Fun farewell party

[Lady_Jag]

Wow, I'm very disappointed. It was one activity that seemed to soften the blow of bringing an end to the last night of the cruise. My daughter loved the party and dancing on the dance floor to the live music before dinner.

 

When people complained about the free drinks being taken away from the Captain's reception, Carnival kept countering with, "yes, but we added the Fun Farewell party with free drinks!"

 

I've never seen it advertised in the Fun Times, except for maybe a little blurb on day 1 or 2 under "Looking Ahead" and then a single line item in the tear-out section that read, "5:00pm - Fun Farewell Party." So yes, as others have stated, it seemed to be understated by design so as not to have the massive mob attendance the Captain's reception had. That was another part of the appeal of the party - it was more intimate and laid back.

 

Sigh! :(

[mamaskittles]

 

What? You mean everyone doesn't scan them? What wrong with people these days?

 

Anyway, I didn't need to be reminded about them every cruise. I knew what and when it was and almost never went. Same for the past guest party. Same for a lot of people I know.

 

I have read on CC and other places about how repeat customers claim to bring lots of business to Carnival. If that is true, then why didn't they mention the Farewell Party Secret Society to the noobs?

 

The complimentary cocktails on Captains Night were frequently abused by customers who would skip dinner and attend both sessions until they passed out.

I'm a firm believer that those who abuse the system, whether laundry or cocktails, have some responsibility for the "cutbacks".

Oh come on. I know people who have their own pocketbooks involved have to hold to the party line but seriously.

I have never witnessed any "passed out " passengers at the Captains Reception.I only witnessed well dressed happy passengers dancing to big band and swing music while enjoying SMALL cocktails and appetizers. The farewell party, if so unattended why cancel it ????

The 7 or 8 passengers who show up can't possibly drink gallons of booze. As far as the past guest party, in essence they are doing away with it also with the implementation of those fab perks everyone was panting for. You only become a past guest if you've guested a minimum of 25 cruise days, for most (cruises that last 7 days) that's 4 cruises. So for many people that party is out also.

Back to your original premise that the trashy drunken passengers did away with the Captains reception themselves by their behavior, why wouldn't the fabulous crew members on the Carnival ships remove these miscreants ?

I for one think you may have jumped the shark here.

[scchasgal]

OK, that's it! Next cruise is on RCCL! I have 3 cruises on Carnival and one more booked, and now that Carnival has cut my past guest party (unless I am grandfathered into Gold), my free cappuccinos , and now the Fun Farewell party???? For shame.... I have one more FCC, I will use it and then we are DONE! (Can I get a refund for a FCC????)

 

Yes you can get a refund for the FCC

[ILUVNKOTB]

I attached a copy of yesterday's Fun Times from the Splendor. There definitely was no Fun Farewell party and according to the bar staff it was discontinued within the last couple of weeks.

 

Do you by chance have any other copies of the Splendors fun times? Would you be willing to email them to me? kelliedawnbosarge @ gmail . com

 

Thanks

[babyblue78]

Yes you can get a refund for the FCC

 

Good to know! We are considering one more cruise on the Fantasy since Charleston is so darn convenient, but if that doesn't pan out I will get a refund. Thanks!

[ILUVNKOTB]

I attached a copy of yesterday's Fun Times from the Splendor. There definitely was no Fun Farewell party and according to the bar staff it was discontinued within the last couple of weeks.

 

 

Also, the last cruise I was on (Carnival Spirit April 2012) I did not see at all the Fun Farewell Party. They did have the Captains Celebration, which said nothing about free drinks. I would have NEVER known that there was free drinks there unless my dear sweet friend I met on the cruise ship told us about it (she was on the Hawaii leg on the same cruise and knew about it) We saw the Captains, and had dancing. It was super fun!

[GroovyGreg101]

A Lot of people on this CC thread have bad cases of 1st world problems.... wahhhh Carnival doesn't advertise their party properly, wahhhh Carnival doesn't give us free drinks, wahhhh Carnival is pinching pennies and cancelling stuff, wahhhh....Get over it, Carnival is running a business (and they are running it great). They are pumping money into new cruise ports (Costa Maya Mexico, Grand Turk, La Romana) All three created within the last 5 years at an avergae cost of 50+ million dollars each, they are pumping money into new ships (Dream, Breeze, Magic, and Sunshine), and they haven't enacted the gas/oil/fuel provision yet (even though the price of oil is and has been well above their specified dollar amount for quite some time).

