Have the almost 40% increase in cruise fares for 2007-08 been discussed already on this board? I booked 2 cruises this year and the price for the same trips in 2007 is an addit. 2,000 dollars each. Why is there such a huge hike? Should we expect deeper discounted fares down the road?

Cannot help you Kim - it is tough with inflation - I am NOT booking 2008...too far away - and perhaps booking on other lines is better???? Joanna

Are 2008 itineraries/prices even out there yet?

2008???? Tell me where they are posted???

I don't see them on the RSSC website. Are we talking RSSC?

Have no idea???? 2008????

Kim, 2007 fares were discussed ad nauseum on cruisecritic, and I believe here, when prices first came out. (2008 not out yet, except perhaps for World Cruise). Lots of posts got deleted over there on cc, including the ones where I just stated the facts with all the pricing. I did a lot of comparing between RSSC and Silversea. They are the only apples to apples you can do for the service and amenities provided. Can't do that exercise again! My plans for 2007 are already made, and I am happy for now. I suggest you compare what you are paying for what you have booked to a similar cruise on Silversea, and see what you come up with. Hope you share here if you find a better plan. B&K represents both lines, and would be happy to book us on either line! Pricing is a very personal subject, and we all have to stay with what is comfortable.

Great suggestions Olivia - for Kim -

With the Canadian dollar being worth around 30% more against the US dollar in the last few years, I would think that the 2007 prices for our Canadian brethren are very close to the 2003 or 2004 prices.

Sorry for the confusion ....I meant 2007. I just think in terms of 07-08 in terms of planning. The price difference is way more than inflation as a 7 night Med cruise selling for 3,500 in 2006 is 5,200 in 2007.

I tried to look for earlier posts and could not find them. I agree with Marc that with the stronger Cdn dollar, the per diems are much more attractive now.

Kim, most of those cruises do include free air, perhaps that makes a difference? I just took a quick peek on Silversea, and the prices WITHOUT air are running about the same as Regent's with FREE air. I don't like those prices increases either, but it seems when we vote with our feet, the competition isn't any better. Silversea comes up with lots of good deals closer to sailing when they are not selling berths.

Kim:

Actually, I went back and looked at RSSC cruise material for '05, '06, and '07. I too first thought there had been a drastic price increase for '07. What I found instead was that regular brochure prices had risen rather steadily in those years, but had been offset a bit more by deeper discounts on some speicals in the past. But there are still some decent specials for '07 that are worth a look. And the Paul Gauguin remains a relative bargain. But IMO this has been a matter of gradual price increases that finally "got our attention."

Thanks,
Richard

Richard:

I guess I'll have to watch for specials, etc. I am so excited to be going on 2 cruises later this year. I have learned so much and received great help from the folks on this board.

Hope to do at least 2 more next year!!!!

Talk about price increases! Try being a solo traveler. My first Radisson cruise in July 2003 was $1,500 single supplement (any cabin), for 2007 it is 40% of the applicable per person fare.

I am having the same single supp problems.