They’re not a charity. They’re in it for the money. It’s a business. It’s a shame that it’s expensive, but like Disney, supply and demand. If People pay the rates, they’ll keep the rates high.
But just to play devil's advocate a little bit is it really corporate greed if the consumer is willing to spend these prices? Doesn't capitalism dictate that you sell at what the market can bear?
Honestly, Dev made the right decision, and besides, the ship will always be there. You're literally making a big jump in your life for you and your family. There is nothing wrong with going on a budget
Good for you bro, I’m a cruiser, have a ton of cruisers under my belt and started cruising in 1983. I would not pay those high rates on Icon, give it a few years and that ship will be cheap again. Just wait
We looked at Icon OTS but decided on Symphony OTS. We got 2 balcony rooms, added internet for 4 people, 2 deluxe beverage packages, 2 refreshment packages, 2 specialty dinners for 4 people and the new hideaway beach passes for 4 for less than the price of an Icon balcony only for 2 people. We get to bring our kids who are in college and are growing up fast and have a big family trip with all the bells and whistles. While I agree about the outrageous prices on Icon, I haven’t heard of any grab an go places that charge for food that didn’t before. The only grab and go place that I heard upcharges for certain food is a place called Base Camp, but they do offer some complimentary items as well. All the other standard complimentary food is the same and they added the AquaDome market which is similar to Norwegian’s Indulge Food Hall. Maybe I’ll run into you on Icon in like 5 years. That’s probably when I’ll be willing to consider the prices again. Lol
You made the right decision. You can take 2 or 3 cruises for that price. I know everyone wants to do the new shiny ships, but I can wait. Hopefully the fares for Icon will come back down to earth. We're doing Virgin in July and I'm soo excited. Have fun on your cruises!!
Technically, can it truly be inflation if many sailings are selling out across most cruise lines? And, if it is inflation, the numbers don't seem to be negatively affecting cruise passengers. It's called price and demand. Prices will only go down when cabins are empty.
Credit cards man. More people in more massive amount of credit card debt than ever before to sustain their prior-to-inflation lifestyle. Bankruptcies have also raised 13% just in 2023. Credit cards & bankruptcies have honestly kept people going. If they were to stop giving lines of credit and bankruptcies our entire lives/lifestyle would change.
I'm actually leaving Saturday for a 6 day Caribbean Carnival cruise. Interior room, $1500 for 2 people. We prepaid tips which was $192. Didn't do the drink package, I wouldn't end up drinking all that and it added another $800. Gonna do a couple of shore excursions but they are only about $65 a person.
i booked in January 2023 the NCL Epic for $399 inside cabin 0 supplement for 12 days from Orlando to Rome April 7th-19th. Thats is if your not aware no extra fee for the 2nd person not in my cabin. i prefer to cruise more for less and i also never buy those expensive drink, spa, internet pkgs. i just sit back enjoy the scenery and see the world while i do no cooking, shopping or cleaning. Be sure and purchase at least 100 shares of stock and send in the proof usually 21 days before you cruise and you can get anwhere from $50 to $250 onboard spending credits for anything you want...including excursions.
We’ve been on over 50 cruises over the last 30 or so years and there’s no way we would pay $4,000 p/p for a balcony cabin on a 1 week Caribbean cruise, never paid more than $1,000 p/p for a balcony. $4,000 p/p is just plain greed. Used to be loyal to RCCL and Celebrity, no more. Now we go with the best deal. You made the right decision, have fun on your next 2 cruises.
You definitely made the right decision. I’m waiting until all the hype dies down and the prices drop before I book Icon. There are a lot of great cruise deals out there to enjoy until that time comes.
Dev, I definitely think you did the right thing. I myself could not justify paying almost $8000 for a one week cruise. I am actually planning 3 cruises with less. Good move my brother.
Kudos on an amazing video Dev. You absolutely made the right decision on pulling the plug. Going on a disney cruise is one of my bucket trips. The inflataion is going up on food etc. You did what was right and you need to save your money on a new house. ❤
there's no problem with Royal charging more for Icon. The rule of pricing is charge what the market will bear. If they're charging $8000 that means there are people booking it for that price. If you can't afford the Icon price, go on a less expensive ship. Even the Oasis class isn't that bad anymore (since now there's icon).
This is why I got prime in the casino. Free icon cruise and free drinks in the casino are so worth it. I'd never pay thousands for a cruise you made the right choice
We have a casino status on another cruise line where we sail free regularly. We can exchange this for free sailings on other lines. With that in mind, RCCL is stingy and has cut back their exchanges. We cannot book the Icon as a comp. I have no doubt this has pissed off a lot of bloggers who thought they would be able to get on board for free and cannot do so.
You're not getting it free if you have the status in the casino. You just prepaid for it in advance. Plus, there is NOT any free cruises on Icon as of yet
Thanks for sharing. I made a decision not to cruise Icon yet because I travel solo and always book a balcony. I have to pay double each time I cruise, that's easily $6K for me. Plus, the Icon is going to places I have already been to. I will book Icon if the prices go down reasonably and to a port I have not been to. A side note: I also teach fitness classes on royal Caribbean for 7-day cruises. Those I don't pay for. However, if I got the offer to teach on the Icon, yes, I would go, knowing the cabin would be paid for.
Sounds like you have your priorities in line and thats a great place to be! People keep making a big deal about the anchor attraction not being free, I dont get it. according to the youtube videos ive seen, pricing was $30-$40 and Included the video. 1 still photo they take on the ship will cost you around $20 and nobody complains about that. I have seen a ton of youtube videos of folks sailing on ICON and there seems to be more than plenty free food options with the normal specialty dining venues and maybe 1 or 2 casual cheap pay per order places which isnt a new concept if you look at Playmakers on other ships. Supply and Demand will always win out in business. If prices get to a point people stop booking, prices will drop. it is not Royal Caribbean's job to make a cruise affordable to anyone. if you want a cheap cruise, go on a shorter cruise on an older ship. We are doing Voyager for 5 nights for under $600 per person. There is something for everyone with Royal or most cruise lines, the problem is people these days think everything should be for everyone.
