Why are cruise lines constantly cutting back?

Possibly BUT I would rather have everything included and know up front what I'm paying rather than have to pay for heaps of things later.

 

But I would rather pay a lower rate and only get the things I prefer than pay a higher rate and get the things you prefer. "All included" is only a value if you want all that is included.

 

Carnival has figured out where they think that line lies between you and me.

But I would rather pay a lower rate and only get the things I prefer than pay a higher rate and get the things you prefer. "All included" is only a value if you want all that is included.

 

 

 

Carnival has figured out where they think that line lies between you and me.

 

 

 

This. It's not hard to calculate how much I'm going to spend on things. Besides, when going on a cruise, everything you "need" is included. Set aside money for things you "want" and you're all set.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

But I would rather pay a lower rate and only get the things I prefer than pay a higher rate and get the things you prefer. "All included" is only a value if you want all that is included.

That's very true. I would rather have a choice between the two extremes and perhaps somewhere in the middle. And unsurprisingly CCL offers that choice between its various brands.

 

 

This post may have been entered by voice recognition. Please excuse any typographical errors.

But I would rather pay a lower rate and only get the things I prefer than pay a higher rate and get the things you prefer. "All included" is only a value if you want all that is included.

 

 

 

Carnival has figured out where they think that line lies between you and me.

 

 

 

If it’s not all included then it becomes nothing more than a 2 or 3 star experience. This is why I won’t cruise Carnival or P&O. Princess has the right balance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If it’s not all included then it becomes nothing more than a 2 or 3 star experience. This is why I won’t cruise Carnival or P&O. Princess has the right balance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

Hi

 

Just curious. What exactly does Princess include in their fare that Carnival doesn't? I have sailed with them and find the lines more similar than not. I do remember being refused more than one lobster plate when it was served.

 

thanks for and help

I just wish one of the big lines would bring back butler service. we have always been willing to pay for it, but it has gone away. so sad.

 

I don't spend the price they want, but I believe that the Star Class service available to the largest suites on RCCL would come close. Others who have used it may be able to expound.

The reduction in staff is not much different than what department stores and grocery stores have been doing for the past few years. It seems like more and more stores are becoming self-serve. Need to check a price on something? Go find a scanner and do it yourself. Ready to check out? Get in line at the self -serve register. It's only a matter of time before we see the demise of the MDR, and ALL dining (except for specialty dining) will be self-serve buffet style.

 

Bingo. I don’t think they’ll do away with the MDR in the next few years or anything like that, but it is bound to happen.

Bingo. I don’t think they’ll do away with the MDR in the next few years or anything like that, but it is bound to happen.

It's bound to happen or have a charge included just to eat there. With so many just happy with a subpar buffet, a greasy burger from Guys, pizza, or a taco from the Blue Iguana Carnival will head that direction. A lot cheaper to feed guests that stuff than decent quality MDR food. You

won't see this happen on Holland, Celebrity, or Princess. Carnival cruisers are easily entertained and happy with cheap quality food. After the Vista and it's poor buffet and fair-at-best MDR food the cutbacks were obvious. When people quit raving about a simple greasy burger from Guys with long lines like Burger King, MDR food might improve if people demand it.

Edited January 20, 2018 by tallnthensome

Not a chance is hades that Carnival will ever charge in the mdr, to suggest so is folly. It never ceases to amaze me that people who dislike the product want to come here to spread their disdain

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Not a chance is hades that Carnival will ever charge in the mdr, to suggest so is folly. It never ceases to amaze me that people who dislike the product want to come here to spread their disdain

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Step away from fanboy status for a minute. I sailed the Vista last year and booked my Horizon cruise for 2020 last week so let's just say that to start so you know people don't just come here to poke fun or just to complain. You say never a charge in the MDR? How do you know? It was just a few years ago that people insisted there would never be a charge for food once on board a cruise ship. Now, if you want the best food the ship has to offer you have to go to a speciality restaurant and pay a charge for that. You want the best steaks, seafood, Italian, Japanese on board .... you pay. MDR and buffet quality has dropped. You want lobster in the MDR on some cruises.... pay ...... You'd be naive to think that if some day they don't charge $5.95 a person for the MDR or something if you want something other than the buffet, a Guy's burger, a taco, or pizza. Never say never Jimbo ...... Maybe not now but the not so distant future.

Step away from fanboy status for a minute. I sailed the Vista last year and booked my Horizon cruise for 2020 last week so let's just say that to start so you know people don't just come here to poke fun or just to complain. You say never a charge in the MDR? How do you know? It was just a few years ago that people insisted there would never be a charge for food once on board a cruise ship. Now, if you want the best food the ship has to offer you have to go to a speciality restaurant and pay a charge for that. You want the best steaks, seafood, Italian, Japanese on board .... you pay. MDR and buffet quality has dropped. You want lobster in the MDR on some cruises.... pay ...... You'd be naive to think that if some day they don't charge $5.95 a person for the MDR or something if you want something other than the buffet, a Guy's burger, a taco, or pizza. Never say never Jimbo ...... Maybe not now but the not so distant future.

