Elegant/Formal Night Kaput on Carnival

[skylock]

I spoke with a maitre'd on the Triumph and he indicated that they were instructed to go lax on enforcement of the dress code, especially on casual nights. I don't know if that instruction came from ship management or home office management. I see that as a problem on the part of Carnival. If there are rule and guidelines, they should be enforced. Can the safety guidlines be subject to lax enforcement too? I guess you are OK on Carnival as long as you do not enter the dining room wearing a speedo, a bathrobe, or coming in naked. But anything better than that, you probably will be admitted.

 

As for other aspects of our trip on the Triumph that helped us to decided to scratch Carnival from our list of future cruise options, here is a brief list:

 

I'll start with the positives --

 

1) We enjoyed the evening entertainment in the theater. The ship's band and the theater dancers were quite good. The singers were good too. the entertainment on the ship met or exceeded our expectations.

 

2) The food in the main dining room, overall, was good. There were a few misses, but generally, we were all pleased with the MDR food and service.

 

3) Ship debarkation went very smoothly.

 

4) The cabin steward was outstanding and was one of the most friendly and attentive of all of our cruises.

 

Now here are some negatives ---

 

1) Our cabin had an odor of sewage that would come and go for several days upon leaving New Orleans. We pointed this out to the cabin steward and he indicated that there have been some problems and he was aware of it. We also heard some other passengers on our deck griping about the same problem. To help remedy it, the cabin steward periodically sprayed some air freshener in the cabin to negate the smell. After that, the smell wasn't so noticeable. He reported that the smell was caused by the periodic listing of the ship that allowed sewage gas to come into the rooms via the plumbing. I don't know if this is true or not, but that is what he told us.

 

2) We attended the "Thank You" reception for returning passengers. It was billed in the daily program as lasting 45 minutes in the main theater. Drinks and some simple snacks were offered. They closed the curtains after 37 minutes (I looked at my watch), and kicked everyone out of the theater after 45 minutes. They said they needed to clean the theater for the next event (probably another bingo game). It was the lamest thank you reception I have ever been to. I've attended several "Captains Club" events on Celebrity and they were far superior with a buffet and dessert spread, lasting far longer than 37 minutes. Carnival's thank you reception was so poor as to be insulting to repeat passengers.

 

3) We had a billing descrepancy on our room bill part way through the trip that we brought to the attention of Customer Service. This involved different prices for the same cocktail from different bars on the ship. We did not know which drink bills were correct and which were wrong. We finally received a lame explanation from Customer Service and one of the managers, and we went on our way [no billing correction offered]. It was clear to us that there was no attempt to maintain customer satisfaction. Carnival admitted that their pricing policy caused the confusion (they do have different prices for the exact same 'double' cocktails depending on which bar you make your purchase), but their curt explanation was a real put off.

 

4) On day one, we inquired about getting a galley tour for my wife and I and our three kids. We had a great galley tour on the Celebrity Solstice in March of 2010 so we wanted to do the same thing on Carnival. Celebrity did not charge anything for the galley tour and it was open to all passengers, regardless of whether it was your first voyage or you were Elite. We found out on Carnival that we would need to purchase the behind the scenes tour at $95.00 per person to get a galley tour. Well, that tour would cost us a whopping $475.00 for the five of us so we passed on it. I did inquire of Customer Service if we could get just the basic galley tour, and we were told that this tour was only available to Platinum passengers. Thanks Carnival, snubbed again.

 

5) I've already discussed our disappointment with the adherence with the MDR "Elegant Night" dress code, so I won't repeat it again.

 

6) The food in the Lido buffet was mediocre at best and the selection was limited in my opinion. Much better selection on Celebrity, quality better too. The Lido was exceptionally crowded and getting a table was not so easy during main meal times. The layout of the buffet was not user friendly and required multiple trips to multiple stations. Never once did a waiter come by to offer more coffee, water, or anything else. It was truly, self-service. The late night "Mexican Buffet" offered tastless desserts (the flan was the blandest I have ever tasted) and the rest of the food was so unappealing as I decided to pass on it.

 

7) Carnival's ship decor is hard to describe. It reminded me of the old, out of date, cheap casinos in downtown Reno, Nevada, or the cheap casinos far from the main theme hotels on the Las Vegas strip. Tacky and garrish is one way to describe Carnival decor. Comparing Carnival's decor to Celebrity's (e.g., Solstice), well, it is like comparing the Four Seasons Hotel to Motel 6 or the Days Inn.

 

8) During the sea days, we missed the adult activities like wine tasting and wine pairing that Celebrity offered. Playing bingo or joining in a trivia contest did not interest us. My son did enjoy the pools and our daughters did keep themselves entertained on sea days, but we found more upscale activities lacking.

 

9) Drinks are more expensive on Carnival. Same for photos. It seems Carnival gets you on board with an attractive price, but then makes it up with more expensive drinks, photos, and higher priced shore excursions.

