Is Carnival Corp losing it's mojo?

[Tapi]

we chose Carnival primarily because they did not have as large a difference between passenger "classes". The loyalty rewards on RCL and others looked like we would have been 2nd class passengers whereas on CCL we would be offered pretty much the same as everyone. It just seemed more approachable.

 

While I respect your reasoning, IMHO I believe it's a bit misguided. Yes, it's true that Carnival treats everyone pretty much the same. But that treatments is of a budget passenger, whether you are sailing in an inside bunk room or a Grand Suite. Everybody is a 2nd class passenger. There's no 1st.

 

On other, more premium cruise lines, you will probably be getting an overall better cruise experience than on any category on Carnival, even if you're sailing on the cheapest category. Their BASIC offerings surpass the perks offered on Carnival which, rightfully, are more limited since it's a budget minded product.

 

We live in a world where you pay more to get more and where loyalty is rewarded. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, along with cruise lines, all of them do this. Premium perks for a price. For me, trying to stick to products that treat everybody in a socialist way would take the joy out of, not only vacations, but also life.

 

More power to people with the means and the will to spend more money to get a better cruise experience. Sometimes it's others, other times it's me the one willing to spend more. But I'm not going to enjoy my vacations less or develop feelings of inferiority because someone on the same ship is getting more perks than me.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Tapi

[Sargent_Schultz]

Yes, it's true that Carnival treats everyone pretty much the same. But that treatments is of a budget passenger, whether you are sailing in an inside bunk room or a Grand Suite. Everybody is a 2nd class passenger. There's no 1st.

 

 

That's an opinion. The reality is that Carnival doesn't employ a caste system but some keep trying to claim that they do.

 

Many of us have no need to pay more for a butler to flush our toilets.

 

The higher priced cruise lines cruise the same waters and visit the same ports. From that perspective they are all the same - why pay more.

 

Much of the time you are in a cabin you are sleeping and I am quite comfortable sleeping in a Carnival cabin - in fact more comfortable than on some other cruise lines. Why pay more?

 

Frankly, the gimmicks on some other cruise lines simply aren't worth a dime to many. All cruise lines sell illusions. It is just that some have more expensive illusions than others. Many cruise for the simple pleasure of cruising and don't need or want the rest.

[Tapi]

Many of us have no need to pay more for a butler to flush our toilets.

more expensive illusions than others. Many cruise for the simple pleasure of cruising and don't need or want the rest.

 

I'm not talking about butlers. I'm talking about some basic things, like the ability to enjoy something as simple as hot food for room service.

 

But you're right. Many passengers cruise for the simple pleasure of cruising. Many times I cruise with that in mind, and for those occasions, it's good to know that Carnival is there. But when I want something more our of my vacation, even if it's just a little bit nicer food, entertainment, ambiance, or activities, it's good to know that there are other cruise lines out there.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Tapi

[jimbo5544]

I'm not talking about butlers. I'm talking about some basic things, like the ability to enjoy something as simple as hot food for room service.

 

But you're right. Many passengers cruise for the simple pleasure of cruising. Many times I cruise with that in mind, and for those occasions, it's good to know that Carnival is there. But when I want something more our of my vacation, even if it's just a little bit nicer food, entertainment, ambiance, or activities, it's good to know that there are other cruise lines out there.

 

Variety is the spice of life. There is nothing wrong with options.

[CarnivalBreeze319]

But when I want something more our of my vacation, even if it's just a little bit nicer food, entertainment, ambiance, or activities, it's good to know that there are other cruise lines out there.

 

That's your opinion. Been there, done that... I always come back to my family, Carnival.

[Sargent_Schultz]

I'm not talking about butlers. I'm talking about some basic things, like the ability to enjoy something as simple as hot food for room service.

 

But you're right. Many passengers cruise for the simple pleasure of cruising. Many times I cruise with that in mind, and for those occasions, it's good to know that Carnival is there. But when I want something more our of my vacation, even if it's just a little bit nicer food, entertainment, ambiance, or activities, it's good to know that there are other cruise lines out there.

 

On the rare occasion that I want hot food in my room, I go get it and bring it back. Simple!

 

There are whiners and complainers on all cruise lines, but one thing I notice more of on other cruise lines that I can do without is snobs.

