New Cuts with Carnival

[H82seaUgo]

We just got home from the 9/5 & 9/10 sailing on the Triumph and there are more cut-backs from Carnival....Now the Past Guest party is only 45 minutes, only one person at the Pizza place making & searving pizzas..Lots of dirty tables several times at the aft pool area..They have installed 3 tables with the auto-play Blackjack (like the Texas Hold-em table) and there were no $5 mininum blackjack tables--At times they (2 tables) were $6 but if they got busy they changed them to $10..They will no longer buy you drinks in the Casino when you are playing, I'm just off the Spirit last May & the Elation twice last year and we played every night and someone in the Casino bought me & wife a drink every night...Now you get drinks with the 1500 points card only......Dennis

 

i'm not sure yet if there are less cleaning people, or more slobs cruising. it's startling what the ship looks like every early morning. it is eventually cleaned, but it is such a turn off to us early risers.

[dwayneb236]

I've been on 18 Carnival cruises. This was the 1st one (August 11 Splendor) without the binder. Did anyone tell us?? NO. We looked and looked. The paper menu..never got it! So yeah, I have a problem with it. If you arent going to have it you should ATLEAST tell your long time cruisers you arent and HAND THEM the menu!!

 

I think the cut backs are ridiculous and if the Platinum and higher gets screwed I will cruise elsewhere. Never have before but once and hated it, But I've been itching to try some other lines. This will be the time.

 

A little high on ourselves aren't we? I guess you're the type who could care less about us little bitty 3 and 4 time cruisers. Those of us who are smart enough to know if we can't find something, we just ask. You have a lovely "me filled" day.

 

I'm sick of elitests. But that's just me I guess. I'm normal.

By the way, I had a fantastic, low class cruise with my beautiful wife. We wanted for nothing.

[Vanessa L]

A little high on ourselves aren't we? I guess you're the type who could care less about us little bitty 3 and 4 time cruisers. Those of us who are smart enough to know if we can't find something, we just ask. You have a lovely "me filled" day.

 

I'm sick of elitests. But that's just me I guess. I'm normal.

By the way, I had a fantastic, low class cruise with my beautiful wife. We wanted for nothing.

 

While I won't comment on the elitist thing, seems to me that the poster you quoted has it backwards. Repeat cruisers would know there is supposed to be some sort of room service menu and call the room steward and ask for one if they didn't have it. OTOH, new cruisers may not know that there is even supposed to be one there and as such, would not know to call and ask. It could save Carnival some money if enough newbies didn't know about the room service missing menu issue. Though I don't buy into it being a conspiracy to attempt to save money.

[frito58]

I notice a lot of complaints about the casino , remember this there are no regulations , at least that I know of on cruise ship casinos. They can do what they want , set their machines to pay anyway they want , set thier tables to pay anyway they want . Now if we don't like it we don't have to gamble, I do like to spend some time in the casino but have cut back when they quit using dealers at the poker tables and started taking high rakes off of us. . As for the other stuff , that does affect your cruise experience somewhat, I will be curious as to how the Victory will be in a few weeks as we have not been on Carnival in a couple of years.

[cybercon]

I've been on 18 Carnival cruises. This was the 1st one (August 11 Splendor) without the binder. Did anyone tell us?? NO. We looked and looked. The paper menu..never got it! So yeah, I have a problem with it. If you arent going to have it you should ATLEAST tell your long time cruisers you arent and HAND THEM the menu!!

 

I think the cut backs are ridiculous and if the Platinum and higher gets screwed I will cruise elsewhere. Never have before but once and hated it, But I've been itching to try some other lines. This will be the time.

 

Looks to me like it is time for you to try another cruise line. My wife and are happy with Carnival even with a few cut backs. O yea we are well over Plat level but don't list all of the Carnival crusies we have been on beacause we don't like to brag.:D

[Vanessa L]

Looks to me like it is time for you to try another cruise line. My wife and are happy with Carnival even with a few cut backs. O yea we are well over Plat level but don't list all of the Carnival crusies we have been on beacause we don't like to brag.:D

 

I'll see your not listing all your cruises and raise you that I have turned off signatures because I don't like to have all the space taken up by those bragging, lol!

 

PS...I've been on over 30 cruises. Who cares?! LOL!

[Vanessa L]

OP: Curious if this has you re-thinking your two future Carnival cruises.