You are right regarding airline ticket inflation's. Fly from the East Coast to California. 1 family member bought their tickets in Dec. 407 dollars round trip. I waited till this month and I steadily watched that same flight go up and up. Mine was $649 dollars. Insane
I don’t blame you but yeah, should have booked early. I’m going in March because I got in a year ago but I definitely won’t be paying again when I can get such a similar experience on an oasis class ship.
There doing it because of FOMO and ppl paying because they dont wanna miss out and be one of the first ones , yeah thats just way to much money for 7 day cruise
I have the same feelings about Disney cruise line as you do about icon. I priced a 4 night in the wish and it was around $10,000 for my family of 5. No way!
Holy balls. No thanks ! And Royal Caribbean nickels and dimes you. We are paying a good amount for a Disney cruise but it's upfront and not nickel and dime.
I was looking at the LOWEST available prices for an inside cabin on Icon of the Seas for an early December cruise. The fare was $600 higher than a yacht cruise on a Windstar Cruise. In addition, since you are on a smaller ship, you get into smaller, more uncrowded ports. The cruise lines are taking advantage of this. However, when the economy collapses in a few months, discounts will be all around.
I don't think anyone should ever put themselves in an uncomfortable position financially. Especially for a vacation. But for sake of comparison, we just priced out the Disney Fantasy (7 nights, W. Carribean) for this June and it was $9600 for a family of 3. $9600!!! The Icon of the Seas came in at $7500 for a family of 3. The ships and experiences are in no way comparable. Why is there no outrage on the ever inflating Disney prices? There are always cheaper options. Always. And everyone should figure out what fits their own lifestyle and budget. But I'm not seeing the issue here in comparison.
And did you know that Carnival owns several other cruises, including Norwegian CL, MSC, Princess, P&O, Holland America, Cunard, AIDA, and the infamous Costa. I cruised 2-3 times per year with Carnival. I watched their guest services go downhill...so much so that Carnival employees downright insulted me and I was nice and didn't deserve that. When I came home I heard about Carnival the poop cruise, the Carnival Fire at sea, and then the final blow......Costa Concordia sinking. I thought enough was enough. So I thought Carnival and their subsidiaries is not getting a single penny from me! So I started cruising Royal Caribbean and never looked back! RC has superb customer service and competent Captains and don't sink no ships! Always has the best cruises! I would like to try a Disney cruise 🚢. That would definitely be a Dream come true!!! I've heard nothing but great things about Disney Cruises!
We went on Adventure of the seas last may and the sauna/steam rooms were free! It was amazing, we used them daily! Then we booked our next cruise for October on Allure and went to go use the sauna/steam and we're told you have to pay for them! We were really shocked and so disappointed. We didn't think the newer and more expensive ship would charge for that
For those prices a person can book a river cruise and all those extra charges for a drink package, specialty dinning, excursions and WiFi would be all included in your cruise fare. Just saying as a person who has researched both.
Hi dev! Another great video. You made the right choice. Prices are crazy for these new ships coming out. I saw it was $11K for two people for a veranda on Disney treasure maiden voyage. I can’t wait to see the new ships you try out!
I booked inaugural Icon of the Seas the day it was opened. Plus since I am a travel agent, I booked groups rates. It was such a deal compared to prices now. The ship was awesome too!
Smart move for sure. I wouldnt think it twice. I would take 3 cruises on other good cruise lines over 1 on icon any day. Icon prices are absolutely INSANE.
We normally cruise every year, but we're thinking about taking a break. We've started looking at maybe Disneyland, we normally go to WDW, in fact I met you at WDW years ago. We normally cruise Carnival because it has been the most cost effective. I was never able to justify paying Disney Cruise prices when I could get a balcony for less on Carnival than an interior on Disney.
Icon of the seas will never see me with those prices. I’m waiting for Disney treasure summer 2025 itinerary to come out to see what that’s looking like but I will not be paying those prices for that ship.
I was reading the Same thing as you, alot of people are complaining that it's gotten too expensive. A few in some comments have even stated that a Disney theme park vacation is cheaper than a cruise. I also saw comments on people choosing to vacation in the mountains. Sad too because my sister and I have been wanting to go on a cruise, particularly RC. But now it's just too expensive. Don't blame u at all. I also like you are venturing out to other cruise companies.
I got my icon of the seas on opening day 3800 Surfside with mom. Feb 10 cruise . It was awesome! Will not go ags8n till prices come down. We live in Florida. We will not do another Disney anything.
I do believe they are trying to price out the middle class passengers. What family of 4 on a working persons income can afford a 7 day cruise in an Icon balcony room? Add in 2 alcohol packages, 2 soda packages, internet for 4, a couple speciality dinners, flights for 4, and a hotel room, and you are approaching a middle class workers annual salary.
I have booked a bahama cruise on Utopia of the seas for 4 nights, £1800 for 4. I thought that was a brilliant price for a balcony room. Coming from the UK flights are expensive so this will probably be a one off but it’s a surprise cruise for my husbands 40th so has to be done!
Wow. 7000 just for the room. I have never been on a cruse. What would you suggest for a first cruise? I was thinking of maybe 3 days to see if I can handle it. What ship and destination would you suggest?
