Feeling nickled and dimed - Carnival Inspiration

[andy.capitan]

We book suites, no matter which line. To us the extra money on Princess is worth the amenities. Carnival gives you basically nothing except priority embarkation for booking a suite. It is a matter of preference.

 

If it is about amenities, I think there are cruise lines with better suite perks than Princess.

Edited November 4, 2014 by andy.capitan

[Cruise life]

you dont have to put in a tip. you sign the receipt. Its their way of controlling inventory-- and to make sure the card is yours.

 

 

If a younger person is buying alcohol, swiping the card is a good way to make sure it isn't mom's or dad's card, not that we would have experience with that...

 

 

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[travler27]

Sadly, the OP is correct and I agree with his sentiments. Even more sadly, this is the way the entire travel industry is headed and we can expect the trend to continue. Remember when a checked bag was free? When you didn't have to pay an extra $10-$100 to sit in the first 10 rows in coach? Many airlines now make more on additional fees than they do on the base ticket. Hotels the same way. A "resort fee" whether you use the gym or not. A fee for your in-room safe. Carnival is simply following the trend. FTTF was the first major fee creativity; now you pay an extra fee in the MDR for slightly better food. Sure, it's all your choice. But we can expect more and more of these tack-on fees as the travel industry continues to learn what a cash cow these fees represent.

 

And that's the truth.

[VacationCrazee]

I got off the Breeze after doing a B2B last month. I too saw many downgrades. The shows in the main theater were painful to watch. The nickel and diming had a vibe of desperation. If I didn't know better, I would say that Carnival was in dire financial straits with the way they nickeled and dimed their passengers.

 

It is now much more expensive to enjoy a decent cruise than it is to enjoy a moderately priced all inclusive. Not sure where that leaves the cruise industry because they are but so many diehard cruisers. Which explains the rock bottom prices. Vicious cycle actually.

[SadieN]

Cool -- dumb question though: Why did the Miracle arrive in Ensenada so late? Did you stay all night?

 

 

 

Halloween was a blast on the ship! Most everyone was dressed up and partying on deck. ;)

 

 

Originally scheduled 3:30-8:30.

Had two medical emergencies in our last port, Hilo.

First one we left an hour late due to someone needing to be medically cleared to sail.

Turn around about 90 minutes after sail away for a heart attack.

All told we left Hilo about 6 hours late.

We stayed in Ensenada til 9:30.

[soccersharon]

I have never felt nickled or dimed on any cruise or vacation. I choose where (or where not) to spend my money.

 

As others have said, "extra pay" services/upgrades/fees appear to be the new norm.

 

Sent from my phone. Typos are inevitable.

[tootsiescurly]

If it is about amenities, I think there are cruise lines with better suite perks than Princess.

 

Yes there are!!! And we are planning on trying them. Actually, thinking about a river cruise in Europe.

[RuthlessBoss]

Yes there are!!! And we are planning on trying them. Actually, thinking about a river cruise in Europe.

 

On paper and promises, maybe they are. But in reality, you really don't know.

[Tampa8]

Sadly, the OP is correct and I agree with his sentiments. Even more sadly, this is the way the entire travel industry is headed and we can expect the trend to continue. Remember when a checked bag was free? When you didn't have to pay an extra $10-$100 to sit in the first 10 rows in coach? Many airlines now make more on additional fees than they do on the base ticket. Hotels the same way. A "resort fee" whether you use the gym or not. A fee for your in-room safe. Carnival is simply following the trend. FTTF was the first major fee creativity; now you pay an extra fee in the MDR for slightly better food. Sure, it's all your choice. But we can expect more and more of these tack-on fees as the travel industry continues to learn what a cash cow these fees represent.

 

Bad analogy. All the things on the Airline were free, and now if you want them cost money. It may be choice, but for many baggage is inevitable. The Hotel resort fee is 100% not comparable, you must pay it.