 

OK, flame away.

 

Sounds like you need to avoid carnival and go with celebrity from now on.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

I guess you are OK on Carnival as long as you do not enter the dining room wearing a speedo, a bathrobe, or coming in naked.

 

Well dang. Guess I am cancelling my next cruise.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Sounds like you need to avoid carnival and go with celebrity from now on.

 

I think more than one has posted that Celebrity isn't for them either. :p

 

As someone who likes Carnival as is, and a shareholder who likes the CCL dividend (Royal has none), the shareholder's OBC, etc, etc., I am comforted by the FACT that I am in the majority of Carnival's target market - which includes EVERYONE*. :D

 

* whiners and complainers need not apply. :)

[WeBeCruisin']

There was a poll done by carnival internally. The poll showed that 73% of cruisers preferred NO elegant night and that 78% showed they preferred casual dress. This is where the Nose in the air crowd says that polls mean nothing.;)

 

Does this poll really exist, or is it just another of the McDonald's Army false facts which they use to try to brainwash the rest of us? :) What were the demographics of the poll? When was it taken? What were the reasons which obviously had to be addressed as to why that "internal" poll was more valid than the countless polls to which Cruise Critic members have responded? Please share the poll with us and send us a link.

[WeBeCruisin']

 

 

 

Absolutely. And those polls are actually done scientifically by people who know what they are doing. The majority has spoken. The suggested dress will continue to be modified to reflect reality as more and more people cruise. Don't be surprised when one elegant night is dropped and perhaps even the other.

 

Again, please share the poll with us. Although we all know that won't happen, it's somewhat naive to state as fact that one internal (internal to whom?) poll which probably is a figment of your imagination is a "majority" when it's one of about 100 polls with all the others saying the opposite.

 

If you're going to make up stuff, at least try to make it have some semblance of sense. Otherwise, we have to assume that once again you're prevaricating. :)

[mcwebber]

I live in Florida and frankly you have me stumped . So name the places that have a dress code because I live in sarasota which is a very wealthy area and I can not think of one and I have been to most of the restaurants .

 

Go to Michael's on East in a wife beater. Post back here what happens.

[mcwebber]

The easiest way to settle this would be a poll on what people think is acceptable on elegant night .

 

Unless you can actually poll cruisers and not just people on CC who choose to take the poll you will not settle anything. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has done a poll on here like that before.

[mcwebber]

And Alan which restaurants are they since you seem to know so much about Sarasota ?

 

That's a state health code.

[jolyroger]

God, between this thread and the thread about kids on cruises , I can't keep up!!! I go to bed or go to work and its up 7 pages!!!!!

 

Now back to my reading!!!!

[Sailor_Sally]

Go to Michael's on East in a wife beater. Post back here what happens.

 

 

I have never advocated wife beaters or sloppy dress .When I refer to casual I am talking about nice casual . A lot of posters here seem to think it's either formal or slobs when there are a ton of degrees of dress between that . Just because I don't wear a gown to elegant night does not make me a slob .

[Sailor_Sally]

That's a state health code.

 

 

I am sure it is but I have never seen that sign that Allen is referring to posted outside any local restaurant including the ones on the beach .

[MissDiva1]

Does this poll really exist' date=' or is it just another of the McDonald's Army false facts which they use to try to brainwash the rest of us? :) .[/quote']

 

Maybe you should direct your question to Carnival Corp. I don't remember but I think my calls as well as some of our friends and family members (who are not cc members) came as a Gallup survey. It has been reported on here that several people received the survey. I'm sure Carnival Corp can reassure you that they do take surveys to find out about their customers likes and dislikes on a ongoing basis. Next time I receive a call as such I will document all the questions and get more info from them.......although it will be meaningless on here I'm sure.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Maybe you should direct your question to Carnival Corp. I don't remember but I think my calls as well as some of our friends and family members (who are not cc members) came as a Gallup survey. It has been reported on here that several people received the survey. I'm sure Carnival Corp can reassure you that they do take surveys to find out about their customers likes and dislikes on a ongoing basis. Next time I receive a call as such I will document all the questions and get more info from them.......although it will be meaningless on here I'm sure.

 

I wouldn't sweat it. Some people will argue with their undertaker. They will lose that debate, too.

[H82seaUgo]

There was a poll done by carnival internally. The poll showed that 73% of cruisers preferred NO elegant night and that 78% showed they preferred casual dress. This is where the Nose in the air crowd says that polls mean nothing.;)

 

huh? bet you can pull a rabbit out of a hat faster than you can produce the source of that poll.

[Texas_firefighter]

After purchasing a new tux for my son (he outgrew his old one) and spending nearly a $1,000 total for new fancy dresses for my wife and two teenage daughters for the two elegant nights (must have a different dress for each night), it is disappointing when your daughters comment that they feel out of place in their new beautiful dresses when they are surrounded by jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. Our trip wasn't ruined, it just wasn't what was expected. I will note that our cabin steward was fantastic (called us each by our name and was always so friendly) and the food in the main dining room was very good.

