Cruise ship cost analysis: an AHP study on cost components

Abstract

This paper aims to reveal the factors that influence the cost of cruise ships of different size which offer different programs. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is the methodology applied in order to evaluate and compare the cost components. The factors which influence the cost levels after a brainstorming with cruise sector experts, are: 1) voyage cost; 2) cost of food and beverage provision; 3) cost of supplies; 4) administration cost; 5) financial cost; 6) technical upgrading and lay-up cost. Each criterion in the AHP method is shaped by the significance of its sub-criteria. Results of the study revealed that technical upgrading and lay-up cost is the major driver for the total cost for the small cruise company (SCC), while financial cost is the most important cost category for the large cruise company (LCC) and least important for the small cruise company (SCC).