Expensive American Cruise Lines: Justifying High Costs for an Exclusive Experience
American Cruise Lines: Expensive, But Worth It
Looking to embark on something a bit more exclusive while sailing the river or coastal waters? American Cruise Lines fits the bill. But why the hefty price tag? Let's dig in.
Sure, the assortment of destinations and jaw-dropping port-of-call experiences are impressive, but figuring out why American Cruise Lines is so expensive is essential. The cruise game can be more intricate than it seems, involving market positioning and nurturing that perceived value.
The High Price of American Cruise Lines
Luxury Afinements Galore
American Cruise Lines pulls out all the stops with a slew of additional luxury facilities and amenities that take the cruise experience to another level. Prepare to relax in spacious cabins boasting private balconies, offering stunning views of your surroundings. Onboard, you'll find more than just fine lounges and theaters – fitness centers are also on the menu. These top-tier facilities are what set American Cruise Lines apart from the rest.
Foodies will rejoice, as American Cruise Lines has received rave reviews for its delicious dining options. Menus, designed by renowned chefs, showcase an array of exquisite dishes using only the freshest ingredients straight from local regions. You'll savor regional flavors and culinary delights like never before.
American Cruise Lines boasts a higher crew-to-passenger ratio, meaning you can expect highly personalized service. From remembering your preferences to offering tailored recommendations, the crew's dedication to superb service enhances your cruise experience exponentially.
The High Cost of High Quality
American Cruise Lines sails in various regions, with an extensive route selection for a domestic cruise line. So, why is American Cruise Lines so expensive? This broad coverage is a factor to consider.
Here are the current rates for double occupancy staterooms. Solo travelers may pay up to 75% more based on the chosen stateroom:
- Mississippi River Cruises: $3,200 to $4,600 for 7 nights
- New England Cruises: $5,200 to $7,000 for 7 nights
- Southeast Coast Cruises: $4,500 to $7,000 for 7 nights
- Puget Sound Cruises: $5,400 for 7 nights
- Alaska Cruises: $6,400 for 7 nights
- Columbia River Cruises: $4,900 for 7 nights
Longer cruises of up to 60 days are available upon request. Shorter cruises are also offered in certain locations, such as a 4-night Columbia River cruise for around $2,755. Multiple-week sailings are available as well.
Comparing Cruise Options
Evaluating cruise options is crucial for travelers seeking the best value. When comparing cruise lines, it drives companies to compete, resulting in improved services and new offerings. For instance, guests who book their next cruise with American Cruise Lines while on board receive a substantial discount. One of their main rivals is Viking River Cruises, offering similar inclusions and itineraries. However, Viking River Cruises is even more expensive than American Cruise Lines.
Consider a 14-day Mississippi River cruise with Viking River Cruises, costing approximately $12,000 per person, compared to the same cruise with American Cruise Lines for about $9,500 per person. While American Cruise Lines is more expensive than many other options, it's crucial to consider preferences and cruise expectations.
For example, a 7-day Alaska cruise with American Cruise Lines costs close to $6,000 per person, while seven days with Royal Caribbean to Alaska costs the grand total of $600 per person. The price difference is substantial, but so is the experience.
8 Reasons Behind American Cruise Lines' High Costs
Wondering why Great Lake cruises are so expensive? Here are eight key reasons that contribute to American Cruise Lines' premium pricing.
1. Homegrown Cruising Experience
American Cruise Lines is a U.S.-based company, operating vessels under U.S. flags, impacting staffing and cruise costs. Unlike ocean cruise lines, which register ships in countries with relaxed laws regarding staff and minimum wages, American Cruise Lines sail exclusively in the U.S., adhering to U.S. employment laws and hiring U.S.-based crew. This leads to higher wages and costs, making cruises more expensive, but it ensures their crew is fairly compensated and creates U.S. shipbuilding jobs.
2. Intimate Small-Ship Experience
American Cruise Line ships accommodate between 90 and 180 guests, fostering close connections between passengers and crew members. This intimacy allows for personalized service, and the small ships can access more ports than larger vessels – especially in Alaska, where strict environmental laws limit vessels' access.
3. Complementary Hotel Accommodations
Your cruise fare may seem higher due to many American Cruise Lines travel packages including precruise hotel stays in the cost. This travel convenience helps reduce stress by arriving a day early to avoid missing embarkation and allows for earlier vacation starts. Travelers can even meet fellow guests before boarding. These hotel stays aren't technically free, but rather included in the fare, leading to the higher perceived cost compared to other cruises.
4. Extensive Onboard Entertainment
American Cruise Lines provides diverse nightly onboard entertainment tailored to the destination. There's live music, expert talks, historians, authors, magicians, and a local expert for each cruise who stays the entire week. They answer questions, share stories about the destinations, dine with guests, join shore excursions, and participate in onboard events, providing a unique and personal experience.
5. Modern Comfortable Ships
American Cruise Line offers classic ship designs like paddlewheel boats, but their fleet's average age is only four years. This is quite modern compared to other cruise lines, some of which have ships from before 2000. The modern ships are bright, spacious, and clean, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy their trip.
6. Exceptional Service
With a ratio of three passengers for every crew member, assistance is readily available on small ship cruises. This means all expectations are met, even anticipated, ensuring each passengers needs are attended to throughout the journey.
7. Most Rooms Feature Balconies
Most American Cruise Lines rooms come with private balconies, unlike rival river cruises that frequently offer only French balconies. Their ships do have a few oceanview rooms, mainly for solo travelers, but no interior cabins. While balconies contribute to the higher cost, consider prices for balcony rooms on other lines. Additionally, American Cruise Lines cabins are among the largest in the industry, with single rooms starting at 250 square feet and doubling at 350 square feet – significantly larger than double rooms on most ocean cruise ships.
Whether you're planning honeymoon cruises or searching for outstanding travel spots every month, American Cruise Lines offers a range of options to cater to special occasions and optimal travel times, ensuring an unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences.
8. Regionally Inspired Gourmet Cuisine
American Cruise Line's Master Chefs work tirelessly to create special menus for each cruise, featuring local ingredients whenever possible. For example, Columbia River cruises highlight marionberries, New England cruises showcase fresh seafood, and so on. They focus on using fresh, sustainable ingredients and world-class cooking to provide guests with exceptional and unforgettable dining experiences daily.
Wrap Up
American Cruise Lines may cost more, but the unique, luxury experience they offer can't be matched. Intimate small-ship cruising, modern amenities, and an all-American crew are just a few of the elements that set them apart. Luxury and comfort blend seamlessly, and passengers are treated like royalty with superb food and attentive service. While cheaper options exist, they frequently skimp on the extras that make American Cruise Lines special. If an unforgettable, high-end journey is what you seek, American Cruise Lines is the way to go!
American Cruise Lines' high costs can be attributed to its luxurious facilities and amenities that elevate the cruise experience. These include spacious cabins with private balconies, fitness centers, and exquisite dining options using fresh regional ingredients. Additionally, the higher crew-to-passenger ratio ensures personalized service, making American Cruise Lines a unique choice for travelers seeking a more exclusive and intimate cruising experience.
