Costa revamps fares into four categories

Costa Diadema pictured above.

Costa Cruises said it will overhaul its fare structure, giving guests four levels of amenities to choose from.

The new fares, which take effect April 1, are broken out into Basic, Total Comfort Classic, Total Comfort Premium and Deluxe categories.

Passengers wishing to build only the standard complimentary amenities, such as meals and entertainment, can opt for Basic, the most affordable fare. Cabins are assigned.

A step up, the Comfort level is divided into two sub-categories. With Total Comfort Classic, guests get a Pranzo e Cena beverage package, which allows unlimited wines, beers and soft drinks by the glass for lunch and dinner. Guests are also able to choose a specific cabin.

A Total Comfort Premium fare is similar but ups the beverage package to Brindiamo beverage package allowing guests to have their favorite drinks at any time of day. Costa said guests are able to choose "a specific cabin in a prime location, as well as select first or second seating at dinner."

The Deluxe fare is for suite guests. Amenities include one-day spa access and the Intenditore beverage package, which provides unlimited drinks priced up to $9 served by the glass, as well as other perks. With the Deluxe package, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the Club Restaurant, Costa said.

In 2014, one of Costa's most direct competitors, MSC Cruises, adopted a fare structure that offered four levels of distinction, dubbed Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and Yacht Club. 

On most cruise lines, different fares are attached to inside, oceanview, balcony and suite accommodations.

Carnival pares fare structure to three core categories

By Tom Stieghorst

Carnival Cruise Lines announced a long-anticipated simplification of its fare structure, paring the core categories from six to three.

The new structure preserves an Early Saver category that had been both praised and panned by agents. It gives passengers a price-protection guarantee that means agents have to adjust fares when prices fall. Carnival said it is ideal for closing early business because it closes three months prior to sailing for cruises of five days or less and five months on cruises longer than that.

Guests choose cabin assignments and there is a non-refundable deposit and $50 fee for changes to the reservation.

After Early Saver fares close, Super Saver fares kick in. Deposits are non-refundable but the cabin assignment is Carnival's choice.

The third major category is Fun Select. It offers a two-category upgrade and the fare is fully refundable before final payment. Guests pick the cabin.

Carnival said the Fun Select Plus, Easy Saver and Instant Saver fare codes have been eliminated.

“Based on input from our travel agents, we modified the core fare structure to include those fare codes that offered the customer value and choice,” said Brenda Yester, senior vice president of revenue management for Carnival Cruise Lines. “By offering three fare choices instead of six, it simplifies the decision-making process and makes the overall sales experience easier for our travel professionals and their clients.”