Cruise lines are not targeting everyone, however. Through their high prices and specific advertising, this theme space is appealing to a portion of the public – middle and upper class Americans who can afford to buy fun and experiences on a boat. But cruise lines do not expect or even want everyone to be able to consume however, and through the prices of these cruises, this theme space has intentionally chosen a portion of the public as those who may attempt to attain the ultimate in fun and experience aboard their boats.

The average price of a cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico or Hawaii on major cruise lines such as Carnival and Princess, comes to about $450 for 4 days, $1,000 for a week, and roughly $2,000 for 14 days. These prices are per person and do not include airfare to the port of call from which the ship is sailing. Needless to say, the experience of a cruise vacation is only for those who have the money to indulge in this leisure activity. The average household income of a family that does go on a cruise ranges from $30,000-$80,00 a year for the lower end and middle range cruise ship and up to $200,000 a year for high end ships such as Carnival’s partner, Seaborn ships. The majority of individuals in America that are passengers on these ships are obviously middle to upper-middle class and are predominantly white, with few individuals from racial minority groups partaking in these types of vacations.

Sources:

Ritzer, George. "Enchanting a Disenchanted World: Revolutionizing the Means of Consumption."