COMMENT: Price comparisons

The fact that British Airways has introduced a price comparison page on ba.com is opening up a whole discussion on how one should measure up the price of a flight.  BA flies from the major airports to the major airports and also offers extra benefits by way of cabin service and baggage allowances.  Some of its competitors operate to airports more than 60 miles from the highlighted destination.  BA passengers, at least at the UK end, don’t have to run the risk of getting wet on boarding nor climbing down the steps onto the apron, and up again to the actual plane.  There are probably 20 other items to think about and see how they compare.

How you put all this in journey terms is difficult to answer but a price comparison can just about be made using a scrap of paper or a simple spreadsheet.  At the end of the day ‘you pay your money and take your choice!’

Long haul Business Class passengers need to balance the flight charge with the on-board offering and the ground arrangements.  How much is the chauffeur service offered by some carriers worth and with it the lack of an (expensive) parking arrangement or airport transport?  How good is the welcome and lounge arrangements and how do you judge them in terms of value?  And what are the benefits of an airline's loyalty scheme?

Off course this evaluation can be made with any purchase.

AERBT always features in the last issue of every month Cruising (and Motoring in the second edition).  This week is such an edition.  Do take a look at the section.

We have been asked to make some sort of comparison as to the value of various cruises taking into consideration the discounts available and the quality of the various packages around.

We have found it virtually impossible.

Is there someone out there who can help? 

The standard way of comparing cruise ships is to take the Berlitz Guide and look at the figures produced for each ship.  AERBT has travelled on Crystal (1702 points), in Princess Grill class on the QM2 (1709 and 1546 Britannia Class), Silversea (1760), NCL Jewel Class (1520), Emerald Princess (1546), and MSC Poesia (1467) amongst others.  Brochure pricewise they follow in much the same order. www.berlitzcruising.com

Or do they?

With Crystal you have a big (50,000 tons) relatively empty ship (less than 1,000 passengers maximum).  You pay for alcohol but not soft drinks (+15%) and there is a service charge.  It’s much the same with Cunard except that for the most part you mix with standard class passengers with the mighty 150,000-ton ship capable of carrying up to 3,000 guests.  With Silversea service is gratis as is for the most part the bar and wines.  Regent is similar but now includes off ship tours. 

At the next level down you have to compare drink costs, tour charges and, typically, free ice cream (NCL), but only during a mid-afternoon hour with Princess, who do offer an afternoon tea served in a restaurant complete with a small ensemble. 

MSC makes only the bottled water variety available.  A corkage charge is levelled for what we would term the ‘tap’ product.  No port briefings either and the variety shows use taped music with the dancers miming to the songs.  Princess gives you courtesy fresh fruit in your cabin.  They don’t charge for cabin service.  Some do.

When using the ships’ tenders NCL takes a plentiful supply of water, orange juice and ice to the landing stage to offer returning passengers with the ship’s compliments.  None of its immediate competitors do likewise.   NCL has Freestyle dining (anytime) whilst Princess offers two fixed sittings and also a fully flexible arrangement.

Most cruise lines now offer alternative dining.  Crystal offers the superb Prego at only $10 each service charge, whilst with NCL’s top of the line Cagney's Steak House it is $25 and the wine does not come cheap.  Queen Mary has the Todd English restaurant at a $30 supplement.

Laundry and other charges vary from ship to ship.  How do you judge the spa facilities and the costs involved?

P & O adds a daily £3.75 per person for service and a 10% bar tip.  NCL is $12 and 15%.  One’s extras bill can quickly reach significant figures.

Is there some way that a true comparison can be made?  Could one add up all the costs of a similar 14-day cruise at the same time of year, bring in all the variables, and then factor in the Berltiz figure to come up with some sort of judgement?  There are a great deal more than on an aircraft.

Or is it still a question of you get what you pay for?

This is a holiday time question.  We would be delighted to publicise a serious answer to this conundrum.

Malcolm Ginsberg

Editor in Chief
malcolm.ginsberg@aerbt.co.uk

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American celebrates Admirals Club

AMERICAN AIRLINES is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its Admirals Club, the world’s first public executive lounge for regular travellers.  Back in 1939 American was not the Dallas-based operation that it is today.  Its home was LaGuardia on the New York waterfront.  Since the earliest days of flying there were always special lounges for VIP passengers but nothing for those who were prepared to pay for special facilities.  The Admirals Club paved the way for some of the exotic offerings that are now available around the world by virtually every long haul airline.  With a world wide network what American now offers varies from airport to airport but at the end of the day they provide an exclusive quiet facility where one can wait prior to a flight.  To celebrate the 70 years the airline is putting on a whole series of benefits for users and upgrading the lounges. www.aa.com/admiralsclub