 

 

 

Options are a good thing on that I can agree. I assume you mean the steak house selections for the per fee items. If so technically I agree. Who knows what will happen but I don’t see it. When I read your post I did not get the impression you saw much positive on anything about the product. If I missed something my apologies

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

It's bound to happen or have a charge included just to eat there. With so many just happy with a subpar buffet, a greasy burger from Guys, pizza, or a taco from the Blue Iguana Carnival will head that direction. A lot cheaper to feed guests that stuff than decent quality MDR food. You won't see this happen on Holland, Celebrity, or Princess. Carnival cruisers are easily entertained and happy with cheap quality food.

Who knows what the future may bring? As long as there are third tier cruise lines like Seabourn and Azamara there may be some pressure on the mid-grade Cruise Lines to unbundled their pricing some more. However clearly this kind of thing is going to happen on the lower tier before it happens on the second tier.

 

 

 

This post may have been entered by voice recognition. Please excuse any typographical errors.

For the record, royal grid to do away with the mdr concept (but still offer free food in a couple of restaurants and it failed.....big time.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We all know that Carnival and other cruise lines have been cutting back on staffing along with various services and offerings that have been found on-board in the past. I won't list them all, but the term "Death by a thousand cuts" has been used frequently on this board.

 

My question is why.........

 

The economy is good for the most part and improving.

 

And cruise line profitability is also fairly robust.

 

There's more ships than ever sailing, so it seems that competition would promote improvement in the cruise product, but instead it seems to be constantly diminishing in an effort to squeeze out every possible nickel.

 

There obviously was a time when this trend was the opposite, Companies looked for ways to offer a better experience or there won't be so much to could take away or cut back on these days.

 

What changed?

 

Their CEO. Period.

Hopefully she is taking some heat for these recent inspections. Its not the crews fault either. When you are short staffed, you do crazy things. She needs to go. Asap.

fall by the sideway.

 

I fell by the sideway once....twisted my ankle. Good times.

Yes...it's because folks keep paying the price for less and less. If folks stopped cruising, then the quality would rise again.

Why is there not a " Like " button ?

 

Sent from my SM-G950W using Forums mobile app

Cruising is no different than a restaurant, relying on alcohol sales. Less shows = more time at bar.

 

Excellent point! And more time in the Casino! Less shows or no production shows seems to have become common place across several of CCL's lines. As a passenger I am not happy however as a CCL shareholder

I have to state I am happy.

Companies owe it to their shareholders to make money so they aren't greedy. You are under no obligation to buy their product. As long as they are profitable, they will build on the business model as it is. I was on RC last week and they now charge for room service, $7.95. It didn't stop people from ordering room service. I saw lots and lots of half eaten meals sitting outside cabin doors. If you don't buy what they are selling, they will change their business model. I think most are happy with the services they receive.

I may be of a minority opinion here, but I think offering the lowest possible base rate and increasing al la carte options are a way to get more potential passengers.

 

Some people may be willing to pay a lower fare and can actually remain frugal on a cruise. Many people who are normally frugal may let loose on a vacation and splurge, but not everyone will.

We all know that Carnival and other cruise lines have been cutting back on staffing along with various services and offerings that have been found on-board in the past. I won't list them all, but the term "Death by a thousand cuts" has been used frequently on this board.

 

My question is why.........

 

The economy is good for the most part and improving.

 

And cruise line profitability is also fairly robust.

 

There's more ships than ever sailing, so it seems that competition would promote improvement in the cruise product, but instead it seems to be constantly diminishing in an effort to squeeze out every possible nickel.

 

There obviously was a time when this trend was the opposite, Companies looked for ways to offer a better experience or there won't be so much to could take away or cut back on these days.

 

What changed?

 

 

 

The stockholders want a higher return in their investment and the buying public want more for less! Something has to Give !

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I may be of a minority opinion here, but I think offering the lowest possible base rate and increasing al la carte options are a way to get more potential passengers.

 

Some people may be willing to pay a lower fare and can actually remain frugal on a cruise. Many people who are normally frugal may let loose on a vacation and splurge, but not everyone will.

 

 

 

Yep you would be in the minority. Given cruises are often for 7-14 days it would be absolutely stupid to remove food inclusions.

 

I’m happy paying for things like coffee, drinks and internet but other things should remain included.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

... it would be absolutely stupid to remove food inclusions.

 

I’m happy paying for things like coffee, drinks and internet but other things should remain included.

Totally agree. If a cruise stopped offering buffet and dining room service included in the base fare, it would be a deal killer for me.

I may be of a minority opinion here, but I think offering the lowest possible base rate and increasing al la carte options are a way to get more potential passengers.

 

Some people may be willing to pay a lower fare and can actually remain frugal on a cruise. Many people who are normally frugal may let loose on a vacation and splurge, but not everyone will.

 

 

 

I absolutely agree. Charge $770 and include dining room. Or charge $700 and only include buffet but charge $10 each time you use dining room. Those that don’t like the dining room can save with the 2nd option. Doesn’t cost any more for those that use the dining room every night. Opens cruising up to more people. This is kind of an extreme example.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

The stockholders want a higher return in their investment and the buying public want more for less! Something has to Give !

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

That’s why Carnival pays big bucks for economists to tell them where the middle is.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I absolutely agree. Charge $770 and include dining room. Or charge $700 and only include buffet but charge $10 each time you use dining room. Those that don’t like the dining room can save with the 2nd option. Doesn’t cost any more for those that use the dining room every night. Opens cruising up to more people. This is kind of an extreme example.

A bit too extreme, I think. The dining room service included is part of the essence of cruising. A third rail issue if ever there was one.