Is Carnival Corp losing it's mojo?

[jimbo5544]

I wasn't aware that I did. If by not applauding their every breath means despising them, then yeah, perhaps. :D

 

From my HP Slate 7 using Tapatalk.

 

Just the opposite, you bash with every breath, or belittle.

[jonbgd]

Why do you despise Carnival so much

Hey its Alan.

Some people that cruise on multiple lines don't look at Carnival thru rose colored glasses.

[EZ4]

Just the opposite, you bash with every breath, or belittle.

 

I didn't realize that my comments were bringing out so many feelings of inadequacy. My apologies.

[jimbo5544]

I didn't realize that my comments were bringing out so many feelings of inadequacy. My apologies.

 

No worries. It would not be the same without you.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app from my IPhone

[Blk_Amish]

I didn't start either thread and echoed the questions others had already asked.

 

OTOH, I asked a simple question about jeans on the Royal board and was met with the rude replies of the usual suspects. The first thread got pulled before I got to see a civil answer and the second one barely lasted long enough for me to see a civil answer.

 

Me cruise on Royal again? I'm thinking not. Too much ugliness.

 

While I understand the sentiment, that would be a shame. I thought not much that anyone says could get to me. I am the survivor of double open heart surgeries (at 30) and my DH cancer (at 39), with 2 kids along the way. I am used to things coming at me, until I posted a thread on teen drinking and unsupervised kids roaming on this board. Just say, I will forever be reminded that behind these monitors, evil does exist. On the cruise itself, I met some of the most wonderful people, a few were downright crazy but fun. I would be more than afraid to come across some of the posters on that thread, so I keep an eye on their posts just to make sure our path never cross on deck or on these boards. Yes, I would be gun shy if my next cruise was on Carnival but there is still another planned.

 

I am a bit bias when it comes to RCL because they recruit from my hometown;) I mainly defend that which I birth or marry.

Pauline

Edited December 8, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[Sargent_Schultz]

Are you a Carnival celebrity? I think you flatter yourself. :p;):D

 

Envy suits you. :p;):D

[EZ4]

Envy suits you. :p;):D

 

LOL. You make it so easy. :cool::p;)

[Cruising Rules]

Hey its Alan.

Some people that cruise on multiple lines don't look at Carnival thru rose colored glasses.

 

Thank you! There is no one or no thing that is perfect. There are those on here who think that Carnival does no wrong. As I have stated I am a long time supporter of Carnival and after 26 cruises on their ships I have formed some opinions. I have also had 10 cruises on other lines. I will continue to point out the positive and critical observations that I make about Carnival because I have the frame of reference to do so. I continue to maintain that Carnival's "mojo" has taken a hit because they have with obvious cutbacks, "devalued" their product appreciably. They don't do everything poorly but overall the cutbacks have created a product that is becoming less and less competitive with other lines. This combined with quite a few older and neon laden vessels makes their market effort a continuous up hill effort. As a west coaster I like Carnival for its convenience to my home. With that said, Princess is basing two ships out here and now Celebrity for the first time in years is offering 12 seasonal sailings out of Los Angeles. These carriers must see an opening in the market for them to take these steps. I think it's time for Carnival to "max their mojo" or face a market that perceives them as second rate.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Princess is one of the cruise lines that fall under the Carnival Corp umbrella. :p

 

Princess has been essentially offering free cruises from the left coast from ships killing time before cruising elsewhere. If business doesn't pick up I think any new comers to the left coast won't last long and the left coast may well lose more of what they have.

 

Perhaps even go the way of Mobile.

[Cruising Rules]

Princess is one of the cruise lines that fall under the Carnival Corp umbrella. :p

 

Princess has been essentially offering free cruises from the left coast from ships killing time before cruising elsewhere. If business doesn't pick up I think any new comers to the left coast won't last long and the left coast may well lose more of what they have.

 

Perhaps even go the way of Mobile.

 

As hard as it might be for you to believe, I know that Princess is part of the Carnival Corporation. Run by a different management team I think they make their own decisions. That being said I did not know you had joined the board of directors of Princess. Thanks for giving us the inside scoop on their long range planning. We would all be lost without your guidance. I am glad there is someone on these boards who truly has the back room information we are all yearning for. Thanks!

[Sargent_Schultz]

As hard as it might be for you to believe, I know that Princess is part of the Carnival Corporation. Run by a different management team I think they make their own decisions. That being said I did not know you had joined the board of directors of Princess. Thanks for giving us the inside scoop on their long range planning. We would all be lost without your guidance. I am glad there is someone on these boards who truly has the back room information we are all yearning for. Thanks!

 

You're welcome.

 

I took two of their left coast cruises this year so do know something about them.