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Greyhound buses take to British roads

GREYHOUND, familiar on the US roads, but actually owned by the British bus company FirstGroup, is to be seen on the roads of the UK.  The 95-year-old iconic American brand will be launched at Victoria Coach Station on 14 September, initially serving Portsmouth and Southampton.  Tickets will cost as little as £1, with the average journey around £7.  It plans to roll out more routes next year.  The hourly bus services will take just under two hours non-stop to both cities and will offer free Wi-Fi, power sockets for each passenger, air conditioning, complimentary newspapers and leather seats.  Each bus will be named after women from popular American songs including Peggy Sue, Billy Jean and Barbara Ann. www.greyhounduk.com

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IATA figures show some promise

IATA (International Air Transport Association) has published figures which indicate that the fall in the number of passengers flying Business and First Class is showing some signs of stabilising.  Total passenger numbers for member airlines in June were 7.1% lower than a year earlier, against a 9.2% fall in May.  Premium travel slowed to 21.3% in June from 23.6%, still a very serious drop.  Economy bookings were 5.5% less in June than a year earlier against a 7.6% the previous month.  Since March the numbers travelling Economy Class had shown signs of reaching a floor, but until June that seemed largely due to business travellers switching to cheaper seats rather than any underlying stabilisation of demand, it said.  IATA noted that revenues from premium travel were declining at a rate close to 40%.  Front end passengers typically make up 7-10% of numbers but 25-30% of revenues. www.iata.org

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Manchester Airport falls out with Ryanair

RYANAIR, in one of its petulant moods, is to cancel nine out of ten of its routes out of Manchester Airport following a disagreement over fees and will transfer some of them to alternative airports on 1 October.  With its usual exaggeration the airline says that 600 local jobs will be lost.  A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Not withstanding all of our investment in Manchester Airport including during the current recession, we don’t believe that charges as low as £3 per passenger are unreasonable.  Clearly, Ryanair do and that’s regrettable.  We’ve consistently cut our charges for the last 15 years even when faced with increased costs such as security.  Passengers will still be able to travel directly to the majority of the destinations affected by choosing other airlines.”  The airport recently completed a £50m overhaul of Terminal 1 creating one of the UK’s largest airside shopping and catering facilities and a completely redesigned flow within the terminal, designed to make the passenger’s journey easier.  The scheme was designed following the completion of an in-depth study into passengers’ state of mind as they travelled through the Airport. www.ryanair.com www.manchesterairport.co.uk

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Southwest could go international

SOUTHWEST (SWA), the carrier credited with starting the low cost/budget airline business in 1971, and is the largest airline in the world by number of passengers carried, could be venturing into international routes by 2011.  In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, CEO Gary Kelly, successor to SWA’s legendary long time leader Herb Kelleher, said there are plenty of markets to which the airline can expand (it currently serves 67).  "If you're just talking about the domestic US, I think there are a dozen [potential expansion cities]," he said.  "If you add international markets, there are dozens.  The 737 can do Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean.  We're seriously considering that.  2011 [would be] the earliest that we'd be flying international metal."  Most places would be within two hours flying time of SWA hubs.  SWA currently has a fleet of around 550 Boeing 737. www.southwest.com

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Tokyo helicopter link

ANA is set to introduce on 16 September a complimentary helicopter transport from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to central Tokyo for First Class passengers from the major US and European cities.  On arrival at NRT, the premium passengers will be taken by limousine to the nearby Narita (Sakura) Heliport.  From there it is a 15-minute helicopter flight to Ark Hills Heliport in the centrally located Akasaka district which hosts many multi-national companies, embassies, major hotels and retail centres.  The service will be operated with Eurocopter EC135s seating 4-5 passengers.  Narita is nearly 40 miles from downtown Tokyo with a heavily congested highway connection or a semi-direct suburban train.  In 2010 a high speed train is expected to reduce the travel time to 36 minutes. www.ana.co.jp/wws/uk/e

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CRUISE NEWS AUGUST 2009

Plus a review of NCL Jade

SAGA is to replace Saga Rose with the former 446-passenger Astoria for the summer season 2010 and rename it Saga Pearl II.   During the winter the ship will undergo a £14m refit in Europe.  The extensive refurbishment is expected to include the addition of new balcony cabins; upgrades to the show lounge, spa and two swimming pools; and the creation of a library and a new Veranda Restaurant. www.saga.co.uk

