Short Caribbean cruises not selling

[fac429]

We're from California, and we just did a 4 night cruise on Reflection (which was great).  But it was interesting how many people seemed puzzled by what we did.  "You flew out here just for this?"  Well, yeah.  Did a couple of things in Miami as well, but the cruise was definitely the main reason we went.  I didn't think it was that strange.  Then again, we were able to fly using air miles so maybe it didn't feel like that big of a deal.

[Cap_D]

Isn't this the wettest, warmest, and most humid time of year for these itineraries?  That's a good reason to skip. 

Edited Thursday at 04:47 PM by Cap_D

[Straughn]

On 6/25/2024 at 4:05 PM, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

The top passenger markets for Caribbean cruises leaving from Florida have always been pretty much Tampa south plus New York. I haven't seen data to back it up, but I suspect the Port Canaveral winter sailings will be full of drivable Central FL retirees. 

You are spot on with the Celebrity PC cruise demographic. My TA has a large group going on one of the January Equinox sailings. We live about 2-2 1/2 hours from Port Canaveral. Most of the group is retired and many live in an over 55 community. I am doing a B2B on that cruise and the one right after. The Florida resident rate, especially as a solo, was unbelievable.  Add to that, we can drive down that morning, so no hotel expense the night before, just the cost of parking. 
 

I have friends who live in The Villages in central Florida. She was telling me that there are so many different group cruises to choose from in their area that it is all most impossible to figure out which one to book. 

[rmalbers]

I didn't closely read all the comments but: X has added a LOT of cabins over the last several years and they need to fill them with a category that they really didn't have a lot of before, the shorter cruises    X is just filling a void with the cabins they've added.

[phoenix_dream]

On 6/27/2024 at 1:27 PM, rmalbers said:

I didn't closely read all the comments but: X has added a LOT of cabins over the last several years and they need to fill them with a category that they really didn't have a lot of before, the shorter cruises    X is just filling a void with the cabins they've added.

IMHO if they really want to fill cabins, adding some more 10+ nights to their Caribbean sailings would certainly do the trick.  But I imagine those cruises don't generate as much income per passenger which is why I suspect they will never again go that route unfortunately

[shandryl]

On 6/26/2024 at 7:13 AM, Georgia_Peaches said:

Carnival would have to pay me....A LOT to short cruise with them ever again.  Hubby and I did a short cruise on the Fantasy almost 20 years ago to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.  It was a 4 night jaunt to the Bahamas out of Jacksonville.  It was convenient both for driving and it fit my work schedule over thanksgiving.  HOWEVER, our only escape from the mayhem was the topless sun deck where most had no business being topless...the other option was the casino, which was fun but alive with not one, not two, but three different very public domestic disputes.  We still riminess about it to this day...so there's that.  Thanks for the memories, Carnival!

I hear you! My very first cruise 20 plus years ago (that's when the addiction set in) was on the Carnival Victory. It was a 7 day western Caribbean cruise.  I had fun.... but too much 💩 going on that did not need to be there. just way too much. Like you say Carnival would have to pay me....A LOT. 😁

[shandryl]

On 6/26/2024 at 4:08 PM, keesar said:

Then why do they carry so many caskets on board? 

At port I have seen the van/truck/hearse sometimes an ambulance pick up (you know cruise passengers) Its done out of site and very quietly. The ship's staff/reception said it happens all the time. I was down at the ships doctor's waiting room and she caught me googling one of the Officers 😍  I may be older/ish but I am not dead. LOL

Edited Saturday at 02:17 AM by shandryl