 

Nothing the OP is complaining about is mandatory other than the Government imposed port tax, nothing the OP is complaining about took the place of something that was free and now you must pay for to get with possible exception of the Casino 3% charge, which is not mandatory.(I just don't know about the Casino if the fee is new or has always been there) It isn't nickel and diming no matter how you look at it, they are options that have been added. And further, comparing a cruise that generally costs less and when I look by more than just a little to one that costs more, I win because I'm not paying that possible 3% fee. I win because I am overall happy with the regular MDR dinners and the buffets. I win because I like the option of going to the Steakhouse Restaurant or getting great steak.

For the complaint about paying for an upgraded steak choice to hold any water that it is nickel and diming, the free offering would have to have been downgraded from what it was. It has been just about the same since I started sailing in 2005.

 

There is a reason there are different companies with differences in their cruising, it's choice. Some like paying more, and getting more. Some like paying less and feel they may be getting less but not worth paying more, or feel they are not getting less because they would not get the benefit of what the higher cost ship offers.

We come away from a Carnival cruise very unhappy every time. Unhappy it has ended......

Edited November 4, 2014 by Tampa8

[Smart Arsenal Fan]

Funny how one person's, "We were 'nickel & dimed'!" complaint....

 

Is another's is , "We should have a choice what we want to spend our money on! ie, "a la carte"!"

 

And another's, "I'll be happy to pay a much higher cruise fare and and then have everything "all inclusive"!"

 

 

Crazy. No wonder the "beards" can do no right.

Edited November 4, 2014 by Smart Arsenal Fan

[PathfinderEss]

Interesting report, I can see more and more of this happening as cruise lines try to make more money.

[BigRed93]

We made the mistake of getting some drinks onboard just before sail away from Key West. We also were charged sales tax since we were in a U.S. Port. Now I know better.

Other charges are optional. You don't HAVE to pay for the steaks, there are plenty of other items on the menu.

 

 

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[andy.capitan]

Funny how one person's, "We were 'nickel & dimed'!" complaint....

 

Is another's is , "We should have a choice what we want to spend our money on! ie, "a la carte"!"

 

And another's, "I'll be happy to pay a much higher cruise fare and and then have everything "all inclusive"!"

 

 

Crazy. No wonder the "beards" can do no right.

 

A la carte implies everything is optional. The standard included food is still high quality, good, and included. The steakhouse selections are limited and an extra choice.

 

It is brilliant and a winner.

[andy.capitan]

I got off the Breeze after doing a B2B last month. I too saw many downgrades. The shows in the main theater were painful to watch. The nickel and diming had a vibe of desperation. If I didn't know better, I would say that Carnival was in dire financial straits with the way they nickeled and dimed their passengers.

 

It is now much more expensive to enjoy a decent cruise than it is to enjoy a moderately priced all inclusive. Not sure where that leaves the cruise industry because they are but so many diehard cruisers. Which explains the rock bottom prices. Vicious cycle actually.

 

The shows were free, the shows still are free. How is that nickle and diming?

 

It is easy to find cruises for under $100/day. Often under $50. What moderately priced all inclusives are you staying at that are cheaper?

 

But thanks for helping to prove that price is the most important factor.

[Writerfl]

I'm sorry, but your assertions are wrong in a number of very significant ways.

 

 

1. Comparing the Italian restaurant food to a completely different type of food has no merit for cost. Beef happens to be very expensive this year. I can get a great meal at a Chinese restaurant for much less too, has no bearing on getting a top notch Steak.

 

Not true. One of the dinner selections in Cucina Del Capitano is a Bistec ala Griglio, the same New York strip offered in the Steakhouse but prepared in the Italian manner. And yet, and yet....it's only $15.

 

2. The steak being charged for, as mentioned isn't mandatory, and ISN'T what was ever served in the MDR at dinner and isn't served on Royal Caribbean either as standard steak, another cruise line I have been on.

 

Again, untrue. The word "ever" is what trips you up. You only have to go back a few years to see top quality steaks including large Filet Mignons, Ribeyes and the like being served in the MDR. Now the choice is a flatiron steak (a very low grade cut from the bottom round) and once a cruise, a mid-grade, small filet mignon, Granted, the cost of beef was MUCH lower just a few years ago, but it's a glaringly obvious bit of cost-cutting.

