Carnival Continues To Cutback

[singbluesilver1]

Those in laws must be loaded

[Drazil65]

I can get an annual pass with Disney for less than the cost of a single person on a 3-4 night cruise. Not inly that, my week long trip to Key Largo cost less than my weeklong cruise....just sayin.

 

A pass is great but you still need to eat etc....We are lucky to live where we can and do drive very easily to most east coast ports so the price of a cruise is a wonderful luxury for us and can do it often.

 

We drive to port (sometimes the morning of), park, unpack once, are on a ship where someone drives us around for 7 days, wake up to many exotic ports, eat what we want, have someone besides myself make my bed, someone brings me drinks, enjoy plenty of activities and shows not to mention the people watching etc....still a good deal no matter how you look at it....:rolleyes:

Edited September 24, 2015 by Drazil65

[GottaLuvCruising]

As soon as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL, Celebrity, etc have a boat full of "Princesses" then people will jump off Disney. In other words....NEVER. If you have little kids who adore the princesses and the mice then you are gonna take them on a Disney cruise. You may only do it once then you either leave the kids with grandma or put them in Camp Carnival for the week. I think a Disney cruise, for the most part, is a one time thing. Then people get back to reality. I'd love to talk to someone who has been on several Disney cruises and have them compare their first to their last. I'll bet things have changed over there too. Oh yeah they also have a monopoly of those mice and princeses.

 

I've sailed Disney Cruise three times, but it's been a few years so I can't address any recent changes. My husband and I would not choose to sail them again traveling alone or with other adults. I would, however, jump at the chance to take my six-year-old granddaughter on a Disney Cruise - hoping for a Florida resident rate when she isn't in school (fat chance!)

[Cruise4Music]

Not sure whether you were agreeing or disagreeing with me. But rereading my post I realize it may have been a bit confusing. I was totally bored on Celebrity. There was nothing to do. Like you, I was wandering the ship in the evening wondering where everyone was.

 

I chose Celebrity over Carnival because I'm not a party person, but I found it completely devoid of any sort of fun atmosphere. I haven't been on Carnival in 15 years but I think we will have a lot more fun. Most fun I ever had on a cruise was on the Caribbean Princess.

 

Agreeing. Carnival is pretty high energy, lots going on even late night.

 

Not everyones cup of tea to be sure.

[zqvol]

:eek: This will be our first cruise with Carnival, so to be honest I don't know what cutbacks are there, but I do know I have read enough to actually put me off the upcoming cruise for my 50th birthday :(

 

it seems there will be practically nothing to do in the afternoons if we do not go off ship and also there will only be pizza after 9:30pm :eek:

 

well its paid and we are going but bet your bottom dollar I will be back on CC with full review and what I think about the value for my money was ;)

 

Cheers :D Wullie

 

Don't be so quick to think that there is nothing to do in the afternoons. There are always things going on, even when you are in port, but honestly most of the things that go on are of little interest to most people and it has been that way for years. it is not anything new and is not unique to Carnival. If you want to be entertained by others 100% of the time then you are picking the wrong type of vacation.

 

As far as food being available, you will discover that there is more food than you can imagine. Carnival ships are geared to Americans. They eat dinner much earlier than Europeans and the fact that there are not a lot of food options available after about 10:30 is not an issue because most of their passengers would not think of eating more than a lite snack that late in the evening.

 

Keep an open mind you will have a great time.

[zqvol]

You've said exactly what I have said on here a number of times, only phrased much better than I. I said you cant expect a 5 star cruise at 3 star prices but people just kept arguing that with Carnival you're not getting 5 star quality. :confused:

 

 

I'm not sure where people ever got the idea that Carnival was supposed to be 5 star or even 3 star quality. It is not now, and it never was. it is a good basic cruise line that is about a 2 star product.

 

If you want five star go to the luxury lines. We sail both CCL and the truly 5 star lines. We pay as much per per person day on Sea Dream Yacht Club as we do for a week on Carnival, and yes the product is that much better and comes with different expectations.

[silvercrikhix]

Obviously there are many valid arguments for both sides of this debate.

Some facts:

1st Carnival Cruise in 2010 in an aft wrap suite for about $1,000 each.

