Has anyone else been overcharged by about $800 USD to what is advertised on the website for this trip?

I understand prices fluctuating but by nearly one thousand dollars seems a bit ridiculous to me. That's false advertising right?

Don't forget that there's a compulsory food fund which is added to the price listed in the book/website. From memory the food fund was roughly $800 or so... maybe that's what you're talking about?

Wasn't the food fund, I'm still not 100% sure what happened but as I'm living in the Middle East I think there's been some confusion with my local travel agent over charging and problems with exchange rates.
Anyway I'm very happy to say that Contiki called me a couple of days ago to explain the situation and offer me a reasonable rate and were really lovely. Thanks Contiki!