 

Maybe, just maybe... Carnival is actually cancelling the farewell party because after looking into it and taking surveys and doing thorough research they determined that it isn't worth it to them or the majority of cruisers. I'm sorry for this rant but I work in retail and I HATE it when people whine and complain because they can't get something exactly the way they want it at the time they want it and for the price they want it at. Is the 7 or 8 day vacation that allows you to visit 3 or 4 different countries/islands and allows you to eat all the free food you want and enjoy all the music, shows, deck parties, comedy shows, art shows, pools, hot tubs, etc etc etc that you want while not having to clean up after yourselves NOT ENOUGH??? Oh and by the way you can still get free alcohol 4 out of your 7 days... free champagne at the art shows and free drinks at the past guest party.

 

Again, I'm sorry for ranting but realistically think about what you're complaining about and think about why you're complaining about. I'm pretty sure after reflecting on it, you'll realize Carnival isn't cancelling the past guest party to try to save a few pennies. And for everything they cancel, they tend to roll out new initiatives, it's call being proavtive instead of reactive and it is one of the reasons that Carnival is the BIGGEST and most SUCCESSFUL cruise line in the world.

[loohoo1]

The few remaining 3-night sailings CCL still offers never went to the Fun Farewell concept. They kept the 'old school' Captain's Cocktail Party (aka Captain's Celebration) with complimentary beverages on Elegant Evening. Continued to be well attented. If those have also been axed (and I have a strong feeling they have, but no proof) . . . then this is not a change of something no longer desired by passengers, but a clear cutback.

 

 

 

I was on the Imagination last week and the Captain's Party on elegant night did indeed still have free drinks and was well attended. We tipped well and the drinks were plentiful. I am so disappointed to hear that they are cancelling the Fun Farewell Party.

[vols_159]

Saw a post a few minutes ago that the fun farewell party was dropped on the Splendour due to lack of attendance.

 

Lack of attendance of course is due to lack of promotion and nobody realizing the note in the fun times also means free drinks.

 

Has anyone heard of this happening on another ship?

 

Why would they advertise free drinks.. if ccl did that it 90% of the ship would attend for a free drink or 10..Just to leave dead dog drunk...

[babyblue78]

A Lot of people on this CC thread have bad cases of 1st world problems.... wahhhh Carnival doesn't advertise their party properly, wahhhh Carnival doesn't give us free drinks, wahhhh Carnival is pinching pennies and cancelling stuff, wahhhh....Get over it, Carnival is running a business (and they are running it great). They are pumping money into new cruise ports (Costa Maya Mexico, Grand Turk, La Romana) All three created within the last 5 years at an avergae cost of 50+ million dollars each, they are pumping money into new ships (Dream, Breeze, Magic, and Sunshine), and they haven't enacted the gas/oil/fuel provision yet (even though the price of oil is and has been well above their specified dollar amount for quite some time).

 

Maybe, just maybe... Carnival is actually cancelling the farewell party because after looking into it and taking surveys and doing thorough research they determined that it isn't worth it to them or the majority of cruisers. I'm sorry for this rant but I work in retail and I HATE it when people whine and complain because they can't get something exactly the way they want it at the time they want it and for the price they want it at. Is the 7 or 8 day vacation that allows you to visit 3 or 4 different countries/islands and allows you to eat all the free food you want and enjoy all the music, shows, deck parties, comedy shows, art shows, pools, hot tubs, etc etc etc that you want while not having to clean up after yourselves NOT ENOUGH??? Oh and by the way you can still get free alcohol 4 out of your 7 days... free champagne at the art shows and free drinks at the past guest party.

 

Again, I'm sorry for ranting but realistically think about what you're complaining about and think about why you're complaining about. I'm pretty sure after reflecting on it, you'll realize Carnival isn't cancelling the past guest party to try to save a few pennies. And for everything they cancel, they tend to roll out new initiatives, it's call being proavtive instead of reactive and it is one of the reasons that Carnival is the BIGGEST and most SUCCESSFUL cruise line in the world.

