Fun farewell party

[LetzCruze]

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.

 

 

You hate when people rant yet you admit you are ranting? You can't fix stupid can you?

[Sh1035]

Only been to one and was a joke. Won't miss it. Not what I cruise for I can buy a drink if I need one without the cheer leading. Then again the casino takes care of me fine..

 

Wow can they cut all the shopping in port, lame shows, art auctions,bingo,pictures,etc?

 

Just spend it on better food?

[GroovyGreg101]

Oh well there is no more Farewell Party, life will go on...

[maxamuus]

Oh well there is no more Farewell Party, life will go on...

 

Yup on another cruiseline...

[Jana60]

I have no idea what period you're referring to, but I'd imagine you're paying less now than you did at that time.

 

No, your not paying less now. It was only about 1.5-2 years ago that they always had free drinks at the Captains reception and then they quit doing it and now no one even goes to the Captains reception. I don't actually remember them ever having big lobster tails. They always seemed to have fairly small ones but now they are even smaller.

[Jana60]

The Captain's Party (1st formal night) is now $1.00 off drinks. Past guest party is still free drinks. I'm disappointed that they canceled the Farewell party because I really enjoyed it as a way to say "farewell" to my cruise!

 

"Past guest party is still free drinks" for now but now only past guests who have completed 24 days at sea on prior Carnival cruises will be invited to attend. You used to be considered a valued past guest after only 1 cruise. Now you have to cruise about 5 times before you are considered worthy of the invite.

[Jana60]

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 actually your Future Cruise certificates are fully refundable but before you get a refund wait and find out if Carnival comes to their senses. If you get that refund then change your mind and want to book again, you miss out on that OBC.

[Jana60]

 

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".

 

Your the only one I've ever heard who felt that way. Captains night was also traditionally always the night for Lobster in the MDR so if people skipped dinner to drink the free booze they probably didn't add to the expense for Carnival. Booze is cheap and always sold with a big mark up so the Lobster probably costs at least as much.

[k2excursion]

I'm just sick of the excuses, also known as "lies". They intentionally poorly advertise the farewell party to try to decrease attendance. It was successful. The first few that I went to had very low attendance, especially on my first Dream cruise and the Triumph. But attendance to the farewell party has only been increasing on each of my last 3 cruises. It's been growing and growing. My 2nd Dream cruise and my recent Magic cruise, it was pretty well attended. So the reason they are doing away with the farewell party is not because of lack of attendance, but because of increasing attendance.

 

Sure, that's just a theory. Some will say that the drink distribution amount (in total) is the same. Instead of 6pp, it's down to 2pp with the increased attendance. While that could be true, the initial change from the captain's cocktail party to the farewell party had the intention of decreasing the amount of free drinks given out. With the increasing demand for free drinks on the farewell party, the supply of free drinks is having to increase. "The cost of it is starting to increase; we need to eliminate it." I know that most people feel that you can't be honest in business, but I can at least respect the honesty. And I'm more likely to continue to give my business to businesses that are honest, and leave those that are dishonest (when I have the option to leave them, which I do with this).

[mondello]

I'm actually paying less for my Valor/Glory B2B cruises booked for Dec. a year in advance under ES. Much less ($279pp for us 3), with our kid's 3rd PAX fare dropping our average pp cost. Seems like some people have champagne & caviar tastes on a burger & beer budget. CCL is definitely evolving, sinking a lot of money in the FunShip 2.0 upgrades. They are doing what they can to offer an affordable vacation to all. I've seen a wide range of people from straight out of the trailer park to wealthy suburbia. I'm really disappointed with some of the reactions to changes that may be underway, especially the things that get posted and because we read it here they take it and run with it. Not everything posted here is the Gospel. Changes to the loyalty program are not official. Maybe we'll have to ask for ice but, I've already been in the habit of asking for extra ice for my cooler. The cutbacks need to be evaluated by those they affect so they can decide if a CCL cruise is still a viable choice for them. I find it laughable that some of us with a few cruises under our belts think we know everything needed to run THE major cruiseline. CCL rescinded the oil surcharge in the past so, we know they have the potential to reverse unpopular business decisions. The many recent changes by CCL may have been handled poorly and will prove unpopular. However, they have fielded a proven winning formula over a long period of time and I have yet to feel that any cutbacks have yet to change my decision to cruise CCL. Those that wish to see if the grass is greener elsewhere better be prepared to fork over more green, too. I too, have had to make cutbacks and will not be going to cheerleader camp this summer. Hope to see you on the high seas in Dec. whether you're aboard with us or waving from a passing cruiseship of another line.