Hey Dev! Huge fan for years! You need to make decisions based on you and Bianca's wants and needs. If it's not in the cards to be one of the first, no worries! Hope you guys have an amazing cruise elsewhere! You've always done what you felt is right and that's why I love your videos. Keep doing you!!! Oh and good luck with the house hunt... market is absolutely disgusting... saving for that is 100000000x more important than a cruise. Yeah you have X amount of days to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime, but a house that you call home is forever. Good luck man! Many happy adventures to you guys!
its all about supply and demand. Companies will charge what people are willing to pay. As a shareholder I would expect the company to maximize profits by balancing price increases and filling rooms. If they are sold out, they can charge more, if they are nearly empty, they need to drop the price.
Definitely the right move both financially and content-wise. Theres plenty of Icon stuff out there right now. Royal is on the best behavior because of it. It will be better to go in a year or so later when things are "normal" to see how it really is.
Just booked Icon last night for January 2026. The price is shocking for an ocean balcony. The same as what you quoted. We have a long time to decide if we are going before final payment is due. But at least I’m booked and can dream about sailing on icon for now lol
I must say as me being a cruiser since I was a teenager I’ve been so sad that since after COVID I haven’t been able to cruise really because of these prices & living in Florida we just don’t get paid enough for the cost of living so I’m just sad that something I love to do & helps me reset I can’t do as much because of the prices & cost of living. Cancelling Icon was best. I’d rather do multiple cruises a year then one cruise. I’m waiting for icon to become not as demanding to book. But I will be on Utopia of the seas this year so that’s exciting.
You were so right to cancel. I have cruised all of Royal Caribbean ships. Have been cruises since 1988 . I have stayed in the Loft Suite on 4 Oasis class shoes and didn't pay for what they want for a baloney . It's crazy greed.
You made the right decision, for sure. That's CRAZY pricing. The vacations we have planned this year are all awesome roadtrips. I'm not the least bit disappointed about that. Can't wait to see your upcoming adventures!
Wooow I did not know they raised the prices that high. My family wanted to do a trip for next year on Icon. Hopefully those prices go down after the hype this year😅
Had to jump in these comments to tell you to stay clear away from Norwegian. Went with a big group last year. It may seem cheap until you get on the boat. They nickel and dime you for everything.
Hi Dev 👋🏻 We love you and are rooting for you and B! 🥰 can I give you some genuine insight? My two cents. Husband and I are looking for a cruise next spring (a year out) to take our three kids on. Honestly we were going towards icon because Disney seemed so expensive. Icon seemed like more value for the money. Our trip total would be about 15,000 for the week. Honestly, we were thinking that is a good deal. Hear me out. People like us don’t cruise often. Maybe once every few years. I can absolutely see for someone like you who has a travel Vlog it seems outlandish. But for those of us who save for several years to go on a very nice vacation it actually seems like a reasonable amount to go on a brand new ship. Hope this gives you some insight. Be well 🙏🏻
We are about one cruise away from being Diamond +, we have no desire to sail on this ship. Those prices are simply ridiculous. In fact, we are soon sailing on a different cruise line. I think you made a very wise decision. I enjoy your videos. I would even enjoy seeing you and Bianca dine at some of Orlando's popular restaurants. Keep up the great work Dev!
We booked it as soon as it opened up for booking and we have an up coming cruise. May 18 thru 25, 2024 I got a balcony on the 14th floor 4200. I looked for my daughter and 2 grand kids it was 12k!!!! CRAZY!!
Planning for a suite icon 2025. Its 13k but will pay deposit and pay balance monthly. I want something big *next year and the reviews have been so good. I even compared to wonder and its the same price. By april i should make the decision
Royal Diamond member, almost Diamond plus. I booked my Cruise first day Icon went on sale, got a great deal for my family of 4 for the family suite. If I booked in Jan I would have paid almost 2.5 times the cost. Smart move by you, wait 2 more years. I’m not doing the obstacle course at that cost.
folks i hope your reading this. please i know many people have to make specific time plans and you cannot take advantage of the cheapest prices that sometime are closer to the sail date. i booked Norwegian Epic Orlando to Rome April 7th to the 19th for $399 inside cabin but that is not the best part. thats $399 by myself, since i cruise single inside cabin i explore the cheapest prices and i booked this in January 2023. It is now being offered around $479 single inside cabin..do not confuse this with the Solo Cabins on the Ship. i sailed this ship from Rome to Orlando in the Fall and loved the Gym. I know the listed prices are quite shockers but i never pay more than $100 a day. If the cruise lines can get people to pay those crazy prices thats great, but when they have empty cabins, i will find them first i hope. You made the right decision not paying $1000 a day per person. Thats crazy and thats why some people say Cruising is expensive and that was the most expensive vacation i ever took. i sit in the hot tub with you all and hear the stories. Cruisin Carl
Hellooo from Gatlinburg TN Smoky Mountains Park..Smart move! I'm in a tourist town and I've heard from people coming to Gatlinburg because they weren't going to pay that $$ for ba Cruise 🏞️🌄🐻
I just booked on NCL with my two Adult Grandsons (18 and 20) the older boy and myself….free, the 18 year old $500. We paid port fees, tip and drink packages but “Casino at Sea” compted the trip as we are rated players. After this trip, the 18 year old will be a rated player. We Love NCL
All cruisers in September 28, 2024 if every one request more for FCC because now the prices is a double and more. The compensation not cover the personal damages and emotional for this cancellation. Child was affected, not Understanding what happened. The most serious thing is Emotional damages this cause this cancellation waiting two years for this. I NOT ACCEPTED THE AMOUNT THEY BRING. They need created a new Reservation at the same prices you paid in two years ago. Because the prices is overpriced now. SAD EMOTIONAL SITUATION FOR ALLS PASSENGERS. THEY NEED PAID THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THIS.