 

You've asked twice. I think OP is blissfully ignoring you ;)

[Elaine515]

I've been on 18 Carnival cruises. This was the 1st one (August 11 Splendor) without the binder. Did anyone tell us?? NO. We looked and looked. The paper menu..never got it! So yeah, I have a problem with it. If you arent going to have it you should ATLEAST tell your long time cruisers you arent and HAND THEM the menu!!

 

I think the cut backs are ridiculous and if the Platinum and higher gets screwed I will cruise elsewhere. Never have before but once and hated it, But I've been itching to try some other lines. This will be the time.

 

A little high on ourselves aren't we? I guess you're the type who could care less about us little bitty 3 and 4 time cruisers. Those of us who are smart enough to know if we can't find something, we just ask. You have a lovely "me filled" day.

 

I'm sick of elitests. But that's just me I guess. I'm normal.

By the way, I had a fantastic, low class cruise with my beautiful wife. We wanted for nothing.

 

Looks to me like it is time for you to try another cruise line. My wife and are happy with Carnival even with a few cut backs. O yea we are well over Plat level but don't list all of the Carnival crusies we have been on beacause we don't like to brag.:D

 

 

 

I guess I must also be "a little high on myself" to because having 22 Carnival cruises behind me, I to looked and looked for the menu and when we couldn't find it, called for another one... Thats when they gave us the paper one...

 

And being 3 away from Milestone, if the new program goes into effect and I also get screwed and lose some of my "perks" (Unless Tom can talk some sense into the Beards!!), we too will go elsewhere....

 

 

Oh, and cybercon, I also have my list of Carnival and other cruises listed, not because I like to brag, but because I am very proud of each and every cruise I have taken...

 

So, I guess I'm in the "little high on myself AND bragger" club !!! Can I run for President of them???? lol

[sweetlissa]

A little high on ourselves aren't we? I guess you're the type who could care less about us little bitty 3 and 4 time cruisers. Those of us who are smart enough to know if we can't find something, we just ask. You have a lovely "me filled" day.

 

I'm sick of elitests. But that's just me I guess. I'm normal.

By the way, I had a fantastic, low class cruise with my beautiful wife. We wanted for nothing.

 

agreed! I myself am just happy to cruise, but I do think if there is a policy change, cruisers whether 1st timers or seasoned ones should be let know.

[Litewait]

A little high on ourselves aren't we? I guess you're the type who could care less about us little bitty 3 and 4 time cruisers. Those of us who are smart enough to know if we can't find something, we just ask. You have a lovely "me filled" day.

 

I'm sick of elitests. But that's just me I guess. I'm normal.

By the way, I had a fantastic, low class cruise with my beautiful wife. We wanted for nothing.

 

Just saying that if you've cruised many times and expect things in the same place.. And are not told any different.. Had someone said (room steward) that we no longer provide the binders here is a menu. That would have been nice.

Hand the menus to ALL guests.

 

I do care about the 3 & 4 time cruisers as I refer alot of people to Carnival. 8 new cruisers in the last 6 months. 3 of them have now cruised twice in 6 months and each of those have brought on 5 additional cruisers since I introduced them. So I care about and tell them about my experiences. Which is bonus for Carnival. And no I am not a TA.

 

That being said..the changes they are looking at for the loyalty program do bother me as I have been quite loyal to Carnival for many years and many cruises.:) ANd because of that have seen the numerous "cut backs", changes, whatever you want to call them. The longer you cruise the more you see.

 

And listing my cruises IS NOT BRAGGING~ Geez.. I like showing them because I have enjoyed them. And it is often people ask about a ship or cruise because they see it in my signature and I'm glad to help. Maybe you will be able to do that

when you lose the green.

 

Elaine! You are too funny!!

[dwayneb236]

Just saying that if you've cruised many times and expect things in the same place.. And are not told any different.. Had someone said (room steward) that we no longer provide the binders here is a menu. That would have been nice.

Hand the menus to ALL guests.

 

I do care about the 3 & 4 time cruisers as I refer alot of people to Carnival. 8 new cruisers in the last 6 months. 3 of them have now cruised twice in 6 months and each of those have brought on 5 additional cruisers since I introduced them. So I care about and tell them about my experiences. Which is bonus for Carnival. And no I am not a TA.

