Dual pricing on Star Cruises unfair

howdie · 11-07-2006, 01:02 PM

I have never been on a cruise before and wanted to book a cruise on Star Cruises Gemini in December sailing from Singapore. I checked a few travel websites in Singapore which quoted a price of approx SGD1500 and wanted to book it. However the 'Fares are applicable to Singaporeans, Foreigners holding Employment Pass, Work Permit or Permanent Resident (PR) status in Singapore only.'

I spoke to Star cruises in Singapore and they quoted a price of SGD4500 because I was a FOREIGNER.

I just wanted to is this standard practice? or is this a case of racial discrimination?

I for one will not be booking with this company!!

**Ally** · 11-07-2006, 01:09 PM

Firstly welcome to our community Howdie.

Star may have specialised pricing for Asian clients, just as the US based lines have similar discounting for firefighters/police/teachers. Discounting is not unusual by any cruise line in the effort to encourage 'local' bookings.

It isn't anything underhand, its perfectly legitimate and normal.

Where abouts are you in relation to Singapore? The increase in cost will also include flights, local taxes etc where applicable.

howdie · 11-07-2006, 01:23 PM

I am based in the UK and am travelling to Singapore for a wedding in December. My flight tickets have already been booked and they only quoted on the cruise.

I can understand providing a discount for firefighters and the like but to quote a price 3 times the price of a Singaporean is ludicrous.

What they have effectively said to me is because you are a 'foreigner' you have to pay more, which is discrimination surely?? If this was a bus company and they charged 'foreigners' more would this be acceptable??

**Ally** · 11-07-2006, 01:30 PM

I have to admit that I am quite stumped by this. I have heard of many people who have sailed from the US and UK with Star, with and without the air package and have never had this problem. All I can put it down to is a misunderstanding on their part in some way, or there is some legislation they have to adhere to when it comes to direct/non-TA contact. Have you contacted a travel agent in the UK and had them approach Star?

If you haven't asked a travel agent to approach them, it might be a good idea to give that a try. Obviously thats no guarantee of a satisfactory answer, but there's certainly no harm in trying. I am sure there would be a reasonable explanation to this.

**Ally** · 11-07-2006, 01:38 PM

I have found an online agency and they are quoting tween £999 and £1299 per person with air package for a 7 night out of Singapore.

I am not sure what the cost would be cruise only, but an agency would be able to sort that for you. In the circumstances, as its your first cruise, I would definately approach an agent to sort everything out for you.

howdie · 11-07-2006, 01:38 PM

I was meant to call the UK office today to complain, but got a bit tied up with work so will try tomorrow. To be honest this has put me off going on a cruise with them. There was no mixup, they even said that as long as there was one Singaporean travelling with us in the same cabin I would be entitled to the special promotional price. Will let you know how far I get with the UK contact tomorrow.

**Ally** · 11-07-2006, 01:42 PM

Another agency is doing cruise only.

The average cost per person is £400 give or take according to cruise length.

Having looked at the agencies online, I would definately suggest that you go through an agency as I have a feeling that the costs you were quoted are with local taxes added for foreign visitors...a bit like an extra VAT type charge.

**Ally** · 11-07-2006, 01:51 PM

On current exchange rates, the 4500 SDG works as £1512.

I would definately be interested to hear what you find out tomorrow when you call Star again. If possible, see if you can get the to email an explanation of their pricing and post it on here. I am truly fascinated to see what they are doing.

howdie · 11-08-2006, 07:09 AM

Heres the reply from my email complaint with them

We refer to your following email and trust that
your are referring the
SuperStar Gemini departing Singapore.

We wish to clarify that it is certainly not our
intention to discriminate
our foreign guest by imposing a higher fare.
However, as the SuperStar
Gemini is based in Singapore, as a 'benefit' to
the locals and also
expatriates based there, a promotional rate is
extended to them for our
cruises. We also wish to advise that this
promotional rate will also be
extended to our foreign guests if they are share
a cabin with a local or
expatriate based in Singapore who may be their
family members, relatives or
friends.

**Ally** · 11-08-2006, 07:17 AM

Thanks for the clarification Howdie. That explains it. Its a local 'carrot' fare, something that is done by alot of lines thesedays to tempt more locals onto ships. There isn't anything underhand with that...although it can be annoying. However, there are extremely good deals available through agents in the UK for the cruises which equal the fare quoted to locals/ex-pats.

I had a feeling that chances were that Star did operate a 'carrot' fare for their homeport markets, the email confirms that. Although it may fall foul of the UK way of advertising, it is perfectly legal in Singapore under their legal system.

I would certainly go on a cruise with them as I have heard very positive reports/reviews, but use an agent in the UK to get the best price available rather than go direct with Star in this case.