Carnival needs to up its game

[Tapi]

What I didn't like was shows had to be booked before you sail.

 

 

This was the one thing that made me hesitate about sailing on the Allure but, once I experienced it, I became a believer. Yes, going online and pre-reserving shows was a bit of a pain, but once you do it, you know that you have a guaranteed seat. No need to get to the show early, no lines with more people than the venue will hold. And because the shows are offered several times during the cruise, even during daylight hours, it gave us more flexibility instead of having to settle for the one show after dinner.

 

Royal's system made me realize how many times I wasted my time by getting to the theater very early to make sure I'd get a seat, or how many times I walked into the theater only to find every seat taken, or how many times I had to stand with an overflow of people, or how many times I just walked away.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Tapi

[tbjl24]

Yeah, they did appear to put everything on hold. They passed on the mega liners, somehow deeming them not worth the time and investment, and stood by and watched RCCL march past them with their Genesis project.

 

All while readers and even Carnival spokespeople scoff at the idea.

 

Until passengers started flocking to them. Commanding such a draw, they are about to launch an even bigger version.

 

 

And through all the hoppla, the Vista appears to be just another offshoot of what they already have.

 

So yeah, you have a point.

 

Have you seen the prices RCL charges to justify the cost of the Oasis & Allure? That pricing model does not fit Carnival's business.

 

I think Carnival is perfectly happy with the ship size(s) its building. The mistake is expecting Carnival to go toe 2 toe with RCL. Carnival is finding its niche without continually having to build the biggest cruise ship in the world.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Have you seen the prices RCL charges to justify the cost of the Oasis & Allure? That pricing model does not fit Carnival's business.

 

I think Carnival is perfectly happy with the ship size(s) its building. The mistake is expecting Carnival to go toe 2 toe with RCL. Carnival is finding its niche without continually having to build the biggest cruise ship in the world.

 

I agree with you...I don't know why peeps think it is necessary for one cruiseline to try and "match" another. I thought the Magic was plenty big and have no desire to travel aboard RCL's new mega ships....Many things they offer hold little or no appeal to me. I'm a little old for skating rinks, and rock walls, and imitation surfing.

 

In the cruising world there is a price point and amenities that match up for many passengers and not all have the same tastes or income.

[tbjl24]

Another thing I find interesting.....

 

Carnival is very much the budget friendly, entry-level cruiseline. Great for first timers trying out their sea legs.......

 

But then, first timers have such a great time they go back, and go back and go back expecting Carnival to suddenly change to keep it fresh and exciting.

 

I think Carnival doesn't mind being that entry level line that seduces first timers with its affordable rates and very similar ships across the fleet.

 

It is interesting to see Carnival now introducing longer voyages with very different onboard experiences. Perhpas this is their attempt to appease the repeat customers.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

This was the one thing that made me hesitate about sailing on the Allure but, once I experienced it, I became a believer. Yes, going online and pre-reserving shows was a bit of a pain, but once you do it, you know that you have a guaranteed seat. No need to get to the show early, no lines with more people than the venue will hold. And because the shows are offered several times during the cruise, even during daylight hours, it gave us more flexibility instead of having to settle for the one show after dinner.

 

Royal's system made me realize how many times I wasted my time by getting to the theater very early to make sure I'd get a seat, or how many times I walked into the theater only to find every seat taken, or how many times I had to stand with an overflow of people, or how many times I just walked away.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the entertainment and the benefit of booking early. Neither would be a draw for me when booking a cruise.

[StephenNSamantha]

Most of the activities Royal is adding to their new ships to make it a destination, do not interest me. I have no desire to use the FlowRider, rock-climbing wall, zip line, ice-skating rink, etc....

 

I priced my cruise in April on both Royal and Carnival. It was $1,000.00 more for my family of 3 in a balcony on Royal.

[Lace]

Most of the activities Royal is adding to their new ships to make it a destination, do not interest me. I have no desire to use the FlowRider, rock-climbing wall, zip line, ice-skating rink, etc....

