The continued evolution of Cruising as it relates to Carnival

[jimbo5544]

Things continue to change in cruising, mainly outside of Carnival. Most recently, Royal decided not to deploy their dynamic dining program beyond the Quantum class. Originally it was supposed to at least go the the Oasis class. NCL has made their a la carte restaurants (the majority on their ships) begin to price a la carte (pricing for apps, dinners individually as opposed to a set fee). Celebrity has had for a good while now a promotion where you can choose , drink package, tips, or port charges for free. Today MSC dramatically enhanced their loyalty program with significant additions.

 

All this makes me wonder what Carnival will do (if anything to react to these).

[AHS123]

All this makes me wonder what Carnival will do (if anything to react to these).

It only makes me wonder when I will stop cruising with Carnival and try the other brands you mentioned.

[golfb4cruzing]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

[joepeka]

Things continue to change in cruising, mainly outside of Carnival. Most recently, Royal decided not to deploy their dynamic dining program beyond the Quantum class. Originally it was supposed to at least go the the Oasis class. NCL has made their a la carte restaurants (the majority on their ships) begin to price a la carte (pricing for apps, dinners individually as opposed to a set fee). Celebrity has had for a good while now a promotion where you can choose , drink package, tips, or port charges for free. Today MSC dramatically enhanced their loyalty program with significant additions.

 

All this makes me wonder what Carnival will do (if anything to react to these).

 

Good question Jimbo - changes by competitors (if those changes are positive and attract more business) tend to be mimicked so maybe Carnival will follow with some similar changes. It appears that RCI has determined that Dynamic Dining is a bit of a bust and Celebrity's choose your perk seems to be doing well since they rolled it out. Something that RCI does (and I think Celebrity also) is give double loyalty points to suite passengers - that is something I would like to see on Carnival (especially since their suite perks are pretty much nil). Otherwise, Carnival probably has to be careful to keep their overall pricing at their usual competitive level if they include any new customer inducements to the mix. Time will tell. ;)

Edited July 21, 2015 by joepeka

[ready2cruzagain]

I personally don't think that Carnival cares. At least they don't seem to show it.

 

After their last "brilliant" loyalty program cutback, it really showed that they are looking more for the NEW cruisers.

 

I am back with Carnival for my next 2 cruises due to the Journeys cruises. After that I will go back to Princess or Celebrity.

[okgirl]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

 

I really have no desire to move on from Carnival. They go everywhere I want to go, I've been on 17 of their ships and like the familiarity of the experience.

[quickrate]

I really have no desire to move on from Carnival. They go everywhere I want to go, I've been on 17 of their ships and like the familiarity of the experience.

 

I agree wholeheartedly. My husband and I are casual cruisers, we don't need all the bells and whistles to be happy, and Carnival provides what we want for a price that allows us to cruise more than once a year.

Pat

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Marketing is an age old tradition and is ever in flux. Some new marketing ploys do well and will cause people to switch brands, others are fly by night schemes that sound good to an executive but prove rapidly to be met with strong resistance from the consumer.

 

I think it is great that there are many different cruise lines, some with significant differences that make a choice easier for a consumer. Why should Carnival have to "match" what other lines do...if Carnival is happy with their perceived status as a good budget vacation for the entire family why should they adopt marketing tactics from a cruise line that is known for their allure to an older more wealthy consumer.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Sweet Dutch Girl

[Sparky2]

I really have no desire to move on from Carnival. They go everywhere I want to go, I've been on 17 of their ships and like the familiarity of the experience.

 

That's how we feel, too, and we can afford to do B2Bs now which is all we do.

[love my grandkids]

For basic Caribbean cruising Carnival is still fine but these days when we go outside that area we are cruising Princess.

 

Wish they would make their loyalty program go accross all of their brands but that doesnt seem to be happening.

[BTromboneFrack]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

 

I've been on nine cruises, four with Disney, and while we really enjoyed Disney, I still love Carnival. We have the idea that "if it's not broken, don't fix it." We've had great experiences on every Carnival cruise we've been on, and I usually look on their website first when I start searching for a cruise. What is to be gained by coming back to Carnival, at least for us, is a reasonable assurance that the cruise we pick will be a good time. I guess that might be called "loyalty."