 

We cruised Carnival because it was the best bang for our buck. Now, that bang is becoming more like a "poof", which will cause me to look elsewhere for future cruises. I have cruised on Liberty with the 2.0 upgrades, and while they were OK they did not offset the cutbacks. I will cruise wherever I get the best value, and Carnival is making cuts that diminish the experience for us.

[t1adams]

Oh, I do not disagree Stu, but things do change with time. I agree, it appears to be a money grab situation, but, I'd rather go with the flow rather than getting my knickers in a knot over a few small beverages, that's all!

 

 

Hmm....I wonder who she voted for in the last election. :cool: Yeah, I said it.:eek:

[jmwg49]

Hmm....I wonder who she voted for in the last election. :cool: Yeah, I said it.:eek:

 

Stephen Harper...I'm Canadian...so don't go all political on me :)

[scperk]

I figured this was coming..Its not well promoted and when they cut the Past guest party to 45 minutes and the Fun Farewell to 45 minutes..Oh well I've already used my last FCC and cut back to 1/2 cruises a year instead of 4/5....Dennis

[Sargent_Schultz]

Oh come on. I know people who have their own pocketbooks involved have to hold to the party line but seriously.

I have never witnessed any "passed out " passengers at the Captains Reception.I only witnessed well dressed happy passengers dancing to big band and swing music while enjoying SMALL cocktails and appetizers. The farewell party, if so unattended why cancel it ????

The 7 or 8 passengers who show up can't possibly drink gallons of booze. As far as the past guest party, in essence they are doing away with it also with the implementation of those fab perks everyone was panting for. You only become a past guest if you've guested a minimum of 25 cruise days, for most (cruises that last 7 days) that's 4 cruises. So for many people that party is out also.

Back to your original premise that the trashy drunken passengers did away with the Captains reception themselves by their behavior, why wouldn't the fabulous crew members on the Carnival ships remove these miscreants ?

I for one think you may have jumped the shark here.

 

Perhaps not passed out, but certainly beyond 3 sheets by the time they stagger into late seating dinner with a drink or two in each hand. I know because I've done it. ;)

 

As for the past guest party, we don't know how the grandfathering will work, the grace period, etc. It is all speculation at this point.

 

I didn't say trashy, I said abusers and there certainly were some. Numerous cruisers have posted on here how many cocktails they consumed, strategies to make sure you get your quota of cocktails, how to skip the cocktails being offered and custom order your own, etc.

[waiting4acruise]

I attached a copy of yesterday's Fun Times from the Splendor. There definitely was no Fun Farewell party and according to the bar staff it was discontinued within the last couple of weeks.

It was discontinued.

It was usualy listed at 5pm.

[t1adams]

Stephen Harper...I'm Canadian...so don't go all political on me :)

 

Actually sweetie, that proves my point even more. Bahahahha.....Socialism at its best. "Change.is.always.good." Say that fifty times over and you shall believe too.....:cool:

[dclark]

A Lot of people on this CC thread have bad cases of 1st world problems.... wahhhh Carnival doesn't advertise their party properly, wahhhh Carnival doesn't give us free drinks, wahhhh Carnival is pinching pennies and cancelling stuff, wahhhh....Get over it, Carnival is running a business (and they are running it great). They are pumping money into new cruise ports (Costa Maya Mexico, Grand Turk, La Romana) All three created within the last 5 years at an avergae cost of 50+ million dollars each, they are pumping money into new ships (Dream, Breeze, Magic, and Sunshine), and they haven't enacted the gas/oil/fuel provision yet (even though the price of oil is and has been well above their specified dollar amount for quite some time).

 

Maybe, just maybe... Carnival is actually cancelling the farewell party because after looking into it and taking surveys and doing thorough research they determined that it isn't worth it to them or the majority of cruisers. I'm sorry for this rant but I work in retail and I HATE it when people whine and complain because they can't get something exactly the way they want it at the time they want it and for the price they want it at. Is the 7 or 8 day vacation that allows you to visit 3 or 4 different countries/islands and allows you to eat all the free food you want and enjoy all the music, shows, deck parties, comedy shows, art shows, pools, hot tubs, etc etc etc that you want while not having to clean up after yourselves NOT ENOUGH??? Oh and by the way you can still get free alcohol 4 out of your 7 days... free champagne at the art shows and free drinks at the past guest party.