[skiorcruise]

We sailed the Legend in April. The Farewell party was in the comedy lounge below the main show lounge. Snack plates were located outside the lounge, grab one on your way in. Drinks were free, enough waiters to get more as you needed them. As we left, headed for the dining room, we passed another lounge with many more snack plates - If they had cut back on the snacks, they would have recouped the cost of the drinks. I bet they had to throw out 200+ plates.

 

I don't like the cutbacks either. But, as I compare prices (including airfare from landlocked Utah), Carnival is still the best bang for my buck. I'll sail with them again, and remember the "good old days" of 2010.

 

Full disclosure - I am a CCL stockholder, and have 8 cruises with them.

[mamaskittles]

I'm actually paying less for my Valor/Glory B2B cruises booked for Dec. a year in advance under ES. Much less ($279pp for us 3), with our kid's 3rd PAX fare dropping our average pp cost. Seems like some people have champagne & caviar tastes on a burger & beer budget. CCL is definitely evolving, sinking a lot of money in the FunShip 2.0 upgrades. They are doing what they can to offer an affordable vacation to all. I've seen a wide range of people from straight out of the trailer park to wealthy suburbia. I'm really disappointed with some of the reactions to changes that may be underway, especially the things that get posted and because we read it here they take it and run with it. Not everything posted here is the Gospel. Changes to the loyalty program are not official. Maybe we'll have to ask for ice but, I've already been in the habit of asking for extra ice for my cooler. The cutbacks need to be evaluated by those they affect so they can decide if a CCL cruise is still a viable choice for them. I find it laughable that some of us with a few cruises under our belts think we know everything needed to run THE major cruiseline. CCL rescinded the oil surcharge in the past so, we know they have the potential to reverse unpopular business decisions. The many recent changes by CCL may have been handled poorly and will prove unpopular. However, they have fielded a proven winning formula over a long period of time and I have yet to feel that any cutbacks have yet to change my decision to cruise CCL. Those that wish to see if the grass is greener elsewhere better be prepared to fork over more green, too. I too, have had to make cutbacks and will not be going to cheerleader camp this summer. Hope to see you on the high seas in Dec. whether you're aboard with us or waving from a passing cruiseship of another line.

The winning formula was providing an upscale cruise with reasonable rates. That is no longer the case.

As the new management (after Jerry) took over there was a push to increase profits faster. Then the worldwide economy tanked, so rather than try and increase cabin rates they decide to modify some of the amenities.

People noticed and not in a good way. As more and more experienced cruisers went to more upscale lines Carnival needed to keep modifying amenities. Since people are not fools (despite what the Carnival yahoos think ) and will not pay more for less, they had to keep the cabin prices low.

Would you pay the same fare on Carnival as you would on HAL or Celebrity ? Of course not, Carnval does not give the same cruise. So they charge less for cabins and to maintain their profit level they need to cut expenses.

Many cruisers are fine with this business model. Some here are not, they have the right to be disappointed and discuss moving on to other lines. I will pay more to get more. I do not buy chuck I prefer sirloin. I do not buy clothes from the $10 store I prefer Macy's.

I believe you get what you pay for in life and if what you get is good enough for you go for it.

[mondello]

Since when in the hell has CCL been an upscale cruiseline? Sorry, but you're way off base half the time. I've seen your posts in the tipping threads. I've seen you post you pay $5,000 on CCL. Run, don't walk to an upscale line. I'm not gonna butt heads with ya. You have your opinions and your take on everything and I've seen enough of your posts to know you're pretty sure of yourself. Really though, I'm like zydeco/SS, I hope you have a great cruise. Lord knows you shelled out enough money.

[Rosefloater]

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

 

Thank you. I finally found it. I hate the new FB format.:mad:

[mamaskittles]

Since when in the hell has CCL been an upscale cruiseline? Sorry, but you're way off base half the time. I've seen your posts in the tipping threads. I've seen you post you pay $5,000 on CCL. Run, don't walk to an upscale line. I'm not gonna butt heads with ya. You have your opinions and your take on everything and I've seen enough of your posts to know you're pretty sure of yourself. Really though, I'm like zydeco/SS, I hope you have a great cruise. Lord knows you shelled out enough money.

Whoa slow your roll. First I agreed with most of your post except the one line I highlighted. Second in my opinion the old model was an upscale cruise for a reasonable rate. I guess you think Carnival was always a cheap line. I found the best weapon Carnival had going for it was the surprise at how great everything was despite the rumors of it being a walmart experience. My comment about spending 5k on cruise was said in resonse to another poster who was touting benefits as I was refuting them. I said and I quote " I would not spend 5k to go to the movies" And BTW for a family 5k is not hard to spend on a balcony/suite 8 day cruise.