 

4. The poster who said it is a ripoff is wrong, period. You may feel it isn't worth it to you, but MANY of us have already posted how good it is, and how good it is at the actual steakhouse when the ship has one. If you don't go to the better steakhouses where very expensive beef is served you might not understand how much it costs. And yes, that steak is about there with what the better steakhouses serve. It's an option for those who want it.

 

What I want is to either see it banished from the MDR, except on ships with no Steakhouse, or for Carnival to 'up their game' and improve the quality of the mainline offerings. This is just an excuse for them to continue to decrease the quality of those offerings while offering "improvements" that will quickly become the rule rather than the exception. Either that or decouple the cruise fare from MDR dining completely, offering better quality at a separate fee ("Steakhouse Jr."). Those electing not to participate can visit the buffet, pizza place, Tandoor, Guy's, Blue Iguana, etc.

[tootsiescurly]

On paper and promises, maybe they are. But in reality, you really don't know.

No we don't but to each his own. I don't have to like what you do, nor do you have to like what I like.

[Tampa8]

I'm sorry, but your assertions are wrong in a number of very significant ways.

 

I'm willing to listen - or read but you didn't give even one way.

 

"This is just an excuse for them to continue to decrease the quality of those offerings while offering "improvements" that will quickly become the rule rather than the exception." That's an opinion, not fact.

 

"or for Carnival to 'up their game' and improve the quality of the mainline offerings."

What you want is everything to be better. Would I like the same steak you pay for to be "free" on the MDR menu, sure, but not if it raises my cruise cost, which of course it would.

YOU may feel the food isn't good or as good, I may feel it is. Because you feel the food isn't as good isn't a reason for my Cruise rates to go up. It's a reason for you not to give Carnival your business, or let them know and they can decide based on how many have that feeling. That will happen if a majority say it's bad. So far that hasn't happened at all. The meals on the DREAM last year in the MDR were good, some very good. Many items on the buffet were very good, others only ok, just like many places I eat. If the food becomes a problem for Carnival there is a 100% chance they will fix it, though it still may not be to your liking.

 

"What I want is to either see it banished from the MDR, except on ships with no Steakhouse...."

But worse, you would like to force your dislike for having a choice in the MDR over those of us who do want it. What I want is to see more choices if that's what people want.

Edited November 5, 2014 by Tampa8

[andy.capitan]

I'm sorry, but your assertions are wrong in a number of very significant ways.

 

Sorry, but your assertion are.

 

2. The steak being charged for, as mentioned isn't mandatory, and ISN'T what was ever served in the MDR at dinner and isn't served on Royal Caribbean either as standard steak, another cruise line I have been on.

 

Again, untrue. The word "ever" is what trips you up. You only have to go back a few years to see top quality steaks including large Filet Mignons, Ribeyes and the like being served in the MDR. Now the choice is a flatiron steak (a very low grade cut from the bottom round) and once a cruise, a mid-grade, small filet mignon, Granted, the cost of beef was MUCH lower just a few years ago, but it's a glaringly obvious bit of cost-cutting.

 

The steakhouse selections include prime beef which has never been served in the MDR as standard. Ribeye, NY Strip, etc are still served at no charge on longer cruises. Flat Iron appeared on the menu long before the steakhouse selections and many people like it.

 

You can't even get Prime steak in most Royal steakhouses. From a recent 8 day Carnival cruise:

The standard Grilled New York Strip Steak from Aged American Beef- very good and included.

 

 

 

The Prime New York Strip Loin Steak - Steakhouse Selections - $20 surcharge. Excellent and Prime steak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The poster who said it is a ripoff is wrong, period. You may feel it isn't worth it to you, but MANY of us have already posted how good it is, and how good it is at the actual steakhouse when the ship has one. If you don't go to the better steakhouses where very expensive beef is served you might not understand how much it costs. And yes, that steak is about there with what the better steakhouses serve. It's an option for those who want it.

