Why keep cruiseing with Carnival??

[Cruisegirl6]

JH2360 I see your a sarcastic person but I explain:

 

I am sorry but we eat healthy, we do not eat hot dogs, hamburgers, processed meats, pizza, low quality meats that are given in the MDR, fried chicken, meatloaf and the list goes on, the majority of food are these types of foods.

 

The Steakhouse that Carnival has is excellent and offers us higher better quality of meats, seafood, poultry and lamb. Great side dishes, better and fresher salads and excellent overall service too! Now if you feel I am a "food snob" sure call me that, you are what you eat as the old saying goes and to each their own. :D

 

Jana60 hello again.....I agree I never had a problem with the bedding, the pillows could be larger but we always ask for extras, I hate the heavy bedding and always ask for just a sheet and regular blanket and never had any problem....the rooms are larger. I also enjoy the comedy shows.

 

Taters I totally agree we HATE NCL, so many negatives so many problems and not a nice staff. We also love the staff and speak to the bartenders as if they our friends which they do become....this year on the Valor I was pleasantly surprised to see one of our bartenders that did remember us and were on two of our past cruises, it was a treat to have him, but we always found them all to be friendly and sociable. We also love seaday brunch, other cruise lines don't offer us that. I would so much choose Princess over HAL for that Baltic cruise trust me!

[BIGA961]

I have pretty much only sailed Carnival, with the exception of a 2 night Bahamas jaunt on the Regal Empress a few years back. Every time I go to book, I will shop the others, but Carnival has always beat the other prices. I'm sure we'll try another when the price is right, but I like Carnival's product too well to go elsewhere just for a change.

[kona_wahine]

Our first cruise was 2010. When I went to book (we had to leave out of pt canaveral-family wedding-made a vacation out of it) we had two options, Royal or Carnival. Carnival was $300 pp less, so we went with carnival. Haven't found a reason to change. But I really would like to try a different line. I was just looking at celebrity week in Bermuda, about $1200 pp, tips and beverage package included. Didn't think that was too bad, left from NJ. Also, when we do Alaska will probably do a land/cruise on a different line, since Carnival doesn't offer that. So far we've just done carribean, and carnival fits the bill nicely.

[Towel Critter]

I don't believe in product loyalty to the degree of being married to a product... "for richer or poorer, for better or worse" and all that. But as long as Carnival continues to offer a good product at a good price, I will continue to sail with them. As others have expressed, Carnival has made some cutbacks that many, including me, are not happy with, but for the moment, they remain the most bang for the buck in the cruise industry (though by an increasingly narrow margin), generally, with the occasional exception. But if and when they cutback to a degree that exceeds other leading lines, or raise prices enough to match, or exceed, other leading lines, I won't hesitate to shop around.

[Who Cares?]

What is the point of being loyal, and keep cruising with Carnival? Over the past 10 years I have been on 8 cruises. The latest one being with the Ecstasy just last week. The multiple "small" cut backs have greatly added up compromising the cruise experience that they once had. From turn down service, to lobster and the smallest paying for a deck a cards that were once free at guest services. And now with F2F, you can buy the perks that a loyal customer receives. Why would one not go to a different cruise line and receive the quality vacation with the newest and greatest that carnival once provided? Has anyone else felt the same, and thinking of being done with Carnival?

 

Because I love the ambiance of the Carnival ships and they are usually the cheapest. And the only thing that they have ever gotten rid of that I care about is the lobster on 5 night cruises or less but I've only sailed 5 nights or less for 3 out of 17 cruises.

Edited November 8, 2015 by Who Cares?

[Donh44]

What is the point of being loyal, and keep cruising with Carnival? Over the past 10 years I have been on 8 cruises. The latest one being with the Ecstasy just last week. The multiple "small" cut backs have greatly added up compromising the cruise experience that they once had. From turn down service, to lobster and the smallest paying for a deck a cards that were once free at guest services. And now with F2F, you can buy the perks that a loyal customer receives. Why would one not go to a different cruise line and receive the quality vacation with the newest and greatest that carnival once provided? Has anyone else felt the same, and thinking of being done with Carnival?

 

Carnival is trying some cutbacks on a select number of ships (Ecstasy being one of them). There is no promise that the limited turndowns are going to be a permanent thing. It is a trial. As far as the decks of cards, I was on the Splendor back in Sept and there was no problem getting decks of cards from GS (for free). They even gave out free pens as well.

[Raxter54]

I have a room for myself and DW that someone else keeps clean, a balcony to watch the world go by, other people to cook my food and serve me, and I have plenty of opportunities to either be entertained or just relax. What's not to like?

[Cruisegirl6]

What are the other two ships?

[SHayesShip]

I refuse to belittle your post because these appear to be real concerns of yours. These are important things to you so they are valid. I have never been loyal to only one cruise line. I will continue to cruise multiple lines and will pick out a cruise line to meet specific needs/wants for that particular cruise. Carnival will continue to be a line I will choose periodically. I just got off the 7 day Valor Western yesterday and had a great cruise. There were a few hiccups but nothing that dampened my cruise. Some food was better than others but my cabin service was top notch and I enjoyed the ports. Lobster was served because this was over 5 days. (BTW - Royal Caribbean has not served lobster on their shorter cruises in years) Several cruise lines have charged for playing cards for years. I am Platinum and the FTTF have to pay to receive some of my amenities. They still don't get free laundry, chocolate surprise formal night and the free gift, Platinum/Diamond party. The FTTF people did not effect my quality onboard at all. When I wanted tender service in Belize I went straight to VIP guest services and was escorted within 5 minutes down to tender. All cruise lines that I have went on have their plusses and minuses. BTW - besides being Platinum with Carnival, I am Elite with Princess and 4 Star Mariner with HAL and only Platinum with Royal.

 

What is the point of being loyal, and keep cruising with Carnival? Over the past 10 years I have been on 8 cruises. The latest one being with the Ecstasy just last week. The multiple "small" cut backs have greatly added up compromising the cruise experience that they once had. From turn down service, to lobster and the smallest paying for a deck a cards that were once free at guest services. And now with F2F, you can buy the perks that a loyal customer receives. Why would one not go to a different cruise line and receive the quality vacation with the newest and greatest that carnival once provided? Has anyone else felt the same, and thinking of being done with Carnival?

__________________

[Tapi]

How does one become such a food snob, err I mean expert?

 

 

I know that the stab was at lyndamr, but I'll chime in. Taste is subjective, but quality is not. The one thing that I always recommend to new cruisers is that they skip the pizza, burgers and fries and other processed crap in favor of new culinary experiences. Most of us don't get to eat chef inspired entrees at fancy restaurants on a regular basis back home, so a cruise provides a perfect and affordable opportunity to give it a shot and do just that; expand our horizons and become food snobs (I mean, experts). And once you're back from your cruise, you don't need a lot of money to continue doing this. Pull up local restaurant guides, see what others are saying and recommending. You can find some great places to try your new found expertise locally and normally at fairly affordably.

 

The downside of that (if it could be considered as such) is that, the more things that someone experiences, the more discerning they become. You get better at telling the difference between quality and quantity, and what's truly a culinary experience versus garbage arranged on a plate to look pretty.

 

So to answer your question, how does one become such a food expert, you do so by allowing yourself to become one. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and be willing to learn. It's really not that hard.

Edited November 8, 2015 by Tapi

[Cruisegirl6]

Hi Tapi, what excellent advice and so true...nice post. :)

[knight2096]

Ecstasy is part of a three ship test that lets you choose if you want your room serviced twice a day or not. Not a cut back.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

It may not be a true cutback yet, but it soon will be. Take a look at the card it does not let you know you can pick both. Cutbacks add up, in a few more years everyone will notice them. That is why it is always good to speak up before it is too late even when it does not effect you.

Edited November 8, 2015 by knight2096

[jh2360]

I know that the stab was at lyndamr, but I'll chime in. Taste is subjective, but quality is not. The one thing that I always recommend to new cruisers is that they skip the pizza, burgers and fries and other processed crap in favor of new culinary experiences. Most of us don't get to eat chef inspired entrees at fancy restaurants on a regular basis back home, so a cruise provides a perfect and affordable opportunity to give it a shot and do just that; expand our horizons and become food snobs (I mean, experts). And once you're back from your cruise, you don't need a lot of money to continue doing this. Pull up local restaurant guides, see what others are saying and recommending. You can find some great places to try your new found expertise locally and normally at fairly affordably.