ALASKA is suffering in terms of cruising due to the poor economic conditions according to reports coming out of Anchorage.  The numbers, a little over one million, are likely to stay around last year’s due to severe discounting and it is expected that the number of ships in the area for the 2010 summer season will be  reduced.  While that may well stop the price cutting it will reduce numbers by as much as 140,000 and tourism economy.  Over 60% of Alaska visitors come by ship. www.tourist-office.org/united-states/tourist-office-alaska.htm

MSC FANTASIA has received certification from the Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC) to serve gluten-free products.  On board the ship all coeliac passengers can follow a proper diet in all the ship’s restaurants: 17 special menus are available, from breakfast through lunch to dinner.  The Bar Fantasia also has a special ‘gluten free’ list.  The same Memorandum of Understanding signed by MSC Fantasia is already valid for three other of the company’s ships: MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia and MSC Musica.  In September, training courses on celiac disorders will be launched on board the new flagship MSC Splendida. www.msccruises.co.uk

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE (NCL) has stepped up the marketing for its new superliner called Epic with a very clever virtual tour.  Now being fitted out the ship will go into service next summer operating seven-day cruises into the Caribbean out of Miami.  The 150,000-ton ship, about the same size as Queen Mary 2, will carry a maximum of 4,200 passengers, looked after by 1,620 crew.  For those who prefer the written word rather than cyberspace AERBT will offer a detailed review in the coming months. www.ncl.com

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY is to undertake a major makeover much in line with the successful refreshment of its slightly larger sister ship Crystal Serenity last year.  In order to fit into the ship’s programme the work this time will be carried out in Boston towards the end of September.  Costing upwards of $25m work on the 922-guest, 50,000-ton ultra-luxury ship will included redesigned penthouses suites, pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Cafe as well as new guest elevators and numerous behind-the-scenes upgrades. www.crystalcruises.com


AT SEA ON NCL’S LATEST - JADE

This issue is somewhat biased towards cruising and summer holidays.  The current edition, and the previous one, were more or less produced at sea using the internet during what was supposed to be a break from the rigours of bringing you, dear reader, the up to date business travel news.

The internet is the most wonderful of modern inventions.  You either live with it. Or abandon it for two weeks! 

At sea it can be slow and expensive, an alternative the popular and cheap cyber cafes found at most ports.  That is except Barcelona where the cruise terminal costs are worthy of a five-star luxury hotel and not nearly as comfortable.  Sadly Barcelona is getting a reputation as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in Europe.


Freestyle with NCL

August is a quiet month in the world of business travel.  Why not try a cruise out of Southampton, have something of a rest and at the same time offer one’s services as a port lecturer, the other half suggested?  Go Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)  ‘Freestyle’ advertised with up to 14 styles of dining.

This year NCL scheduled a whole series to the Mediterranean on its newest ship, the 90,000-ton, 2,900-passenger Jade.  At 25 knots and the latest in stabilisation the Bay of Biscay should not prove a problem.  And such was the case. 

NCL introduced ‘Freestyle’ back in 2001 and after some initial teething trouble has refined the product.  What it means is that you can dine at a time and place to suit you, within limits.  The quality of food throughout the ship was excellent.  You can book the same table and same waiter in one of the two large restaurants, or dine at a time to your convenience.  There are two buffet style cafes and a 24-hour snack bar. 

Further alternative dining is paid for by way of a cover charge.  Cagney’s Steak House provides New York cuisine at a price (the bill for dinner, drinks and a fine wine can come to $100 for two).  There is the very popular Teppanyaki bar and adjoining Asian food area (cover $20 each), the Tex Mex hideaway ($10), a French bistro ($15) and an Italian eatery ($10).

‘Freestyle’ has now been extended to the final leaving of the ships.  Choose your time and whether you want NCL to deal with your cases, or struggle yourself.  It’s a nice little touch.

Jade was built as the US-registered Pride of Hawaii for the mid-Pacific market.  Let’s say that a combination of Union intransience, labour laws and the economic downturn meant that it has been transferred to Europe with a new title, a large casino, and one of the biggest emporiums afloat, even larger than the QM2.  Some of the native artwork looks a bit out of place but in time no doubt it will be replaced and the past heritage forgotten.  Hawaii has never caught on with Europeans which by all accounts is a pity.  It is not as far as Australia.


Outbound from Southampton

We took on a typical ex-Southampton 14-night summer cruise visiting Malaga, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence), Cannes, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Lisbon and Vigo.  Eight port days and five at sea.  For many a perfect balance.  For us it included five lectures – including London and the Olympics on the way home across the Bay of Biscay. 

Number one fear for the whole trip was the thought of up to 900 children roaming around and making life for the more mature types difficult.  As it turned out they all seemed well behaved with one of the larger than average shipboard pools banned for those under 18 and another pool for everyone.  Yes deck space was a bit limited at times around the pools
but the ship has more than sufficient space for everyone to find a spot to suit.  Deck loungers never ran out in two weeks of nothing but sunshine.

