The continued evolution of Cruising as it relates to Carnival

[Warm Breezes]

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 agree. I prefer differences in the cruise lines and even the different ships in the same cruise lines. I like Carnival when we want a quick getaway or they have the best itinerary and price for the time period we can go. But lets admit it, the entertainment on their ships is what I usually find lacking. It's good enough for what I pay for, but sometimes I am willing to pay more for better.

 

I was originally planning a family trip in December on Carnival Dream. I just found out that the week we were looking at no longer works in the kids College schedule. I chose that cruise be because it offered an embarkation port we could drive to that the kids hadn't been to before and ship we haven't been on yet for a price that worked in our budget. Back to the drawing board I go. I am currently looking at 4 different Carnival Cruises and 2 NCL Cruises in May. My current preference is the NCL Getaway cruise which is slightly more expensive than the others but with the FCC we purchased on our last NCL cruise brings it down closer to the other cruise's price range....but what has me leaning more in that direction is the itinerary and the ship. I just think the Getaway has more to offer us for a family vacation with 2 college kids than the other ships we are currently looking at. I love having the ability to choose among the different options available in the price range I am willing to pay.

 

I just started doing a more in depth look at the NCL boards since we may be heading that way and there is one thread on there asking if people will be cancelling their upcoming cruises because of the amount changes NCL has made recently....I guess you just can't please everyone no matter what line you sail. FYI I took a look at the changes and just like the ones made on Carnival...not enough to make me base a cruising decision on. They are things that don't really matter much to us.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

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. ;)

 

NCL also gives you double points for being a suite guest. You can even earn up to triple points if you take a Latitudes Rewards Rate. NCL has also been offering a choice of free drink package, dining package, or excursion credit for the past 8 months.

 

To be honest, Carnival really isn't that great of a deal. Their sales and specials are confusing, and really not that good. I get emails from them every day about sales, but when you click on it, it is all of these obscure sailings on ancient ships, and sometimes brief cruises. I'm sorry, but $50 OBC (on select sailings) isn't a big deal for me. NCL has clear cut promotions across all sailings. I know the quantifiable value of a drink package. I know what kids and friends sail free means. I can get these deals on any NCL cruise I want, and not just a 4 day cruise to Nassau leaving from Jacksonville on October 15th on a ship that Kathy Lee Gifford filmed a commercial on.

[indiaksue]

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 don't know where you are coming from on this. We have been on Carnival for the majority of our cruises and prefer them way over anything else. We just were on the Regal Princess our last cruise and it was the worst cruise we have had. As you can see we have 2 more Carnival scheduled and are very excited about them. We consider ourselves very educated on cruising but aren't "moving on" anytime soon. :D

[Podna's]

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.

 

 

Looking at the replies to this post, did you miss the boat (no pun intended) And I agree with them. I've been cruising with Carnival since the early 90's, tried 2 other lines and although I enjoyed those trips, Carnival is easily my choice of cruise line. No moving on here.

[dacsmom]

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

 

I am also frequently a solo cruiser and while I do get double cruise points on RCI I also pay a 200% supplement. I am looking at Carnival again because I found some good prices that RCI cannot even come close to matching. I am also looking at NCL for the same reason, they have solo cabins but I am not totally sold on the upcharge for dining. RCI does have a pretty good loyalty program, but not enough to sail them exclusively. I also like the variety of different cruise lines.

[Tutontow]

We are relatively new to cruising. We have been on 7 Carnival cruises. Every time we get off the ship we have a smile on our face and a whole bunch of good memories.

 

I fall in to the category of "if it works for me why look elsewhere". We like the crew, the food, the fellow passengers. Carnival really works to try to make you happy.

 

Having said all of that one place CCL has really stepped up the game is casino perks, which works for us.

 

As long as we keep getting comped cabins and deeply discounted rates along with premier offerings we will be loyal to CCL.

 

It is like once you find a favorite steakhouse or auto mechanic that works for you why look elsewhere.

 

I know many will say you don't know, you might find something you like better. The opposite is also true and I'm not willing to take that chance with my vacation dollars.

[sailor_jimc]

Many of you keep posting about the differences between Carnival and other cruise lines and how Carnival doesn't have this or that etc.. But something I think you are missing is that Carnival Cruise Line is part of the Carnival Corporation that owns several cruise lines and all of them offer different levels of cruising experience. So Carnival Corporation has the benefit of not having just one cruise line .. it can market to the entire spectrum of cruisers. So they are not as worried about offering every gimmick that the other lines do on their cruise line since they can match it to the particular product they want on any of their lines.

