Has Carnival Given Up on Adults?

[DirtyDawg]

Has Carnival Given Up on Adults?

 

Is this true?

 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make it true.(yn)

 

We've been looking for a cheap cruise line where we could dump the kids off for a week. Then Mrs. Dawg and I could spend a quiet, relaxing week on Celebrity!

 

If its true whichever Exec. at Carnival thought of this is a genius!

:D

[Computer Nerd]

All of that is fine, I sail Carnival a lot and think the Vista is the best yet. I do understand your point just look at a it a bit differently.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

I have to disagree. I still prefer the Conquest class the best (haven't sailed the Dream class....yet). Almost the same amount of deck space with about a thousand fewer passengers than the Vista. It was noticeable that lines were longer for everything on the Vista.

[StolidCruiser]

Simple answer: They're doing what Corporations are pledged to do - Maximize Profits in every legal way possible. And they should. They have the perfect setup to determine who they are making a lot of money on and who they aren't (your sign'n'sail account). I'm sure that any analysis would reveal that PLATINUMS and DIAMONDS aren't their lion's share of profits. Of course, I'm generalizing, but analysis controls that.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, there's a good chance you've figured out a way (the internet) to get your excursions at half price with very limited chance of missing the ship.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you more than likely don't go over board on the ship photos (digital cameras have pretty much shut down that standard cruise ship source of revenue).

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you have either managed a way to get booze on board or wisely do your heavy drinking in the ports ($1 Sol beer in Los Cabos, e.g.).:D

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you are most likely aware that a casino at sea in international waters under a foreign flag makes you a sitting duck without the benefit of a gaming commission like the NGC (Nevada Gaming Commission) for example, overseeing the operators of that casino.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you usually just smile amusingly at the "duty free shops" on board, especially the Gold by the Inch.

 

You do, however, attend the art auction for the FREE wine, attend the PLATINUM plus party and slam and cram as many FREE drinks as you can in an hour or so. You do complain about the way things used to be . . . tablecloths, full orchestras for the Carnival dancers. But, now cheaper menus, no Baked Alaskan congo line, no Cherries Jubilee prepared at your table, no twice a day room service, escalating tip charges, guests talent shows providing the entertainment and, now, kids in the adult pools.

 

Carnival wants you to move on. They have whole fleets of upgraded cruise lines ready to serve you. They need newbies with children to jam their ships, almost doubling the take on a cabin, spending on everything like drunken sailors and buying into every idea they can come up with.:rolleyes:

 

The only thing us bitchin' ole timers CONVENIENTLY forget at these times, is that we are paying the same thing for our cabin today that we did 30 years ago ! :halo:

 

SPOT ON!!

 

This post needs framed and put on the cabin door of every PlatPlus guest.

 

It also needs to be quoted here, verbatim and in full, for maximum effect and reminder to those who conveniently forget who is really in charge.

[Computer Nerd]

Have people forgotten, so easily, what it means to be a child and how "hard" it is to be a parent of said children.

 

Being a child when I grew up with my mother meant getting an ass-whooping (not some little love tap) in public if i didn't immediately apologize for some public faux pas such as splashing a stranger, hitting a stranger with a ball by accident, running in a public area, or being a nuisance in general to other people. The problem is parents no longer acting like parents so therefore their kids know no limits or boundaries. They think they can play in a public pool as if they were in their own private bedroom or backyard.

[Computer Nerd]

I doubt you, and those who agree with you on this matter, will take it lightly if Carnival takes something away that you found to be a significant part of your cruising experience.

 

So true. Could you imagine the uproar if Carnival decided to demolish Camp Carnival and turn the area into something "family friendly" to be enjoyed by all? :evilsmile:

[Computer Nerd]

IMHO if I wanted to cruise a ship with less children, then there are more lines that cater to that including multiple ones under Carnival's Corporate umbrella such as Princess and HAL

 

Until the point in time comes (if ever) that perks are shared across the Carnival umbrella like they are under the RCCL umbrella, there is no point is staying under the Carnival umbrella.

