I've read threads on the mass-market lines on CC that discuss the relative merits of price inclusion on cruise lines, and a lot of people said that they would prefer to "pay as you go", so they are only charged for what they use. The perception is that inclusive policies result in increased fares for all, even those who don't take advantage of the inclusions (i.e. those who don't drink alcohol). They say they would rather there be extra charges for drinks, for specialty restaurants, for special events such as Celebrity's Cirque du Soliel masquarade ball, etc. so that if they don't use them, they won't feel they paid to subsidize others who do.

However, it seems to me that cruise lines charge the fares that the market will bear, and these fares rise and fall based on many factors. In addition, it's highly possible, in fact probably common, that passengers have paid a wide variance in prices for the same cabins. This is driven by many other market factors such as discounts, sales, timing etc. Does inclusion really result in that much higher fares? Sure, the luxury lines ARE more expensive than the mass-market lines, but that is due to much more than just inclusion.

Then there is the big debate about tips, with so many saying that they feel that tip inclusion results in crews who don't feel they have to work to earn them, so service suffers. However, from all that I've read about service on the luxury lines, this clearly does not seem to be the case.

I personally disagree with the concept of pay-as-you-go on a cruise ship. One of the advantages of cruising is that you can board and then just enjoy, without having to pay for each item. When the cruise lines start tacking on extra charges, where does it stop? That's obviously already occuring on many of the mass-market lines, as they now charge for previously-included extras like coffee/cappacino, ice cream, water bottles, Johnny Rockets, parties, etc. I have read more complaints about the whole "nickel & diming" thing than anything else!

In my mind, inclusion means I don't have to think about it. Hey, maybe I'm paying a higher fare, but it's worth it to me. Just the underlying feeling of being a "guest" on board, rather than a wallet in open season, is going to make a huge difference in my enjoyment factor. Even if I've planned a budget for a cruise expecting to pay a certain amount for extras, every time I have to sign that chit, a little "ka-ching" goes off in my head. I am SO looking forward to not having to deal with that!

So there's my little diatribe about inclusion. :)