 

Which just reinforces the need to allow for their loyalty program to have benefits on more than one or even all of their cruise lines, so as cruisers grow beyond the experience that CCL offers they could stay within the Corporation's cruise lines while still getting some perks for their loyalty.

[Towel Critter]

I've sailed RCI, NCL, and MSC. I came back to Carnival each time and will likely not venture away again. Carnival has a good product at a good price. That combo is hard to beat, especially these days. In addition, in my experiences, Carnival has by far the friendliest, most smiling staff. That is huge in my estimation. Carnival doesn't have the largest ships, or the ships with the most bells and whistles. What they do have, as I've already mentioned is the best cruise experience for the money. Many, including myself, don't need ice skating rinks, cavernous mall like interiors, or other bells and whistles to enjoy a cruise. I go for the ocean, the islands, and quality time with my wife. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Even if the three other cruise lines I mentioned were to start matching Carnivals prices on a regular basis, I'd stick with the proven commodity, Carnival.

[jimbo5544]

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.............;)

 

We found much the same on our trip on the Oasis.

[cruising maniac]

It seems to me, after reading most of the posts that many of the folks happiest with Carnival have been given discounted rates due to the casino fares. That's terrific for them. I have no loyalty to Carnival even though I have sailed them more than any other line. I pick the week I want to cruise, usually Thanksgiving, then choose the itinerary, then choose the price. Sometimes it is Carnival, sometimes NCL, sometimes Celebrity. I don't think that CCL is that much cheaper anymore unless you are in an inside cabin. I think their prices are much more in line with the other companies then they were a few years ago. With the exception of Disney and RCL which in my opinion are too expensive. I like the pick your perk on Celebrity- the drink package was really nice. :D

[Linerguy]

NCL also gives you double points for being a suite guest. You can even earn up to triple points if you take a Latitudes Rewards Rate. NCL has also been offering a choice of free drink package, dining package, or excursion credit for the past 8 months.

 

To be honest, Carnival really isn't that great of a deal. Their sales and specials are confusing, and really not that good. I get emails from them every day about sales, but when you click on it, it is all of these obscure sailings on ancient ships, and sometimes brief cruises. I'm sorry, but $50 OBC (on select sailings) isn't a big deal for me. NCL has clear cut promotions across all sailings. I know the quantifiable value of a drink package. I know what kids and friends sail free means. I can get these deals on any NCL cruise I want, and not just a 4 day cruise to Nassau leaving from Jacksonville on October 15th on a ship that Kathy Lee Gifford filmed a commercial on.

 

All of which begs the question...why are you here? I just don't get why someone who is so anti-Carnival would hang around the Carnival message board.

 

Your job at NCL must be to convert Carnival loyalists.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

All of which begs the question...why are you here? I just don't get why someone who is so anti-Carnival would hang around the Carnival message board.

 

Your job at NCL must be to convert Carnival loyalists.

 

So if you criticize Carnival at all then you shouldn't be here? I still sail on Carnival, it's not awful, but there are things they could do better. I mentioned that I think their sales are confusing and not very good. I just got one today where I could choose between a low fare, a low fare and some OBC, or a lot of OBC. I click on it, and I get the same 3 and 4 day sailings from Miami on the Kathy Lee Gifford boat that shows up for all of their sales. I don't see anything about any choices mentioned in the email. They would do much better with something consistent, like kids sail free or a free drink package. Of course Carnival treats their drink package like asking a NYC cab driver to find you a prostitute. It's like a big secret. You can't buy it ahead of time. It has all kinds of rules and limits to it. They would never dream of giving it to someone.

[xplnusa]

Yes, I'd like more perks, I'll admit that. I like Carnival though because they have king size beds and I really enjoy the Punchliner Comedy Club. If those go away then I'd be a fair game customer for other lines. Price seems to be pretty good with Carnival too.

 

Not to say I'll never try another line, but this is why I lean toward Carnival the most.

[Linerguy]

I mentioned that I think their sales are confusing and not very good. I just got one today where I could choose between a low fare, a low fare and some OBC, or a lot of OBC. I click on it, and I get the same 3 and 4 day sailings from Miami on the Kathy Lee Gifford boat that shows up for all of their sales. I don't see anything about any choices mentioned in the email.

 

If you're talking about the "Getaway", "Getaway Plus", and "The Works" promo, it actually applies to a lot of sailings on the newer ships, including the BREEZE and DREAM. And the promo seems pretty simple to me: you pay the lowest rate and that's about all you get; you pay a little more and you get some OBC; you pay even a little more and you get OBC and an upgrade. Not confusing at all....although I will admit, there's not much there to entice people.