 

The downside of that (if it could be considered as such) is that, the more things that someone experiences, the more discerning they become. You get better at telling the difference between quality and quantity, and what's truly a culinary experience versus garbage arranged on a plate to look pretty.

 

So to answer your question, how does one become such a food expert, you do so by allowing yourself to become one. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and be willing to learn. It's really not that hard.

 

Your answer to sarcasm is absolutely different than what the OP said. Calling burgers and fries fast food (which you did) is an obvious and correct statement. The way the OP wrote it, they were referring to ALL the food on the ship as fast food style. Big difference.

Edited November 8, 2015 by jh2360

[knight2096]

What is the point of being loyal, and keep cruising with Carnival? Over the past 10 years I have been on 8 cruises. The latest one being with the Ecstasy just last week. The multiple "small" cut backs have greatly added up compromising the cruise experience that they once had. From turn down service, to lobster and the smallest paying for a deck a cards that were once free at guest services. And now with F2F, you can buy the perks that a loyal customer receives. Why would one not go to a different cruise line and receive the quality vacation with the newest and greatest that carnival once provided? Has anyone else felt the same, and thinking of being done with Carnival?

 

Branch out and try another line, they all have something good to offer. Why be loyal to a cruise line that has no loyalty to you. That does not just go for Carnival but all the cruise lines. As long as we have these mindless cheerleaders types that believe their cruise line is the best and can do no wrong (and sadly every line has them) things will continue to dwindle in the cruise industry. Like they say variety is the spice of life, give another line a shot you may like it, you may not.

[Pami1968]

If one of "perks" the OP mentions were important to me, it might affect my loyalty. None of those mentioned are. I have cruised a couple other mainstream lines, and I liked those cruises just as much if not more than my Carnival cruises. Honestly, the two "usually cited" reasons for going back to Carnival more often than other cruiselines are price and I like that I am familiar with the ships and the product and they more than meet my needs.

 

However, the ultimate reason I ALWAYS consider Carnival first is that they earned my loyalty. I had a major medical emergency while onshore during a shore excursion that I booked independently. Not only did Carnival end up providing (what my doctor said later) was exactly the right treatment, but they did it cheerfully, patiently, and ended up not charging me a dime. The cruise director checked on me personally, guest services called my cabin daily, and they even allowed me to order from the MDR menu instead of room service when I couldn't get to any meals.

 

If THAT isn't enough to inspire my loyalty, what is? THAT is true customer service, above and beyond anything I was entitled to, expected, or even dreamed of.

 

Would other cruiselines have provided the same experience for me? I doubt it. I was surprised that Carnival did, but they did.

[cruizinisthebest]

Because I want to. And I'm not opposed to trying other lines. Don't see why I need to justify where I spend my own money to a stranger any further than that.

 

Every line on this website has discussions about cutbacks. Let's not act like Carnival is in a league all its own.

[elliair]

JH2360

 

I am sorry but we eat healthy, we do not eat hot dogs, hamburgers, processed meats, pizza, low quality meats that are given in the MDR, fried chicken, meatloaf and the list goes on, the majority of food are these types of foods.

 

I think the salad bar on both Carnival and Princess are excellent. I find the offerings to be fresh and healthy and I always go for the salad bar first so I don't go overboard on the other stuff. I have found on Princess that they know how to make a hot dog into something I never ever thought of doing. Who knew to slide a hot dog down the center of a meatloaf. I'm pretty sure that hot dog came from the grill out by the pool the day before. The Star Princess as I call it the sausage ship. Never been on a ship that served sausage at every meal cooked, disguised and reinvented as I did on the Star Princess. Princess must have got a heck of a deal on sausage. We won't ever cruise on that ship again.

[Taters]

JH2360 I see your a sarcastic person but I explain:

 

I am sorry but we eat healthy, we do not eat hot dogs, hamburgers, processed meats, pizza, low quality meats that are given in the MDR, fried chicken, meatloaf and the list goes on, the majority of food are these types of foods.

