living at the beach

went solo for 14 day Breakaway to Southern Caribbean January 31st; upsell from $!740 studio with $1000 led to total cabin cost of $2740 including Haven and spa privileges. Cabin regularly sells for $8000 plus:

I was on the Breakaway January 31st 14 day in a Haven Spa suite as an upsell from a solo studio cabin. It was a wonderful experience but still after adding up everything, not great comparing to other vacations that I have had.In particular, I want to make a point of comparison from my two Breakaway cruises last year.

I was looking forward to trying a pot pie at O ' Sheahans and also wanted to try their prime ribs special that had been available at least once on my previous January Breakaway 12 day cruise. Unfortunately they were gone. The shepards pie that I tried instead was dreadful. Just one example of the changes since last year in the decrease of amenities unfortunately paired with significant increases in costs in many areas.

Just sayin, although I had a great time, but with the extra charges for basic wine and cocktails, plus the extra mandatory gratuity of charges of 18%, even when dealing with a delivery of basic level wine to cabin resulting in a $42 dollar charge for the least expensive bottle of wine even though you would open it up and serve yourselves the beverages plus all alcoholic beverages including the cheapest mixed drinks and house wines adding up to $12.00 talk to dealers, when I booked the ultimate drink package wasn't offered led me to re think the final charges with other more luxurious lines that have a higher initial price but. Include some of these things that NCL is now charging a for and especially since those who are not in the Haven have to be crowded like sardines in public area, basic restaurants, and tiny pools for the amount of passengers, is making me come to these conclusions:

1. I am so glad that I was happy to be at a point in my career when my daughters had finished their college plans that I could go on cruises, and am now approaching a total of 40!

2. Now cruising is not as good of a value as it used to be as more areas of the ships have been carved out for high paying customers, leaving the other to be cramped in more like sardines in many instances, and having those who pay a lot more settle for good but not grat cuisine, tin6 pools, extra charges for Internet, and paying bar prices for wine consumed in your room. Now I am checking out other travel alternatives and have found many that offer better cost and also better satisfaction so I will be ruining less and choosing other trave opportunities more in the future,

Just sayin, there are lots of other options from a previous cruise lover now seeing more negatives than before in cruise travel. Sorry for this report as I have been a cruise lover in the past, but my experience was more crowds, more wait, higher prices, and less satisfaction. Wish It wasn't so, but it's been my experience creeping slowly over all cruise lines, but especially on NCL.

Wow! Just got back from a 14 day upsell from a solo studio to a Haven Spa suite. True, I had to pay an extra $1000 over my $1720 solo studio, but after what I experienced in the regular restaurants when I went with the other solo studio folks, it was money well spent! The spa was heavenly, but even as good was the excellent jacuzzi in the cabin with jets that worked heaven on my arthritis plagued joints. And the Haven amenities were overwhelming! The Haven restaurant proved to me to my favorite place, even though many times I had to eat aline, because every time I tried to join my other solo cruiser ears in the studio for companoinable dinner I was met with terrible service that ended up taking so much ti,e that I had to leave before dessert to get to prime entertainment venues. So my choices were fantastic cuisine and service eating alone or terrible service with variable cuisine ( I tried it to make friendships four times but each time we were treated with hours long appetizers and entrees, so I eventually retreated to eating alone in the Haven restaurant where t meals were always very good and the service was always wonderful! So yes, the Haven spa suite was worth every penny!

Just off the Breakaway 14 day also. Hate to confirm it, but the prime ribs are gone. Didn't know about the changes when I went to O' Sheehans looking for the pot pie that so many people had raved about and it was gone, so I ordered the shepards pie- something that I have enjoyed when served other places but unfortunately I really disliked it. One good thing about O'Sheehans - compared to last year on the Breakaway when it was almost always crowded, many days it was less than half full. Guess that that's because of the new menu not being as popular , plus so many people getting specialty restaurant packages when booking. The major thing that I was very unhappy with is that along with the increased prices on beverages , gratuities, day charges,etc so that you couldn't get their cheapest glass of wine for less than $11.74, they have cut back on the number of employees adding to much longer waits at bars and restaurants and room service. Savor and Taste had exceptionally bad experiences for me. On two evenings our table had to wait almost an hour before any food was brought except rolls, and water glasses went unfilled. I left before dessert in order to not miss the 9:00 show even though we were seated by reservation at 6:30. Three hours to complete a meal is the worst service that I have had on any cruise line including Carnival of the almost 40 cruise that I have taken. I know that they kept saying that the reason for the delays were that they were implementing new menus and I hope that they get that straight before mt]y April 10 day Epic Mediterranean cruise. Higher costs and worse service are not sitting well with me. By the way, I did leave a comment card with Prem hoping that my feedback might lead to positive changes rather than just ranting here. I am Platinum on Norwegian and I really like their entertainment and the positive attitude of their crew. But I had to honestly say that some of the changes since last year impacted me negatively this time.