[jonbgd]

Princess is one of the cruise lines that fall under the Carnival Corp umbrella. :p

 

Princess has been essentially offering free cruises from the left coast from ships killing time before cruising elsewhere. If business doesn't pick up I think any new comers to the left coast won't last long and the left coast may well lose more of what they have.

 

Perhaps even go the way of Mobile.

Why would Princess commit to the best city on the west coast(and the USA IMHO) SAN FRANCISCO??????

Edited December 9, 2013 by jonbgd

[Sargent_Schultz]

Why would Princess commit to the best city on the west coast(and the USA IMHO) SAN FRANCISCO??????

 

Aren't they just going to do pricy and long HI and AK cruises from there? That's a niche market. Time will tell.

[jonbgd]

You're welcome.

 

I took two of their left coast cruises this year so do know something about them.

Wasn't that really cheapo cruises so you could make Platinum(5cruises on CCL) on Princess

What were those the 3 day 4 day cruise that count as 1 cruise each since Princess is going to probably go to days only in the near future

[jonbgd]

Aren't they just going to do pricy and long HI and AK cruises from there? That's a niche market. Time will tell.

They have been cruising from SF for years till some locals started complaining to the former mayors

They do HI, AK ,Pacific and MR cruises year round

I think if it is profitable more cruiselines will come

 

Why Doesn't Princess sail from NOLA

To Expensive for the locals that prefer CCL and NCL

[Sargent_Schultz]

Wasn't that really cheapo cruises so you could make Platinum(5cruises on CCL) on Princess

What were those the 3 day 4 day cruise that count as 1 cruise each since Princess is going to probably go to days only in the near future

 

Those were really cheap cruises out of LA. As I went solo, each cruise counted for 2 cruises. Cruise 7 days, get credit for 4 cruises. Princess even upgraded my stateroom.

 

The full cruise price was given back as a credit against booking a future cruise with Princess which brings the price of some of their cruises well below Carnival's.

 

If Princess does give notice of switching to days only, I'm thinking of booking a couple of cheap b2bs to get to Elite.

 

I doubt Princess will ever replace Carnival as my cruise line of choice, but might have a place.

[Sargent_Schultz]

They have been cruising from SF for years till some locals started complaining to the former mayors

They do HI, AK ,Pacific and MR cruises year round

I think if it is profitable more cruiselines will come

 

Why Doesn't Princess sail from NOLA

To Expensive for the locals that prefer CCL and NCL

 

or (unlikely) Royal.

 

Princess has cruised from New Orleans in the past and might again in the future, but I think New Orleans will have to build another new cruise terminal first. New Orleans already has 4 ships seasonally, more if you count river cruises.

 

Currently Princess is cruising from the "new" Houston terminal so may not be in a hurry to expand to another Gulf Coast port.

[jonbgd]

Those were really cheap cruises out of LA. As I went solo, each cruise counted for 2 cruises. Cruise 7 days, get credit for 4 cruises. Princess even upgraded my stateroom.

 

The full cruise price was given back as a credit against booking a future cruise with Princess which brings the price of some of their cruises well below Carnival's.

 

If Princess does give notice of switching to days only, I'm thinking of booking a couple of cheap b2bs to get to Elite.

 

I doubt Princess will ever replace Carnival as my cruise line of choice, but might have a place.

I saw those offers of future cruise price and with my MIL OBC they are almost free cruises but im not retired like you.

The reason Princess moved to HOU is because they were pulling out of Galveston. Houston built that terminal as if we build it they will come. Nobody came so they gave HUGE concessions for them to sail from there

 

Princess has a lot better perks IMHO than CCL but the Quality has gone down with CARNCORP. The Low fat blue cheese dressing was the last straw.

I might do them for Alaska next year as we have friends on that cruise but prefer RCCl to Princess.

 

Btw.... Royal has a better loyalty program compared to either Carnival or Princess I pay less on most my RCCL cruises. A lot cheaper than the Magic or the Princess ships

I WILL get now $225 balcony discount on posted price besides free gratuities from my TA.

Also I get free beer, wine & cocktails for 3 hrs ever evening for my loyality

Carnival Corp under the current mgt has run the product into the ground.

It isn't always about the bottom line to make a Profit

[Sargent_Schultz]

I'm not retired - just under employed.

 

I agree with you that Royal is bribing customers to cruise with them.

 

Delighted the Whiners beat the Sea Chickens today and thinking my Saints are going to win tonight but not going to call it yet.

[Cruising Rules]

They have been cruising from SF for years till some locals started complaining to the former mayors

They do HI, AK ,Pacific and MR cruises year round

I think if it is profitable more cruiselines will come

 

Why Doesn't Princess sail from NOLA

To Expensive for the locals that prefer CCL and NCL

 

My wife and I have twice done the Princess cruise out of San Francisco to Alaska. It's a great 10 day itinerary!

