After reading these posts, it would seem that this is an excellent time for a cruise line to distinguish itself and possibly gain market share by providing quality pre-Covid experiences on board. We were recently on the Horizon, our 13th. cruise. Seemed like we were nickeled and dimed at every step, even charged for popcorn (previously free, now $1) at the Lido deck nightly movie(!) Burned food (green beans) was served to us in the MDR. However, the BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT was the obvious cut back in the live music entertainment. We especially really missed the variety of music that we experienced in various areas of the ships on our pre-Covid cruises. And there are no more ice or fruit sculptures or the chocolate extravaganza (minor disappointments). Going again in May and hoping for a better experience. Cruise lines are stressed... I get it... However, a devalued, no frills, "shrinkflation" cruise experience is not what vacationers are looking for. The challenge is to make passengers feel they got value from their cruise. That's difficult during this time of financial stress. But with fares rising. less value for more money can't be a good, sustainable business plan. Oh... and here's a suggestion... let's forget about these mega, 6,000+ passenger ships. It seems counterintuitive to me that a quality cruise experience can be delivered to that many passengers. I think that cruise lines have bitten off more than they can chew with them.