Dev, you need to book into group space! Granted for a ship like Icon, the availability is a bit limited for Spring and Summer, but I just found a midship (D2) cabin for 2 people, REFUNDABLE rate, plus obc for $3485.60...and that includes port fees and taxes. 7-night, Western Caribbean, Icon :)
To snswer your question about travelling: can no longer afford to do it. Our governments are ensuring only people with lots of money get to travel, all the while telling us we should be mindful of the environment 😂
I think everyone should take inventory of how money is spent right now and we have to decide to get the best value for the dollar. You made the best choice for you. I don’t want to throw away money just because. We are considering a variety of travel options and we are weighting in on the cost
We're going on a RC cruise later this year on one of their older ships. I would love to sail on icon but my budget is more important than balling out for a cruise. Inflation is out of control. I rather get my house and car before I pay that price for any cruise at this time.
You made the right decision. It is insane how expensive land vacations and cruise vacations have become! I do not think it is inflation at this point, I think companies are trying to make a lot of money and there is a few people that can afford it but enough to maintain the travel industry making more money.
We leave for Icon this weekend. Booked ours maybe a couple weeks after bookings were available. We were going to cancel and reschedule until we seen the pricing if we did lol. We only paid about 4,000 for me and the kids for a Surfside balcony. When I looked to rebook it’d been almost 9. Needless to say we just kept what we had lol.
I think you made the right decision. I still haven’t been on a cruise yet. I’m not a big party person so I’m moving towards Disney for that. Just looking for a relaxing, go with the flow at your own pace type cruise.
I tried to book Nov 2022 and they wanted 7200 for two balcony and I said no so it was over priced back then. Cruises use to be 399 499 and 699 per person. Icon cost 2B but that ship will sail for 15 plus years
Ya I noticed the pricing being wildly higher with the newest ships. I have a friend that worked for Royal Caribbean helping me. And she told me even with employee discounts you ain't getting on their newest ship that first year without paying a ton. They have already sold out the first calendar year and have no need to discount. She. recommended going on the ships 2 years old or the reconditioned Oasis class ships. She was right the price was way cheaper. What I paid for a suite 2 years back only gets you a balcony room now. Sheeeesh! But I understand a ton of people now interested in this floating cities for a vacation. I like them because if traveling with family and friends you can all do your own thing and still hang out. Also if you love great food this is the way to go. Looking forward to you checking out the ship before I do. 🤣🤣🤣
You definitely made the right decision! I am a very loyal RCL fan, just one 10- night cruise away from Diamond status. So excited about that ship, but I looked at those prices ... and I just refuse. I refuse to feed the greed. Like you said, there are other terrific cruise lines out there that are still reasonable, a good deal and a good time, and you have important goals right now for your family that take precedence. You did good!
We’re doing carnival this summer, we got a good deal on a big suite vs 2 rooms on Royal for our family of 5. Seems everything outside of Royal and Disney is definitely cheaper or has better deals.
You are absolutely correct for canceling your cruise in fact I commend you for your integrity of looking at the finance and what the cruise lines are doing to the customers unfortunately the cruise lines have figured a way to entice content creators by giving them reduced or no fee cruises therefore they get a market advantage because those content creators do not speak ill of the price increases. Or try to convince their followers and patrons the experience is worth it, no matter brand 800 a day is expensive. RCCL decided to increase prices while decreasing The Experience value I do think that the prices will go down starting this fall and into next spring
Wow those prices are CRAZY, definitely the right decision Dev! In the UK and really hope the prices are more reasonable here, because we are looking to go on one as well as we missed getting our very first cruise as my grandson was taken ill so feel like we missed out there,so fingers crossed there will be a next time 😂
This is exactly why I haven’t booked icon of the seas yet because I was saw it was $7,000 or more for two people for the week and that’s before drink package, dining, excursions, and so on
It’s not inflation, it’s corporate GREED.
sadly it is both, this country is ran by true evil that allow modern slavery
They’re not a charity. They’re in it for the money. It’s a business. It’s a shame that it’s expensive, but like Disney, supply and demand. If People pay the rates, they’ll keep the rates high.
Yep, can't be inflation if these corporations are having record profits
@@austindonnelly1837 BINGO
But just to play devil's advocate a little bit is it really corporate greed if the consumer is willing to spend these prices? Doesn't capitalism dictate that you sell at what the market can bear?
Honestly, Dev made the right decision, and besides, the ship will always be there. You're literally making a big jump in your life for you and your family. There is nothing wrong with going on a budget
Agreed
Amen!! Buy a home!!
Great move! If people continue to pay these high prices they will continue to rise.
Good for you bro, I’m a cruiser, have a ton of cruisers under my belt and started cruising in 1983. I would not pay those high rates on Icon, give it a few years and that ship will be cheap again. Just wait
Is not inflation That’s just them gouging prices to make more money
It’s almost like they’re a business aiming for profit!
And yet, the ship is booked solid for the next 9 months.
Supply and demand set prices. It’s called Capitalism.
@@tenn24th they’re making more than a profit. Have you seen the amount of money the CEOs get in just bonuses? I’m sorry, but that’s not necessary.
Not inflation? Have you bought groceries lately?
The ship costs like 1.7B due to Covid or something.
Save your money for a house, and your wedding is my recommendation. Especially a home that you will own.😊 Love to you & Bianca! Love your videos!❤
7,500 is literally a semester of college tuition lol or a lavish trip to another continent
You need to try Celebrity. It's like a grown up Disney cruise.
We looked at Icon OTS but decided on Symphony OTS. We got 2 balcony rooms, added internet for 4 people, 2 deluxe beverage packages, 2 refreshment packages, 2 specialty dinners for 4 people and the new hideaway beach passes for 4 for less than the price of an Icon balcony only for 2 people. We get to bring our kids who are in college and are growing up fast and have a big family trip with all the bells and whistles.