 

That being said..the changes they are looking at for the loyalty program do bother me as I have been quite loyal to Carnival for many years and many cruises.:) ANd because of that have seen the numerous "cut backs", changes, whatever you want to call them. The longer you cruise the more you see.

 

And listing my cruises IS NOT BRAGGING~ Geez.. I like showing them because I have enjoyed them. And it is often people ask about a ship or cruise because they see it in my signature and I'm glad to help. Maybe you will be able to do that

when you lose the green.

 

Elaine! You are too funny!!

 

I know I'm coming off jerkish, but why not just ask if you couldn't find the menu? And "to me" your emphasis on at least you, being a frenquent cruise should have been notified over all others kinda rubbed me the wrong way. I am the type of person who does not expect perks because of something. Nothing wrong with it I guess, but it's not me. And I don't start sentences with my status like others I have seen. But anyway, just my observations, which mean absolutely nothing.

[sweetlissa]

.

 

I refer alot of people to Carnival. 8 new cruisers in the last 6 months. 3 of them have now cruised twice in 6 months and each of those have brought on 5 additional cruisers since I introduced them. So I care about and tell them about my experiences. Which is bonus for Carnival.

quote]

 

This is the reason I think people should be informed about changes. You've referred people, you tell them what to expect and some people if it wasn't they way you've said it would be, wouldn't ask about. They would try to just go with the flow.

 

Again, as long as I'm onboard, I'm happy :-)

[Trin1103]

In somewhat fairness to Carnival all industries are cutting back with personal. Also if you have gone food shopping lately you will see the prices of everything going up

 

Amen - there's the truth. Not to hijack the thread, but franncos is right on with that. I don't think anybody could realistically expect companies in the food-entertainment-vacation industry not to either raise their fees or lower their quality, when you consider that it now costs $2.25 to buy a bell pepper. Siiiiigh.

 

..Trin..

[BigDfromTN]

We just got home from the 9/5 & 9/10 sailing on the Triumph and there are more cut-backs from Carnival....Now the Past Guest party is only 45 minutes, only one person at the Pizza place making & searving pizzas..Lots of dirty tables several times at the aft pool area..They have installed 3 tables with the auto-play Blackjack (like the Texas Hold-em table) and there were no $5 mininum blackjack tables--At times they (2 tables) were $6 but if they got busy they changed them to $10..They will no longer buy you drinks in the Casino when you are playing, I'm just off the Spirit last May & the Elation twice last year and we played every night and someone in the Casino bought me & wife a drink every night...Now you get drinks with the 1500 points card only......Dennis

 

Dennis, We were on the Triumph in July. We met a lido worker that had been our waiter on the Elation the year before. He recognized my wife and spoke right away. He was so much more reserved and almost seemed depressed. She asked him if he was happy on the Triumph and he stated that ship was not like the Elation. We noticed some things that were slower and or cuts it seemed. We laid part of that on the ship and its officers based on the servers comments. Maybe it is just a fleet wide thing???

 

BTW. Saw on another thread you have quite a trip planned down under. Congrats to you and it really makes me Jealous!!!

[misstopgun]

We were surprised too that there was no binder after multiple cruises but really liked it that we could actually order room service through the TV system. Some may call it a cutback but it seemed like an upgrade to us. Much easier than calling. BTW, you could order online on TV or call room service.

My last cruise on the Dream in April had the interactive room service option. It seemed to me the wait was much shorter when I used this option then when I actully called room service.

[Litewait]

I know I'm coming off jerkish, but why not just ask if you couldn't find the menu? And "to me" your emphasis on at least you, being a frenquent cruise should have been notified over all others kinda rubbed me the wrong way. I am the type of person who does not expect perks because of something. Nothing wrong with it I guess, but it's not me. And I don't start sentences with my status like others I have seen. But anyway, just my observations, which mean absolutely nothing.

 

I never meant for it to be interpreted that way. Sorry you did. I frequent these boards (to much LOL) and post and chat on John Healds FB page as well. A simple announcement anywhere would have sufficed. You are given handouts when you board, put it there. Have the CD announce it. It cuts down on phone calls, questions to stewards ect.

 

As for the loyalty program..I certainly didnt start out cruising for that.LOL! My first cruise was me and a 12 & 6 yr old. (single mom) It was what I thought would be a once in a life time trip for the 3 of us. We all fell in love with cruising and my kids now 23 & 17 are always waiting for the next one. DD 23 doesnt go as much as in the past with college but we are always hoping she can make it!