[NCTribeFan]

Seems like just another thread to give people the opportunity to bash Carnival (which I find confusing, since this particular board should be for the people who WANT to sail Carnival).

 

As I said in another recent thread, I hope the cruiselines don't mimic each other too much. The mass market lines are already a lot alike. Just because Cruiseline A does something doesn't mean Cruiselines B & C need to do the same things.

 

A little variety, even among the mass market lines, is a good thing.

 

I'm close to reaching my Milestone on Carnival. Yes, I plan to branch out but not because I feel Carnival is lacking just because they don't offer a particular drink package, or have a ice rink, or a half-dozen extra-fee dining venues.

 

I'm going to branch out for different itineraries and just a little different experience. I don't really care about the ship or what bells and whistles they may have.

 

And I disagree about sailing other lines as cheaply or for less than Carnival. Maybe IF you can go last minute, but I can't. I always price various cruiselines when I'm looking and Carnival is consistently less (especially now that I receive Premier casino offers and get a (slightly) reduced rate, a drinks card, and casino cash).

 

I'm happy with Carnival and will continue to sail with them as cheaply as possible so I can sail as often as possible. THAT is what's important to me.

 

After I take #25, we'll see.

[Honolulu Blue]

Things continue to change in cruising, mainly outside of Carnival. Most recently, Royal decided not to deploy their dynamic dining program beyond the Quantum class. Originally it was supposed to at least go the the Oasis class. NCL has made their a la carte restaurants (the majority on their ships) begin to price a la carte (pricing for apps, dinners individually as opposed to a set fee). Celebrity has had for a good while now a promotion where you can choose , drink package, tips, or port charges for free. Today MSC dramatically enhanced their loyalty program with significant additions.

 

All this makes me wonder what Carnival will do (if anything to react to these).

 

This got me thinking a bit. Since my first cruise on Carnival 16 months ago, they've made quite a few changes and/or experiments. The ones I can recall:

 

* They cut out balcony smoking once and for all

* They added for-pay items to the room service menu on some ships, while switching around what's available

* They're tinkering with and rolling out the American Table menus

* They're working on a Carnival app

* They're rolling out improved WiFi/Internet with different pricing

* They're adding Entertainment Directors to some ships

* They've lumped their longer voyages under the "Carnival Journeys" label with some potentially interesting perks

* Bottled water available for (relatively) cheap onboard, but...

* No more bottled liquids allowed except for wine

* Pickup procedure for alcohol has changed

* Eligibility for the past guest party has changed

* The free drinks available for reds & golds has changed

 

I'm missing a few things, but you get the idea. Carnival has certainly not been afraid to make changes.

 

On the specific items noted... I don't see them switching to anything like dynamic dining, but I think Your Time Dining is likely to expand to another dining room sooner or later.

 

Carnival ships don't have many restaurants compared to RCCL and NCL and Vista's not moving that needle much. I don't think any of them are going to convert to a la carte any time soon.

 

They've generally had low prices with low OBC during their sales, which I prefer. They could change things up at any time, but my crystal ball doesn't see such.

 

The loyalty program is kind of chintzy and they could certainly do any number of things to improve that. Again, I don't see it.

[Towel Critter]

I think Carnival feels, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I tend to agree. Sure they will continue with minor tweaks to keep things fresh for repeat customers, but I don't think they need any major changes. JMHO.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

The loyalty program is kind of chintzy and they could certainly do any number of things to improve that. Again, I don't see it.

 

Since Carnival's loyalty program is based on time and not monies spent I agree that the program will slowly lose more of its perks rather than seeing them increased. And as more and more people reach the platinum level and the vip lounges become more and more over-run I also expect that perk to slowly diminish (especially since Carnival has proven that they can sell the perk and there is an overly willing market).

[Shipbound]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

 

The biggest reason I cruise with CCL is the price since I cruise solo all the time other cruise lines can not beat Carnivals solo prices. I would love to cruise other lines if they could beat Carnivals prices.

