What would you change first?

[Beachdude]

Oh please. Carnivals ships are just fine. They had 1 major issue with the Triumph and the passengers were the cause of the terrible conditions on that boat, not Carnival.

 

They had several systems and engine issues on different ships in a period of a couple months, which points directly at maintenance. Carnival has already spent several hundred million the last few months implementing these changes. The designed changes will eventually be completed on all their ships (already installed on the Triumph) to prevent the fire/electrical problem that occured on the Triumph. By the way the design change was already an industry standard on most of the ships on the other lines. I'm a little surprise you haven't heard about it, Carnival has been putting it out on the media. They are in a mess and showing everyone that they are sparing no expense to clean it up.

 

Burt

[SPKEMO]

They had several systems and engine issues on different ships in a period of a couple months, which points directly at maintenance. Carnival has already spent several million the last few months implementing these changes. The designed changes will eventually be completed on all their ships (already installed on the Triumph) to prevent the fire/electrical problem that occured on the Triumph. By the way the design change was already an industry standard on most of the ships on the other lines. I'm a little surprise you haven't heard about it, Carnival has been putting it out on the media. They are in a mess and showing everyone that they are sparing no expense to clean it up.

 

Burt

 

Again, 1 major problem, others were very minor.

 

Take a look at cruisejunkie.com and shipdetective.com. Both try and list all cruise line incidents. Every major line has had just as many issues as carnival.

 

After you read all the ones on those sites, I think you will agree that Carnival is no better but also no worse.

[poison7fl]

The first thing they need to do to turn things around (and they are doing) is better maintenance and better designs on the ships so that they don't break down in the middle of the ocean. The Carnival name has become synomynous with everything bad about cruising just from their incidences in the last year. Now whether a broken cruise ship is Carnival or not, the Carnival name is the image the pops in the minds of the general public. Carnival needs to change the image and the first step is safe well maintained ships so that they don't have anymore incidents.

 

Burt

 

You can't be serious.... the news media has made it a mission to discredit CCL because they are the largest. In relation to ships, cruise days, and passengers, they are the lowest incident per line and passenger. If NCL or RCL has a problem, who does the media remind everyone about? Carnival, always.

 

Secondly, if you have EVER been a sailor, you'd know that NO amount of maintenance can prevent breakdowns....none! The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard even have breakdowns.. It's not a matter of if it will break down, it's a matter of when.

 

Stop drinking the liberal Kool Aid Burt.

[LaShea]

Where did you get the notion that Carnival is loosing it's regular repeat cruisers (or as you put it cheerleaders)? From cruise critic? Because if that's the case people on cruise critic don't represent the vast majority of Carnival cruisers.

 

I agree with this statement whole heartly. I went and tried another cruiseline this summer and we came running back to Carnival after that experience. I cancelled the other cruise I had previously booked with NCL and booked the Breeze instead for that exact week. I don't think they are losing anything...if anything...I think they are gaining.

 

Now I would like the steel drums back but, honestly...with all the griping on these boards about other cruislines and ALL the bands and live music on their ships...I didn't see it at all. I thought our NCL cruise had way less live music than our last Magic and Triumph cruise last year.

[LaShea]

Interesting...but there ya have it...We've only been cruising since 2008....but...other than those annoying announcements by the MDR MD..and those equally annoying song and dance routines...our MDR service has been fine..we get in...order..get what we ordered...don't recall anything being cold that wasn't supposed to be..then out we go...thats of course assuming we hnit the MDR in the first place....I'm not missing out on anything by not having "personal" service. In fact, since our first cruise, I've never "gotten" the whole "MDR thing" that SOOOOO many rail on and on and on and on about here....Seems many define their cruises by what went on in the MDR....I can barely recall our MDR "experiences"...but do recall many, more meaningful events that went on during our 8 or so cruises...but...thats just us.