 

What I want is to either see it banished from the MDR, except on ships with no Steakhouse, or for Carnival to 'up their game' and improve the quality of the mainline offerings. This is just an excuse for them to continue to decrease the quality of those offerings while offering "improvements" that will quickly become the rule rather than the exception. Either that or decouple the cruise fare from MDR dining completely, offering better quality at a separate fee ("Steakhouse Jr."). Those electing not to participate can visit the buffet, pizza place, Tandoor, Guy's, Blue Iguana, etc.

The program is popular and obviously successful. That MDR food quality has suffered, or will suffer as a result of the new option has no basis in fact and is a complete myth. In fact, Carnival tested the option on ships with and without steakhouses and was so satisfied with the results and feedback that they quickly rolled it out fleet-wide. It is another Carnival homerun, along with Tandoor, Guy's, Blue Iguana, etc.

 

It's not harming anything and is not going away.

[Writerfl]

Andy, you're mixing apples and oranges. I *love* the Steakhouse and have no quarrel with either its' existence or the quality of the fare. What I object to, and let me be explicit here, is that Carnival is in essence saying, "Yes, we know that the beef offerings aren't what they used to be. Rather than striving to improve our regular offering, we'll treat you as a cash machine and offer you a better product, but at extra cost." It's disingenuous and it's also a disincentive for them to improve the MDR offerings.

 

The fact that it's popular is what frightens me. Why not let the chicken slip in quality, saving a few more bucks, but offer "roast capon" or some such as an upcharge? Stop serving anything other than Tilapia and offer "Chilean Sea Bass" on the upcharge menu? (by the way, Sea Bass is already gone. They serve "Basa" now, which is actually a member of the catfish family). It's a slippery slope.

 

Other lines are decoupling cruise fare from MDR. Norwegian is reconfiguring the MDRs into separate dining venues and offering "specialty dining packages" separate from cruise fare. Celebrity is experimenting with similar concepts. My personal opinion is that Carnival is trying to split the difference and those who enjoy dining in the MDR but don't feel the need to pay extra for the experience are suffering for it with reduced quality but no concomitant reduction in cruise fares to maintain Carnival's bottom line.

 

So why not take the leap? Knock $5 a day of the cruise fare and offer an MDR "package" for $10 a day, using a portion of the extra revenue to improve the offerings? Yes, I'd be paying more overall, but I'd also be getting more overall. Remember, the original thread was about being "nickel and dimed". Maybe it's time to call a Bass a Bass.

[andy.capitan]

Andy, you're mixing apples and oranges. I *love* the Steakhouse and have no quarrel with either its' existence or the quality of the fare. What I object to, and let me be explicit here, is that Carnival is in essence saying, "Yes, we know that the beef offerings aren't what they used to be. Rather than striving to improve our regular offering, we'll treat you as a cash machine and offer you a better product, but at extra cost." It's disingenuous and it's also a disincentive for them to improve the MDR offerings.

 

The fact that it's popular is what frightens me. Why not let the chicken slip in quality, saving a few more bucks, but offer "roast capon" or some such as an upcharge? Stop serving anything other than Tilapia and offer "Chilean Sea Bass" on the upcharge menu? (by the way, Sea Bass is already gone. They serve "Basa" now, which is actually a member of the catfish family). It's a slippery slope.

 

Other lines are decoupling cruise fare from MDR. Norwegian is reconfiguring the MDRs into separate dining venues and offering "specialty dining packages" separate from cruise fare. Celebrity is experimenting with similar concepts. My personal opinion is that Carnival is trying to split the difference and those who enjoy dining in the MDR but don't feel the need to pay extra for the experience are suffering for it with reduced quality but no concomitant reduction in cruise fares to maintain Carnival's bottom line.

 

So why not take the leap? Knock $5 a day of the cruise fare and offer an MDR "package" for $10 a day, using a portion of the extra revenue to improve the offerings? Yes, I'd be paying more overall, but I'd also be getting more overall. Remember, the original thread was about being "nickel and dimed". Maybe it's time to call a Bass a Bass.

 

You are mixing opinion with fact, and, in fact, putting your opinion/words in Carnival's mouth.