 

Gary

[mzlinda]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

 

 

For me, it's probably laziness. I always assume that Carnival will have the best price because they did 10 years ago.

 

My first cruise was on the Carnival Destiny in 2004 in a balcony cabin, southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan. The next year I went on RC Adventurer of the Seas, southern Caribbean, also out of San Juan but we had an inside room with a window looking at the indoor promenade. (I think that's what they called it.) I paid more for that inside room on RC than the balcony on Carnival because my travel agent insisted that the RC experience was so superior to the Carnival experience. For me, that just wasn't true. I loved both cruises but I missed having a balcony, and couldn't afford it justify the higher price to get one on RC.

 

I just started cruising again last year so I've been back on this board. People have been saying that other cruise lines are the same price. Is that true if comparing just the straight up cruise price? ...for example a mid ship balcony on Carnival is about the same price as on other lines? In one case I thought someone said that one cruise line threw in a drink package for free so the price was about the same as it would be if they paid for a cabin and the drink package on Carnival. I wouldn't buy the drink package anyway so that comparison doesn't work for me.

 

I guess I should do my homework before I book another cruise.

[asalligo]

Unfortunately I feel that paying for a meal will probably mean the end of my cruising at least as a family. I know that everyone says that, but for me a cruise is attractive due to the limited ability for costs to increase once the vacation begins. This type of vacation has less cost creep than say a Disney World vacation. If I have to start factoring in an unknown cost of meals or anything else, then this vacation becomes less attractive.

[riffatsea]

We are very happy sailing on Carnival!

We have enjoyed Royal Caribbean too.

It is not just about price. It is about value for money and the fact that we can be comfy and not need to dress to the nines while on vacation.

Remember that the Carnival cruise line is a very small part of the Carnival Corporation which is doing exceedingly well!

[Havingfun2010]

Seems like just another thread to give people the opportunity to bash Carnival (which I find confusing, since this particular board should be for the people who WANT to sail Carnival).

 

Carnival happens to open the door up to easily make negative comments.

 

As I said in another recent thread, I hope the cruiselines don't mimic each other too much. The mass market lines are already a lot alike. Just because Cruiseline A does something doesn't mean Cruiselines B & C need to do the same things.

 

I understand you point. Cruiseline A gives better loyalty programs, and adds to it, and Carnival follows suit by offering a small bottle of water on the second day and a free drink after 5:00 on last day, and it must fit into a special category with restrictions. (See previous comment on how Carnival opens the door for bashing)

 

A little variety, even among the mass market lines, is a good thing.

 

Taking RCCL, they offer variety within their brand. They have 4 very distinct cruise experiences with their different class of ships. Something that Carnival lacks.

 

I'm close to reaching my Milestone on Carnival. Yes, I plan to branch out but not because I feel Carnival is lacking just because they don't offer a particular drink package, or have a ice rink, or a half-dozen extra-fee dining venues.

 

I'm going to branch out for different itineraries and just a little different experience. I don't really care about the ship or what bells and whistles they may have.

 

And I disagree about sailing other lines as cheaply or for less than Carnival. Maybe IF you can go last minute, but I can't. I always price various cruiselines when I'm looking and Carnival is consistently less (especially now that I receive Premier casino offers and get a (slightly) reduced rate, a drinks card, and casino cash).

 

Other lines offer promotions also. They do not offer last minute deals. The prices during off season are similar if you sail the same and/or similar ship. However, with other cruise lines, that offer multiple types of experiences, you can pay more money for that experience. IF you shop around, you will find prices equal or slightly more.

NCCL is the leader in dining variety. RCCL is the leader in entertainment and active lifestyles. Carnival is the leader in cheap cruises and Parties.

 

I'm happy with Carnival and will continue to sail with them as cheaply as possible so I can sail as often as possible. THAT is what's important to me.

 

After I take #25, we'll see.

 

Cheap is not always better.

[Maraprince]

IMO you have to decide why you go on a cruise in the first place. Do you want to experience what you can get on land (amusement rides, a la cart pay extra restaurants, etc.) or do you truly want to "get away from it all" and just relax and enjoy being at sea?

