ships were mostly converted transatlantic ocean
liners with smallish cabins and little in the way of on-board
amenities, today's cruise ships are stocked with features such as an
array of formal and casual dining options, expansive spa and
children's facilities, soaring atriums, and double-width promenades
lined with myriad entertainment venues -- all available at roughly
half what vacationers paid in 1980.
In addition to a greater variety of culinary choices - from expansive
casual poolside eateries with 24-hour pizzerias and New York-style
delis to intimate upscale supper clubs - today's mega-liners feature
a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots, everything
from sports bars and wine bars to multi-level theatres showcasing
lavish Vegas-style reviews.
Staterooms are not only roomier but ships feature more ocean view and
balcony accommodations than ever before. For instance, 80 percent of
the 1,062 staterooms on Carnival's 88,500-ton Spirit-class ships
offer either an ocean view or private balcony.
Even younger cruisers have spaces to call their own, with expansive
children's facilities - as large as 4,200-square-feet on Carnival's
110,000-ton Conquest-class vessels -- stocked with computer labs,
indoor climbing mazes, arts and crafts centers and more.
Internet cafés - unheard of 25 years ago - have also been
introduced, enabling guests to access e-mail, surf the Web, and send
video postcards.
And today's health-conscious consumers have access to spacious health
and fitness centers with equipment and pampering treatments rivaling
the best facilities ashore.
For your next cruise, call The Cruiseman 1-800-889-7683 |
