when did the crass commercialism start??

[babs275]

I was on the pride in feb and the Photo sitting sales were driving us nuts. We cut through the lobby to get to the dining room and had to say NO THANKS a half dozen times. Then on the way back, here we go again. There had to be at least 6 photo sitting back dropps set up in that lobby all at once. It was everynight also. I felt like I was at Sears when they were running a christmas special on portraits! None of my past cruises have I ever experianced this.

 

Funny how perception can be so different!

 

Last year we cruised on both the Paradise (before she relocated) for a family cruise and the RCI Adventure of the Seas for our 25th anniversary. Both cruises were special occasions that we wanted to commemorate with nice portraits.

 

We ended up with very few pics from the AOS because we could not figure out where/when the photo stations would be set up or the few that were always had a horrible line. The quality of the photography/technique was not very good either. On the Paradise with the whole family, we got wonderful pics because every night they had a different set of creative backdrops, they ran long hours and there were rarely any lines. The were all on one deck and were easy to find as well. Never once had a photographer do anything except make a a happy offer to take our picture.

[waterbound]

Just got off the Conquest Sunday and had noone trying to sell us anything.. other than the flyers in the daily capers.. This was our 5th cruise and have never had that problem

[jima53]

Love that state of the art cruise ship Celebration,,, and those drinks that have the 15% gratuity added, yeah the servers are really getting stiffed... If everyone that didn't like the service they were receiving, removed their tips, some of those poor waiters and room stewards might be looking for work elsewhere, when the cruise line accepted why they were removed. What happened to our right to some privacy and personal space on the cruise. Also, why do they have to block the gangway to get their photos taken,,, can't say no here, when they stick their arm out and block the gangway till the picture is taken,,, happen on 2 of last 3 cruises.

 

Jim

[Nonesuch]

why is it that when we go to a bank we never say "all they want is my money!" yet we tend to say that about all other businesses... cruiselines are a business just like everything else! a polite 'no thanks' should take care of it...

 

If any business intrusively tries to "upsell" cuustomers or tack on added fees for services which are either extraneous or which really should be part of the base fee, customers will be annoyed and upset.

 

Banks are no exception; and they hate when you realize this.

 

I've actually gone to my "old" bank to work out a problem (they accidentally paid the same automatic bill payment twice), and they refused to take responsibility for their error. I chose to immediately "take my business elsewhere", told them to close out my account (they didn't like this at all) then I walked down the block (literally) and opened an account at a better (or at least different) bank.

 

I don't tolerate BS from my travel agent who makes huge commissions off my trips, from my cruise line that makes $100/day/guest in profits, from the restaurant where I take my girlfriend out for an expensive dinner; why should I tolerate BS from my banker?

 

 

In a free market economy, the one real power the consumer has is freedom of choice. There are plenty of cruise lines, plenty of banks, plenty of countries you can vacaction to.

 

If one doesn't treat you with respect, take your business elsewhere, and don't be shy about letting them and the world know exactly why you will no longer give them your business.

[Woobie]

I was thinking of having a cruise baseball cap or t-shirt made in a really bright color that says "no soliciting". That way I can just point and smile.:D

[voyagerfl]

Here are a just a few of the ones We had on our Feb. Cruise on the Spirit....they dont really bother me (expept all those gross displays of Raw Meat) But now that you got me thinking.....

 

1. Vacation Club People (all over)
   
2. Credit Card table (Promanade)
   
3. Cookbooks (offered by waiters and on display all over)
   
4. Towel Animal Books (display and demo by the pool) (offered by room steward) etc..........
   
5. Art Auctions (notices all over & handouts)
   
6. Photo Backdrops on almost every deck all evening long.
   
7. Massages by the pool
   
8. Special Dining Room (there were huge displays of 'Raw Meat' outside the dining rooms and even saw one outside the spa) the even had a display of raw meat you passed by when you boarded the ship at embarkation !
   

x

[Starlake666]

I've been on 10 Carnival cruises and have never been approached at dinner or anywhere else to buy anything. Of course, the photographers are everywhere, but we've learned to say "no thanks" and keep moving. Just as we keep moving through the crowds at the tables of $10 watches and inches of gold !!!!

