Attention travelers! A new California law will change how cruise prices are advertised. Here’s what you need to know:
California's new legislation aims to provide more transparency in cruise pricing and ensure that consumers are fully aware of the total costs involved in booking a cruise. This means that cruise lines will now be required to display the "all-inclusive" price of a cruise, which includes not only the base fare but also mandatory expenses such as port charges, taxes, and other fees. This move is expected to help travelers make more informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
For many of you this won't be a huge change as Swan Family Travel already provided quotes with the full cost breakdown. Although this law only applies in California most cruise lines have opted to adopt it universally throughout North America. This means that is you are searching online for cruises after July 1st prices will appear higher even if they haven't changed because they will now be advertised including all mandatory fees instead of without them. For example June 30th Cruise may be advertised for $1000 per person but there may be $500 in taxes and port fees making it actually $1500. That same cruise on July 1st will be advertised as $1500 including taxes and port fees. So it is the same cruise same price just a different way of advertising.
Also keep in mind this all inclusive pricing model does not change the what's included in the base cruise fare. Many cruise line have extra packages for things like specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, etc. These are all still at additional cost and not necessarily included in the advertised price. This pricing model just includes al mandatory fees, optional extras aren't included.
The best way to make sure you have the correct cruise and the correct package is to speak with a Swan Family Travel advisor. We will tailor your quote to explain the costs and find the best suited cruise and package for your trip.