 

Again, I'm sorry for ranting but realistically think about what you're complaining about and think about why you're complaining about. I'm pretty sure after reflecting on it, you'll realize Carnival isn't cancelling the past guest party to try to save a few pennies. And for everything they cancel, they tend to roll out new initiatives, it's call being proavtive instead of reactive and it is one of the reasons that Carnival is the BIGGEST and most SUCCESSFUL cruise line in the world.

 

CCL is looking at guest surveys? Didn't they do away with those? It sounds like you didn't avail yourself to taking any business classes at a university. Because of this, you have an arm chair view of how business works. Allow me to inform you:

1) New Ports: these are not done to improve your cruise, they are done to increase corporate profit. They have captive business which have to pay a hefty fee for the right to be there. If anything, this hurts a lot of people in poor areas as their port (with native owned stores) get bypass with ships going to private ports where the hope is cruisers are kept captive (look how hard CCL makes it t leave Mahogany Bay!)

2) CCL is not that successful! They have a lot of problems, both as a cruise line and the corporation as a whole. If CCL was as successful as you think, why are they only able to charge 60% of what RCL charges? Cabin prices depends on what the market thinks they are worth and the market is down. It has also been mentioned in quarterly reports. Speaking of the market, the stock was selling at around $ 38 a share a year ago, it is now under $32 a share. That doesn't sound successful.

Cabin prices are market driven and the market says CCL is bottom barrell. So, the only way to improve profit is to cut expenses. Guess what? GUESS WHAT?? When they cut more, it diminishes the value of their cabins so that they can't sell them for as much. So, what do they do? They cut MORE expenses! That causes the market to think even less of CCL and cabin prices fall EVEN MORE. Do you see the viscious circle here? When I say market, I mean just that-what cabins can be sold for. Now, I'll spare you all the econ jargon like price elasticity and stuff like that. But, if you observe that CCL:

1) Has prices that seem to stay low

2) Has cut expenses

That supports what I have just said. And, visit this thread a year from now- I promise you that prices will stay where they are, or go down along with other major, major cuts. Like they say, put a frog in water and turn up heat on the water slowly, frog won't recognize that he is being boiled alive. I think most of us are aware that major cuts are occurring, a CCL cruise today is much different from a CCL 5 years ago and no, it is not better either!

[Rosefloater]

Well the fun farewell party is gone. This is his answer

 

That being said you deserve an answer to your question and here is the "official " word about the cancelation of the Fun farewell. " We understand your disappointment and wanted to take a minute to explain our decision. Since rolling out the Fun Farewell Party in 2009, we have seen attendance continue to decline with each passing month to a point where we decided that we should find new ways to make cruising with Carnival more fun and more memorable. In the past several months, we’ve introduced a number of innovations – new Sail Away parties, Sea Day Comedy Brunches and our Taste Bar, to name a few. All of these new innovations are now rolling out across the fleet. We recognize the need to keep creating new ways to enhance your experience, and this will at times mean that we need to move away from things that appear to be losing popularity."

 

I responded that I think this reduction in popularity was due to the lack of publicity that free drinks were offered.

 

Can you provide a link to this? I looked on JH's facebook page and can't find it.

 

I'm soo glad they added the brunches.:rolleyes: From what I've read, the comedians are more of a distraction and the menu (for the lunch items) doesn't change.

[GroovyGreg101]

DClark,

 

I was debating whether to debate with you (I enjoy friendly discussions and debates), however after scrolling through your last 10-15 posts (it actually only took 4 for me to realize, but they were entertaining so I continued reading through them) I realized you are a discontent person. You have made up your mind on CCL and there is no changing that. Your posts are mostly negative and I feel if I continued on this path it would lead to you calling names or attempting to belittle me in hopes of proving your supposed vast superior knowledge that I didn't receive at my University. So I will simply say "to each his own" and may our paths never cross on a Carnival Cruise because I feel you'd probably suck the fun right out of the Fun Ship.

[Distilled1]

Hmmm if Im not mistaken they changed the past guest party from free drinks to reduced prices

And did a farewell party with free drinks

Never promoted it , let it go for a couple years

Many never attended , got to a point where they could cancel and not many would no or care

Really slick You got to hand it to them

 

we leave in 6 days if there are more cut backs from our last cruise 1 year ago that we notice, we will go back to DCL as I don't need to gamble and the mouse allows me to bring my own booze on and has food that makes CCL look like a Ryanns (yes not even golden coral) buffet. and this will be a good reason to try RCCL and maybe just go AI (but I love hitting a bunch of Islands )

 

 

Ugg getting depressed reading this crap .. I just want to get my DoD and cruise!!!!!!!