 

But please don't think RC is any better. We sailed the Mariner in March. Everyday at the entrance to the lunch buffet there were tables set up with watches, junk jewerly etc. Some days you could hardly make your way through!

And in the mall area where we liked to go for a drink before dinner, it was super crowded every night with sales tables! It really ruined the atmosphere.

 

The topper of all was one day, we were walking through the mall area to get a cup of coffee.... and there right in the middle of the walkway was a teeth whitening station set up. There was a women getting her teeth done, it was hideous looking! I could not believe they didn't put her behind a screen!

 

And we did get LOUD annoucements daily for the art auctions, bingo etc.

Every day the captain came on and went on and on and on about something...I don't know what....we could never understand one word he said...it was too loud and blurry.

[CoachTerry14]

I can't say, I haven't cruised Carnival yet, but if I do feel like I'm enduring a nonstop sales pitch, Carnival will never see another dime of mine.

 

Remember, Carnival is BIG BUSINESS. If you rule out Carnival you are ruling out all the cruise lines that they own as well. This includes:

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises

Holland America Line

Seabourn Cruise Line

Winstar Cruises

Costa Cruises

P & O Cruises

Cunard Line

Swan Hellenic

Oceam Village

Aida

P & O Cruises Australia

 

Carnival is a business. Carnival employees approximately 70,000 employees worldwide. They operate a fleet of 77 ships and have another 13 vessels scheduled for delivery by 2009. With more than 135,000 guests and 56,000 crew members, there are over 190,000 people cruising with Carnival at any given time.

 

Carnival is the only company in the world to be included in the both the S&P 500 index and the FTSE 100 Index in the United Kingdom!

[jerrymac]

Cruisingator, if you know longer cruise Carnival why do troll Carnival's board? Gator? You ain't from Florida!

[voyagerfl]

Remember, Carnival is BIG BUSINESS. If you rule out Carnival you are ruling out all the cruise lines that they own as well. This includes:

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises

Holland America Line

Seabourn Cruise Line

Winstar Cruises

Costa Cruises

P & O Cruises

Cunard Line

Swan Hellenic

Oceam Village

Aida

P & O Cruises Australia

 

Carnival is a business. Carnival employees approximately 70,000 employees worldwide. They operate a fleet of 77 ships and have another 13 vessels scheduled for delivery by 2009. With more than 135,000 guests and 56,000 crew members, there are over 190,000 people cruising with Carnival at any given time.

 

Carnival is the only company in the world to be included in the both the S&P 500 index and the FTSE 100 Index in the United Kingdom!

 

I think the OP means Carnival Cruise Line, Not Carnival Corp.

 

Carnival may own them.......However, they offer different levels of Cruising.

Lets face it..........I really would expect much more from Holland America or Cunard or especially Seabourn than I would from Carnival Cruise Line.......as they advertise a much more expensive / high end product.

And.......Who made up this Rule "If you rule out Carnival you are ruling out all the cruise lines that they own as well" LoL......I can hear it now........the Travel Agent will be required to ask the passenger if they would be willing to book Carnival instead of Seabourn & if they answer no, they won't be allowed to sail Seabourn....??????????:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[voyagerfl]

It doesn't cost a thing to sit for a photo - and you don't have to buy any either. And if you don't want to have it taken, just say "no thanks" and keep moving. Learn to say no in a polite but firm manner, and mean it. My wife and I have wonderful photos from our cruise last year, and we felt the opportunities for free photo sittings was fantastic. We selected the best shots and put the rest in the discard file.

