Prices tend to go up.
That's something Americans have learned over the past few years as inflation, supply-chain snarls and, in some cases, corporate greed pushed up the cost of many everyday goods.
Inflation, of course, is relative because there's no set price for a dozen eggs or a 12-pack of Coca-Cola. Costco might offer some items at prices well below what local grocery chains charge and both could be marking them up by a similar percentage.
That's because Costco, with its massive buying power and limited selection, might pay a lot less than even a big regional chain like Publix or Kroger for the same items.
It's also possible that Target or Walmart might decide it can live with a thinner profit margin on items they deem price-sensitive and charge more for ones they believe are not.
On a cruise ship, the cruise line sets the price of anything people want but aren't allowed to bring on board. In such cases the top price tends to be what the market will bear. That's why alcohol prices tend to be more New York than small town, and a forgotten toothbrush will cost way more than it does on land.
Some items (like liquor, beer, and even bottled water) can't be brought on board and will sell at the highest premiums. Passengers seem to accept that for alcohol, but some Carnival cruisers are angry at the cruise line over the price of having water delivered to their cabin.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival passengers push back on water prices
The cheapest bottle of water sold at a bar on a Carnival ship costs $1.50, according to the cruise line's website while the priciest ones come in at $5.
Many passengers, even those who order a drink package that includes bottled water, like to have some bottles in their cabins without having to build up a stash from the bars.
They can do that by ordering a 12-pack of natural spring water (16.9 fluid oz., or half-liter, bottles) to their cabins before they board the ship.
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Melis Sartain wrote to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald to complain about the price of that product and service.
"Good morning. I was hoping you could tell us what is going on with the price of bottled water? It used to be permissible to bring our own case on the ship. When that was removed it was offered for $4.99, then it increased to $9.99. But now it’s $20+," she wrote.
The price, it should be noted, is currently $17.64, not including tax but including a delivery fee. Sartain continued to vent to Heald:
"I understand there is water available on the lido deck. However, that water carries a lot of saline from the purification process and isn’t optimal for those with certain medical conditions.
"John, Carnival is a business and yes, the point is to make money. But to take away the permission to bring your own and then slow-cook the purchase price 200% on a basic necessity?"
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Heald's response did not correct her on the price, but he did defend Carnival's pricing decisions.
"Thank you so much, no it is not permissible for you to bring your own water," Heald responded. "And our current water works out just about over a dollar a bottle which compared to airport, hotels, resorts, sports stadiums, and other areas on land is extremely excellent value for money.
"Inflation has caused the increase but I should also mention that complementary water is available throughout the shift 24 hours a day."
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Carnival passengers have a second water complaint
Carol Lee weighed in: "While I don't think (12) bottles of water should cost what they do on the ship...it is what it is. But, the main issue I have is the $2.69 delivery fee...for EVERY (12) pack. If I order two (12) packs of water (as I usually do) they are delivered at the same time and normally still wrapped up together as a (24) pack, yet I am charged $2.69 TWICE."
Lee, as you might imagine, does not think these delivery charges are fair.
"That's a total of over $5 in delivery fees for ONE actual delivery," she posted. "If you look at the cart in the hall when water is being delivered there are at least 100 (12) packs of water on that cart. That is an extra $2.69 Carnival is charging for one person to push one cart of water down and drop it off in the cabins.
"While the actual cost of the water is ridiculous on its own, the added delivery charges are outrageous."
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Heald offered a way to take those charges off your bill.
"Thank you, well, you can remove this. It’s a gratuity given to the crew member who delivers the case of water. If you would like to remove it, you can do so on board. Just go to the guest services desk at any time and they will remove that for you," Heald wrote.
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"Thank you, again we still believe it is excellent value compared to not only hotels and airports but other cruise lines as well and our water is still the most affordable."
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