 

I priced my cruise in April on both Royal and Carnival. It was $1,000.00 more for my family of 3 in a balcony on Royal.

 

Yes, but it draws that do like it to those areas of the ship, leaving YOU with less crowds to do the things YOU like to do.

 

$1000 isn't bad for an upgrade. We used to do that on the Carnival ship but that just gets you a better room. On RCCL, it buys you a better experience.

[tbjl24]

$1000 isn't bad for an upgrade. We used to do that on the Carnival ship but that just gets you a better room. On RCCL, it buys you a better experience.

 

Very subjective IMO. For someone who enjoys getting some sun & drinks during the day and hitting the club/casino at night.....that extra $$$ simply isn't bringing me anything different.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Yes, but it draws that do like it to those areas of the ship, leaving YOU with less crowds to do the things YOU like to do.

 

$1000 isn't bad for an upgrade. We used to do that on the Carnival ship but that just gets you a better room. On RCCL, it buys you a better experience.

 

If you don't use the entertainment venues or the physical activity centers what about RCCL would be worth an extra grand? Just asking?

[Lace]

If you don't use the entertainment venues or the physical activity centers what about RCCL would be worth an extra grand? Just asking?

 

Like I said, if I upgrade on Carnival (last time I booked it was a $1200 difference to move from a Cat 8 to a Cat 11), all I get as a slightly bigger room. So yes.

[dogbert's mom]

I have sailed on many Carnival ships and recently sailed on the Allure. Yes the ship is beautiful and has lots of entertainment. This doesn't make it better it just makes it different. I think cruising is a personal experience and Evey one enjoys their own style. I don't regret sailing on the Allure but I'm not in a rush to sail on a ship like that again!

[cruizinisthebest]

This was the one thing that made me hesitate about sailing on the Allure but, once I experienced it, I became a believer. Yes, going online and pre-reserving shows was a bit of a pain, but once you do it, you know that you have a guaranteed seat. No need to get to the show early, no lines with more people than the venue will hold. And because the shows are offered several times during the cruise, even during daylight hours, it gave us more flexibility instead of having to settle for the one show after dinner.

 

Royal's system made me realize how many times I wasted my time by getting to the theater very early to make sure I'd get a seat, or how many times I walked into the theater only to find every seat taken, or how many times I had to stand with an overflow of people, or how many times I just walked away.

 

I don't think it would really bother me to have to make show reservations in advance. However I have never had to wait in line to attend any show in the main lounge on Carnival. And there's usually two in the evening.

[tbjl24]

Like I said, if I upgrade on Carnival (last time I booked it was a $1200 difference to move from a Cat 8 to a Cat 11), all I get as a slightly bigger room. So yes.

 

Right, but the extra $1000 on RCL gets you the same room you already had on Carnival. If its Oasis/Allure, the extra $1000 probably only gets you an interior facing balcony. Carnival cat 11 is a suite....I believe?

 

So if the additional venues/activities have no allure (no pun intended) to you there really isn't much net difference. Of course other than the extra $1000 missing from your pocket.

 

Like I said above, it's very subjective.

[Lace]

Right, but the extra $1000 on RCL gets you the same room you already had on Carnival. If its Oasis/Allure, the extra $1000 probably only gets you an interior facing balcony. Carnival cat 11 is a suite....I believe?

 

So if the additional venues/activities have no allure (no pun intended) to you there really isn't much net difference. Of course other than the extra $1000 missing from your pocket.

 

Like I said above, it's very subjective.

 

Yup. We just simply think it's worth it. Sailing with others that think it's worth it is a bonus as well.

[tbjl24]

I don't think it would really bother me to have to make show reservations in advance. However I have never had to wait in line to attend any show in the main lounge on Carnival. And there's usually two in the evening.

 

Agreed. I also wonder how many not knowing you need to book in advance, prior to sailing at that, have felt burned after learning this information once the ship has already set sail.