 

And as far as Carnival not giving away the store, why should they? Their ships sail full. They're not going to charge $399 for a seven night cruise (which is just an example), and then turn around and give away a $350 per person booze package.

 

And NCL isn't the cure-all you make it out to be. I priced out a seven night on the GETAWAY, and, yes, I could pick one of the perks, but, by the time I added things like the Ultimate Dining Package, gratuities, charges for access to the deck at the stern, etc., it nearly doubled the price (not quite, but close). Instead I opted to go on REGAL PRINCESS' 10nt repositioning from NYC to Lauderdale; it will actually be cheaper.

[cruzeluver]

We are not loyal to any line, simply for the fact that I do not want the same menus, same rooms, same activities, same ship décor, same everything every time we cruise. Carnival has a good product and we will choose them when it makes sense, while still also cruising with Celebrity and Royal.

 

All lines are constantly evolving to meet the demands of their customers. I don't like the homogenization that has been going on for years now . Just because the other guy does something does not mean the rest have to do like wise. Keep them different so we can enjoy different experiences.

[RaiderFaninNM]

Kathy Lee Gifford, wow have not seen that commercial in YEARS.....:rolleyes:

 

 

Sort of like that silly NCLCommercial from the 80's, on the battle ship...;)

[BallFour4]

Galveston is about forty miles from our driveway; we've sailed on everything Carnival has brought here since the Celebration (ultimate oxymoron) to the Magic for a total of thirty cruises and have two booked. All but six have been on Carnival. Our worst time was a decent vacation. It did take me about a week to quit bouncing after stepping off the Celebration.

 

While the above doesn't make me an expert, I can compare to cruises on Royal and ship tours on MSC and Holland America at the invite of our travel agent. Carnival is in a state of flux, transition, confusion or a combination of the three.

 

The pay as you go plan does keep prices down for passengers like us (56 and 59) that step aboard, drink very little, spend very little and aren't gamblers. It doesn't matter what color I am on my card Carnival doesn't need us frequent cruisers. They need the cost shift from cabin prices to be made up in alcohol, spa treatments, gambling and shore excursions. It's not a one cruise line characteristic.

 

The loyalty program is a mess. The past parties were a crowd filling the theater with those clamoring for drinks. It was living proof that once one gets something for "free" it's tough to take it away. In an attempt to make the party a more elegant affair the change was put in place. The party was the same as before, same video, same officers and crew looking like they'd rather be anywhere but on that little stage under the lights.

 

Carnival would rather have a sea of blue cards buying gold by the inch and twenty dollar watches than those of us with a platinum card or gold card aboard. They appease us with binoculars, chess sets, hats, cups and other items. I'm not so special as to not like those things, but we give them to fellow cruisers with kids. I'm no more special than they are, and love to dine with new cruisers.

 

Royal has created a snobbish elite with the Diamond Lounges, but I cannot tell you if it works or not, our last sailing with them was aboard the Freedom of the Seas. Given the expense and demands of those passengers I might wager they too would love a ship full of cruisers with less than 25 days at sea.

 

The market is saturated, the prices have been at rock bottom for sailings when school is "in" and now it might be headed the other way. Our September sailing is just as expensive as the June one.

 

So; as I sit back down in front of the laptop to finish this rambling I suggest the funnel boys do this.

 

 

• stop blaring the lido deck music from the DJ at 110 decibels
  
• stop making the lido deck a bawdy frat party on sea days
  
• enforce adults only pools and have some adults only hot tubs
  
• bring back some lido deck Caribbean music and dump the hairy chest crap
  
• do something about half the chairs being held with towels on the lido deck
  
• hire comedians that write material versus poor language and little talent
  
• have something to do other than drink after 8:30pm
  
• have a daytime activity on one of the sea days for those that achieve a milestone
  
• ignore all of these and let me aboard!
  

 

I do apologize for the long post. Hope to see you at sea. Let's talk cameras, football, kids, DJ gear, volunteering or just have a Bud Light.

 

.

Edited July 21, 2015 by BallFour4

[HectorAchilleus]

I've sailed RCI, NCL, and MSC. I came back to Carnival each time and will likely not venture away again. Carnival has a good product at a good price. That combo is hard to beat, especially these days. In addition, in my experiences, Carnival has by far the friendliest, most smiling staff. That is huge in my estimation. Carnival doesn't have the largest ships, or the ships with the most bells and whistles. What they do have, as I've already mentioned is the best cruise experience for the money. Many, including myself, don't need ice skating rinks, cavernous mall like interiors, or other bells and whistles to enjoy a cruise. I go for the ocean, the islands, and quality time with my wife. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Even if the three other cruise lines I mentioned were to start matching Carnivals prices on a regular basis, I'd stick with the proven commodity, Carnival.