 

I can certainly understand your familys dissapointment. If I were you I would just feel proud that your family looked so nice.I'm sure there were many positive thoughts toward you that you were unaware of.You most certainly should not have felt out of place being Elegant Night.

[WeBeCruisin']

Maybe you should direct your question to Carnival Corp. I don't remember but I think my calls as well as some of our friends and family members (who are not cc members) came as a Gallup survey. It has been reported on here that several people received the survey. I'm sure Carnival Corp can reassure you that they do take surveys to find out about their customers likes and dislikes on a ongoing basis. Next time I receive a call as such I will document all the questions and get more info from them.......although it will be meaningless on here I'm sure.

 

Diva, I'm not talking about your phone survey. Those are ongoing and the results are rarely made public.

 

I'm talking about the imaginary "internal poll" which Zydeco Cruiser (aka Sargent Schultz) and Trailer Cruiser" (how apt...:) ) claim exists. :)

[MissDiva1]

Diva' date=' I'm not talking about your phone survey. Those are ongoing and the results are rarely made public.

 

I'm talking about the imaginary "internal poll" which Zydeco Cruiser (aka Sargent Schultz) and Trailer Cruiser" (how apt...:) ) claim exists. :)[/quote']

 

They are not made public but the end results are. Which is what everyone argues about daily on here.

[WeBeCruisin']

They are not made public but the end results are. Which is what everyone argues about daily on here.

 

The end results are published in detail, complete with percentages, descriptions of the sorveyed demographic and such? Or are the results "interpreted" in the changes of lack of changes which are made as a result?

 

No one is arguing that Carnival has tweaked the dress code a couple of years ago to allow a slightly lower standard of apparel. The primary "argument" here is whether people should have the right to totally disregard Carnival's suggestions, recommendations and written dress code, just because they don't want to follow the rules.

 

In several of my posts, I have pointed out that some of my close friends take advantage of the lesser standards and that I have no issue with that. And I've also pointed out that if people violate the written dress code, then that's Carnival's fault for not enforcing them.

 

My problem is with the "me, me, me" crowd which feels "entitled" to break the rules just because they don't like the rules. Same with chair hogs, line-breakers and row-reservers in the theater. It's that selfish and inconsiderate attitude which is so annoying to many of us.

[Genner]

:rolleyes: Honestly dude, get a life ....

 

Sure you'll be missed .....................;)

[MissDiva1]

The end results are published in detail' date=' complete with percentages, descriptions of the sorveyed demographic and such? Or are the results "interpreted" in the changes of lack of changes which are made as a result?

 

No one is arguing that Carnival has tweaked the dress code a couple of years ago to allow a slightly lower standard of apparel. The primary "argument" here is whether people should have the right to totally disregard Carnival's suggestions, recommendations and written dress code, just because they don't want to follow the rules.

 

In several of my posts, I have pointed out that some of my close friends take advantage of the lesser standards and that I have no issue with that. And I've also pointed out that if people violate the written dress code, then that's Carnival's fault for not enforcing them.

 

[b']My problem is with the "me, me, me" crowd which feels "entitled" to break the rules just because they don't like the rules. Same with chair hogs, line-breakers and row-reservers in the theater. It's that selfish and inconsiderate attitude which is so annoying to many of us[/b].

 

Really? Never met or associate with that mentality. Could be why it doesn't bother me:D

[halos]

been a member here since 2004....the arguments are all still exactly the same as they have been every day since then :p

[WeBeCruisin']

been a member here since 2004....the arguments are all still exactly the same as they have been every day since then :p

 

i agree, and I've been here for a little over ten years. :)

[mcwebber]

I am sure it is but I have never seen that sign that Allen is referring to posted outside any local restaurant including the ones on the beach .

 

I think you will find many that say Shirts and Shoes Required.

[mcwebber]

Maybe you should direct your question to Carnival Corp. I don't remember but I think my calls as well as some of our friends and family members (who are not cc members) came as a Gallup survey. It has been reported on here that several people received the survey. I'm sure Carnival Corp can reassure you that they do take surveys to find out about their customers likes and dislikes on a ongoing basis. Next time I receive a call as such I will document all the questions and get more info from them.......although it will be meaningless on here I'm sure.

 

How did they know the survey was on behalf of Carnival and not by one of their competitors looking for Carnival customers? Survey companies usually don't divulge who the survey is for, otherwise it corrupts the results.

[MissDiva1]

been a member here since 2004....the arguments are all still exactly the same as they have been every day since then :p

 

Yes indeed. And most arguments have nothing to do with said subject. Someone says they like to dress casual and others take it as being disrespectful and slobs.;) Then it turns into a me me me situation and totally goes off track.

Look at the child threads. I say I get annoyed with a screaming baby in an airplane........now I am labled as a child hater.