While I agree about the outrageous prices on Icon, I haven’t heard of any grab an go places that charge for food that didn’t before. The only grab and go place that I heard upcharges for certain food is a place called Base Camp, but they do offer some complimentary items as well. All the other standard complimentary food is the same and they added the AquaDome market which is similar to Norwegian’s Indulge Food Hall.
Maybe I’ll run into you on Icon in like 5 years. That’s probably when I’ll be willing to consider the prices again. Lol
You made the right decision. You can take 2 or 3 cruises for that price. I know everyone wants to do the new shiny ships, but I can wait. Hopefully the fares for Icon will come back down to earth. We're doing Virgin in July and I'm soo excited. Have fun on your cruises!!
You will have so much fun on Virgin Voyages!!
Your honesty is refreshing. Most creators just throw cotton candy at us. Great job
It reminds me of when Disney opened the Star Wars hotel with the ridiculous pricing. You definitely did the right thing by canceling.
It depends if you book via ROYAL directly or find an agent that has group space. I am going in November for $2400.00 for 2 people.
Which ship though?
@@adisonsichampanakhone1070 icon
Same. We got the group pricing for Nov 2nd at 2400 per room for 2 people.
Technically, can it truly be inflation if many sailings are selling out across most cruise lines? And, if it is inflation, the numbers don't seem to be negatively affecting cruise passengers. It's called price and demand. Prices will only go down when cabins are empty.
Credit cards man. More people in more massive amount of credit card debt than ever before to sustain their prior-to-inflation lifestyle. Bankruptcies have also raised 13% just in 2023. Credit cards & bankruptcies have honestly kept people going. If they were to stop giving lines of credit and bankruptcies our entire lives/lifestyle would change.
I'm actually leaving Saturday for a 6 day Caribbean Carnival cruise. Interior room, $1500 for 2 people. We prepaid tips which was $192. Didn't do the drink package, I wouldn't end up drinking all that and it added another $800. Gonna do a couple of shore excursions but they are only about $65 a person.
i booked in January 2023 the NCL Epic for $399 inside cabin 0 supplement for 12 days from Orlando to Rome April 7th-19th. Thats is if your not aware no extra fee for the 2nd person not in my cabin. i prefer to cruise more for less and i also never buy those expensive drink, spa, internet pkgs. i just sit back enjoy the scenery and see the world while i do no cooking, shopping or cleaning. Be sure and purchase at least 100 shares of stock and send in the proof usually 21 days before you cruise and you can get anwhere from $50 to $250 onboard spending credits for anything you want...including excursions.
Carnival is the way to go
We’ve been on over 50 cruises over the last 30 or so years and there’s no way we would pay $4,000 p/p for a balcony cabin on a 1 week Caribbean cruise, never paid more than $1,000 p/p for a balcony.
$4,000 p/p is just plain greed. Used to be loyal to RCCL and Celebrity, no more. Now we go with the best deal. You made the right decision, have fun on your next 2 cruises.
I’ve done Disney many times as solo traveler. Enjoyed all cruises and felt safe.
You made the perfect decision. Y’all are going to be so busy vacating! Have a great time. Meow meow 😻 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
You definitely made the right decision. I’m waiting until all the hype dies down and the prices drop before I book Icon. There are a lot of great cruise deals out there to enjoy until that time comes.
RC is bringing a lot of cabins online over the next few years. If the economy were to take a hit...prices will have to decline.
Dev, I definitely think you did the right thing. I myself could not justify paying almost $8000 for a one week cruise. I am actually planning 3 cruises with less.
Good move my brother.
Kudos on an amazing video Dev. You absolutely made the right decision on pulling the plug. Going on a disney cruise is one of my bucket trips. The inflataion is going up on food etc. You did what was right and you need to save your money on a new house. ❤
there's no problem with Royal charging more for Icon. The rule of pricing is charge what the market will bear. If they're charging $8000 that means there are people booking it for that price. If you can't afford the Icon price, go on a less expensive ship. Even the Oasis class isn't that bad anymore (since now there's icon).
The way I clicked so fast😂 luv ur videos ❤
Me too lmao
This is why I got prime in the casino. Free icon cruise and free drinks in the casino are so worth it. I'd never pay thousands for a cruise you made the right choice
We have a casino status on another cruise line where we sail free regularly. We can exchange this for free sailings on other lines. With that in mind, RCCL is stingy and has cut back their exchanges. We cannot book the Icon as a comp. I have no doubt this has pissed off a lot of bloggers who thought they would be able to get on board for free and cannot do so.
I call bs on your free icon cruise ok. Because I called the royal casino and they told me there will be no free icon cruise for awhile.
You're not getting it free if you have the status in the casino. You just prepaid for it in advance. Plus, there is NOT any free cruises on Icon as of yet
@@robertwainwright7761 They lied. I just booked on Icon for this May from an instant certificate I got in January
The prices are so unbelievable crazy 😢😢 Sorry Dev you have to cancel. Thank you for all the updates.
Good decision to cancel - way too high!
Thanks for sharing. I made a decision not to cruise Icon yet because I travel solo and always book a balcony. I have to pay double each time I cruise, that's easily $6K for me. Plus, the Icon is going to places I have already been to. I will book Icon if the prices go down reasonably and to a port I have not been to. A side note: I also teach fitness classes on royal Caribbean for 7-day cruises. Those I don't pay for. However, if I got the offer to teach on the Icon, yes, I would go, knowing the cabin would be paid for.