[norcalal]

I do have to chuckle when I read these things.

I am about to go on my first time Carnival (Splendor) cruise. I have only cruised RCCL simply because I liked the first one and saw no need to change.

I know that I will enjoy the Splendor as I dont sweat the simple things. I do know that I will not enjoy the same things that I did not like while on RCCL.

Now that RCCL has left the West Coast, I was looking for an alternative and I am sure that I found it.

 

Its why they make Chevy's and Fords....

[crusinpsychRN]

I agree, and think it would make a difference.

 

Is the room service menu on the fun times or is it yet another piece of paper in your cabin?

 

In Fun Times, not sure if the first day but I'd guess that. Don't know b/c I didn't get one.

 

Yes, I think it makes a difference. The book had lots of other info also, not just the menu.

 

You don't get one at Motel 6 as they don't have room service but in a nice hotel you do.

[kroozers]

Ok I will probably get flamed here but seriously, what difference does it make if the room service menu isn't in a hardbound book? Does it affect your cruise????

 

Some are only happy when they can find ridiculous things like this to complain about. I'd rather that the changes pointed out here take place than Carnival raising prices. Why should gamblers' free drinks be added to my ticket price? Someone needs to pay for the drinks...why not the person who is drinking them? If my cruise is a nickel cheaper because you have to order room service off a paper menu...I'm ok with that.

[dwayneb236]

I'm guessing some people just have higher standards and expectations. My wife can get as fancy as the next person, but she also had zero complaints about our cruise. We did not have the best room steward, only bad thing I can say. He was adequate.

[dwayneb236]

Some are only happy when they can find ridiculous things like this to complain about. I'd rather that the changes pointed out here take place than Carnival raising prices. Why should gamblers' free drinks be added to my ticket price? Someone needs to pay for the drinks...why not the person who is drinking them? If my cruise is a nickel cheaper because you have to order room service off a paper menu...I'm ok with that.

 

I bought a bottle from Bon Voyage and many many drinks from the bar..:D

[scooterpopsnana]

In a sit down enviro, I will pre-bus out of habit. In a buffet, if there is a bus tray around I will pick up my stuff and move it. I don't wipe down the table or rearrange the chairs, but I will remove my plates and trash if given a place to do so. It's not out of my way to do so, and I don't like leaving a mess behind me.

 

The same with me, but when I am on vacation, I do not want to, nor should I be expected to do so.

[kentuckyluckyguy]

LOL it wont affect mine either!!!!! I'm a past guest and can only recall going to the past guest party one time! Even IF there are cutbacks, for $50-$60 a day all inclusive (other than alcoholic beverages) I can't beat that ANYWHERE!!!!

 

One of the previous posters is correct...EVERYTHING has gone up in price and most companies are cutting back. Geez, look at the airlines!! Prices are sky high and you no longer get meals or even peanuts, and haven't for a while. The cruise lines can't just "give" you the cruise...they have to make a profit.

 

I would encourage everyone to NOT take it out on your wait staff or room stewards in their tips tho. It's not their fault. More than likely they are affected too by having to take on more responsibility. Service slower? Then that probably means they have had to add rooms or tables because of cutbacks, and those guys/girls work hard (at least on the first four I've been on).

 

And I will say...if it is horrible, then I'll definitley consider paying more and upgrading to a higher class line next time...but I've gone into every Carnival cruise with "Carnival expectations" and that's what I'm doing this time. I'll give you an honest opinion in three weeks.

[DEBnGAB]

No leather bound book with the room service menu. The menu is on a sheet of paper in one of the Fun Times. I thought that was really ridiculous. You don't get a piece of paper in a hotel room.

 

BTW, I always go by what firefly says b/c she's usually right.

 

I just experienced the same thing on the Pride. I thought it was odd, maybe even ship specific, but it looks like it may be a fleet wide thing. Good thing I can recite that room service menu by heart. :D

 

just home from the Liberty yesterday. Couldn't find the room service menu in the room either.

 

Turned out it was on the TV.

 

Bill

 

 

Just off of the Destiny...one-pager for the Room Service menu ( I almost tossed it in my pile o papers). Had it been on the TV that would have been cool, but it wasnt.

[DEBnGAB]

A bit difficult to put your tv in your pocket to carry around with you to find a variety of things you want to do.

 

lmao! Good point....