[Grampy]

Can you provide a link to this? I looked on JH's facebook page and can't find it.

 

I'm soo glad they added the brunches.:rolleyes: From what I've read, the comedians are more of a distraction and the menu (for the lunch items) doesn't change.

 

It is where about six hours ago starts. Right after four hours ago.

[mamaskittles]

Perhaps not passed out, but certainly beyond 3 sheets by the time they stagger into late seating dinner with a drink or two in each hand. I know because I've done it. ;)

 

OH Sarge I am surprised at you :p

As for the past guest party, we don't know how the grandfathering will work, the grace period, etc. It is all speculation at this point.

 

True but realistically they are not going to Grandfather in everyone who has at least one cruise if so why make such a big division between the classes.

I didn't say trashy, I said abusers and there certainly were some.

 

And whose fault is that... Carnivals If they policed their event properly this would not have been an issue. I know when you are looking for a crew member to remove a half eaten bologna sandwich from a lounger they are hard to find, so therefore the staff knows how to avoid the pax and could have avoided the drunks, or better yet cut them off.

Numerous cruisers have posted on here how many cocktails they consumed, strategies to make sure you get your quota of cocktails, how to skip the cocktails being offered and custom order your own, etc.

 

I do believe that you know that very few cruisers read this board. I only knew about the get what you like cocktails from the Carnival secrets thread here.

For every opinion posted there is an opposite. I like the grandiosity of cruising.

If I wanted to go camping I would.

If I wanted to go to an AI I would.

If I wanted to rent an RV and cruuise the landscape I would.

I don't do those things because I like cruising.

I do not like a less then grand product. I will probably not cruise Carnival again unless I am very surprised on my upcoming cruise. I am one of the few who will pay a few hunfred more for a better experience.

Those that love Carnival for it's value alone have absolutely nothing to complain about. Carnival is certainly a cheaper line. :D

[yogimax]

 

I will probably not cruise Carnival again

 

Nor will I.

 

I am Platinum and have enjoyed the Carnival product in the past.

 

But this is too much. And corporate continues to stonewall our legitimate questions which ask, very simply, why we were being lied to and why our benefits continue to be diminished.

 

We have two more Carnival cruises booked. But now, not only will we move totally to RCCL and Celebrity, we may just take the early Saver penalty and move our loyalty completely to the Royal product which offers so much more!

[LetzCruze]

Actually is/was usually posted twice and they do sometimes make announcements about. I think selective reading/listening may play a part.

 

From a March Magic cruise

 

complimentary cocktails mentioned

 

and the actual event

 

FFS Zydeco, you are being just as sleazy as carnival with this posting of the funtimes. You have posted it at 150 percent of the actual size. To the first timer or non cc member, there is very little chance on the first exciting day that they are going to see, let alone remember that one small line in size 8 font about drinks on the last day.

 

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER in some 20 cruises with carnival has there been an announcement that free drinks were being provide over the pa system.

 

The fact that they would have this party, not advertise it the day before as free drinks, and then claim it was not well attended is pure cow crap.

 

I know I made it my personal mission on every cruise to let as many people know that there was free drinks yet carnival would not let you know.

 

I also let them know that it was bs that they would do it this way.

 

Have you EVER been unhappy with something that carnival has done? Have you EVER called bs on something that JH was wrong about?

[LetzCruze]

 

What? You mean everyone doesn't scan them? What wrong with people these days?

 

Anyway, I didn't need to be reminded about them every cruise. I knew what and when it was and almost never went. Same for the past guest party. Same for a lot of people I know.

 

I have read on CC and other places about how repeat customers claim to bring lots of business to Carnival. If that is true, then why didn't they mention the Farewell Party Secret Society to the noobs?

 

The complimentary cocktails on Captains Night were frequently abused by customers who would skip dinner and attend both sessions until they passed out.

 

I'm a firm believer that those who abuse the system, whether laundry or cocktails, have some responsibility for the "cutbacks".

 

You really have swallowed the kool aid haven't you. Or should I say lemonaide, as surely there is no fruit punch (beverage mixer).