 

True..........But.......on our Feb. cruise on the Spirit....there was barely room to squeeze through to get to the dining room as there were several picture areas set up in the Atrium Lobby..........(along the promenade also).

 

The Atrium Lobby was sort of a Circus.........There was also the "Raw Meat" Display..........and a couple nights they had several extra tables set up selling Martini Specials and such.......

[voyagerfl]

Cruisingator, if you know longer cruise Carnival why do troll Carnival's board? Gator? You ain't from Florida!

 

Perhaps, because he want's to.......:cool:

Or maybe he knows some of the other posters here........

[reggierail]

And some are worse than others. I have never seen any worse than Carnival.

 

I hope Carnival isn't as bad as NCL.:eek:

 

Reggie:D

[CoachTerry14]

I think the OP means Carnival Cruise Line, Not Carnival Corp.

 

Lets face it..........I really would expect much more from Holland America or Cunard or especially Seabourn than I would from Carnival Cruise Line.[/size]

 

True, but you paid much more upfront for the other lines. The profit margin is much different. Carnival is often called the Wal-Mart of Cruising. I agree. (It is a great thing to be called) They are a huge business and they provide an excellent product for a great price. It is not perfect. Personally, I hate the parking at my local Wal-Mart!

 

I once owned a movie theatre. The business world is very simple. Try to make your profit on the tickets or the popcorn. Numerous theatres showing the same movies have different philosophy. Some cruise lines do the same. Carnival Cruises tries to make it on the "popcorn" (gambling, selling items, bingo, excursions, spa treatments, photos, etc.)

 

Maybe people just aren't mature and responsible enough to say no! Of course, this would explain why people are so much in debt in this wonderful country of ours! :)

[FlorenceItaly]

On my last cruise (Celebrity) there was only one announcement made during my eleven day cruise (asking everyone to go to their assigned area for the lifeboat drill). The only times I was ever approached by someone asking if I wanted to "buy" anything were when those wonderful little waiters by the pool would ask, "may I get you another drink Miss?" I especially loved the "Miss" . . . no one has called me that in years!

 

I'll be leaving next month on my first Carnival cruise . . . sure hope there aren't a lot of announcements or anyone trying to sell me anything. I can read the Capers to decide what I want to do and can go to the shops if I want to buy anything.

 

This was also my experience on an 11 night cruise on Celebrity in Oct/Nov.

It was heavenly and VERY relaxing. I just came back from an RCI cruise earlier this month, and it wasn't Celebrity, but it wasn't extreme as some are saying about Carnival.

 

Marie

[voyagerfl]

True, but you paid much more upfront for the other lines. The profit margin is much different. Carnival is often called the Wal-Mart of Cruising. I agree. (It is a great thing to be called) They are a huge business and they provide an excellent product for a great price. It is not perfect. Personally, I hate the parking at my local Wal-Mart!

 

I once owned a movie theatre. The business world is very simple. Try to make your profit on the tickets or the popcorn. Numerous theatres showing the same movies have different philosophy. Some cruise lines do the same. Carnival Cruises tries to make it on the "popcorn" (gambling, selling items, bingo, excursions, spa treatments, photos, etc.)

 

Maybe people just aren't mature and responsible enough to say no! Of course, this would explain why people are so much in debt in this wonderful country of ours! :)

 

Well Said.........it's so true.......Course it's the way we run our wonderful country...just look at the national debt...

[Girlsnightout]

"But please don't think RC is any better. We sailed the Mariner in March. Everyday at the entrance to the lunch buffet there were tables set up with watches, junk jewerly etc. Some days you could hardly make your way through!

And in the mall area where we liked to go for a drink before dinner, it was super crowded every night with sales tables! It really ruined the atmosphere.

 

The topper of all was one day, we were walking through the mall area to get a cup of coffee.... and there right in the middle of the walkway was a teeth whitening station set up. There was a women getting her teeth done, it was hideous looking! I could not believe they didn't put her behind a screen! "

 

"True..........But.......on our Feb. cruise on the Spirit....there was barely room to squeeze through to get to the dining room as there were several picture areas set up in the Atrium Lobby..........(along the promenade also).