OMG! Just got upgraded from a studio to a Haven Spa cabin for the Breakaway that sails just 5 days from now for not a huge amount and looking forward to the balcony and spa as a solo without paying a fortune; but definitely not a fan of snobbery- hated my Celebrity cruise years ago with fixed dining when the majority of the table mates talked about how important they were and how much money they made! What a let down when we are on a beautiful ship enjoying gorgeous tropical islands and unique experiences to hear people who are just obsessed with the pecking order! I hope that that's not what I'm getting into. I love having a balcony, good morning coffee, a quieter ambience, and access to the spa to soothe my aching joints, and the offer I got was less expensive than upgrading to a balcony guarantee and paying for the spa for the 14 days. I like living simple; will I be out of place in the Haven?

Thanks, as I have little info about Haven life and just 4 days before I travel to NYC for my Breakaway cruise,

sharon

OK, thanks for that info. I also have denim capris;so I will add the, to the laundry bag. Don't mind if they get a little washed out.

Thanks for everyone's comments. I guess I'll just use it for basic light colored items that are recommended for warm. Need to restrict how much I'm going to bring on board.

No, the reason that i am considering having laundry done on board for the first time is not because it will be free; although that is an additional plus, but because this will be the first time on a 14 day cruise. Usually I just wait to do my laundry until I get home. Thanks to all who have posted regarding good results. I was wondering because even most of my casual t shirts and tops recommend cold water.

Thanks again

I will be platinum on a 14 day Breakaway cruise and will be able to have a free laundry bag. However, I was told that everything is washed in hot water and all my clothes need cold or warm water except for a pair of white socks. I would love to hear from anyone who has used the ship service; how did it work for you?

Thanks

Well, hearing that it might take at least take 3months to get things right feels good for me, as I am booked for a NCL E

Pic cruise from Bar Leona in A

Phil, I am still feeling bad for those in the next couple of months if the prediction one of others hold true.

I am curious. About a month ago I asked on this site about the laundry benefit as I have just reached platinum regarding water temperature and whether or not cold water items are separated from warm. Dom many replies that I received , the answer was that everything is washed in hot. So, although I do not have a designer wardrobe by any means, the majority of my clothes do not recommend hot water wash. The only things that work for this are my white socks; hardly worth sending out. Please advise how you benefit from this perk as the vast of my clothes, and presumably most other cruisers need warm or cold water.

Thanks,

Sharon

Please understand that going solo is not the same thing as cruising single! I am 68 and have cruised in the studios last year and an now booked for two more; one on the Breakaway on Jan 31 for a 14 day Caribbean cruise from NYC, and the next a ten day Mediterranean cruise on the Epic from Barcelona. I am actually in a committed relationship and in no way looking for any potential dates; but traveling in the studios offers not just a lower rate, but also the opportunity to choose whether or not I wish to do things alone, or to choose to have dinner, go to shows, and/or excursions with other solos with no pressures on do anything else but to have companionship. However, on the cruise last year I did make a couple of friends and on my next cruise, one of them will be going too. There is no older or younger to going in the studios; I have seen people from their 30's to their70's, but it gave a great opportunity for those truly traveling on their own to have dinner companions; show reservations with others, and maybe even excursions with others and possibly an opportunity to make a new friend or more. Hope this helps!

Another poster getting excited because I will be boarding next Saturday when you return. I hope that the weather clears up for you and that you have a wonderful cruise! Please take good care of the Glory for us who will be coming aboard next week. Have a wonderful week on a great ship with a fantastic itinerary.

Sharon

I have only done three Ai vacation; two in Jamaica and one in Barbados and approaching 40 cruises now. However, with the changes that have been happening across most of the major cruise lines, I am reconsidering my choice of cruise over IA. why, because the cruise lines have carved out exclusive areas with insanely high costs, increased onboard costs for almost everything way beyond inflation, and have decreased the offerings that used to be included in the base price. So be prepared to pay high prices for Internet, usually included in an AI, bar prices for even a drink you would like to have in your cabin getting ready for dinner, high prices for cruise line sponsored excursions, as you will likely be docked far from points of interest, tiny cabins unless you pay lots more fora squire , tiny pools crowded with folks, I could go on on on!

but on the plus side, depending on the cruise line, evening entertainment, often very good is included,candy if you are a young couple, complimentary daytime into early evening activities are included, letting parents enjoy some adult time while the children are happily entertained. Just be advised that the lower up front price of a cruise can be misleading because when you add up all the extra costs on a cruise that are included without cost at an Ai, the price may well add up to be higher on a cruise if you would like to have a balcony, enjoy internet access, take some shoe excursions, and have a few drinks everyday.