I am never off base, you disagree with me, and that is fine. My beliefs regarding tipping for service are well known and I still have the right to tip when I choose. Being sure of ones self is not a a bad thing. As fas as your last line it was rude and uncalled for. I never said anything nasty toyou or about you. As far as Zydeco/SS he is a gentleman and I enjoyed debating our differing opinions. Never once did he try to hurt my feelings. You are no Sargent Shultz.

[2013CruiseBride]

I was looking forward to the fun farewell party on our wedding cruise since I'm not a past guest but future hubby is. I'm still happy that we booked Carnival since it had the best priced wedding package for the number of items included, but we will have to do more comparison shopping if/when we decide to do our next cruise.

 

Sent from my LG-MS910 using Tapatalk 2

[kids1stcruise]

well if carnival thinks its poorly attended they should be happy..right. that means they are still saving $$$ because there arent that many people there. i say keep it for the people that want to attend...;)

[kids1stcruise]

if not having the farewell party is going to make you switch your cruise lines...go ahead....pay more money for your cruise and you wont have a free drink there either...just saying

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

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!!!!!!!

 

Uhh. When is the last time on DCL? The food is very similar with DCL having less buffet options. Read the DCL boards for all the food complaints. I think both are great but very equivalent with regards to food.

[angel2wyld2]

We sailed the Dream for Mothers Day in May 2012. The Farewell party was in the comedy lounge. But you would have NO way of knowing it was free drinks unless you are a CC member, I know I did not. Was not really "advertised" in the fun times but was there. "Fun Farewell Party, Burgandy lounge 5 p.m.". I almost missed it myself. Hardly anyone there.

[H82seaUgo]

We sailed the Dream for Mothers Day in May 2012. The Farewell party was in the comedy lounge. But you would have NO way of knowing it was free drinks unless you are a CC member, I know I did not. Was not really "advertised" in the fun times but was there. "Fun Farewell Party, Burgandy lounge 5 p.m.". I almost missed it myself. Hardly anyone there.

 

actually, most new cruisers, including myself, used to think the stuff on the trays was the only stuff that was free. they never announced that you could basically have any mixed drink. not sure if i found that out myself or on these boards as it's been so long.

 

same with all the other "secrets", like ordering as many entrees for dinner as you like.

[meatloafsfan]

I'm of mixed feelings.

 

I don't like that they have taken this away (poor attendance or not, it does feel like they took something "good" away and haven't announced that they are replacing it with anything - personally I would be happy with 2 for 1 drink specials everyday as a replacement - but that is only my opinion).

 

On the flip side, I've been on 3 cruises, known about the party, knew about the free drinks, planned on going but changed my mind once on board (either I forget at the time of the party or didn't feel the need to go), so I am part of what lead to the poor attendance.

[Chigirlcruzin]

Would you pay the same fare on Carnival as you would on HAL or Celebrity ? Of course not, Carnval does not give the same cruise. So they charge less for cabins and to maintain their profit level they need to cut expenses.

 

My December Celebrity cruise was actually less than a similar Carnival cruise the same week. I'm in an inside. My parents book OV, and it was only $20 more per person.

[cruzn buckeye]

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.

 

Not just first timers or non cc members. I have been on 23 cruises with Carnival, and not until that 23rd cruise, did I know about the farewell party. You know how I found out? Right here on cruise critic. This message board is full of information for all cruisers , old and new, so it bothers me that the whole website is put down over things said by a few.

[cruzn buckeye]

No, your not paying less now. It was only about 1.5-2 years ago that they always had free drinks at the Captains reception and then they quit doing it and now no one even goes to the Captains reception. I don't actually remember them ever having big lobster tails. They always seemed to have fairly small ones but now they are even smaller.

Actually if I am recalling right, someone said that JH asked on his FB page if people really liked to go meet the captain? could it be that they were considering doing away with it now that fewer attend?

Lets see... stop giving free drinks on the Captains Party, do Farewell party instead. Drop the Farewell party, dont have to give free drinks. Stop the Captains party, no need to give discounted drinks...

Personally, I think they need to get back to some of their old ways and keep Carnival what it used to be... keep cruisers wanting to come back more and more...

Bring back the Captains party with free drinks and appetizers... then I dont care about the farewell party. Keep the Past guest party as it was .. for all past guests... making repeaters feel special and enjoying being repeat cruisers... Bring back the Rum Swizzle parties, for the sailaway night . A celebration of sorts... Bring back those silly hurricane glasses... some may laugh... but it was a celebration of the cruise drinking out of those fun tropical glasses instead of the plain ones, or the ones you have to pay for.

Bring back the steel drums, at least for debarkation day. Play Carribbean music... for heavens sake you are on a cruise... not at a nightclub at home... keep that music in the bars .... Man... I really really miss the Carnival that kept me coming back... :(

 

And yes, I like my free drinks... helps just a little to make up for the arm and leg I pay for the overpriced ones...