 

Totally agree! Even though I am not thrilled with their loyalty program, Carnival is a great product at a great price.

[bury me at sea]

I see Carnival evolving, like the cow's tail, just a bit behind other lines.

 

Other than alcohol, cruises used to be all inclusive. Carnival is still closest to being such, but has one foot firmly down the slippery slope. Two dinner specialty options. Yay, more options shout the cheerleaders.

 

Steakhouse entrees for a charge in the MDR. Yay, more options ...

 

A pilot program to charge for some items on the room service menu while simultaneously deleting quite a few previously included selections. A little harder to swallow but still a large chorus of "Yay, more options ... "

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed every Carnival cruise I have taken, but as they evolve in the same non-inclusive manner as other cruiselines I see the moving finger has writ rather than options

 

I guess I am stuck in a different age. The farther Carnival moves away from all-inclusive, the less I am inclined to sail with them.

[Vitamin_Sea]

Well, overall were happy with the Carnival product. Its a good value for the money.

But were not loyal to one cruise line. Its just Carnival has the lowest price at the port we want to depart.

 

Im sure the other lines are nice with there super giant skyscraper like ships with flow rider, ice rinks, bowling and rock walls. But were not doing any of that so why pay extra for it?

 

I see some folks bitch about the pay restaurants. All the cruise lines have them.

They are optional and will never get a dime out of me. I paid for the dining in the price of the cruise. Thats all they get.

 

Despite all the fluff The cruise industry continues to be strong and Carnival Corp as a whole controls the market. With a 48% share of the worldwide passengers.

[jimbo5544]

I see Carnival evolving, like the cow's tail, just a bit behind other lines.

 

Other than alcohol, cruises used to be all inclusive. Carnival is still closest to being such, but has one foot firmly down the slippery slope. Two dinner specialty options. Yay, more options shout the cheerleaders.

 

Steakhouse entrees for a charge in the MDR. Yay, more options ...

 

A pilot program to charge for some items on the room service menu while simultaneously deleting quite a few previously included selections. A little harder to swallow but still a large chorus of "Yay, more options ... "

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed every Carnival cruise I have taken, but as they evolve in the same non-inclusive manner as other cruiselines I see the moving finger has writ rather than options

 

I guess I am stuck in a different age. The farther Carnival moves away from all-inclusive, the less I am inclined to sail with them.

 

I guess the point is that the other cruise lines are moving there faster and potentially dragging Carnival along for the ride.

[bury me at sea]

Yes jimbo, I am afraid so.

 

At the same time I am not oblivious to changing demographics. No cruiseline I have sailed on since my first cruise in 1965 will miss me but nonetheless evolution is sometimes more easily recognized in hindsight.

 

Still may have another Carnival cruise in my future.

[declansdad]

Cheap is not always better.

 

 

NCL may lead in dining variety but certainly not dining quality. Cruised with them once and the food and service was terrible.

 

Having seen any more parties on Carnival than on the other lines we have cruised.

[RumpunchGirl]

Well, I have to say, I can't wait to get back on Carnival after sailing on Royal and soon NCL.

 

My Royal cruise was disappointing as far as the ship, the entertainment and the food. The destination (Australia) was fabulous and I'm so glad I went. But I'm not sure I would sail with them again as I find their prices kind of high and my overall experience on the ship was lacking.

 

I am looking forward to my NCL in less then 6 months. But since I booked thru NCL 13 months ago, so may changes have occured. They have raised their Daily Service Charge twice since January, raised their autogratuity for beverages, specialty dining, etc., from 15% to 18%, and they are making several of their specialty dining venues a la carte. This week's hot topic on the NCL Board is they're shortening the stays at many ports on many different sailings. It's been a little stressful following all the changes!

 

I come over to the Carnival board where things are not so intense. I hope Carnival doesn't implement the types of changes the NCL has. I like Carnival's product and I'm looking forward to my next Carnival cruise!

[Hendricks Clan]

NCL may lead in dining variety but certainly not dining quality. Cruised with them once and the food and service was terrible.

 

Having seen any more parties on Carnival than on the other lines we have cruised.

 

I can say the same about my recent CCL cruises. Give my NCL's over Carnival's any day!