Same cruise now, same cabin, same ship class is now $1,500 - $2,000 each.

THAT'S an increase!

 

The decreases affecting us:

-cutbacks in loyalty program (past guest party)--not a big deal, we don't care for it anyway.

-higher gratuities (insignificant)

-higher drink prices (more than our local bar but in line with city life)

-higher Bon Voyage cabin bottle service (stinks, but is what it is)

 

We have sailed RCI & NCL and they are extremely similar in our opinion.

The only noticeable differences are in the Suite perks, but you DO pay for them, big time.

 

On the other hand, we do frequent the Carnival casinos which has yielded us a free cruise in a balcony and a cheap $400/pp fare in a balcony for New Years Eve on our next cruise...which is now selling at $1500 each.

So there are very good perks for that & we jumped on that, even though we had no intention of taking a cruise this year. Their strategy worked well on us.

We definitely will buy plenty of drinks, shop a bit & may do Steakhouse & a ship sponsored excursion and will undoubtedly visit the casino.

Brilliant marketing on their part. :D LOL

We will spend more than the discount they gave us & are bringing another guest with us, so they have another passenger who will spend money.

 

We like many others in the past 5 years have discovered cruising, like it and continue to do it. Yes, if the prices get to the point of being not where we PERSONALLY feel comfortable, we would quit.

But for now, especially given some great deals, we cruise.

Cruising is a bargain & can't be compared to anything else; sports tickets, Disney Park, an All-Inclusive Resort, etc....not the same product in any way, shape or form.

[Tapi]

:eek: This will be our first cruise with Carnival, so to be honest I don't know what cutbacks are there, but I do know I have read enough to actually put me off the upcoming cruise for my 50th birthday :(

 

 

 

Truly, don't give the negative comments a whole lot of thought. When I sailed on Princess and Holland America for the first time, both times I got spooked by all the "old timers" commenting on the decline of their respective cruise line.

 

I remember starting a thread on the Holland board titled "The first thing that I'll notice when I board a Holland America ship for the first time is..." And some people had some legitimate responses, like the fresh flowers throughout the ship, and the white gloved service, and the classical music ensemble, etc, etc. But others answered with things like the horrible service, or the cheap food, or the awful entertainment, none of which turned out to be true from our perspective. Same thing happened when we sailed on Princess last September (lots of gloom and doom from frequent cruisers which didn't pan out. In fact, that cruise was good enough for us to rate Princess as our current favorite cruise line).

 

So go with an open mind. Take the negative comments for what they are, comments. The things that have disappointed me about Carnival in the past are things that a newcomer will probably never notice.

[Cruise4Music]

Truly, don't give the negative comments a whole lot of thought. When I sailed on Princess and Holland America for the first time, both times I got spooked by all the "old timers" commenting on the decline of their respective cruise line.

 

I remember starting a thread on the Holland board titled "The first thing that I'll notice when I board a Holland America ship for the first time is..." And some people had some legitimate responses, like the fresh flowers throughout the ship, and the white gloved service, and the classical music ensemble, etc, etc. But others answered with things like the horrible service, or the cheap food, or the awful entertainment, none of which turned out to be true from our perspective. Same thing happened when we sailed on Princess last September (lots of gloom and doom from frequent cruisers which didn't pan out. In fact, that cruise was good enough for us to rate Princess as our current favorite cruise line).

 

So go with an open mind. Take the negative comments for what they are, comments. The things that have disappointed me about Carnival in the past are things that a newcomer will probably never notice.

 

I think you can gain some good information about a cruise line from most post good or bad.

 

For example I read "classical music ensemble" and I think this is probably not a line I want to cruise with. Your perspective might not be the same as mine.

 

I wish there were more post that would just tell me what it's like onboard without any opinion. One persons cutback is another persons improvement.

 

Some people like classical music and some like loud rock and roll and there is a cruise line for both of us.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Cruise4Music

[Cruise4Music]

One thing I'm confused about in the ongoing "cutback" threads.

 

People add their cruise history at the end of their post.

 

And I see some that have no Carnival cruises listed for 4, 5 years or longer.

 

I don't understand.

[StolidCruiser]

One thing I'm confused about in the ongoing "cutback" threads.

 

People add their cruise history at the end of their post.

 

And I see some that have no Carnival cruises listed for 4, 5 years or longer.

 

I don't understand.

 

Neither do the rest of us.

[RecoveryDude]

This will be our first cruise with Carnival, so to be honest I don't know what cutbacks are there, but I do know I have read enough to actually put me off the upcoming cruise for my 50th birthday

it seems there will be practically nothing to do in the afternoons if we do not go off ship and also there will only be pizza after 9:30pm

 

well its paid and we are going but bet your bottom dollar I will be back on CC with full review and what I think about the value for my money was

 

Cheers Wullie

 

I agree with the previous poster. Try to have a positive outlook. I've been on many cruises on several lines. I LOVE CRUISING! It remains my FAVORITE way to travel. Even with a few cutbacks ... it's still the best way to travel!

 

Plus, you will have no frame of reference as to what's "different" since you've never cruised before.

 

There is TONS to do in the afternoon, even if you stay on the ship ... but why wouldn't you want to get off the ship? One of the cool things about cruising is that you get transported to exotic locations "for the day" and can get a taste of a different place/culture!!

 

There "is" more to eat after 9:30, lol - sometimes a special buffet ... or at the very least 24 hour complimentary room service (although some things on new room service menus have a nominal charge, there is still plenty you can get for free) - plus, if you "eat correctly" during the day, you will probably still be stuffed every night, lol. There is one think I NEVER worry about on a cruise, and that's "will I get enough to eat" LOL - there's plenty of food always.

 

My prediction: You will have one of the BEST vacations you have ever had! Please come back to this threat and quote me when you get home to let me know if I was right :):)

[Viesczy]

One thing I'm confused about in the ongoing "cutback" threads.

 

People add their cruise history at the end of their post.

 

And I see some that have no Carnival cruises listed for 4, 5 years or longer.

 

I don't understand.

 

Here's what you need to understand... empty barrels make the most noise! :D

 

Folks that are all, "I could get this for only $1 back in whenever."

 

Typically when folks have no real argument beyond they just want to whine, they simply give you the date/time.

 

:D

Edited September 24, 2015 by Viesczy

[Surfwench]

Not out West. Disney passports are $300, $550 or $780 per person. Only the most expensive includes parking. Only high season cruises are more than the cheapest cruise and Disney doesn't include food.

 

Florida residents can frequently purchase a year's pass for the price of a single day visit. :)

[TheThinker]

Oh Jeez :eek:

 

I think I better explain :p I have done a cruise before with Thomson and I am doing another next year with Thomson,, I was merely stating that I have never been with Carnival so I do not know what to expect, but I do always go with an open mind and I always make the best of times if I can,, Its just that I have read some pretty bad remarks:(

 

I also understand that the world economy is in tatters as my shares are dropping every day :eek: BUT they will pick back up im sure about that :cool:

 

I will take all the posts into consideration and I will always drink from a half full glass.

 

Cheers :D Wullie

[linbobky]

Florida residents can frequently purchase a year's pass for the price of a single day visit. :)

 

my cousin who lives in tampa says bull!

[Cruiseathoning]

the fact is that Carnival is doing gangbusters, so the free and easy, see a show, play a game, watch a comedian smorgasbord of entertainment is clearly working. Bookings are strong, satisfaction is high, and though there are plenty of negative reviews to be found, the people on the ship with me were 99 percent huggy smiley happy. The other times they were embarking, debarking.

 

Carnival either makes trims, or pricing goes up. They are staying competitive in my view when you figure my Wife and I can hit up an inside stateroom, drive, park, and get a hotel for about $1500 for a week. Aside from Branson, MO, I do not know any other vacation option that gets close to that. Sure excursions cost some, if you go that route, most times we just go to one port.

 

The rest of the time we party, and "re-connect." We laugh, drink, play games, eat from an amazing selection at lunch, and make friends. Works for me, SO LONG as I can escape smoking.

 

Sail often.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Cruiseathoning

[RuthlessBoss]

Florida residents can frequently purchase a year's pass for the price of a single day visit. :)

 

For Disney? No way in H....:eek:

[esdoorn]

Some folks would be really left wondering if they ever travelled to Cuba and stayed at a 5 star or 3 star all-inclusive resort. I can tell you first hand, a carnival cruise compared to a Cuban 5 star or 3 star resort doesn't even compare.

 

Be thankful that at minimum you have decent food, clean bed, clean room, clean utensils and dishes!

[alreadypacked]

I think you can gain some good information about a cruise line from most post good or bad.

 

For example I read "classical music ensemble" and I think this is probably not a line I want to cruise with. Your perspective might not be the same as mine.

 

I wish there were more post that would just tell me what it's like onboard without any opinion. One persons cutback is another persons improvement.

Some people like classical music and some like loud rock and roll and there is a cruise line for both of us.

 

Good post.

 

Had to say, though, that music preference is often eclectic.

 

Love me some Rachmaninoff, Bon Jovi, Mozart, Queen, Mussorgsky, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Rimsky-Korsakov, Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Creed, Donna Summer, Aaron Copland, Andrea Bocelli and many more!

 

Would love a line where I could experience them all!

 

Love the food on Celebrity and Princess (ages ago Carnival's food was just as good), shows on Royal and Celebrity, cabins on Carnival, and the nightlife on Carnival--especially the sing-a-long piano bar (when the performer is good!).

 

Have experienced cutbacks on all lines that I have sailed, but Carnival's seem the most egregious. Perhaps because I've sailed them the most over the years.

[OceanDreams]

Bumping it up .... interesting to read.

[OceanDreams]

wrong post

Edited September 26, 2015 by OceanDreams

[GottaLuvCruising]

For example I read "classical music ensemble" and I think this is probably not a line I want to cruise with. Your perspective might not be the same as mine.

 

 

My thoughts exactly. I felt the same when I read "white gloved service." I want casual and fun.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Supply and demand. Thats what its all based on. I've been looking at a particular condo on the beach for a week. The longer I have waited to book it the more it went up. Its now $120. more for the same week I've been looking at for a month now. Now what do you think made the price go up? Maybe taxes went up, maybe they had to buy new furniture or appliances or who knows whatever. OR maybe the condo complex is booking up that week. They have a right to charge what ever they want for what ever reason they want. I equate the condo owner to Carnival Cruise Line. Charge what the market will bear.

 

Personally I would rather cruise in a suite for a week and have all my meals prepared for me and someone make up my room twice a day and have talented people entertain me every night but my husband wants a do nothing beach vacation. We will either cook all our own meals or eat out, regardless we will be paying for the food. I'll have to tidy up the place, do dishes and a few loads of towels during the week. That sounds like fun. We will more than likely have to get in the car and drive for some sort of entertainment so that means someone won't have but one drink that night. I could go on but I won't. You get the idea of my comparison of a weeks condo rental and a week on a cruise ship.

 

Cruise ship is by far the best bargain. My hubby won out this time but I don't think it will happen again when I show him how much it ends up costing us.

 

Come on now. That vast majority of your fellow pax that entertain you nightly are not very talented.:eek:

 

Bill

[deborahjo]

We just returned from a Princess Alaskan cruise. Yes Alaska is higher priced but Princess is extremely higher priced then Carnival. Then why did we sail on Princess? Because she does Alaska so well. The cruise was great and we had a wonderful time. But back to Carnival for us.

 

Why you might ask. We found we missed the younger crowd, the live music and just the vib on a Carnival ship. (age at least 60 to 70 years old on Princess)

 

We are returning to Carnival to sail on the Conquest to do our 2nd family cruise. No kids. Well my son but he is 29 and his friend. The rest of us are over 50. We sat comparing cruises on the different lines and ports and we could not find a better price for the 10 of us then Carnival over all.

 

We have found thru the years Carnival has always had the value that we have sought plus the places we wanted to visit. Yes we have seen some decline thru the years but not anything to make us say no to Carnival ever again.

 

We have thought about doing a couple of days at Disney before this cruise but at $100 a day per person they are crazy. We will find other things to do.

Edited September 26, 2015 by deborahjo