That’s a lot of money. You’re better off putting it towards a house versus spending $8000 and it’s gone in just one week! Just my opinion
Sounds like you have your priorities in line and thats a great place to be! People keep making a big deal about the anchor attraction not being free, I dont get it. according to the youtube videos ive seen, pricing was $30-$40 and Included the video. 1 still photo they take on the ship will cost you around $20 and nobody complains about that. I have seen a ton of youtube videos of folks sailing on ICON and there seems to be more than plenty free food options with the normal specialty dining venues and maybe 1 or 2 casual cheap pay per order places which isnt a new concept if you look at Playmakers on other ships. Supply and Demand will always win out in business. If prices get to a point people stop booking, prices will drop. it is not Royal Caribbean's job to make a cruise affordable to anyone. if you want a cheap cruise, go on a shorter cruise on an older ship. We are doing Voyager for 5 nights for under $600 per person. There is something for everyone with Royal or most cruise lines, the problem is people these days think everything should be for everyone.
Crazy prices everywhere these days sledgehammered that like button sharing out full watch ty for sharing your thoughts Dev
I think you made the right choice. My family cruise with carnival and they are a lot of fun and fairly priced!!!! Love your videos!!!
You are right regarding airline ticket inflation's. Fly from the East Coast to California. 1 family member bought their tickets in Dec. 407 dollars round trip. I waited till this month and I steadily watched that same flight go up and up. Mine was $649 dollars. Insane
I don’t blame you but yeah, should have booked early. I’m going in March because I got in a year ago but I definitely won’t be paying again when I can get such a similar experience on an oasis class ship.
There doing it because of FOMO and ppl paying because they dont wanna miss out and be one of the first ones , yeah thats just way to much money for 7 day cruise
Never been this early before! Always a great day when a new PCDev video drops!!
I enjoy your video's. Could you do a Ritz Carlton cruise one day?
This is horrible! I'm glad you're keeping your family safe and thinking about the financial aspect of the cruise this time around!
I have the same feelings about Disney cruise line as you do about icon. I priced a 4 night in the wish and it was around $10,000 for my family of 5. No way!
Holy balls. No thanks ! And Royal Caribbean nickels and dimes you.
We are paying a good amount for a Disney cruise but it's upfront and not nickel and dime.
I was looking at the LOWEST available prices for an inside cabin on Icon of the Seas for an early December cruise. The fare was $600 higher than a yacht cruise on a Windstar Cruise. In addition, since you are on a smaller ship, you get into smaller, more uncrowded ports.
The cruise lines are taking advantage of this. However, when the economy collapses in a few months, discounts will be all around.
Sounds like you made the right decision! Love your channel as a fellow Florida channel.
I don't think anyone should ever put themselves in an uncomfortable position financially. Especially for a vacation. But for sake of comparison, we just priced out the Disney Fantasy (7 nights, W. Carribean) for this June and it was $9600 for a family of 3. $9600!!! The Icon of the Seas came in at $7500 for a family of 3. The ships and experiences are in no way comparable. Why is there no outrage on the ever inflating Disney prices? There are always cheaper options. Always. And everyone should figure out what fits their own lifestyle and budget. But I'm not seeing the issue here in comparison.
And did you know that Carnival owns several other cruises, including Norwegian CL, MSC, Princess, P&O, Holland America, Cunard, AIDA, and the infamous Costa. I cruised 2-3 times per year with Carnival. I watched their guest services go downhill...so much so that Carnival employees downright insulted me and I was nice and didn't deserve that. When I came home I heard about Carnival the poop cruise, the Carnival Fire at sea, and then the final blow......Costa Concordia sinking. I thought enough was enough. So I thought Carnival and their subsidiaries is not getting a single penny from me! So I started cruising Royal Caribbean and never looked back! RC has superb customer service and competent Captains and don't sink no ships! Always has the best cruises! I would like to try a Disney cruise 🚢. That would definitely be a Dream come true!!! I've heard nothing but great things about Disney Cruises!
You should leave all your money in the bank, especially if you're trying to buy a home!!!❤
We went on Adventure of the seas last may and the sauna/steam rooms were free! It was amazing, we used them daily! Then we booked our next cruise for October on Allure and went to go use the sauna/steam and we're told you have to pay for them! We were really shocked and so disappointed. We didn't think the newer and more expensive ship would charge for that
For those prices a person can book a river cruise and all those extra charges for a drink package, specialty dinning, excursions and WiFi would be all included in your cruise fare. Just saying as a person who has researched both.
Hi dev! Another great video. You made the right choice. Prices are crazy for these new ships coming out. I saw it was $11K for two people for a veranda on Disney treasure maiden voyage. I can’t wait to see the new ships you try out!
I booked inaugural Icon of the Seas the day it was opened. Plus since I am a travel agent, I booked groups rates. It was such a deal compared to prices now. The ship was awesome too!
I need to look more into these group rates!
I did the same. Got back last Saturday and it was awesome
I work for a travel agency called Vacations To Go. I believe we have group rates for the icon for March of next year@@PCDev
Smart move for sure. I wouldnt think it twice. I would take 3 cruises on other good cruise lines over 1 on icon any day. Icon prices are absolutely INSANE.
We normally cruise every year, but we're thinking about taking a break. We've started looking at maybe Disneyland, we normally go to WDW, in fact I met you at WDW years ago. We normally cruise Carnival because it has been the most cost effective. I was never able to justify paying Disney Cruise prices when I could get a balcony for less on Carnival than an interior on Disney.
Dev - you made the right decision. Those prices are ridiculous!!
Icon of the seas will never see me with those prices. I’m waiting for Disney treasure summer 2025 itinerary to come out to see what that’s looking like but I will not be paying those prices for that ship.
3,700 p/p for an inside cabin......no way!!!!!
I was reading the Same thing as you, alot of people are complaining that it's gotten too expensive. A few in some comments have even stated that a Disney theme park vacation is cheaper than a cruise. I also saw comments on people choosing to vacation in the mountains. Sad too because my sister and I have been wanting to go on a cruise, particularly RC. But now it's just too expensive. Don't blame u at all. I also like you are venturing out to other cruise companies.
Paid $900/PP for my Icon cruise, 2K total for my partner and I.