[mdwcruises]

I just tried Breeze, the newest Carnival ship, followed immediately by RCI Liberty of the Seas. On both I had the most basic accommodations and spent on nothing else except excursions. While I had a fabulous time on both, there was a difference.

 

I will just say I am very very glad Carnival is not the only cruise line out there.

Edited December 8, 2013 by mdwcruises

[Tapi]

On the rare occasion that I want hot food in my room, I go get it and bring it back. Simple!

 

Your argument makes my point. For the times when I want a bit better service, including better room service, it's good to know there are other cruise lines. Why settle for an inferior product if I have the means and the will to get it?

Edited December 8, 2013 by Tapi

[Sargent_Schultz]

Your argument makes my point.

 

Argument? Perhaps to you it does. I have no need or desire for others to fetch for me what I can get for myself. There will be time for that if I'm in an old folks home.

[richard1s]

Many of us have no need to pay more for a butler to flush our toilets.

 

The higher priced cruise lines cruise the same waters and visit the same ports. From that perspective they are all the same - why pay more.

 

LOL - not sure how you were brought up but we never once expected the butler to flush the toilet? However with the superior lines to Carnival, the butler is an amenity that comes with a suite category cabin. And the butler is a very nice touch to experience special services that really enhance a holiday experience. Fresh flowers for my wife every day, an afternoon tea and hor d'oeuvres set up while she enjoys the balcony reading a book, is a very special touch and one that makes her feel special and pampered on vacation; just like a visit to the spa.

 

The butler will also deliver a full meal and set it up in your cabin with a table cloth on the dining table in the room or on the verandah. Something about eating room service on the coffee or balcony table where every previous guest has put their feet just isn't the same. If you want reservations of any kind or have any issues you want to report, the butler will do that for you so you don't have to waste your vacation time. He will arrange to have your clothes pressed, shoes shined, provide other valet services and attend to your every reasonable comfort request- however he probably draws the line at toilet flushing Sarge.

 

And while it is true that you visit the same ports via the same waters, comparisons between Carnival and every other mainstream cruise line ends there. It is the same as comparing a Motel 6 to the Four Seasons since they both offer lodging, a roof over your head and a bed.

[Sargent_Schultz]

And while it is true that you visit the same ports via the same waters, comparisons between Carnival and every other mainstream cruise line ends there. It is the same as comparing a Motel 6 to the Four Seasons since they both offer lodging, a roof over your head and a bed.

 

Your comparison is a gross exaggeration, but I certainly have no need for a Four Seasons and the outrageous costs associated with one. And no desire to interact with the snobs that do.

[crosscruiser]

Really? I thought the real reason was:

 

Thank god you are paying attention Greg :o ... yes that too! AND the smoking policy.. and the price... and size of the balcony. I will choose my words more carefully...from now on "One of the reasons...:rolleyes:"

Edited December 8, 2013 by crosscruiser

[Cruising Rules]

Your argument makes my point. For the times when I want a bit better service, including better room service, it's good to know there are other cruise lines. Why settle for an inferior product if I have the means and the will to get it?

 

Agree, you provided a good frame of reference for your point. There are some who would have you believe that the ability of a line to take you to the next level service wise is worthless. I for one enjoy those little extras. After all I am on vacation. If I had to fetch my own food to get it hot, my kitchen at home is just steps away. Carnival sometimes does it right and sometimes leaves something to be desired.

[Pine Bluff]

Argument? Perhaps to you it does. I have no need or desire for others to fetch for me what I can get for myself. There will be time for that if I'm in an old folks home.

 

There are doers, and there are pointers. It's great the sooner you become the latter.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Your argument makes my point. For the times when I want a bit better service, including better room service, it's good to know there are other cruise lines. Why settle for an inferior product if I have the means and the will to get it?

 

Being different does not make something superior or inferior. It's good to know there is a cruise line where people don't feel the need to be so judgmental or brag about themselves.

[Sargent_Schultz]

There are doers, and there are pointers. It's great the sooner you become the latter.

 

I do cruise. You should try it sometime.

[Tapi]

I have no need or desire for others to fetch for me what I can get for myself. There will be time for that if I'm in an old folks home.