 

Many of the so called "improvements" made by other lines were met with strong opposition by their current passengers forcing some of the "improvements" to be modified/eliminated.

 

I can understand that every cruise line wants to attract new passengers but how they go about it makes a big difference. If you can provide a wide selection of well-prepared food choices with generous portions, you have already scored half to 3/4 of your points. While I agree that food tastes are subjective having loads of choices is important since especially on sea days you are a captive audience. I agree it is nice to sometimes choose to eat at a pay for venue but it should not be mandatory to get good food. Or should you have to change to another restaurant (free) to get a different menu every night.

 

Sea days really separate the best from the rest meaning how many activities are offered (besides bingo several times a day) that appeal to passengers of different ages?

 

For solos, having an assigned table is a plus unless you are a hermit.

 

I like having passengers of different ages on board.

 

Many of the changes that Carnival has made may not be big and splashy like other lines, but it has opened up cruising to a whole new generation of young future cruisers thanks to the generosity of their grandparents who bring their grandchildren and adult children with them for a family vacation.

 

MARAPRINCE

[jimbo5544]

Seems like just another thread to give people the opportunity to bash Carnival (which I find confusing, since this particular board should be for the people who WANT to sail Carnival).

 

As I said in another recent thread, I hope the cruiselines don't mimic each other too much. The mass market lines are already a lot alike. Just because Cruiseline A does something doesn't mean Cruiselines B & C need to do the same things.

 

A little variety, even among the mass market lines, is a good thing.

 

I'm close to reaching my Milestone on Carnival. Yes, I plan to branch out but not because I feel Carnival is lacking just because they don't offer a particular drink package, or have a ice rink, or a half-dozen extra-fee dining venues.

 

I'm going to branch out for different itineraries and just a little different experience. I don't really care about the ship or what bells and whistles they may have.

 

And I disagree about sailing other lines as cheaply or for less than Carnival. Maybe IF you can go last minute, but I can't. I always price various cruiselines when I'm looking and Carnival is consistently less (especially now that I receive Premier casino offers and get a (slightly) reduced rate, a drinks card, and casino cash).

 

I'm happy with Carnival and will continue to sail with them as cheaply as possible so I can sail as often as possible. THAT is what's important to me.

 

After I take #25, we'll see.

I am anything but a Carnival basher;),and while I did think about it before I posted the thread, I really do think that as cruising evolves on other lines, it could have an impact and Carnival might have to react. Across the board, no. Individually, we will see.

[Mikesa1721]

NEWS: MSC Cruises has announced a new loyalty program that will match your current loyalty status from your favorite cruise line, even if you are a first time MSC cruiser.

http://cruisefever.net/0720-cruise-line-will-match-loyalty-perks-from-other-cruise-lines/

 

If MSC can reciprocate loyalty programs with all cruise line brands,,,why doesn't Carnival Corp reciprocate it's loyalty programs across all it's brands?

[RaiderFaninNM]

I still view Carnival as the entry level Cruise. When people learn more about cruising, they move on. The argument about price has zero value because other lines can be booked at or cheaper than Carnival. It must be a comfort thing because nothing is gained in Carnival loyalty.

 

Totally disagree in that have been on the biggest and baddest ship, "The Allure of the Seas" we went right back to Carnival as RCCL was nice, I just could not justify the cost of that cruise to what we get on Carnival. I actually found the food better on Carnival, MDR and the buffet. I missed sitting out on deck listening to the water and seeing the beauty of the ocean on Allure, at times it felt like we were not even on a cruise. Entry level, every cruise line has that.............;)

[sandij]

We are Carnival loyalists with more than half of our cruises being on Carnival ships. It's the first line I check when looking for a new cruise, of course if it's a year we want to go to Europe or thereabouts I have to look at other lines. But if we're "staying home" in the Caribbean I check Carnival for itineraries and for new ships. We don't do the ATD or the pay as you eat restaurants, the MDR food is fine for us. we just want to relax and enjoy the ocean and the sun so don't need all the bells and whistles on some of the other ships. I think some people must go home tireder than they were before the cruise. I do hope Carnival eventually has ships going to Europe again but until then there are plenty of others who do.