 

It wouldn't happen to a large population on these boards just because we all very invested prior to the cruise. I know I would be upset if the shows being advertised to sell the ship were all sold out prior to sailing and I didn't know to book in advance.

[StaceySteveDMB]

I couldn't care less about what RCCL is doing but I do like what NCL is doing with its new ships. I am very interested in sailing on the Escape. Granted I am also very excited to sail on Vista.

[Lace]

Agreed. I also wonder how many not knowing you need to book in advance, prior to sailing at that, have felt burned after learning this information once the ship has already set sail.

 

It wouldn't happen to a large population on these boards just because we all very invested prior to the cruise. I know I would be upset if the shows being advertised to sell the ship were all sold out prior to sailing and I didn't know to book in advance.

 

That's their loss if they don't read their docs. It's outlined pretty well. An educated cruiser is a happy cruiser.

[cruizinisthebest]

Like I said, if I upgrade on Carnival (last time I booked it was a $1200 difference to move from a Cat 8 to a Cat 11), all I get as a slightly bigger room. So yes.

 

Would you mind sharing what ship and sailing this was? A $1200 difference to move from a balcony to a balcony on a higher deck? with the same number of passengers? Even if it was a spa balcony, I find this one hard to believe and agree ridiculous if true.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

That's their loss if they don't read their docs. It's outlined pretty well. An educated cruiser is a happy cruiser.

 

If RCCL feels that online booking for a free service fits into their business plan...well great. But I, too, wouldn't be to happy if I had to reserve my entire vacation schedule months ahead. I actually like the spontaneity that goes along with cruising...wouldn't book anything ahead of time whether I "read" that reservations were allowed. And a question...do your docs state that it is a "requirement" to book before or is that basically an option. Do they infer that without a reservation you won't be able to see the show? Just curious.

[Lace]

Would you mind sharing what ship and sailing this was? A $1200 difference to move from a balcony to a balcony on a higher deck? with the same number of passengers? Even if it was a spa balcony, I find this one hard to believe and agree ridiculous if true.

 

A cat 11 is not a balcony on a higher deck. Those are controlled by the letters (8A through 8 whatever)

 

Cat 11 is a jr suite.

[Lace]

If RCCL feels that online booking for a free service fits into their business plan...well great. But I, too, wouldn't be to happy if I had to reserve my entire vacation schedule months ahead. I actually like the spontaneity that goes along with cruising...wouldn't book anything ahead of time whether I "read" that reservations were allowed. And a question...do your docs state that it is a "requirement" to book before or is that basically an option. Do they infer that without a reservation you won't be able to see the show? Just curious.

 

You only make that mistake once.

 

But it's like selecting your seat on an airline. Matters to some, others, not.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Lace

[cruizinisthebest]

A cat 11 is not a balcony on a higher deck. Those are controlled by the letters (8A through 8 whatever)

 

Cat 11 is a jr suite.

 

Got it. Never booked a suite on Carnival. We did get a free upgrade once, but from what I have read there aren't any real benefits to paying for a suite. Well maybe a spa suite. What do you get with a suite on Royal?

[Lace]

Got it. Never booked a suite on Carnival. We did get a free upgrade once, but from what I have read there aren't any real benefits to paying for a suite. Well maybe a spa suite. What do you get with a suite on Royal?

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests

[Cruisegirl6]

Hello, I just was checking to see which ships are available out of Pt. Canaveral next year from August forward and there is none, did Carnival pull all its ships out of Pt. Canaveral starting next year?

[loubetti]

RCI is far more highly leveraged (debt-wise) than Carnival. They have to pay for all those $billion + mega ships.

 

Also, on the horizon is this:

 

http://www.virgin.com/news/introducing-virgin-cruises

 

They will be based in south Florida, and may become a game changer for the industry. Only two ships to start, but Virgin could buy RCI and CCL out of their petty cash fund.

 

http://www.virgin.com/company