[jimbo5544]

Until the point in time comes (if ever) that perks are shared across the Carnival umbrella like they are under the RCCL umbrella, there is no point is staying under the Carnival umbrella.

 

 

There will never be the same across the much bigger, significantly different Carnival family than 2 lines, basically the same that Royal has. Just way to many difference to overcome. CC would be in a total uproar if they normalized all Carnival lines.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[BoDidly]

How ironic . . . I'm leaving Monday on the INSPIRATION out of Long Beach on a 4-day Catalina, Ensenada, Mexico cruise - Oceanview $712 for everything (even taking my ex wife :D )

Gary your doing quite a few things with the ex wife these days :D

:hearteyes::hearteyes: Wedding bells R Us :* is calling you :loudcry:

[Computer Nerd]

There will never be the same across the much bigger, significantly different Carnival family than 2 lines, basically the same that Royal has. Just way to many difference to overcome. CC would be in a total uproar if they normalized all Carnival lines.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Oh, I understand and fully agree. I was simply stating going from Carnival to Princess is no different than going from Carnival to Regent, status wise, so no need to worry about staying the the CCL family when choosing a different cruise line.

[Organized Chaos]

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, there's a good chance you've figured out a way (the internet) to get your excursions at half price with very limited chance of missing the ship.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you more than likely don't go over board on the ship photos (digital cameras have pretty much shut down that standard cruise ship source of revenue).

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you have either managed a way to get booze on board or wisely do your heavy drinking in the ports ($1 Sol beer in Los Cabos, e.g.).:D

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you are most likely aware that a casino at sea in international waters under a foreign flag makes you a sitting duck without the benefit of a gaming commission like the NGC (Nevada Gaming Commission) for example, overseeing the operators of that casino.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you usually just smile amusingly at the "duty free shops" on board, especially the Gold by the Inch.

 

You do, however, attend the art auction for the FREE wine

It doesn't take the almighty platinum/diamond to know any of this. All it takes is a watchful consumer, or even just a frugal one, who cares where their money is going and takes the time to do a little research on their vacations. As a lowly little BLUE, I knew all but maybe one or two of those things. Now as an ever-so-slightly less lowly RED who recently booked our second cruise (so we haven't taken our first official red cruise yet), I've been doing even more research and now know about the things on your list that I didn't know before. With the exception of the casino thing, but I don't care enough to research it much because the casino's not my thing. I know you've been doing it longer, have been on more cruises and more ships, and you've earned the experience that comes with that, but with just a little effort, there's a lot to cruising, especially when cruising a single cruise line, that's easy to get a handle on in a short period of time. I understand you were pointing out the ways that platinum or higher find to save money and are, therefore, not Carnival's "lion's share of profits," but it comes off as being smug. I'm simply pointing out that it doesn't take multiple cruises over many years to learn how to save on a cruise. I believe many newcomers, reds, and golds do the same thing simply because they're mindful consumers.

[drgonzogoo]

The things I read here, the people I encounter on a daily basis and the horrible way some people act when they are on vacation sometimes make me want to give up on adults.:o

[cruizinisthebest]

The things I read here, the people I encounter on a daily basis and the horrible way some people act when they are on vacation sometimes make me want to give up on adults.:o

People go too far online. Usually by now I bow out of these threads that go on and on precisely because folks just can't be polite and take it to the extreme.

 

Onboard I find that people are alot nicer. Nobody has ever been mean to my kids or made them feel unwelcome. And while I certainly certainly understand

kids do that are annoying, it works both ways. I happen to think Carnival has made a few missteps in changes to their policies that are of benefit to kids. Never will agree with small children being in the steakhouse or providing a kids menu. I also see no point in changing the aft pools to include kids. However, I also don't agree with sweeping indictments of kids for being kids when people know good and well adults are also given to bad behavior and rudeness. And they know better.

 

Don't give up on adults. Just learn when to bow out of conversations online when they go around in circles. The onboard experience is far better than painted here. And whether kids or adults, I've never seen a ton of bad behavior. People aren't perfect. I don't focus on it.

 

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[Djptcp]

DH and I feel that Carnival is trying to be Disney, although even Disney has adults only things. At least that's what we hear - couldn't pay us to ever take a Disney cruise. Next, Carnival will take out the casinos as Disney doesn't have any. Yes, we don't have kids by choice and always try to cruise when we think the least amount of kids will be on board. We are retired and have the ability to cruise whenever we want to. We are incensed that the adults only pools on Carnival are now family-friendly. It's not the kids' faults when their parents let them misbehave; not all the kids are like this, but it seems more and more the indulged and entitled ones are the ones we see on cruises. We live in Florida and Carnival has always had the best prices, but we are sailing more on Holland America because there are so many fewer kids. It's all about money and families obviously bring in more money than couples. Meanwhile, loyal Carnival cruisers (27 Carnival cruises and the 28th coming up next month) and Platinums like ourselves are being inundated with Dr. Seuss stuff and no adults only pools.

[d12j28]

DH and I feel that Carnival is trying to be Disney, although even Disney has adults only things. At least that's what we hear - couldn't pay us to ever take a Disney cruise. Next, Carnival will take out the casinos as Disney doesn't have any. Yes, we don't have kids by choice and always try to cruise when we think the least amount of kids will be on board. We are retired and have the ability to cruise whenever we want to. We are incensed that the adults only pools on Carnival are now family-friendly. It's not the kids' faults when their parents let them misbehave; not all the kids are like this, but it seems more and more the indulged and entitled ones are the ones we see on cruises. We live in Florida and Carnival has always had the best prices, but we are sailing more on Holland America because there are so many fewer kids. It's all about money and families obviously bring in more money than couples. Meanwhile, loyal Carnival cruisers (27 Carnival cruises and the 28th coming up next month) and Platinums like ourselves are being inundated with Dr. Seuss stuff and no adults only pools.

Carnival won't take the casino's out. They make to much money with it. Even giving gamblers free cruises they make out.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Forums mobile app

[sprint180]

So many things have changed in my lifetime. At one point men worked 10 hours per day to put food on the table for their families, leaving them little time to be a Father or to have fun with their children. Women, who didn't work outside the home to make ends meet were slaves to their homes....no dishwashers, dryers, convenience foods, rapid cooking methods. Parents had children while they were little more than children themselves...no extra money for vacations as families. Vacations were reserved to that time in adult lives when children had gone, more money was available in the kitty...so things were geared to adults.

 

Now, as we jump ahead 50 years...the advent of birth control allowed couples to have their families a bit later when they could, actually, afford them. Women can choose to work as they aren't slaves to full time cooking and cleaning. So, with that, has come the ability of families to vacation as families. To share activities and to give their children "time" (a precious gift).

 

Cruising, in today's world has become a family activity (not something reserved just for those who have reached a certain age and a certain financial position). Parents and grandparents choose to travel with their children and they want their offspring to enjoy a vacation that at one time was beyond the financial means of many. Carnival, it seems, has chosen to embrace that market and to create a life long patronage among those individuals....creating an ever growing number of passengers.

 

Sure its a hard pill to swallow for people who like vacations that are geared to adults...but, since their are other lines under the Carnival umbrella that do cater to the "adult" set it seems to be a business decision that is working well for Carnival. I have acquaintances, all the time, who regale me with wonderful stories of their extended family cruises and how assorted siblings and cousins can't stop talking about the fun and enjoyment they had being together as a group and loving the ship and its activities and their ports of call. All at a price that many families can afford since its cheaper than a Disney adventure complete with hotels and transportation and food and amusement park fees.

 

There really are many choices for adults in the cruising world, not so many affordable options for families on a tighter budget. My hat is off to Carnival for filling that niche.

 

Amen. I wasn't on a vacation until I was out of high school. I want my kids to get to see places and enjoy things I didn't get to. Unfortunately we never went on our first until my oldest was out of High School also. We have been on 3 cruises as a family and I am glad Carnival tapped into that market and allows us to spend this time together.

[Cyber Kat]

Yes it absolutely does and there's nothing personal about it, it's business. When I book a cruise I always look at the prices for other cruise lines. Not because I'm upset with Carnival but because I do want to try other cruise lines and if I find one offering the same cruise as Carnival for the same money I'd book it in a heart beat. Only I never have found that. The competition is always hundreds upon hundreds more.

 

While price is in the equation, it's not the first thing I consider. I look at a number of factors - size of the ship, where it' leaves from, what ports it's going to, what I'm getting for my money, etc, If a better experience and options I want costs more money, and I can afford - I'm going with the better experience every time.

[sparks1093]

While price is in the equation, it's not the first thing I consider. I look at a number of factors - size of the ship, where it' leaves from, what ports it's going to, what I'm getting for my money, etc, If a better experience and options I want costs more money, and I can afford - I'm going with the better experience every time.

 

"Better experience" is a very subjective criteria. From all that I've read the mainstream lines share more in common than they have significant differences. Food might be a little better on another line. Décor might be a little better. Cabin amenities might be a little better. Shows the same thing. I'm personally (just me) not willing to spend hundreds more for "a little better", not when I'm satisfied with what Carnival offers.

[tidecat]

One thing - Carnival does not try to market to Solo or Single travelers at all and this push on a focus on families with Children focuses on that. Many lines are starting to have solo groups or solo cabins, Carnival still has such a high single supplement that it deters single/solo cruisers away from carnival even tho most of those have more disposable income to spend while vacationing. So maybe Carnival hasn't given up on adults but they have clearly done that for one group.

 

 

I can cruise Carnival with an ocean view or balcony-even paying single supplement-cheaper than I can for a studio (with no outside view) on Norwegian.

 

 

Sent from my eye phone using Forums FFS

[Badfinger]

As a recently platinum Carnival fan, I'm starting to get concerned... What used to be a cruise line targeted mostly to young(ish) couples (like my wife and I), singles, and groups looking for good old Adult fun (sunning, soaking, socializing, drinking, gambling, exploring, you know - cruising!) seems to have been hijacked by young families with children turning the ships into daycare-at-sea.

No more adult pools, no enforcement of age limits on hot tubs, waterparks where additional pools used to be, Dr. Seuss taking over everything, My Little Pony, Transformers, IMAX theaters instead of Grand Atriums, ...etc, etc, etc.

What attention have Adults gotten lately? A very, very limited number of Havana cabins (awesome, but good luck booking one). What's happened to our favorite cruise line? Will they open up their rewards to other brands that haven't gone so kid-centric?

 

What attention?

 

Every Bar

Casino

Adult Only Comedy

Cloud 9 Spa

Serenity Area.

 

Yeah you nailed it...adults are absolutely neglected.

[Computer Nerd]

While price is in the equation, it's not the first thing I consider. I look at a number of factors - size of the ship, where it' leaves from, what ports it's going to, what I'm getting for my money, etc, If a better experience and options I want costs more money, and I can afford - I'm going with the better experience every time.

 

Not everyone has that option available to them. Also, the "better experience" is different from person to person. And some of us prefer many things on Carnival than what RCCL or Princess provides which quite often makes Carnival the best cruise choice as well as being the least expensive.

[Neotericisis]

Simple answer: They're doing what Corporations are pledged to do - Maximize Profits in every legal way possible. And they should. They have the perfect setup to determine who they are making a lot of money on and who they aren't (your sign'n'sail account). I'm sure that any analysis would reveal that PLATINUMS and DIAMONDS aren't their lion's share of profits. Of course, I'm generalizing, but analysis controls that.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, there's a good chance you've figured out a way (the internet) to get your excursions at half price with very limited chance of missing the ship.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you more than likely don't go over board on the ship photos (digital cameras have pretty much shut down that standard cruise ship source of revenue).