 

Fact is that cost is the number one factor in choosing a cruise. Fact, the steakhouse selections have not increased the price of cruising. Fact, the steakhouse selections have not decreased the selection, quality, or taste of the standard MDR food. Fact, Chilean Sea Bass is Patagonian Toothfish, an ugly cod icefish. Talk about marketing and overselling one ugly fish into a near endangered level. Fact, I have been to Patagonia. Fact, there are better tasting fish.

 

 

 

 

Fact, salmon is available every night on the regular menu, and tilapia is not the only alternate fish offered on other nights.

 

 

Fact, you can have two steakhouse entrees for only slightly more than the price of one steakhouse dinner and still have your MDR favorites.

 

Fact, a couple can split a steakhouse entree and still have a MDR entree (or more).

 

Fact, sometimes couples disagree - imagine that - and one might want to eat in the MDR and the other might want the steakhouse. Voila, a compromise.

 

Fact, Carnival doesn't have to innovate everything. Let the others use passengers as guinea pigs, see what works, and then kick it down a notch to make it affordable.

[RuthlessBoss]

No we don't but to each his own. I don't have to like what you do, nor do you have to like what I like.

 

What kind of an answer is this? My point was you are assuming you'd like a river cruise, but having never been on one, you can't guarantee everything will be better just because a brochure promises it.

[katiel53]

We made the mistake of getting some drinks onboard just before sail away from Key West. We also were charged sales tax since we were in a U.S. Port. Now I know better.

Other charges are optional. You don't HAVE to pay for the steaks, there are plenty of other items on the menu.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

 

I am not trying to be snarky, but are you saying you won't buy drinks before you are out of the US limits because you have to pay an additional 18 cents or so per drink?

 

I don't like paying the tax, but that isn't going to prevent my buying a drink if DH or I want one. Just curious.

[BigRed93]

I am not trying to be snarky, but are you saying you won't buy drinks before you are out of the US limits because you have to pay an additional 18 cents or so per drink?

 

 

 

I don't like paying the tax, but that isn't going to prevent my buying a drink if DH or I want one. Just curious.

 

 

No, I think my response was from the OP saying there was .14 extra on sodas in port. The first time I bought a drink while we were in a US port I thought why is this price different? Then I realized we hadn't left port yet. Not that I won't pay the tax if I want the drink, but that I know I will see it, and don't consider it nickel and diming. :)

 

Edited to add- I think my mistake was thinking we were already out to sea.

But I would say now that If I think about it, I might wait until we are out of port to save .18. I don't know, not too many U.S. ports that we have to worry about it. :)

 

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Edited November 7, 2014 by BigRed93

[amsred2]

Too bad you had a negative experience. I have been on this ship many times and have loved every one of them. Are there some things I don't care for?Sure. However, the friendly staff and the very cheap relaxing weekend getaway makes it so worthwhile. Where else can you go and get everything done for you, for under $200 for 3/4 days? You cant stay in a motel 6 these days for that; let alone eat and entertain yourself. No making beds, cleaning toilets (or anything for that matter), cooking food or watching the same old crap on TV. On a cruise you can do as much or as little as you WANT. Each cruise is what you make it. I'd rather have a bad buffet (especially since the pizza is so good) at sea than stay at home thinking about all the things I HAVE to do.

Edited November 7, 2014 by amsred2
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[Bob NC]

Too bad you had a negative experience. I have been on this ship many times and have loved every one of them. Are there some things I don't care for?Sure. However, the friendly staff and the very cheap relaxing weekend getaway makes it so worthwhile. Where else can you go and get everything done for you, for under $200 for 3/4 days? You cant stay in a motel 6 these days for that; let alone eat and entertain yourself. No making beds, cleaning toilets (or anything for that matter), cooking food or watching the same old crap on TV. On a cruise you can do as much or as little as you WANT. Each cruise is what you make it. I'd rather have a bad buffet (especially since the pizza is so good) at sea than stay at home thinking about all the things I HAVE to do.

 

There's a collection of words I've never seen put together:

 

" I'd rather have a bad buffet......."