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Of course CCL is losing customers in droves, it is quite obvious! Check out cabin prices, they are the lowest they have ever been! Why? Because cabin prices are market driven. To sail full they are lowered until they can sail full. If demand is high, they can raise them.

Things have gotten so incredibly bad for CCL that Investers Daily reported that last quarter, CCL stopped this practice and is willing to have ships sail partially full. Yup, you heard right- partially full. The thinking here is that this will help firm up pricing.

If customers were not staying away in droves, this would not be necessary.

Oh yeah, it was also reported that RCL and NCL are enjoying an increase in bookings- former CCL cruisers have fled to other lines.

Even CCL admits bookings are down- you wann call CCL a liar?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-24/carnival-forecasts-fourth-quarter-results-trailing-estimates.html

 

Carnival has 24 ships if uncle google is correct. If each ship sailed with 3k pax each week that would mean 3.7 million people sail Carnival each year. AND most like Carnival enough to come back. SO remember, the few complainers always bang the drums the loudest.

[kansas kruiser]

Of course CCL is losing customers in droves, it is quite obvious! Check out cabin prices, they are the lowest they have ever been! Why? Because cabin prices are market driven. To sail full they are lowered until they can sail full. If demand is high, they can raise them.

Things have gotten so incredibly bad for CCL that Investers Daily reported that last quarter, CCL stopped this practice and is willing to have ships sail partially full. Yup, you heard right- partially full. The thinking here is that this will help firm up pricing.

If customers were not staying away in droves, this would not be necessary.

Oh yeah, it was also reported that RCL and NCL are enjoying an increase in bookings- former CCL cruisers have fled to other lines.

Even CCL admits bookings are down- you wann call CCL a liar?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-24/carnival-forecasts-fourth-quarter-results-trailing-estimates.html

 

:cool:Well DC?? There have been many people coming over here saying they are paying less than Carnival cruising on RCL!!:p I guess that throws out your theory!!:D

Edited December 13, 2013 by kansas kruiser

[dclark]

Carnival has 24 ships if uncle google is correct. If each ship sailed with 3k pax each week that would mean 3.7 million people sail Carnival each year. AND most like Carnival enough to come back. SO remember, the few complainers always bang the drums the loudest.

 

"AND most like Carnival enough to come back. SO remember, the few complainers always bang the drums the loudest"

 

Most? Is that a number? Can you you verify that? Or, are you just making stuff up?

On every cruise that i did as plat, the log in the casino of all the plat show maybe 50 plat cruisers on each sailing (Conquest class).

Wow, doesn't sound that much!

Here's a coid, hard fact- former ccl cruisers have went to other lines. Investors Daily ran an article last month about this. Fact:

1) Bookings on CCL/Princess/Hal are down!

2) CCL is sailing ships with empty cabins with hopes it helps firm pricing.

3) NCL and RCL seen an increase in demand.

 

http://news.investors.com/business/112013-679917-carnival-corp-and-royal-caribbean-and-norwegian.htm

[dclark]

:cool:Well DC?? There have been many people coming over here saying they are paying less than Carnival cruising on RCL!!:p I guess that throws out your theory!!:D

 

Really? If a car with no air conditioning or power steering was $100 less than one with air condition or power steering, would you buy it? I think people are looking at the whole picture and not seeing CCL a worthwhile buy.

CCL is desperate, tossing a cat in the hat into the mix. It will take more than employees stalking about in antiquated character costumes to keep this line from sinking.

They are stuck with horribly overcrowded, dated ship designs and with those snazzy modern RCL ships, they'll have to drop their rates much lower to sail full.

Oh wait, they stopped doing that last quarter:

http://news.investors.com/business/112013-679917-carnival-corp-and-royal-caribbean-and-norwegian.htm

[seannyice81]

Maybe it's just me. I think one thing that might actually be hurting Carnival Corp more than helping is the constant announcements of "we're changing this... and we're changing that." I can't speak for Princess or any of the other brands, but reading into things here, it seems like its a tone. I would like to see Carnival just deliver a consistently good product with occasional updates that aren't sensationalized. It seems when they make these announcements for the Carnival brand they give them a lot of hype and then when I experience it in person, I ask myself "what was all that about?". Particularly the Playlist/Hasbro shows. Sometimes I get the impression they have shot themselves in one of their feet in order to improve their product (Destiny-Sunshine). Some moves might be to bring some change into the mix and others may be to redistribute costs I suppose. Typical of any business. I just feel like Carnival could be a little better at it. Reading about some of the other lines, they haven't had an easy time rebounding from the recession either, but some appear more organized about it.

 

That said, I will still continue to cruise on Carnival ships and have a good time. I will also try to cruise other company's ships and have a good time on them as well. My cruise following the Victory will likely be a NCL or RCI, not ruling-out another on CCL.