 

The Atrium Lobby was sort of a Circus.........There was also the "Raw Meat" Display..........and a couple nights they had several extra tables set up selling Martini Specials and such......."

 

Oh my god. It's the Mall of America on the high seas. BLECH!:mad:

[voyagerfl]

CCL is still a very succesful corporation, and looking at the numbers from last year, Bob is not going anywhere :rolleyes: There is obviously a market for what they are selling, they sell an awful lot of it... like I said, maybe I don't make myself look available to it, but I have not been pressured to buy anything, have never been approached to buy anything... I'm sure it happens, as it happens anywhere. I was at the Marriott 2 weeks ago in Hilton Head and I have never felt so bombarded with people trying to seel the Vacation Club... it got old, as it would anywhere.

 

LoL........just how much $$ does Bob send you each month

[GoinCruisin]

:rolleyes: Okay, that made about _ this much sense. Just because I have never been hounded to buy anything, does not mean I am being paid off by Uncle Bob... good grief. I don't make myself vulnerable to it, and have learned the fine art of using the words NO THANKS :rolleyes: Bottom line, Carnival is a profitable business... and for those that so hate it, and so hate those that love it, go somewhere else... and quit trying to make those of us that ENJOY Carnival, out to be the "bad guys"...

[selucrey]

Hey GC, Ya think some of that OB $ could trickle down to the rest of us S&S'ers?? Maybe buy a round or two,or three......;)

[voyagerfl]

:rolleyes: Okay, that made about _ this much sense. Just because I have never been hounded to buy anything, does not mean I am being paid off by Uncle Bob... good grief. I don't make myself vulnerable to it, and have learned the fine art of using the words NO THANKS :rolleyes: Bottom line, Carnival is a profitable business... and for those that so hate it, and so hate those that love it, go somewhere else... and quit trying to make those of us that ENJOY Carnival, out to be the "bad guys"...

 

You are very fortunate and unusual to Never have been asked to buy anything !

Persoanlly I think Carnival is great.......just finished our 11th Carnival Cruise.

But, I do notice some of the things the Op mentioned and would like to see less of it......

[GoinCruisin]

No, I've never been ASKED to buy anything... I have passed places on the ship where items are being sold, yes... but it doesn't bother me. It's like that at most resorts, and just about anywhere you go these days. If I were ASKED, as I said, a simple "no thanks" generally works... well, except in Mexico :p

 

Dan, I'll check with Uncle Bob when I get my check next month :p

[voyagerfl]

:rolleyes: Okay, that made about _ this much sense. Just because I have never been hounded to buy anything, does not mean I am being paid off by Uncle Bob... good grief. I don't make myself vulnerable to it, and have learned the fine art of using the words NO THANKS :rolleyes: Bottom line, Carnival is a profitable business... and for those that so hate it, and so hate those that love it, go somewhere else... and quit trying to make those of us that ENJOY Carnival, out to be the "bad guys"...

 

go somewhere else ??? That's not very nice.

.....why don't those who feel the need to badger every post they don't agree with go somewhere else and leave others to have their own opinion.

[GoinCruisin]

go somewhere else ??? That's not very nice.

.....why don't those who feel the need to badger every post they don't agree with go somewhere else and leave others to have their own opinion.

 

Read what I posted. I said "FOR THOSE THAT HATE IT"... for those that are constantly complaining about Carnival, why make those of us that enjoy it, feel like the "bad guys" because we don't chime in with the complaining??? Sorry I wasn't clear.

[tef43]

I too can honestly say that I have never been solicited to purchase anything aboard ship. If you are not interested in what is being advertised in the Capers, then don't read the ads. If you're not interested in what is being peddled, then keep walking.

 

The street urchins at the mall are far worse. Get over it.