 

We started cruising in early 2009 and feel the same way you do (i think alot of the 2008 and on cruisers feel the same way). We have had nothing but excellent service in the MDR over the years and the cruises we have done. I guess I don't need to sit and have a deep conversation with the staff at every meal. Just like at a restaraunt here...I don't go to dinner and learn everything about my waiter while out to eat. I just don't get all of this stuff. It seems to be mostly from all the people that have sailed from the 90's or sooner. My mom sailed for the first time in the mid 90's and the dinners were so fancy and woman were in formal night gowns...that is NOT who we are as a society anymore and I think carnival gets that and personally I appreciate that...I like the relaxed feel of things while on vacation.:D

[rebel7254]

Wait a second....no trays for the buffet? When did that happen?

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

They cut staff to keep cruising cheap for some so added duties for most staff :)

 

They make money only on gambling, pictures,shopping,and drinking, so those things are pushed

 

That's why cruises are cheaper (and everything else in the world more expensive) than the 90s

 

Yeah...I know all this..this isn't anything new, so I'm not sure your point... It was still better in even a few years ago with CCL.

 

But it is why I don't plan to cruise on CCL.

 

And as for the guy that suggested a surcharge like we want everything so much better and don't want to pay for it, I'm actually fine with paying a lil more for a quality experience. DCL taught me that. I am still over the moon 4 months later on a THREE day. I wish I had never gone on my 7 day CCL in Feb. They cost the same. I'll take less days (or pay more) for a good trip experience. Mediocrity and crappy service is no longer worth my $ and my time boarding my doggies or getting housesitters and taking time off work. (That trip sucking up my time off, and I have seen my family a whopping 5 days this YEAR! :( )

 

My most expensive cruise with CCL was my worst serviced, whereas I would have expected less money paid, worst service. Instead, they got my money AND gave me crappy service and I don't even think it's the server's fault because they are only human people. And I try to smile and thank them and they won't even look at me, like they hate all of us (or can't understand us, I don't know, I felt VERY guilty and uncomfortable on the Dream.)

 

The OP asked what we wanted to see corrected, those are my responses. I used to be a CCL cheerleader to other RCI lovers (because I had cruised both equally) and now I won't even take a free one because their constant in your face nickel and diming.

[LaShea]

I loved my 2007 and 2011 CCLs. My 2012 service started to slip in some areas but still good. I did not care for my 2013 CCL experience and it is going to be VERY VERY hard to convince me to come back to CCL. But I do want them to do well as a brand because I used to be very happy with them.

 

The MDR and buffet service was awful. Self service for coffee for breakfast in the MDR? Does anyone think that's ok? Speaking of self service, no cups or coffee in the buffet either.

 

So train the servers to communicate and don't overwhelm and work them to death. I remember when cruise lines would clean up the bread crumbs off your table (DCL still does) and even cut up your steak for you. This time, I was shushed and told to wait when all I wanted to ask for was a cup of tea.

 

Second is their sell sell sell business model. It used to be you could get on somewhat cheaper and expect them to try and sell you some stuff. (Not necessarily talking about spa, gold by the inch or art.) Now, you can't go anywhere without being pestered to buy drinks! What can I get you? Water? Ok....and server NEVER comes back. And let me take your picture! One after the other! When did that start? Buy buy buy Bingo! Come to the theater 30 min early for a seat...and play some bingo while you are there! Bingo cards for sale in the aisles, you dont even have to get up! Let's put trivia or karaoke right next to the casino...see if we can tempt some suckers...etc.

 

These are the reasons I didn't enjoy my cruise. I will buy something if I want to, but being guilted into it (like some said about 'if you buy a towel book from me, I get a day off!') does not a vacation make.

 

And if you think this is how EVERY CRUISE LINE OUT THERE DOES IT, then you are wrong. I learned recently that is not the case. Yes, I paid more up front and got a lot more and didn't feel guilty for enjoying every minute of it without pay up pay up how bout a tip etc.