 

:rolleyes:

 

I don't buy it, unless you also tell the housekeeping team not to clean your stateroom, and you don't frequent the MDR. IMHO, that's a big part of what a cruise vacation is all about: Having someone do for you what you can normally do for yourself for a week! :D

 

I would love to see Carnival change housekeeping and waiter service at the MDR to optional for-fee services, just for the amusement of seeing some people in this forum applaud and defend the "brilliant" changes.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Tapi

[EZ4]

It's been my experience that people who throw around the word "snob", are usually covering up feelings of inadequacy. ;) :D :p

[Sargent_Schultz]

:rolleyes:

 

I don't buy it, unless you also tell the housekeeping team not to clean your stateroom, and you don't frequent the MDR.

 

I would love to see Carnival change housekeeping and waiter service at the MDR to optional for-fee services, just for the amusement of seeing some people in this forum applaud and defend the "brilliant" changes.

 

Of course I use the MDR and rarely use room service. Many people don't use it at all.

 

I really don't see the need for cheerleaders of other cruise lines to come to the Carnival board attempting to berate Carnival. I also don't understand the obsession they have, but it does make a good point for not cruising on those lines. I don't care for that mentality.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Sargent_Schultz

[EZ4]

Of course I use the MDR and rarely use room service. Many people don't use it at all.

 

I really don't see the need for cheerleaders of other cruise lines to come to the Carnival board attempting to berate Carnival. I also don't understand the obsession they have, but it does make a good point for not cruising on those lines. I don't care for that mentality.

 

Remind me, was it the pot or the kettle over on the RCI board, full of gleeful gloating over the Grandeur fire? Stones and glass houses and all that. :p ;) :D

[Sargent_Schultz]

Remind me, was it the pot or the kettle over on the RCI board, full of gleeful gloating over the Grandeur fire? Stones and glass houses and all that. :p ;) :D

 

I don't recall any gloating. Perhaps one of my stalkers can help out. :rolleyes:

[Cruising Rules]

Of course I use the MDR and rarely use room service. Many people don't use it at all.

 

I really don't see the need for cheerleaders of other cruise lines to come to the Carnival board attempting to berate Carnival. I also don't understand the obsession they have, but it does make a good point for not cruising on those lines. I don't care for that mentality.

 

Perhaps they should change the name of this board to "Carnival Cheerleaders". In that way you will only read things that agree with your very narrow perspective. Think how good that will feel. The rest of us will post our comments on the Carnival Board and thus be able to offer "opinions" based on our experiences without being called names such as snobs, complainers or trashers. I for one think after 26 Carnival cruises that Carnival does somethings well but also after 8 or 9 years I see the "value quotient" diminishing. Like others I should be able to post my opinions (both good and critical) about Carnival without ridicule and name calling. This is what public discourse is all about.

[whitshel]

Remind me, was it the pot or the kettle over on the RCI board, full of gleeful gloating over the Grandeur fire? Stones and glass houses and all that. :p ;) :D

 

Haha. ..very nice!

 

I wish I have sailed carnival in the past just so I can get in on this conversation. But you know I guess I've had no reason to leave Rccl. I'm sure carnival is a fine product judging from all the comments on here.:o remember this thread started off about the carnival corp, unfortunately imho team carnival has turned this into defend carnival cruise line. Just saying.....:eek:

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[Sargent_Schultz]

Perhaps they should change the name of this board to "Carnival Cheerleaders". In that way you will only read things that agree with your very narrow perspective. Think how good that will feel. The rest of us will post our comments on the Carnival Board and thus be able to offer "opinions" based on our experiences without being called names such as snobs, complainers or trashers. I for one think after 26 Carnival cruises that Carnival does somethings well but also after 8 or 9 years I see the "value quotient" diminishing. Like others I should be able to post my opinions (both good and critical) about Carnival without ridicule and name calling. This is what public discourse is all about.

 

Perhaps they should change the name to Cruiser Critic. Then your insults might be more appropriate.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Haha. ..very nice!

 

I wish I have sailed carnival in the past just so I can get in on this conversation. But you know I guess I've had no reason to leave Rccl. I'm sure carnival is a fine product judging from all the comments on here.:o remember this thread started off about the carnival corp, unfortunately imho team carnival has turned this into defend carnival cruise line. Just saying.....:eek:

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

Correct about carnival CORP but the jeerleaders seem to focus only on Carnival, the cruise line.