Challenging economic conditions in several countries have pushed freight shipping companies to look for additional sources of revenue in addition to the revenue generated by hauling freight across the ocean. in recent years, one additional source of revenue for these freight companies has been to take on cruise passengers in addition to regular cargo. generally, there are only 2 – 12 passengers on a cargo ship. demand for cargo ship cruises is high; travelers need to book months in advance. typically, passengers taking a cruise on a cargo (or container) ship will get an air-conditioned room with private bathroom for about $115 per day. meals are included; passengers will share three meals a day with the crew. the rooms are cleaned once a week by the ship’s steward. passengers have to wash their own clothes. entertainment options include walking or running on deck, playing ping pong or darts, watching or listening to cds/dvds, and swimming in the on-ship pool if available on that particular ship. passengers can disembark at various ports for sightseeing. typically, a ship makes a 12 – 24 hour stop at each port on its itinerary for the loading and unloading of freight.
international regulations dictate that ships carrying more than twelve passengers have an on-board physician and a small hospital or treatment center. (crew members, of which there are usually 15 – 25 per freighter, are not considered passengers.)
what costs might be variable with respect to passengers carried on a cargo ship?
a. pool depreciation, salary of the crew members, cost of meals.
b. cargo fuel, salary of the captain, salary of the crew members
c. cost of meals, cost of toiletries, ping pong balls
d. salary of the physician, salary of the crew members, cost of meals