Let’s face it, the majority of passengers on this particular cruise are families, although there were plenty of couples of all ages, singles and those with mobility problems.  The children’s programme caters for all from 2 to 17 in various groups.  The under 12s need to be collected by their parents for meals and late night group babysitting is chargeable.  The little ones have their own pool whilst one of the most popular items on board is a water slide.  There is a small cinema for children and of course video games.

The standard balcony cabins are well equipped with plenty of storage space and nice touches including slippers and robes, a hair dryer, and kettle to make tea or coffee.  There is a 24-hour courtesy cabin dining menu, slightly limited but enough to keep the hunger at bay.  A fridge is well stocked but you have to pay for anything you use.  If you are on a tight budget the inside cabins are tiny but with the same excellent shower/washroom and Elemis soap and shampoo dispenser as elsewhere and you will sleep well without first light to disturb you.  Try and keep away from the forward balcony cabins on deck eight which are restricted (see photo).


Two-Class Ships

Jade and her sister ships are all two-class ships although normal passengers for the most part would not know it, unlike the QM2, which has the Queen’s Grill and Princess Grill upmarket restaurants with certain lounge and balcony areas off limits unless in a suite.  With Jade, part of the top two decks are given over to what is known as the ‘Courtyard Area’, a series of sumptuous cabins and a private patio complex complete with dip pool and sliding roof.  Breakfast can be taken in your room or Cagney’s.  Access is via a private lift and various privileges are available.  You can live your whole trip in this opulent area, or descend from time to time to join in the ship’s activities, and in some cases link with the children and grandchildren.

Jade does have a fine library but as to its contents we are not sure.  For whatever reason it is not computerised.  You have to sign the books out by hand, and the actual works themselves are displayed by author alphabetically.  This is OK if what you want was written by Shakespeare but supposing your need is a historical novel.  Where do you start.  No data base.  The very limited reference books are not allowed out, which is fair enough, and there is a small selection in five languages.  Braille guests are catered for as well as children.

The major stage shows are terrific, put on in a beautiful 850-seat theatre with fine sight lines.  A six-piece live band supplies the music for the up beat performance worthy of the West End.  There is also a series of speciality acts straight out of variety.  What NCL offers makes some of its competitors look staid. 

Naturally there is a large and well equipped gym available 24 hours and also an open air sports court with spectator seating.  You can practice your golf driving too.  From seven in the morning until well past midnight there is always some kind of organised activity.  Bingo and game shows may not be to everyone’s taste but there is no need to get involved.  At least there are not promotional announcements every few minutes in a variety of languages.  It is very much an English speaking vessel.

The ship is very well laid out and never feels that large.  The promenade deck is nearly one third of a mile round, flat, and with room on the starboard side for a very large chess set and various deck games.  The crew are friendly, ever helpful, and there was a welcoming glass of Champagne upon embarkation but no Captain’s reception.   Using the ship’s tenders at Cannes was a doddle, orange juice and water provided prior to the return.

Would we recommend?

AERBT would have no difficulties in recommending Jade with one reservation.  For 2010 the ship will be based at Barcelona which means a flight down on the morning of departure and likewise on the way back.  This can be energy sapping if you have children, and even if you have not.  It also means that one’s luggage is restricted.  Now this is not altogether a bad thing.  Cruising in the summer months should be informal and probably like most of his fellow passengers your Editor (and his wife) took far too much in the way of clothing.

An alternative Baltic programme is provided out of Dover on sister ship NCL Jewel.

Have we any complaints?  Yes.  Too many photographers and the Miami-based company really does have to think out its pricing policy for off ship tours.  Whilst participants are guaranteed a return to the ship, rumours were that four ladies were left behind at Civitavecchia, the costs are far too high and even a last minute discounted three-trip package did not induce the rush expected.  The British in particular are experienced travellers these days and a 45-minute E12 train ride to Rome will save a family many hundreds of pounds for a day out. 

Also on the negative side the competitive nature of the cruise business means that large discounts are available for the less popular shoulder periods.  Drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are no longer cheap and British clients will find that the service charge is now $12 per day.  With the Pound Sterling at around one-fifty as against two to the Dollar a year ago, the cost has effectively gone up by 50% in a little over 12 months.  Add $336 to the cost for a couple.

As to the lecturing.  Great fun and an interesting way to meet fellow passengers.  But it has it downsides too. 

Malcolm Ginsberg

www.ncl.com

www.berlitzcruising.com

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