 

Just letting you know that NCL did every bit of what you complained about and more!! Don't cruise with them if you are bothered by CCL.:eek:

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Just letting you know that NCL did every bit of what you complained about and more!! Don't cruise with them if you are bothered by CCL.:eek:

 

Thanks! I hadn't tried them, but I don't like ATD, so I more than likely won't. :)

[Pine Bluff]

It seems the current new Carnival cruiser enjoys the ferry serrvice provided at such low prices. And they'll keep going lower with continued scaled back service.

 

Any store can cut their prices in half and have the traffic that makes them look like they're busy. This falls prices are so low it seems that is now the only thing attracting those just looking for generic cruises.

 

The good thing is are other lines. Carnival is no longer competitive.

[MrPete]

Our first Carnival cruise was on the Glory in 2009. We raced up to the Lido to get lunch and a waiter pushed a tray of drinks at my wife. She took one, said thanks and started sipping. :) A few minutes later he found us and was asking for her S&S card. :( That is how we learned that the drinks are not free on Carnival. John

 

I didn't realize DW was previously married. :D

 

Mine did the same thing. And thought the same thing about the pictures. You should have seen the stack she showed up with in the cabin. :eek:

[richstowe]

Im not leaving Carnival as they have always gone that extra mile for me....just do miss some of the things they have done in the past and wanted to know what you wanted added or changed....I love Carnival....in fact the funny thing is most videos i see on youtube with stupid stuff happening or such has been on other cruiselines.

If you had started the thread with this post perhaps you wouldn't get so many hostile posts including the one I didn't send.;)

 

I like Carnival but my issue is the selection and length of time in the ports. I was looking at a 8 day Splendor cruise from NY March '14.

The ship and prices were ideal but the itinerary of Cape Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport was just too dreary to contemplate.

Worse the departure at 3:30 PM from the last port before 2 days of "fun at sea" is a joke.

I get that sailing at low speeds saves money but this is simply silly. Oh well, Celebrity it is.

[SPKEMO]

If you had started the thread with this post perhaps you wouldn't get so many hostile posts including the one I didn't send.;)

 

I like Carnival but my issue is the selection and length of time in the ports. I was looking at a 8 day Splendor cruise from NY March '14.

The ship and prices were ideal but the itinerary of Cape Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport was just too dreary to contemplate.

Worse the departure at 3:30 PM from the last port before 2 days of "fun at sea" is a joke.

I get that sailing at low speeds saves money but this is simply silly. Oh well, Celebrity it is.

 

I agree the ports aren't great. I would love to go Celebrity for our next big cruise. Everything I hear about them is great.

[Crusin Karen]

Amen! I miss having those trays so I could make one trip to the buffet. LOL Come to think of it though, I haven't been gaining as much during my cruises since they did away with them.

 

Seriously though, the trays were nice and I really appreciated back when there was always staff available in the buffet areas to assist elderly passengers, offer to get refills, help find tables, etc. You still see it but not as much.

 

Wait a second....no trays for the buffet? When did that happen?

:confused::confused::confused: We cruised in February and again in May and ALWAYS had trays. That is one of my favorite things about CCL is that they still have trays. I swear to you, if they discontinue trays I will bring my own! REALLY!!! :eek::p;) The only "big" thing I would change is to bring back the FCC. I still can't believe they took that away. And they used to come to the casino around 11-midnight every night with trays of goodies for the gamblers. Sometimes little pizzas, bite size sandwiches, desserts...it was fun and just something "extra" that they did that I miss.

[Beachdude]

Again, 1 major problem, others were very minor.

 

Take a look at cruisejunkie.com and shipdetective.com. Both try and list all cruise line incidents. Every major line has had just as many issues as carnival.

 

After you read all the ones on those sites, I think you will agree that Carnival is no better but also no worse.

 

You completely missed the point. A successful business survives on image and Carnival's image right now is bad. Yes, yes we hear the Carnival cheer over and over that they are filling ships. But talk to TA and they will tell you "Ya" but at nearly nothing. And, most of those passengers are past customers, not new passengers, which is Carnival bread and butter.