 

 

Taters I totally agree we HATE NCL, so many negatives so many problems and not a nice staff. We also love the staff and speak to the bartenders as if they our friends which they do become....this year on the Valor I was pleasantly surprised to see one of our bartenders that did remember us and were on two of our past cruises, it was a treat to have him, but we always found them all to be friendly and sociable. We also love seaday brunch, other cruise lines don't offer us that. I would so much choose Princess over HAL for that Baltic cruise trust me!

 

Hi lyndamr:

 

We do not eat junk food, either and can usually find fish, poultry and beef dishes that suit us in the MDR. Yes - We do love the steakhouse and go at least once per cruise. We like some of the soups and salads that are offered in the MDR, as well.

 

As far as our Baltic cruise goes, we will have to wait until the itineraries are available around March, to choose. We like both Princess and HAL. They both have their strong points.

 

Cheers!

[S.C.]

So ... 3 minutes after starting this thread OP posted this one on RC board :D

 

Leaving Walmart (Carnival) and going to Royal

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2277957

Edited November 8, 2015 by S.C.

[ImaginationCruiseBride]

We aren't loyal to any brand. We cruise for the ports, so we look to see who has the itinerary we want at the best price. Last May Celebrity offered a deal to Alaska we couldn't beat, so we took Celebrity, we were all set to sail on Princess for Alaska, surprisingly, Carnival was the most expensive Alaskan cruise we were looking at. However, for a quick get away we do the short Mexican cruises on Carnival, because they pretty much give them away, and we are sailing on the Vista for our Mediterranean cruise, because we could find Western Mediterranean cruises and Eastern Mediterranean, but not one that is the best of both except for the Vista, so we chose that one. I guess my point is, if you are completely loyal to one line and only one line, you are limiting yourself to different experiences, and since the loyalty programs on all cruise lines are basically not worth it these days, why bother?

Edited November 8, 2015 by ImaginationCruiseBride

[pcvtmom]

We sail Carnival because the product gives us what we want for a great value. We can cruise more often than we could by sailing the more expensive lines.

[Pyrate13]

We do it because we enjoy Carnival and feel we get value for our money. We don't need fancy food, chocolates, someone to turn down our bed in the evening, free playing cards or many of the other things some call cutbacks.

 

The cruise lines are a business and things change all the time in business, usually to make a profit. Carnival is not the only line doing it. That's what business is about. A business that doesn't turn a profit will eventually be out business. If you are able to cruise chances are you either work for, or own, a business making a profit. Of course you could be independently wealthy or work for the government.:p

 

We have cruised both HAL and Disney, and way back, the now out of business Premier. We still come back to Carnival. Those that are enjoying it will still cruise with them, those that don't are free to choose another line or lines. Personally, it makes no difference to me if you are loyal to any one line and I don't understand why someone would care if I am?

 

Oh well, on we go...

[Tapi]

Last May Celebrity offered a deal to Alaska we couldn't beat, so we took Celebrity, we were all set to sail on Princess for Alaska, surprisingly, Carnival was the most expensive Alaskan cruise we were looking at.

 

 

We had the same experience. Carnival was the most expensive option in Alaska, and for the worst itinerary. Surprisingly, Holland America was the cheapest which is what we selected. It does pay to look beyond one brand.

[Tapi]

Your answer to sarcasm is absolutely different than what the OP said. Calling burgers and fries fast food (which you did) is an obvious and correct statement. The way the OP wrote it, they were referring to ALL the food on the ship as fast food style. Big difference.

 

 

I agree with you. I wouldn't call ALL the food on a Carnival ship "fast food". But there are definitely different levels of quality depending on where and what you eat. Trying different things is the only way to know the difference. [emoji4]

 

I know that your post was meant in a sarcastic way and I'm sorry if I took it on a bit of a tangent. I just wanted to point out in a general way how so many complain about the food on Carnival, yet the lines for pizza, burgers and burritos are never ending. Carnival is delivering more of what their guests want (which seems to be junk food) while scaling down MDR selections or charging extra (specialty restaurants) for the better quality items.

Edited November 8, 2015 by Tapi

[ATL_Miami_Cruiser]

I sail Carnival for low price compared to other lines. I like to cruise 4-5 times a year so getting the best value is important to me, especially when I start cruising solo in 2016

Edited November 9, 2015 by ATL_Miami_Cruiser