mfs2k

Add it to the list of expense cutbacks they figure new customers won't notice, because they have nothing to compare to, but those of us who have been Carnival cruisers for many years notice.

Broad generalization.

I'm pretty sure we could come up with the names of dozens of companies whose executives thought they were sitting pretty, raking in the cash, but didn't adapt to a changing market and these companies ultimately declined or failed. Of course, some have gone on and succeeded. I'm not sure what the future holds, nor does anyone, but I clearly witnessed Carnival definitely not providing the level of service they used to (Offhand I can think of a dozen examples after my recent cruise). If that means they will lose some repeat customers such as myself, but gain many new customers willing to settle for a lower quality product, that's ok with me but Im not convinced it's good for the bottom line in the future. Time will tell, right? We all have choices. When I book a hotel, I can choose to pay less for a Comfort Inn, more for a Residence Inn, even more for a Hyatt or Marriott, or a lot more for a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. My point is Carnival seems to be sliding from a 4 star experience to me, down to a 3 1/2 star experience. If that means they're more profitable, good for them. I'll find a 4 star cruise line for my next vacation. I can't afford a 5 star cruise line.

The main difference is one is a point of sale terminal and purchasing a coffee isn't necessarily a "feel good" overall experience like dining out is for many people. As the one who wrote the article, I'm tech savvy. I use Apple Pay on my phone and watch. I am in charge of technology for my hotel. I just think there are service standards which shouldn't be compromised unless you want to be in a fast-service enviornment. Sadly a Carnival dining room meal is becoming a bit too fast-casual for my taste.

I don't see this as anything in your control. All you can do is wait and see. Good Luck

The good news for me is I'm not a shareholder and I dont have to worry about what they do and what other people want. I have a lot of vacation choices, whether it's a cruise or a land based vacation and I can do whatever I like. I didn't like this change on Carnival.

I’m aware. I was thinking of Celebrity Suite and Aqua class guests who have their own dining rooms.

Keep playing. The odds are not in your favor. You’ll give it back. You’re not up because of skill. You’re up because of luck.

You’ve missed the point multiple times. I (note the pronoun) I believe the minimum service standard should be offering a menu and advising the guest they can use the app if they prefer. Not the other way around. If Carnival wants to be like Virgin that’s fine. But the servers on my next cruise will offer this level of service. After 200 posts on this topic I’m determined to seek this out even if I’m restricted to specialty dining or a suite class dining room It matters to me. And im only speaking here for me (and anyone who agrees with me). “Life is service – the one who progresses is the one who gives his fellow men a little more – a little better service.” -Ellsworth M. Statler

I get it but it’s 2025 and time to think about the future. Sailings are sold out at high prices. The execs need to stop being greedy. The cutbacks are unacceptable now.

Then it’s time to restore the cutbacks many don’t like and are noticeable service quality reductions. What happened to all the cocktail servers selling drinks in lounges and at the pools? Bring em back with the dining room servers and stewards who were cut. Surely they can now find staff willing to work. ps. Your analogies are like the difference between an orange.

That’s amusing. I guess I had lousy service if I wanted a menu every night and it wasn’t offered to me by the second or third night I asked for it. They had no trouble remembering what drink I wanted.

In 2009 we had an expression in my business. “We’re not going to cut our way out of the recession.” The solution for cruise lines wasn’t to cut costs which guests saw. The solution was to rebuild revenue.

I applied a gift card to my account at guest services when my cruise started and began with a credit balance. I quickly spent/lost it in the casino.

I’m confused by the scanning. They only wanted to show the menu briefly ? If you didn’t scan it you’re out of luck ? Is it too much to want a damn menu in 2024???