Faster to the Fun program announced today

[big_duck]

Even in "those days" the "highest level of guest service and hospitality" were preceded by a silent "Within the limits of budget". As I said in my earlier post. Within those limits I still prefer CCL. When I no longer prefer them. I'll cruise with someone else. I would question how much a Carnival Cruise would cost today if EVERYTHING else had remained the same. Probably a lot more than I or most "average Joes" could afford.

 

Actually you guys seem to be nystalgic for the "old carnival" but I actually was not too impressed with my first Carnival cruise in 1999. By the time I tried them again in 2007 they were much improved and with the advent of increased Karaoke, the comedy club etc... they have improved even more. They may have cut back the expendatures in some areas but the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff have increased, and I at least like the entertainment more (I understand some disagree here).

 

On every Carnival cruise I have received a survey that asked what is MOST important to me and giving a list of things: Price, Value, amenities, etc... I think they listened. The last Carnival cruise I took, I received a survey online that asked a question that I don't think I have ever been asked by a cruise line. They asked if the staff were friendly and made me feel welcome. Oddly for the first time, on that particular cruise the staff had seemed to go out of their way to be friendly and call me by name. I suspect Carnival has been working with their staff to make this a priority. I guess they have rightly found that friendliness is very valuable and costs nothing!

 

I'd rather they got rid of karaoke and kept the Jazz trios myself. Anytime I've ever gone to Karoke on board there hasn't been more then 15-20 people in there.

 

Carnivals staff has always been great, but it was better when they weren't overworked and could actually take some time at your table.

 

If Carnival raised the prices 10-15% and brought the quality back it wouldn't bother me at all.

[gfy012]

Let me be the first.:D

 

Many of the Platinum and Diamond that post on CC come off as very much "elitists". For example, they see two Platinum guest in a cabin on a 7 night cruise getting only 6 free bags of laundry an erosion on benefits. IMHO that's pretty "elitists".

 

I am Platinum and see no problem with the new program pending the outcome of the test. Seems like I'm getting two new perks at no additional cost.

 

LOL! I have to say that the way some of these people responded to the new limit on the laundry service speaks volumes. Getting upset over something that would have no negatve impact on their cruising experience is just unbelievable to say the least.

[Jana60]

I'd rather they got rid of karaoke and kept the Jazz trios myself. Anytime I've ever gone to Karoke on board there hasn't been more then 15-20 people in there.

 

Carnivals staff has always been great, but it was better when they weren't overworked and could actually take some time at your table.

 

If Carnival raised the prices 10-15% and brought the quality back it wouldn't bother me at all.

 

But it would bother all the others, myself included, who prefer Carnival the way it is and at a price we can afford. If your OK with higher price and don't care for Karaoke maybe you should try cruising RCL.

[LuckyZ]

Let me be the first.:D

 

Many of the Platinum and Diamond that post on CC come off as very much "elitists". For example, they see two Platinum guest in a cabin on a 7 night cruise getting only 6 free bags of laundry an erosion on benefits. IMHO that's pretty "elitists".

 

I am Platinum and see no problem with the new program pending the outcome of the test. Seems like I'm getting two new perks at no additional cost.

 

Just because someone comes on this site and claims they are platinum, doesn't mean they're platinum. For all we know, you're all rookie cruisers who want more of this program, and are trying to fool us all by saying you're platinum and are ok with it. Nice try.

[Jana60]

LOL! I have to say that the way some of these people responded to the new limit on the laundry service speaks volumes. Getting upset over something that would have no negatve impact on their cruising experience is just unbelievable to say the least.

 

Oddly the same folks who are SO upset about the very remote possibility that they might have to pay for a load of laundry are the same folks who say they are willing to pay more for "higher quality". I submit that quality, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. The wishes of this group of folks unhappy with Carnival can easily be met by them just going to a different cruise line. Carnival offers a combination of values (at least for those of us who value these things) that we cannot find at any other cruise line. I like Carnival the way it is now MUCH better than the way it was in 1999 and hope it does NOT change.

[fergusonvt]

I remember when I booked my first cruise on the Tropicale - suites had butler service.

 

On NCL they still do - butler & concierge - but you pay A LOT more for it.

 

Not so. Almost the same amount for two of us on the Valor in an aft vista as our 2014 cruise for 3 in an aft penthouse suite.

 

Sent from my LePanII using Tapatalk 2

[Jana60]

Not so. Almost the same amount for two of us on the Valor in an aft vista as our 2014 cruise for 3 in an aft penthouse suite.

Sent from my LePanII using Tapatalk 2

 

Either you got a really GREAT deal on your aft penthouse, a really POOR deal on your aft vista suite, OR you cruised the Valor when kids were out of school and booked the penthouse for a time when kids are in school. Prices are always double or tripple when kids are out of school (spring break, Christmas, summer). I just noticed your dates on your signature which appear to both be at times when kids are in school so I must conclude it was one of the first 2 choices rather than the 3rd.

[big_duck]

But it would bother all the others, myself included, who prefer Carnival the way it is and at a price we can afford. If your OK with higher price and don't care for Karaoke maybe you should try cruising RCL.

 

All the others? Are you somehow omnipotent?

 

Sorry but there are lot of people who think quality is part of the value equation not just bottom line price.

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

Not so. Almost the same amount for two of us on the Valor in an aft vista as our 2014 cruise for 3 in an aft penthouse suite.

 

Sent from my LePanII using Tapatalk 2

 

Agree with you, some just don't shop around. Had an aft-wrap suite on Miracle 7/25/12 and the same suite leaving 7/24/12 for both dates for more than we are paying for a 2-bedroom haven suite on NCl for Thanksgiving week, oh yeah, plus $800.00 OBC for the NCL trip!

[ATL2LAS]

Really, only 26 dollars? Was this for a nonstop flight? Are you using a skymiles card?

Its a nonstop into Ft Lauderdale from Atlanta. I was shocked when it popped up on the screen menu. Just like Carnival it is capacity controlled:D Its all about making an extra buck. But when you find a deal thats only $75 each way plus tax, the add ons are not that bad for what you get

[micro yaya]

this week on the dream will be our 30 cruise. our 19th on carnival. we have been cruising since 1991 on the carnivale. we have seen many changes in the industry. the inside rooms are bigger, you can turn around in the shower, the entertainment is more varied, and the stops a bit different.

 

the crew work harder, there is less of them, the consierge(sp) are a bit more sarcastic, the jokes dirtier, the boats are bigger and they carry more people so the lines are longer, and of course some of the passengers are ruder,and the kids are allowd to run wild more.

 

now having said all that i think in the long run carnival is doing it's best to contain price. we have been platinum for a while now, so when we were waitlisted for anytime dining on our upcomming cruise it kind of rubbed me the wrong way, but i have choices too, so if i am unhappy with this cruise or treated unfairly, it doesn't matter how many times i have cruised or how much my obc will be i simply choose another line, and build my loyalty with them. in life there are reactions to actions. i think caarnival should remember that :)

[Jana60]

All the others? Are you somehow omnipotent? (your quote was taken out of context. My words were "all the others who prefer Carnival the way it is and at a price we can afford").Sorry but there are lot of people who think quality is part of the value equation not just bottom line price.

 

I too think quality is part of the equation. I'm just saying that not everyone's definition of quality is the same as yours.

 

Not so. Almost the same amount for two of us on the Valor in an aft vista as our 2014 cruise for 3 in an aft penthouse suite.

 

Wow, I checked and you got a really good deal if your penthouse was almost the same price as your aft Vista cabin! If you tried to book those cabins today on those 2 cruises the Carnival Valor would cost you $2,232 and the NCL Jewel would cost you $3,185.14. I still think this is a good deal for a penthouse but it is almost $1000 more.

[Jana60]

this week on the dream will be our 30 cruise. our 19th on carnival. we have been cruising since 1991 on the carnivale. we have seen many changes in the industry. the inside rooms are bigger, you can turn around in the shower, the entertainment is more varied, and the stops a bit different.

 

the crew work harder, there is less of them, the consierge(sp) are a bit more sarcastic, the jokes dirtier, the boats are bigger and they carry more people so the lines are longer, and of course some of the passengers are ruder,and the kids are allowd to run wild more.

 

now having said all that i think in the long run carnival is doing it's best to contain price. we have been platinum for a while now, so when we were waitlisted for anytime dining on our upcomming cruise it kind of rubbed me the wrong way, but i have choices too, so if i am unhappy with this cruise or treated unfairly, it doesn't matter how many times i have cruised or how much my obc will be i simply choose another line, and build my loyalty with them. in life there are reactions to actions. i think caarnival should remember that :)

 

I agree. If Carnival changes too many of the things that are very important to me, I'll take my business elsewhere. I just don't feel like Carnival "owes" me anything and I view the cost containing measures as a necessary evil rather than a greedy endeaver on the part of all the cruise lines. Actually as compared to all other aspects of my life I find that cruises have maintained their price and value best.

[CoCoNut Willie]

All the others? Are you somehow omnipotent?

 

Sorry but there are lot of people who think quality is part of the value equation not just bottom line price.

 

 

Don,

I agree, substituting karaoke for actual musicians is another downgrade. I love live music, but what I've heard of the karaoke wouldn't be categorized as such.

[big_duck]

Don,

I agree, substituting karaoke for actual musicians is another downgrade. I love live music, but what I've heard of the karaoke wouldn't be categorized as such.

 

Iris important to keep half a dozen Whitney wannabes happy I suppose.

[Jana60]

Don,

I agree, substituting karaoke for actual musicians is another downgrade. I love live music, but what I've heard of the karaoke wouldn't be categorized as such.

 

Other than the band on deck, what other live musicians are gone that were EVER there? On my last Carnival cruise in May they had the show band who played not only for the shows but also for Superstar Live. They had a 3 piece band in the Casino bar area. They had a Salsa band in the Lounge thats next to the Comedy Club. They had the piano bar performer. AND they had a pianist who placed before dinner in the Center of the ship where that multilevel opening is. (gone brain dead and can't remember name of this part of the ship)! So where else did they EVER have live music other than the deck. Karaoke did not replace the deck band. The big screen outdoor theater did. Things they have now that they did not have on my cruise in 1999??? The Comedy Club, The midnight burlesque show (not really my fav but the guys in our group loved it), The outdoor slide, the outdoor big screen theater, Karaoke/Superstar Live, Sushi, Chinese Wok (love the fresh stir-fry!), etc. If you really can't find anything to be happy with in the evenings with all the variety they have, you really do need to change cruise lines since I don't think Carnival would be able to please you. (Actually MY last cruise was on Princess in June not on Carnival and they had far fewer entertainment options, live and not live.) So you might not be happy with them either!

[Cruise4Music]

Just because someone comes on this site and claims they are platinum, doesn't mean they're platinum. For all we know, you're all rookie cruisers who want more of this program, and are trying to fool us all by saying you're platinum and are ok with it. Nice try.

 

Wow.

 

I've probably taken more cruises and traveled more miles then you my friend.

 

If you send me a way to contact you I will be happy to prove how many cruises I have.

 

Hint: I traveled and cruised for many years before joining CC.

 

And I do most of my posting in places where people can't just hide behind screen names and say anything they want.

[Cruise4Music]

I'd rather they got rid of karaoke and kept the Jazz trios myself. Anytime I've ever gone to Karoke on board there hasn't been more then 15-20 people in there.

 

Carnivals staff has always been great, but it was better when they weren't overworked and could actually take some time at your table.

 

If Carnival raised the prices 10-15% and brought the quality back it wouldn't bother me at all.

 

I am very happy to see both the Steel Drum Band and Jazz trios go.

 

I consider that a real upgrade as I do more casual dress options and comfort food options.

 

I'm sure there must be some fine cruise lines that have a crowd old enough to want a jazz trio.

 

And unlike some of you I vote with my dollars, not just post on CC.

 

The simple fact is many of you love to hate Carnival but still spend your dollars with Carnival.

[firstcruiser2010]

We are sailing on the Liberty the end of Sept. We also just saw the FTTF perk and thought it would be fun to try it. We usually arrive at the port early anyway but there were many different areas of the adventure. Unfortunately, they were already sold out. Apparently, there is only a few of these perks available to "buy" your way Platinum. We are Loyalty level on another line, and we enjoy it. We only wish that our friends were too. Now with Carnival, we can have our friends come with us when we are Platinum. It is a few that get this perk so it does not bother me. From what we can see, it is going over like gangbusters, so any revenue that keeps the line running inexpensive and efficient is fine with me :)

[DGP1111]

I am very happy to see both the Steel Drum Band and Jazz trios go.

 

 

I'm sure there must be some fine cruise lines that have a crowd old enough to want a jazz trio.

 

Certainly I can't be the only one who sees your CC member name, then reads your ironic comment, and suddenly thinks Wow, what a total ****!! :rolleyes:

 

.

[Cruise4Music]

Certainly I can't be the only one who sees your CC member name, then reads your ironic comment, and suddenly thinks Wow, what a total ****!! :rolleyes:

 

.

 

Because I'm happy to see the Jazz trio go away?

 

I guess when you don't agree with the mainstream personal attacks are part of the deal.

 

I guess class and manners has sort of gone away.

 

Thank you for the reply and happy Carnival cruising to you.

[halos]

Certainly I can't be the only one

.

You're not.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

You guys got off track a bit from the topic but I wanted to speak up as AZ Karaoke Girl. I obviously love watching karaoke - even the not so good or "Whitney wanna-be's" as it is very entertaining to me and DH. One of the reasons I cruise on Carnival is because they offer karaoke every night. I've been on RCI and I got to sing one song out of a 7 day cruise so needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper. I'm not so much into the piano bars or the dance clubs etc. NCL has okay karaoke too every night. So even though some of you might not like it, others do and Carnival tries to cater to various preferences out there. You don't like karaoke, don't go. But if Carnival took karaoke away, I would likely be cruising on NCL more. Just sayin.

[Jana60]

You guys got off track a bit from the topic but I wanted to speak up as AZ Karaoke Girl. I obviously love watching karaoke - even the not so good or "Whitney wanna-be's" as it is very entertaining to me and DH. One of the reasons I cruise on Carnival is because they offer karaoke every night. I've been on RCI and I got to sing one song out of a 7 day cruise so needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper. I'm not so much into the piano bars or the dance clubs etc. NCL has okay karaoke too every night. So even though some of you might not like it, others do and Carnival tries to cater to various preferences out there. You don't like karaoke, don't go. But if Carnival took karaoke away, I would likely be cruising on NCL more. Just sayin.

 

I'm like you. I really enjoy the Karaoke! Carnival still has all the entertainment options that any of the other major cruise lines have so I don't see a problem. If you don't like Karaoke there are at least 4 other forms of entertainment going on at the same time on any given evening on a Carnival ship. The only thing they lack is ball room dancing (which you find on Celebrity) and Ice skating shows (which you find on RCCL). I might enjoy learning to ball room dance and I do like the ice shows but not if I had to trade my Karaoke for them. Others may disaggree but to each his own. Yes its off topic but we have probably said everything you can say about the FTTF "tour".

[Jana60]

I am very happy to see both the Steel Drum Band and Jazz trios go.

 

OK, I'm still off topic but, If Carnival decides they want Jazz they don't have to even hire 3 people. My brother is a professional Jazz musician here in OKC. He has a BA in Jazz music and he's a one man band. He has computers programed with the accompanyment on his keyboard which he can trigger with just a few key strokes and then sets the percussion also on his key board. Then he just plays his horns along with that. He plays just about anything you can blow into. Sort of cool to see him when he's doing a show surrounded by 2 keyboards, a computer and about 10 different horns on their stands. He sometimes plays 3 different horns in a single piece of music. Carnival would have to offer enough to attract him away from his steady gig as he has a sweet deal playing 5 times a week for a Brazilian Resturant here. I really enjoy hearing my brother play but I don't know how many Jazz fans there are on the typical Carnival ship. Like you there are probably more fans of the more modern music.