Hope that helps.

Thank you all for the helpful information. I will order some of the quick dry undies.

Do they separate items and wash them in cold water if recommended and warm water for those. Do you include your underwear in a mesh bag or just plain in the laundry bag? Just wondering as I will be doing a 14 day cruise on the Breakaway and am seriously considering using the laundry service half way through, but I have never done it before and don't want to end up with ruined items.

Thanks

Thanks for doing this. Not sure why you didn't get the attention that it deserved right after you posted. I will be sailing on the Glory in December and just found this thread. Did you enjoy your cruise? Any tips for folks who have not cruised on the Glory before?

While I understand those who say that getting one less free drink will not let them ruin the cruise and I agree with it; I would just like to say that it would be good for everyone thinking about a cruise vacation to also check out the competition; namely all inclusives and escorted tours. And I am saying this after coming close to my fortieth cruise on many cruise lines, but the majority on Carnival, Norwegian, and RCI. I now realize that the truly great deals with so much included in the base price over the past 10 years are now gone and that the cruise lines are now focused on appealing to younger cruisers with no memories of how it used to be.

But please, be smart and figure in what the extra costs will be when you book that cruise in the current era when things that are free in even a modest hotel with cruise extra charges will add hundreds if not more to your final bill and then check out the alternatives. Like paying high costs for internet which is free elsewhere. And paying high drink costs comparable to elite metropolitan areas, even if you just want to have a drink that you pour yourself in your room; most cruises only allow a very limited amount of wine on board even if it is for use in you own cabin. And then, just starting, if you want to have a room anywhere near in size with what you would get in a moderate hotel chain, or be able to have an access to a pool are that is not over-crowded and almost too small to swim in, or have a balcony, or want food that is really very good, prepare to pull out your wallet and pay lots more.

I'm sorry to say it because I have loved so many things about going on cruises in the past, most cruise lines in the past four years have raise prices and reduced services to the point that I am now sadly deciding to not book any future cruises as I am not a fan of throwing money away.

Sharon

Just wondering if under the new policy would a 12 oz unopened container of frozen concentrated juice be okay? Staying in a hotel the day before a cruise and could buy it there and then just bring a large empty container, add water and voila! enough juice for the whole cruise without a lot of extra weight to carry about. I have done it in the past, but wouldn't want to do it now if it would be confiscated.

thanks,

Sharon

In the past three years I have had to cruise solo as my DH is no longer interested in travel-too much hassle for him. So although I have enjoyed many Carnival cruises in the past, I have gone more for Norwegian; especially for their ships with the studio. I agree with previous posters that solo cruisers often are not looking for romantic meetings, but appreciate the chance to have others to do things together occasionally either on the ship or on shore excursions and Norwegian does that very well. However, I have booked a cruise on the Glory in December- great price and itinerary. I would love it if Carnival provided a better way of helping solos to get together, but I will have a wonderful cruise no matter what, with so many activities to enjoy and beautiful ports to explore. I hear that the cruise director, Mike Pack is wonderful and does a lot to get everyone involved in fun activities, and I am also fine with more solitary activities like reading in a lounge chair with the view of the ocean all around.

Sharon

I am sending this post to agree with the original poster; but also in the hopes that the outspoken customer dis-satisfaction may lead the current management to reconsider at least a few of their many recent and unprecedented changes. I agree with some that other cruise lines have either increased a number of their charges or decreased the quality of what is offered in the base cruse, but to my knowledge, no other cruise line is both increasing costs and decreasing quality at the same time. I believe that this is at the core of the complaint. Having now cruised on thirty six cruises on many different lines; I realize that every cruise line and indeed every ship has it's plusses and minuses. I also acknowledge that it is unfair to compare amenities with a cruise line that charges a much higher price. But the current changes have left people like me and the other posters on this page blind-sighted by so many changes in a short period of time. I can't help but wonder what the heck are they thinking of? Getting lots of folks upset is not usually conducive to an increase in future sales.

Anyway, despite that these changes will cause a significant increase in charges in my upcoming 14 day Caribbean Breakaway cruise in January and my 10 day Western Med Cruise on the Epic in April, it will definitely have a negative impact on booking with NCL unless some of these recent policies are revised.

Thanks to all who have posted with photos and information. I will be on the Epic for the first time in April with a solo cabin in the Studio. Does anyone have information about changes there. I am hoping that they kept the original coffee machines there, as I truly enjoyed that perk on my cruise on the Breakaway last year.

Thanks again!

In reply to evanbob regarding solo cruising on CCL vs NCL' just have to say that although I have experienced nine cruises on Carnival but seven of those with my DH and only 2 solo, I have to exclaim that the entertainment on NCL is far superior to CCl on ot just the Breakaway, Getaway, Epic class, but even on the dowdy Dawn! The reason for this statement is that NCL employs many more live entertainers versus CCl with their canned sailaway, their computer controlled pianos, and their minimalist main theater presentations vs. live entertainers in multiple venues plus great main theater options including 90 i ute Broadway shows on their largest ships.

However, I am not exclusively an NCL fan; in fact I am now preparing for a December Carnival Glory 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise right now. I am doing so because even without the benefit of the NCL studio with its little bit lower rates than booking an interior and paying double as solo, and with less entertainment options, I will get a great rate with a good itinerary, a larger cabin, food as good or better than NCL - what's not to like on either cruiseline?

But don't let any one tell you that Carnival's entertainment is on par with other lines. This is the area that they have skimped on most in the last few years, and for those who love live combos performing all round the ship, live steel drum bands on sail-away, theater productions with live bands of ten or more musicians, and production crews of ten or more singers and dancers; you will not find this anymore on Carnival. If that's not a big deal to you, CCL's low fares and large abins will be fantastic. But if you are looking for real entertainment and willing to compromise on a smaller cabin, then Carnival is a clear winner! As evident in my post so far, I go with the best price for the best itinerary after 35 cruises on many lines

Sharon

Oh my! I will be sailing on the Glory as a solo in December for the first time with Carnival for the past two years. I am now approaching my fortieth cruise;many with Carnival but also with Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean.

Although I never rated Carnival's entertainment highly, it was still a good thing to do after dinner. For the majority of my cruises I sailed with my DH, but for the last three years he has been less willing to go through the airport and flight hassles that go with traveling, but stuck here in the brutal winters of the North Shore of Massachusetts, I have overcome my fears of going alone and gotten out of the nasty Northeastern weather; sometimes with Carnival because they were offering zero or low singles supplements, but also increasingly going with Norwegian due to their solo studios and solo activities. They have evidently gone the opposite direction from Carnival, offering at least one ninety minute Broadway show plus live entertainment both at sail away and countless other venues.

still, I had fairly recent memories of a Crnival Splendor cruise from New York that was the first solo cruise I took when my man refused to go. I was disappointed that at sail away it was a dim spectre of previous cruises that we had had as a couple and the mechanical piano playing endlessly kinda grossed me out, but still with a good itinerary, decent price, okay evening entertainment, and good food opportunities, it was still a great cruise!

Now I am hearing that only not only have they downgraded the entertainment in the evenings considerably, but they are thinking of eliminating all live evening entertainment altogether! Wow, cruises have always offered a good alternative to all inclusive so and other tropical getaways. But when you figure in the loss of free internet, having to leave a wonderful evening in a tropical paradise to raise back to as hip by 4:30, extremely high booze prices, not just in bars but even if you want to enjoy a drink in your room, smaller room sizes,much smaller pool sizes, a and paying high internet prices for what is free in most hotels and all inclusives, I am looking at the cumulative price of adding on wifi, beverages, paid restaurants offering things that used to be free a few years ago, and now almost nothing offered complimentary for entertainment in the evening and wondering what is Carnival ever thinking?

Dear Cruisemom 42,

I just finished exploring this whole thread and want to thank you sincerely for all the help and advice you have given to those of us planning to visit Naples by cruise ship and see Herculaneum that day. If you would be so kind, I would love to have your notes on Herculaneum. I will not be traveling until early next April, but I am already enjoying exploring the possibilities. I too love to take notes in advance. I will be traveling solo, but hopefully I will find another person on my cruise who would like to go together. If not, are there any precautions that I should be aware of for traveling on the train and exploring Herculaneum on my own? I am a senior citizen, but pretty fit and have visited Pompeii twice fairly recently with no problems, but I was with DH then.

Thanks. sodlercn@yahoo.com