 

Carnival knows and understand their image problem, they have admitted its several times. So they are trying to change it. Whether you think they needed to improve isn't important, the public feels Carnival is a slip-shot company that cares more about the bottom line than safety. Carnival has admitted so much. So they are improving the image. Last I heard 300 million for improved maintenance proceedures and ship design changes.

 

Airlines went through these same issues. Southwest recently had to make some changes to their maintenance policies. They were doing anything imoral or risky, but it came out in public that the FAA didn't approave of the way they tracked some of their maintenance records. So they grounded some planes and made policy changes. They are back up to industry standards and one of the top Airlines in the county.

 

I never really understood the term kool-aid drinkers until this forum. We are debating facts?

 

Burt

[Oppalopa]

CrusinPsyRnN I agree

[SPKEMO]

You completely missed the point. A successful business survives on image and Carnival's image right now is bad. Yes, yes we hear the Carnival cheer over and over that they are filling ships. But talk to TA and they will tell you "Ya" but at nearly nothing. And, most of those passengers are past customers, not new passengers, which is Carnival bread and butter.

 

Carnival knows and understand their image problem, they have admitted its several times. So they are trying to change it. Whether you think they needed to improve isn't important, the public feels Carnival is a slip-shot company that cares more about the bottom line than safety. Carnival has admitted so much. So they are improving the image. Last I heard 300 million for improved maintenance proceedures and ship design changes.

 

Airlines went through these same issues. Southwest recently had to make some changes to their maintenance policies. They were doing anything imoral or risky, but it came out in public that the FAA didn't approave of the way they tracked some of their maintenance records. So they grounded some planes and made policy changes. They are back up to industry standards and one of the top Airlines in the county.

 

I never really understood the term kool-aid drinkers until this forum. We are debating facts?

 

Burt

 

You're last comment kills your argument. The facts are, they don't have a safety, maintenance, or any other issue that is more prevalent then any other line. The facts are on those websites I posted.

 

Do they have a media problem. I guess, but as others have stated, the bottom line is very strong. More so then other lines.

 

TA hate CCL because CCL would rather you buy directly from their site then a TA. Of course they are going to bash them, TA make little to no money off CCL.

 

As far as the CCL image. Spend 5 mins and do your research and you will see that CCL percent is fewer then any other main cruise line. Stop listening to slanted media.

[Aplmac]

Again live bands cost more 4,5,6 people to pay or a DJ who is just as good

 

Never had awful food in the buffet ===> Few people have. Ignore that one.

4, 5 or 6 Band Members have to be paid

-and housed(taking up crew cabins) --AND fed!

 

 

Musicians are probably among their most expensive crew/staff to facilitate

even if they do other duties, which I doubt.

 

.

[mikel24m]

4, 5 or 6 Band Members have to be paid

-and housed(taking up crew cabins) --AND fed!

 

 

Musicians are probably among their most expensive crew/staff to facilitate

even if they do other duties, which I doubt.

 

.

 

Musicians,DJs/Entertainers should be paid well. Its a little different then being a server/bartender or room steward with a small amount of training. These people train and practice forever

[Maxiecat3]

You're last comment kills your argument. The facts are, they don't have a safety, maintenance, or any other issue that is more prevalent then any other line. The facts are on those websites I posted.

 

Do they have a media problem. I guess, but as others have stated, the bottom line is very strong. More so then other lines.

 

TA hate CCL because CCL would rather you buy directly from their site then a TA. Of course they are going to bash them, TA make little to no money off CCL.

 

As far as the CCL image. Spend 5 mins and do your research and you will see that CCL percent is fewer then any other main cruise line. Stop listening to slanted media.

 

I went to the cruise junkie site, and I must be missing something. Some of those "incidents", such as a ship arriving late back to port due to fog, or Carnival being sued by someone because they went overboard and felt they were not rescued quick enough, or Royal being sued because of sickness on board are not relevant. Taking the safety, maintenance, mechanical and customer inconvenience issues into account, and comparing the 2 largest lines, Carnival wins 9-2 since the beginning of the year. With Royal having 21 ships, where is Carnival hiding the rest of their 95 ship fleet::eek:.

 

Gregg

[SPKEMO]

I went to the cruise junkie site, and I must be missing something. Some of those "incidents", such as a ship arriving late back to port due to fog, or Carnival being sued by someone because they went overboard and felt they were not rescued quick enough, or Royal being sued because of sickness on board are not relevant. Taking the safety, maintenance, mechanical and customer inconvenience issues into account, and comparing the 2 largest lines, Carnival wins 9-2 since the beginning of the year. With Royal having 21 ships, where is Carnival hiding the rest of their 95 ship fleet::eek:.

 

Gregg

 

Here are all of the engine issues since 3/17/13

 

First on the list is Celebrity with propulsion issue. Pullmantur (RC line) fire and stranded 17 miles off Venice. HAL propulsion problems. RC fire cruise cancelled. Celebrity propulsion problems. P&o propulsion problems.

 

It happens all the time.

[sjn911]

Hi JerseyShoreBruce...nice to see you. Well I only have two Carnival cruises to compare...2009 and 2012 and yes more staff for both planned and anytime dining, a drink waiter that can get back to you before dessert, watch the prepared in advance salads even in Steakhouse!!, have enough staff and food quality back to 2009 please...from my 2 cruises I did experience a downturn and i had a difficult unstable 12 top on first cruise and service was still great. If a solo pays 200%..please have service be good if they sit alone in anytime dining. Next time I take Carnival..I will bring the glass of wine with me into dining room as I have read folks just do now...tacky but I want to sip it through the experience...I still love and drool over all lines and the stories...one thing Carnival is solid on still is beds for me..good beds, if hard get a eggcrate or comforter under you they will do..but they don't dip and sheet and pillows are so clean and nice and soft..this is a pet peeve a really bad bed..yikes. I would love to take their San Juan cruise at such a great rate..with dining room back to 2009 levels...food and service were night and day for me...Sarah

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Hi JerseyShoreBruce...nice to see you. Well I only have two Carnival cruises to compare...2009 and 2012 and yes more staff for both planned and anytime dining, a drink waiter that can get back to you before dessert, watch the prepared in advance salads even in Steakhouse!!, have enough staff and food quality back to 2009 please...from my 2 cruises I did experience a downturn and i had a difficult unstable 12 top on first cruise and service was still great. If a solo pays 200%..please have service be good if they sit alone in anytime dining. Next time I take Carnival..I will bring the glass of wine with me into dining room as I have read folks just do now...tacky but I want to sip it through the experience...I still love and drool over all lines and the stories...one thing Carnival is solid on still is beds for me..good beds, if hard get a eggcrate or comforter under you they will do..but they don't dip and sheet and pillows are so clean and nice and soft..this is a pet peeve a really bad bed..yikes. I would love to take their San Juan cruise at such a great rate..with dining room back to 2009 levels...food and service were night and day for me...Sarah

Hi Sarah thanks for your feedback!:)

[CrusieToy]

If you were in charge of turning things back around for Carnival in terms of starting to lose even their cheerleaders to other cruiselines what would you change first? I would add more waiters/waitresses to the dining rooms. Then i would add the Steel Drum Bands back to the Lido deck. A few more thing but i feel these are the main problems

I thought adding Southern Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL was a great idea and should help a lot. I know it's in our future. Something the competition in Port Canaveral does not offer

[Crusin Karen]

I wish they would offer the San Juan, Grand Turk, St. Thomas itinerary on the winter sailings. They offer this in the spring, but winter is PC, Nassau and Freeport. If you cruise in the winter, why would you want to go to FL and the Bahamas?? :(:confused: