Just back from the Glory-Carnival just isn't for us anymore

[declansdad]

To the OP: Want to try something different? Book MSC Seaside for about 2/3 of a Carnival fare. MSC will match whatever status level you with have on another cruiseline or hotel. Many of their low fares are now AI, so why not experiment?

 

 

I must be looking at the wrong MSC Seaside. I just checked for the same date we have booked in 2020 out of Miami and it is almost twice as much for a balcony cabin on a 7 night cruise as the Carnival 8 night we have booked.

[jimbo5544]

Not even remotely true. I sailed the NCL Escape with a balcony and a drink package for my wife and I for less than we did for a Spa Inside on the Vista and no drink package or anything ..... so no. I also am sailing the brand new Bliss to the Panama Canal next year for 15 days. It's cheaper on the new Bliss including a drink package for my wife and I then it is on any Carnival ship doing the same cruise the same month by $900. Again .... nope. Food on NCL is way better than Carnival and I say this with 2020 Panorama cruise on Carnival booked already for 2020. I'm honest and have no reason to lie and am loyal to no line. On another note, we sailed the new MSC Seaside in April with our kids and nothing but maybe the Vista even comes close to the MSC Seaside which was 30% less. People need to broaden their horizons not just a little but a lot .....

Know you are a NCL fan, we were on the Bliss for the inaugeral weekend in New York. During some of the TA functions on the ship, Andy Stuart said they had raised cruise prices 30% over the last 4 years. From the horses mouth.... without stealing the thread, the observation area (floors 16 and 17 forward) was spectacular. Jersey Boys was excellent and attended by Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. When did Cagney's go to a full a la carte menu? The opportunity to hit cruisers up for extra money on this ship are amazing.

[richfret]

Agree with most of what you wrote: Room Stewards overworked but the extra tips keep them going. Stage shows are disappointing. The computer background is amazing and that helps a bit but it is not a stage show. The entertainment music is loud. Not just loud but too loud. In fact, crazy loud!!!!! Flashing lights are OK for a minute or so - then shut them off. Dining food is fairly good. I agree. Dress code doesn't bother me much. I wear a suit coat on formal nights with a tie. Am toying with the idea of leaving the suit coat home. Still pondering that bold and daring move! Guy Burgers and Blue Iguana never disappointed us. I agree.

 

Have completed 21 cruises and all with Carnival so you can tell I am a Carnival nut. I really enjoy cruising and I think the newer and bigger ships make up for some takeaways. When I compare the Tropicale to new ships, their many new feature make up for some of the disappointments. On the other hand, Carnival needs to know that their are some issues that need fixing.

 

Completed my 2018 cruise in January and have Carnival cruises booked for 2019 and 2020. So will see how things go from there. Get the Military discount and pay for the cruise and cruise expenses with the discounted AARP gift cards. Live in Florida so don't need to fly to the port or rent a hotel. Book a year ahead for the lowest pricing. That makes for a bargain vacation.

 

Carnival!!!! We are still good friends.

[ano]

We have cruised 20+ years and definitely agree with you. Then we heard, try Royal Caribbean, its better. It wasn't. Maybe Princess is better. It wasn't. Maybe Norwegian. Nope, and when they said you couldn't even bring bottled water, that was it for them. Maybe Celebrity. Nope, no better.

 

The one big mistake we made 5-10 years ago was assuming this problem was isolated to just Carnival or Royal Caribbean. It isn't. Sure some have occasional better areas here or there, usually on one or two ships, but its not consistent. Its a shame but mainstream cruising in our view is dead. We are looking at Viking Ocean, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas. I think we will like them, but all and all, they will be VERY different than what Carnival or Royal USED to be like. Those days are gone. I guess its the way of the world, but I still think a cruise line could make a nice business out of being like the "old days." I'm crossing my fingers for Virgin Voyages. Only time will tell.

[KmomChicago]

What an excellent response! We are 34 and 39, and have the same overall thoughts. I've been cruising for about 20 years now, and have seen the differences from then and now. And agree with OP that a lot has gone by the wayside, but:

 

Don't need personalized attention from all the employees (as long as they're not rude and do their job, could care less if they remember my name or go out of their way to say hi). Have never had a problem with even one employee on a cruise, ever.

 

As long as the room is clean, I would consider the steward to be excellent. I don't need a grand introduction and daily conversations.

 

Don't bother with the live shows all that much, cuz there's plenty more to do (go to the marriage game, see the comedians, night club, etc.)

 

Aren't picky about the food (they have so many options to choose from, you can't go hungry!) Even if it's bad, it really makes no difference. We can just go grab something else. Pizza at 2am after a few drinks and socialization, walking around watching the ocean go by...doesn't get better!

 

The un-supervised kids and rudeness/inconsideration of the passengers is the only thing that bothers us. But that's on any of the mass cruiselines that cater to families and "budget" travelers. But, we just shake our heads and move on. Maybe have a laugh at some of the ridiculous behavior and poor parenting. Saw an older man (70s) try to fight another gentleman in the Blue Iguana line one night an the Breeze a couple years ago -- that was interesting

 

Going on the Glory in November...hopefully will enjoy it!

 

ETA: I also don't get the obsession with the Cruise/Entertainment directors? They've never had an impact on our cruise. It's weird to me that some people choose a cruise based on this, or want the Directors (and Maitre'd's for that matter) to personally know them and need to meet and talk with them.

 

Good response and feel the same. I don't miss the cutbacks as most of those were details I barely noticed and instead I see all the additions and enhancements which are more for the modern era and a younger clientele, though my 75 year old dad just had his first cruise ever on Carnival and loved it.

 

Guys, Blue Iguana, better buffets, better kids programs like Towel Animal Theatre and Seuss parade. I never really noticed a cruise director until Carnival where they are very visible and actually do amp up the fun quotient significantly. DH mentioned the difference on RCCL where we only saw the CD a couple times and he was more like a buttoned up manager than than the lead clown.

 

For the price Carnival gives us plenty of value but obviously there are upgraded lines for those who prefer. I do wish Carnival Corp would combine loyalty points across brands so people can benefit from progressing as their age and income increase, eventually ending up on Seabourn.

 

On the other hand I got bored with cruising in general back in the late 90's. I think for some frequent cruisers the novelty wears off after a while and the memories seem better than the current experience.

[Aquahound]

When did Cagney's go to a full a la carte menu? The opportunity to hit cruisers up for extra money on this ship are amazing.

 

NCL went to a la cart with all their specialty restaurants. Their base prices can be very attractive, especially with the UBP, but they make up for it on board. I've been saying for a long time....cruising NCL is like flying Spirit. ;)

[Tatka]

NCL went to a la cart with all their specialty restaurants. Their base prices can be very attractive, especially with the UBP, but they make up for it on board. I've been saying for a long time....cruising NCL is like flying Spirit. ;)

Well, NCL didn't go as far as Spirit. Thankfully

[Tatka]

Good response and feel the same. I don't miss the cutbacks as most of those were details I barely noticed and instead I see all the additions and enhancements which are more for the modern era and a younger clientele, though my 75 year old dad just had his first cruise ever on Carnival and loved it.

 

Guys, Blue Iguana, better buffets, better kids programs like Towel Animal Theatre and Seuss parade. I never really noticed a cruise director until Carnival where they are very visible and actually do amp up the fun quotient significantly. DH mentioned the difference on RCCL where we only saw the CD a couple times and he was more like a buttoned up manager than than the lead clown.

 

For the price Carnival gives us plenty of value but obviously there are upgraded lines for those who prefer. I do wish Carnival Corp would combine loyalty points across brands so people can benefit from progressing as their age and income increase, eventually ending up on Seabourn.

 

On the other hand I got bored with cruising in general back in the late 90's. I think for some frequent cruisers the novelty wears off after a while and the memories seem better than the current experience.

Both RCCL and Carnival have different CDs. Really depends on CDs personality.

[Palmetto Pilot]

Well, NCL didn't go as far as Spirit. Thankfully

Yet!

[Tatka]

Yet!

I sailed with them since 2006 and haven't noticed any changes in that direction. I also see many things that other lines copied from them.

NCL isn't our favorite line by far, but analogy to Spirit is unfounded.

[cruisekitty22]

What's a "blue card?"

[Joebucks]

For the price Carnival gives us plenty of value but obviously there are upgraded lines for those who prefer. I do wish Carnival Corp would combine loyalty points across brands so people can benefit from progressing as their age and income increase, eventually ending up on Seabourn.

 

I can't agree with this enough. Even if it is not a 1 for 1 transfer. If you earn Platinum or Diamond on Carnival, that should be worth at least a second or third tier with some of their other brands.

 

Some people will grow out of Carnival, some people won't. However, give the right perks, you could up-sell a good portion of people. Loyalty programs aren't important to everyone, but to the some people, they are. Imagine having perks that apply to all Carnival brands, that makes it harder for some to stray outside the family.

[Micahs Grandad]

I can't agree with this enough. Even if it is not a 1 for 1 transfer. If you earn Platinum or Diamond on Carnival, that should be worth at least a second or third tier with some of their other brands.

 

Some people will grow out of Carnival, some people won't. However, give the right perks, you could up-sell a good portion of people. Loyalty programs aren't important to everyone, but to the some people, they are. Imagine having perks that apply to all Carnival brands, that makes it harder for some to stray outside the family.

 

We are Diamond with Carnival and came to the conclusion we want to see the world a couple of years ago. Based on the recommendations of some cruising friends we tried Princess and it has become our cruise line of choise.

 

Will still do CCL from time to time but overall we have a better choice of Princess. Would think more would stay within the family if some loyalty perks stayed with you. Having said this do not expect this to ever happen.

[evandbob]

I must be looking at the wrong MSC Seaside. I just checked for the same date we have booked in 2020 out of Miami and it is almost twice as much for a balcony cabin on a 7 night cruise as the Carnival 8 night we have booked.

 

 

Are you comparing the Seaside vs. the Vista or Horizon? Our mid ship fantastico balcony on the Seaside is about $2300 (less 5% for those with the Black Card) this October , taxes & tips and UNLIMITED DRINKS included. My Diamond status from Carnival equates to MSC's top level Black Card, so that brings my fare to $2180. A midship balcony on the Horizon the same month is $2794 early saver, plus the extra for CHEERS( although there is a lower casino fare I could get).

 

I'll admit that while I don't drink alcohol, the free drink package on MSC isn't a deal maker, but for anyone willing to pay for CHEERS, or even have just a few each day, MSC is indeed the way better bargain.

 

Granted these are introductory prices as MSC is trying to break into the Caribbean market. Since you are booking in 2020, I guess you can't benefit from this pricing?

Edited May 8, 2018 by evandbob

[Towel Critter]

Back when MSC first began getting into the Caribbean market - about 2012 or 2013 - we got a buy one cruise, get one cruise free deal. I believe we paid roughly $1600 (plus port taxes) for two guests for a balcony stateroom, mid-ship, for 14 days of cruising. This was on the Poesia, the only ship they had in the Caribbean. I wish there were deals like that in 2018. We're not likely to see anything like that ever again though. :-(

[jimbo5544]

I sailed with them since 2006 and haven't noticed any changes in that direction. I also see many things that other lines copied from them.

NCL isn't our favorite line by far, but analogy to Spirit is unfounded.

 

 

 

Not to derail the thread, but if you have sailed NCL since 2006 and not noticed the drive towards increased revenue thru packages, more and more A la carte restaurants and opportunity to drive revenue at every opportunity then I give up. They openly proclaim this.

 

 

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[Palmetto Pilot]

What's a "blue card?"

The card of shame identifying you as a brand new Carnival cruiser!

[Tatka]

Not to derail the thread, but if you have sailed NCL since 2006 and not noticed the drive towards increased revenue thru packages, more and more A la carte restaurants and opportunity to drive revenue at every opportunity then I give up. They openly proclaim this.

 

 

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It is all additional and not necessary. We don't use additional restaurants and only once out of all our cruises drinking package. You might have a case if they made regular dining unavailable for free or if it gotten bad to the point nobody would use it. But this is not a case. Our food on several last cruises in MDR was better than on previous. Plus there are free additional venues like O'Sheehan's and similar.

All lines added per fee restaurants, not only NCL, why you want to single out NCL?

 

As for other things like internet and such... were they free before? Just because there were packages created doesn't mean you need to use them. Just buy internet by a minute or pay for each additional restaurant separately, or buy every drink without a package.

 

Every line offers you packages, but doesn't mandate you to use them.

[skiingj]

Know you are a NCL fan, we were on the Bliss for the inaugeral weekend in New York. During some of the TA functions on the ship, Andy Stuart said they had raised cruise prices 30% over the last 4 years. From the horses mouth.... without stealing the thread, the observation area (floors 16 and 17 forward) was spectacular. Jersey Boys was excellent and attended by Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. When did Cagney's go to a full a la carte menu? The opportunity to hit cruisers up for extra money on this ship are amazing.

 

Didn't think you could go all that long without a bash. But at least you make money off of Carnival for all the cheerleading you do! Carnival is certainly picking up the pace with cutbacks and nickel and diming.

[Aquahound]

...but analogy to Spirit is unfounded.

 

To you maybe. But my opinion is my opinion. Spirit attracts people with low initial costs, and then hits you with the add-ons. Sure, all mass market lines do this, but not on the level of NCL. Who else charges gratuities on so-called "free" perks? Who else charges a la cart prices in all their restaurants? Who else charges their passengers to eat on their private island (Harvest Cay)? NCL is the front runner on nickel and dime so yes, I do believe the metaphor is founded.

 

I should probably add that I don't hate NCL. I recently cruised Escape and loved it. I'll cruise one of their newer ships any day. But I'm not blind to their business practice.

Edited May 8, 2018 by Aquahound

[jimbo5544]

Didn't think you could go all that long without a bash. But at least you make money off of Carnival for all the cheerleading you do! Carnival is certainly picking up the pace with cutbacks and nickel and diming.

 

 

 

How would I make money off of my comments? Pot calling kettle black on the bashing comments. We can discuss cutbacks and nickel and diming (it’s off topic). Start a thread on this and I will be happy to discuss with you and compare.

 

 

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Edited May 8, 2018 by jimbo5544

[Organized Chaos]

I can't agree with this enough. Even if it is not a 1 for 1 transfer. If you earn Platinum or Diamond on Carnival, that should be worth at least a second or third tier with some of their other brands.

 

Some people will grow out of Carnival, some people won't. However, give the right perks, you could up-sell a good portion of people. Loyalty programs aren't important to everyone, but to the some people, they are. Imagine having perks that apply to all Carnival brands, that makes it harder for some to stray outside the family.

According to an article I read last year interviewing Carnival's chief marketing officer and their new VP of partnership and loyalty, their idea is to link the VIFP program with the loyalty programs from third-party companies that Carnival partners with. The idea is that it's gives people incentive to consider Carnival for their next vacation by rewarding them through their loyalty with their partners. They find that most people become "cruisers" (someone who sticks with it) once they hit their third cruise, so they'd like to do things that attract first and second timers back in order to create new, loyal customers. Makes sense. But, they also want to attract passengers who are loyal to the brand based on the product itself, not just driven by the promise of perks. So one could surmise that they're not too fond of the idea of passengers who cruise just for the perks. That makes sense, too. From a business standpoint, they put a lot of time, effort, and expenses into giving out free stuff just to keep people coming back. They want people to be happy more so because of the product and not so much the freebies. I'm sure some people will say, "Oh sure, cutback on perks!" But if they strive to make a product so good that it keeps people coming back, don't we all benefit from that?

[skiingj]

then I give up. Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Hip hip hurray, please do

[TomAceEsq]

I'm not sure how old you are, but I have a theory that Carnival is gearing themselves towards "younger" cruisers these days. My husband and I fall on that blurred border between GenX and the Millennial generation at just turning 40 this year. (I've seen us referred to as the 'Oregon Trail' generation.) Our 40 looks nothing like our parent's 40. We could not care less about chocolates on our pillows, the live shows, the menus in the MDR as we don't dine there, tablecloths,etc. We want good, strong drinks in the bars, current live music throughout the ship, and an all around party atmosphere. I do not mean for this to be snarky in the least, but maybe look for a line that caters more to an older crowd? Even if you're not "older", maybe that's more to your liking? Just my 2 cents. :)

 

 

 

This. We’re turning 35 this year and I echo your sentiments.

[KmomChicago]

We are Diamond with Carnival and came to the conclusion we want to see the world a couple of years ago. Based on the recommendations of some cruising friends we tried Princess and it has become our cruise line of choise.

 

 

 

Will still do CCL from time to time but overall we have a better choice of Princess. Would think more would stay within the family if some loyalty perks stayed with you. Having said this do not expect this to ever happen.

 

 

 

Why not? It benefits them as much as us.

 

 

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