I stayed up til midnight when sailings opened up and saved big.
I got my icon of the seas on opening day 3800 Surfside with mom. Feb 10 cruise . It was awesome! Will not go ags8n till prices come down. We live in Florida. We will not do another Disney anything.
I do believe they are trying to price out the middle class passengers. What family of 4 on a working persons income can afford a 7 day cruise in an Icon balcony room? Add in 2 alcohol packages, 2 soda packages, internet for 4, a couple speciality dinners, flights for 4, and a hotel room, and you are approaching a middle class workers annual salary.
I have booked a bahama cruise on Utopia of the seas for 4 nights, £1800 for 4. I thought that was a brilliant price for a balcony room. Coming from the UK flights are expensive so this will probably be a one off but it’s a surprise cruise for my husbands 40th so has to be done!
I booked the first day they opened reservations in October 2022. I was able to get an Oceanview balcony for $3100.
Wow. 7000 just for the room. I have never been on a cruse. What would you suggest for a first cruise? I was thinking of maybe 3 days to see if I can handle it.
What ship and destination would you suggest?
Thank you for being transparent with these prices & understanding that they’re not normal prices lol I love your videos!
Hey Dev! Huge fan for years! You need to make decisions based on you and Bianca's wants and needs. If it's not in the cards to be one of the first, no worries! Hope you guys have an amazing cruise elsewhere! You've always done what you felt is right and that's why I love your videos. Keep doing you!!! Oh and good luck with the house hunt... market is absolutely disgusting... saving for that is 100000000x more important than a cruise. Yeah you have X amount of days to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime, but a house that you call home is forever. Good luck man! Many happy adventures to you guys!
greedflation
its all about supply and demand. Companies will charge what people are willing to pay. As a shareholder I would expect the company to maximize profits by balancing price increases and filling rooms. If they are sold out, they can charge more, if they are nearly empty, they need to drop the price.
I hope more people cancel so it’s going to be less crowded for me 😂😂
Definitely the right move both financially and content-wise. Theres plenty of Icon stuff out there right now. Royal is on the best behavior because of it. It will be better to go in a year or so later when things are "normal" to see how it really is.
Once Utopia comes out, ICON will be consider old and everyone will jump on Utopia and ICON prices will drop.
Just booked Icon last night for January 2026. The price is shocking for an ocean balcony. The same as what you quoted. We have a long time to decide if we are going before final payment is due. But at least I’m booked and can dream about sailing on icon for now lol
I must say as me being a cruiser since I was a teenager I’ve been so sad that since after COVID I haven’t been able to cruise really because of these prices & living in Florida we just don’t get paid enough for the cost of living so I’m just sad that something I love to do & helps me reset I can’t do as much because of the prices & cost of living. Cancelling Icon was best. I’d rather do multiple cruises a year then one cruise. I’m waiting for icon to become not as demanding to book. But I will be on Utopia of the seas this year so that’s exciting.
You were so right to cancel. I have cruised all of Royal Caribbean ships. Have been cruises since 1988 . I have stayed in the Loft Suite on 4 Oasis class shoes and didn't pay for what they want for a baloney .
It's crazy greed.
You made the right decision, for sure. That's CRAZY pricing. The vacations we have planned this year are all awesome roadtrips. I'm not the least bit disappointed about that. Can't wait to see your upcoming adventures!
The best cruise line for me Hass to be carnival hands down as long as you cruise, the celebration, Mardi Gras or Jubilee
we have a cruise book for the Glory Carnival.
Wooow I did not know they raised the prices that high. My family wanted to do a trip for next year on Icon. Hopefully those prices go down after the hype this year😅
Had to jump in these comments to tell you to stay clear away from Norwegian. Went with a big group last year. It may seem cheap until you get on the boat. They nickel and dime you for everything.
Yes you did the right decision, it is ridiculous the prices
Hi Dev 👋🏻 We love you and are rooting for you and B! 🥰 can I give you some genuine insight? My two cents. Husband and I are looking for a cruise next spring (a year out) to take our three kids on. Honestly we were going towards icon because Disney seemed so expensive. Icon seemed like more value for the money. Our trip total would be about 15,000 for the week. Honestly, we were thinking that is a good deal. Hear me out. People like us don’t cruise often. Maybe once every few years. I can absolutely see for someone like you who has a travel Vlog it seems outlandish. But for those of us who save for several years to go on a very nice vacation it actually seems like a reasonable amount to go on a brand new ship. Hope this gives you some insight. Be well 🙏🏻
We are about one cruise away from being Diamond +, we have no desire to sail on this ship. Those prices are simply ridiculous. In fact, we are soon sailing on a different cruise line. I think you made a very wise decision. I enjoy your videos. I would even enjoy seeing you and Bianca dine at some of Orlando's popular restaurants. Keep up the great work Dev!
We booked it as soon as it opened up for booking and we have an up coming cruise. May 18 thru 25, 2024 I got a balcony on the 14th floor 4200. I looked for my daughter and 2 grand kids it was 12k!!!! CRAZY!!
Planning for a suite icon 2025. Its 13k but will pay deposit and pay balance monthly. I want something big *next year and the reviews have been so good. I even compared to wonder and its the same price. By april i should make the decision
Royal Diamond member, almost Diamond plus. I booked my Cruise first day Icon went on sale, got a great deal for my family of 4 for the family suite. If I booked in Jan I would have paid almost 2.5 times the cost. Smart move by you, wait 2 more years.
I’m not doing the obstacle course at that cost.
folks i hope your reading this. please i know many people have to make specific time plans and you cannot take advantage of the cheapest prices that sometime are closer to the sail date. i booked Norwegian Epic Orlando to Rome April 7th to the 19th for $399 inside cabin but that is not the best part. thats $399 by myself, since i cruise single inside cabin i explore the cheapest prices and i booked this in January 2023. It is now being offered around $479 single inside cabin..do not confuse this with the Solo Cabins on the Ship. i sailed this ship from Rome to Orlando in the Fall and loved the Gym. I know the listed prices are quite shockers but i never pay more than $100 a day. If the cruise lines can get people to pay those crazy prices thats great, but when they have empty cabins, i will find them first i hope. You made the right decision not paying $1000 a day per person. Thats crazy and thats why some people say Cruising is expensive and that was the most expensive vacation i ever took. i sit in the hot tub with you all and hear the stories. Cruisin Carl
Hellooo from Gatlinburg TN Smoky Mountains Park..Smart move! I'm in a tourist town and I've heard from people coming to Gatlinburg because they weren't going to pay that $$ for ba Cruise 🏞️🌄🐻
I just booked on NCL with my two Adult Grandsons (18 and 20) the older boy and myself….free, the 18 year old $500. We paid port fees, tip and drink packages but “Casino at Sea” compted the trip as we are rated players. After this trip, the 18 year old will be a rated player. We Love NCL
All cruisers in September 28, 2024 if every one request more for FCC because now the prices is a double and more. The compensation not cover the personal damages and emotional for this cancellation. Child was affected, not Understanding what happened. The most serious thing is Emotional damages this cause this cancellation waiting two years for this. I NOT ACCEPTED THE AMOUNT THEY BRING. They need created a new Reservation at the same prices you paid in two years ago. Because the prices is overpriced now. SAD EMOTIONAL SITUATION FOR ALLS PASSENGERS. THEY NEED PAID THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THIS.
Dev, you need to book into group space! Granted for a ship like Icon, the availability is a bit limited for Spring and Summer, but I just found a midship (D2) cabin for 2 people, REFUNDABLE rate, plus obc for $3485.60...and that includes port fees and taxes. 7-night, Western Caribbean, Icon :)
To snswer your question about travelling: can no longer afford to do it. Our governments are ensuring only people with lots of money get to travel, all the while telling us we should be mindful of the environment 😂
I think everyone should take inventory of how money is spent right now and we have to decide to get the best value for the dollar. You made the best choice for you. I don’t want to throw away money just because. We are considering a variety of travel options and we are weighting in on the cost
We're going on a RC cruise later this year on one of their older ships. I would love to sail on icon but my budget is more important than balling out for a cruise. Inflation is out of control. I rather get my house and car before I pay that price for any cruise at this time.
You made the right decision. It is insane how expensive land vacations and cruise vacations have become! I do not think it is inflation at this point, I think companies are trying to make a lot of money and there is a few people that can afford it but enough to maintain the travel industry making more money.
It’s still cheaper than a Disney cruise. Not by much though. Plus, it’s brand new. All new ships have high prices.
We leave for Icon this weekend. Booked ours maybe a couple weeks after bookings were available. We were going to cancel and reschedule until we seen the pricing if we did lol. We only paid about 4,000 for me and the kids for a Surfside balcony. When I looked to rebook it’d been almost 9. Needless to say we just kept what we had lol.
Yeah I don’t blame you! Have a great cruise.
I think you made the right decision. I still haven’t been on a cruise yet. I’m not a big party person so I’m moving towards Disney for that. Just looking for a relaxing, go with the flow at your own pace type cruise.
I tried to book Nov 2022 and they wanted 7200 for two balcony and I said no so it was over priced back then. Cruises use to be 399 499 and 699 per person. Icon cost 2B but that ship will sail for 15 plus years
Those prices are crazy. We paid less than that for a trip to Bora Bora staying in a luxury over the water bungalow!
I recommend MSC cruises and NCL
Ya I noticed the pricing being wildly higher with the newest ships. I have a friend that worked for Royal Caribbean helping me. And she told me even with employee discounts you ain't getting on their newest ship that first year without paying a ton. They have already sold out the first calendar year and have no need to discount. She. recommended going on the ships 2 years old or the reconditioned Oasis class ships. She was right the price was way cheaper. What I paid for a suite 2 years back only gets you a balcony room now. Sheeeesh! But I understand a ton of people now interested in this floating cities for a vacation. I like them because if traveling with family and friends you can all do your own thing and still hang out. Also if you love great food this is the way to go. Looking forward to you checking out the ship before I do. 🤣🤣🤣
You definitely made the right decision! I am a very loyal RCL fan, just one 10- night cruise away from Diamond status. So excited about that ship, but I looked at those prices ... and I just refuse. I refuse to feed the greed. Like you said, there are other terrific cruise lines out there that are still reasonable, a good deal and a good time, and you have important goals right now for your family that take precedence. You did good!
We’re doing carnival this summer, we got a good deal on a big suite vs 2 rooms on Royal for our family of 5. Seems everything outside of Royal and Disney is definitely cheaper or has better deals.
You are absolutely correct for canceling your cruise in fact I commend you for your integrity of looking at the finance and what the cruise lines are doing to the customers unfortunately the cruise lines have figured a way to entice content creators by giving them reduced or no fee cruises therefore they get a market advantage because those content creators do not speak ill of the price increases. Or try to convince their followers and patrons the experience is worth it, no matter brand 800 a day is expensive. RCCL decided to increase prices while decreasing The Experience value I do think that the prices will go down starting this fall and into next spring
Wow those prices are CRAZY, definitely the right decision Dev! In the UK and really hope the prices are more reasonable here, because we are looking to go on one as well as we missed getting our very first cruise as my grandson was taken ill so feel like we missed out there,so fingers crossed there will be a next time 😂
This is exactly why I haven’t booked icon of the seas yet because I was saw it was $7,000 or more for two people for the week and that’s before drink package, dining, excursions, and so on
Not the cruise ship charging for excursions ON THE SHIP 😂