Joebucks

Oh good, I hope we get to the bottom of the smoking debate, once and for all. In all seriousness, it reminds me that I want to see a cigar lounge of sorts. Even if it's a half-assed add-on to the outdoor bar near the smoking area. This should have some type of presence.

If the tubs were actually hot, I'd imagine Carnival would have worse problems on their hands. Hot weather, hot water, alcohol, obesity. That's not going to end well.

In my experience, it seems like more kids go to the aft pool than any other pool.

What a first world problem. "I'm only getting free beverages however I'd like them. They haven't figured out a way to let me sit in this room I absolutely must be able to sit in!"

Agreed that I would like to sail it, but not at these prices. In another edition of a country where everyone complains "I can't afford to live" while $6000 mass-market cruises sell out just so you can experience a marginally bigger ship ASAP!

I've generally liked picking my room. For ~$100 it was nice to put myself close to locations I would spend most of my time at. There is no way I'd pay $400-$1000 for a room location though. This thread is also filled with absolute nonsense. Like more than usual.

If given the choice, I will definitely pick the Excel class. There are just so many more options, and for longer cruises, it matters. The serenity is where I spend the most time on the ship, and this one is big and beautiful. With all of the other entertainment and dining venues, it's just better. With that said, if I want to go to a port it doesn't accommodate, I'll chose that itinerary without having to make a case as to why big ships are flawed.

This is a stretch of a claim. You might find that for some. However, as a rule, every "show" doesn't have an early and late showing for diners.

I wonder how many people out there think they are staying safe by washing their hands to prevent COVID and using hand sanitizer to kill noro. You just gotta smile and pat them on the back for practicing science. I've put a big focus on nutrition lately, getting the right minerals and nutrients. Also losing a few lbs. Having a healthy and resilient body will pay dividends in staying healthy and resilient. If I'm going to eat, I'll wash my hands. Other than that, I'm not too worried about it.

Revamp VIFP and give me free drink vouchers like Royal does. Hell, I'd be ecstatic if it was even 1-2 a day.

Royal has a brilliant marketing team. Their loyalty plan is probably the best around, and will make people sail with them. They'll never admit it, but they will gladly pay $5,000 for a mass market cruise to get their few "free drinks" and "discounted balcony." Isn't it crazy to read everyday on the internet how everything is too expensive and people can't afford to live? Only to see cruising sold out at peak pricing?

For my upcoming 5 day cruise, it is $94.95 for the cheapest option. I like having the internet, but for that price, I might skip out.

You couldn't even count the number of posts on this forum about "a room should cost this much because I'm comparing 1 vs 2, 2 vs 3, or 3 vs 4. It doesn't incrementally change in the way I think it should." Largely because of a methodology that the world revolves around us. Without considering important facts such as different rooms have different capacities, and availability in general. From what I have seen, Celebrity does seem to be charging a bit over 200% solo supplement. I looked at quite a few, and it seemed to be around 210-220%. From a business perspective, that would seem to be somewhat in the ballpark of capturing similar revenue to what 2 people in the room would have spent. I haven't seen fares any that were 4-5x more. Not that they don't exist, but I didn't see enough evidence to convince of some grand conspiracy to charge solo cruisers the quintuple supplement to keep them away or rob them blind. It is possible there is broken algorithm logic or whatnot. From a business perspective, this makes no sense.

It was nice in January 22 and 23 to receive an upgrade offer both times to go from interior to balcony on a 7 day cruise for under $300. I won't be expecting that kind of offer anytime soon again. I always get a chuckle when people ask "Is this a good offer, should I take it?" when it very much looks like an option you would have had when originally selecting a room. Marketing is a crazy thing.

Your definition of "discriminatory" holds no basis. It is reaching to say they are "targeting." There is an expected revenue outcome, and it is priced accordingly. Just as a hotel doesn't charge half if there's one person, or double if there's two. Just because cruise "pricing" makes you think you're paying per person, doesn't make its customers the experts on the exact science. The argument breaks down even more when you realize everyone on board paid a different rate. Some were charged less way up front in the hopes of them not showing up. Some were charged less because they purchased some kind of bundle, group rate, etc. Some were charged more because demand was high and the cruise line could. Many companies use what is called loss leaders as a type of strategy to get people in the door to spend more money. It often can come with limitations, and doesn't mean it is some evil discrimination.

I'm surprised that this many people WOULD be outraged when the numbers are in your face that one person results in a revenue loss. Not everyone believes the world revolves around them.

A lot of people seem to think what is here and now is forever. However, we don't know what the future holds. There are plenty of indicators out there that a recession is a possibility on the near-ish horizon. If not soon, it will eventually come. It will also be interesting to see how many jobs never return due to the growth of AI. The tech industry is experiencing some pain in layoffs at the moment. If the market dives, cruise companies will not be able to charge the same high rates they're charging now. It worries me what the paydown of their debt will look like. Cruise debt, nationa debt, consumer debt. Our countries' finances aren't as strong as made out to be.

I don't understand all of the people that pounce on "if I had more money to spend, I'd spend it on a luxury line." Why does everyone assume that X amount of money means you should prefer the environment of a luxury line. Is it because of food? Big money on mass market ships can get you many of the same perks, while also having that many more choices. Personally, I don't find the need to spend top dollar on cruises. I could completely understand though how some people might want a different balance of luxury and entertainment though. I also get a chuckle at the common divisive politics these days of blaming boomers for everything and saying they grew up with such an easy life. Does anyone remember our families growing up going on vacations to massive, expensive, beautiful cruise ships? My entire extended family would go to the local lake for a few days. That was their vacation.

I found it even harder to try paid stuff on the Excel class. I love me some burgers and tacos. Then they decided to add chicken sandwiches and street foods.

Unfortunately, everyone thinks they have a refined point of view that is going to convert others. This works almost none of the time. Don't do it.

I'd probably try it if it was open later, when less venues are open. There are so many solid, complimentary lunch options, that it makes it tough for me to choose this.

People will complain no matter what. It is completely possible to not have to spend an extra dime.

Do not buy anything that isn't at a discount. If you're buying them to trick yourself into thinking you have some package, that is silly. Newegg has or at least had $500 Carnival cards for $50 off. That or AARP are really the only scenarios where it's a good idea to do this.

I love the early dining. Late dining is the least popular option. Who wants to eat a large meal at 9pm and it's almost always worse for nightlife.

When you compare what the going rate is for the newest ships vs the oldest, there's a reason a lot of the Fantasy class has already been retired. However, the more important priority is not maximizing those markets, as much as it is maximizing the business as a whole. As others have already commented, it is a calculation of "internal space." Where a high ceiling, unused space, or 5 more sq ft in a room is "proven to be a more spacious and better experience." You can have 5 different ship designs, all with the same "gross tonnage," and have 5 different experiences.