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you have either managed a way to get booze on board or wisely do your heavy drinking in the ports ($1 Sol beer in Los Cabos, e.g.).:D

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you are most likely aware that a casino at sea in international waters under a foreign flag makes you a sitting duck without the benefit of a gaming commission like the NGC (Nevada Gaming Commission) for example, overseeing the operators of that casino.

 

If you're a PLATINUM or higher, you usually just smile amusingly at the "duty free shops" on board, especially the Gold by the Inch.

 

You do, however, attend the art auction for the FREE wine, attend the PLATINUM plus party and slam and cram as many FREE drinks as you can in an hour or so. You do complain about the way things used to be . . . tablecloths, full orchestras for the Carnival dancers. But, now cheaper menus, no Baked Alaskan congo line, no Cherries Jubilee prepared at your table, no twice a day room service, escalating tip charges, guests talent shows providing the entertainment and, now, kids in the adult pools.

 

Carnival wants you to move on. They have whole fleets of upgraded cruise lines ready to serve you. They need newbies with children to jam their ships, almost doubling the take on a cabin, spending on everything like drunken sailors and buying into every idea they can come up with.:rolleyes:

 

The only thing us bitchin' ole timers CONVENIENTLY forget at these times, is that we are paying the same thing for our cabin today that we did 30 years ago ! :halo:

 

You've really put some perspective on Platinum and Diamond status. You are so right, Princess and HAL would cure a lot of the woes of the good ole days (not all, but a lot). If only Carnival would cross honor status, or perhaps even let people trade in towards a status above newbie on Princess or HAL since those cruises are generally more money ( Ie: Carnival's Platinum equating to Princess' mid level).

 

We are a young couple with 2 kids, plus I like the "fun" events like the hairy chest contest, so I'm looking into taking my complaining butt to RCI (plus RCI leaves out of our closests port- right here in NJ!). I'll probably still show Carnival love, but switching it up is good.

[Neotericisis]

Not everyone has that option available to them. Also, the "better experience" is different from person to person. And some of us prefer many things on Carnival than what RCCL or Princess provides which quite often makes Carnival the best cruise choice as well as being the least expensive.

 

This is a good point as well. I'm the kind of adult that wants to join the conga line, so certain lines won't cater to my likes when cruising. I mentioned above that I don't see me liking Princess, and especially not HAL. Although I must admit, that new Celebrity Edge is tempting for a relaxing adults only vacation.

[firemanbobswife]

This is a good point as well. I'm the kind of adult that wants to join the conga line, so certain lines won't cater to my likes when cruising. I mentioned above that I don't see me liking Princess, and especially not HAL. Although I must admit, that new Celebrity Edge is tempting for a relaxing adults only vacation.

 

Go for it! I'm already booked on Edge and can't wait!

[Cyber Kat]

"Better experience" is a very subjective criteria. From all that I've read the mainstream lines share more in common than they have significant differences. Food might be a little better on another line. Décor might be a little better. Cabin amenities might be a little better. Shows the same thing. I'm personally (just me) not willing to spend hundreds more for "a little better", not when I'm satisfied with what Carnival offers.

 

 

I'm not talking about any of the "main stream" lines. We are looking at what I would call boutique lines.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Cyber Kat]

Not everyone has that option available to them. Also, the "better experience" is different from person to person. And some of us prefer many things on Carnival than what RCCL or Princess provides which quite often makes Carnival the best cruise choice as well as being the least expensive.

 

 

I'm not talking for everyone. I'm only talking for myself. Nor am I talking about RCCL or Princess. Nor am I looking for the least expensive.

 

Some people have commented that others will complain but won't walk away. For me that's not the case. I rarely say "never" so I'm not going to say I will never cruise on Carnival again. If I'm looking for something quick & cheap and close to home I might.

 

But for the most part we will be sailing with Viking Ocean if their ocean cruises prove to be as wonderful as their river cruises. That's MY better experience and I'm willing and able to pay for it

 

If someone else can't or won't, then they're options are limited, but I doubt they will get Carnival to reverse their decision. They might though - you never know.

 

Happy sails wherever they take you!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums