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Changes over the years


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My first cruise with Carnival was in 2014. My next one is June 2018. In those 4 years, there have been at least four changes I've noticed.

 

1. No more bottles can be brought on the ship (I distinctly remember bring water bottles)

2. Choosing between morning or evening service (although you can request both)

3. Check in times to get on the ship (in 2014 we just walked on)

4. Room service charges from 10 pm - 6 am (didn't pay a dime in 2014 except for gratuity).

 

 

What changes have you noticed since you've been a Carnival cruiser?

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Also started in 2014. Changes:

 

Had long lines and long waits for check-in and boarding. Now it’s a breeze.

 

Had to pay by the minute for internet and if you didn’t log off properly you could be severely overcharged (happened to me). Now they have unlimited internet plans.

 

only dining options were MDR, Buffet and Pizza. Now we have guys burgers, blue iguana cantina, pig and anchor bbq, pasta bar included. Steakhouse, sushi, Italian, pub food for a charge.

 

cheers only included alcoholic beverages. Now it includes that and all you can drink soda, bottled water, energy drinks, sports drinks. Milkshakes, and specialty coffee.

 

there was just a single water slide not much bigger than the one in my backyard. Now there’s an entire water park.

 

Rooms had reallly bad tube TVs. Now they have flat screen.

 

Hub app

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No more table cloths

Have to ask for bath robes

Have to ask for ice

Dining room tables use to be set up with several different glasses and three forks, two knives, several spoons. Now they hand you what you need.

Use to have a full calypso band on Lido Deck

Use to have a full orchestra in theater

Photo shop use to have nice white albums with picture of the ship on the cover

Ship's store use to have more ship related clothing

Use to be "Formal Night", now it's "Elegant"

Use to be cruises taken to get to a certain level, now it's days cruised

Use to be able to smoke in your cabins

Use to be able to smoke on your balcony after they eliminated smoking in your cabin

 

Has any of these changes bothered us...No, not a bit. We still cruise with Carnival because we always have fun. We've adjusted.

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1) the creation of many new, modern huge ships which appeal to many families

2) addition of sea day brunch menu with delicious food

3) new and fresh options on the MDR breakfast menu

4) updates of older ships to add balconies and many upgrades like the Havana bar, JiJis, Bonsai and Cucina on Sunshine and other ships

5) Blue Iguana

6) Red Rum

7) Tequila bar

8) Guys

9) indian on some ships on Lido

10) Alchmey Bar (this should be #1)

 

So for all the things that have changed (as you read many of the above posts they have a negative connotation) let's not forget all the new wonderful additions!

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Things change. My first cruise was on the Destiny (now Sunshine) in 2001. The economy has taken several wild swings in the past 17 years, but Carnival has managed to thrive despite that. Perhaps they have some really good business people running things (perish the thought!), but despite changes, we still have a great time. Sure, they charge for room service between 10pm and 6am now, but, honestly, how many people truly order between those times? Formal night is now Elegant night; we used to pack tuxes and dresses for those nights, but no more -- not with two elementary-aged children (we do follow the dress code, though). There are more places to eat, more places to play, and the Cheers package is awesome. You can look at it as glass half full or half empty -- your choice, and that choice will color your perception of your vacation.

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You can look at it as glass half full or half empty -- your choice, and that choice will color your perception of your vacation.

 

Great point. I have to say that for all things that have changed, one thing that has not changed has been the price of a cruise. We did our first cruise in 2000 and the one we are going on this summer is less expensive than we paid back in the day.

Sure they have specialty restaurants for a fee, but they didn't have them back then. If you don't want to pay, don't eat there.

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they have taken away ABC, CBS, NBC & FOX on the TV's in the cabins!!! Not happy about this at all...

 

Hmmm... Our first cruise, we didn't even have a TV or Telephone in our Cabin? Those were the days, when you left the rat race behind!

 

It was nice not to have email, texts, (which didn't even exist back then), TV and phone calls, while on a cruise. There was ship to shore radio, for emergency communications though.

 

Our news, only came from the Captain's Weather report, and other news that may have affected our cruise., both posted on a BB on the Promenade.

 

no more skeet shooting on aft deck-

or golf drives off the stern!

 

But, we now have ZipLines, Rope Walks, and Rock Wall Climbing!..... So much more fun!!

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Everything that was said above plus:

 

* Addition of Punchliners (we like very much)

* Addition of Cat in the Hat theme party

* Addition of Hasbro show

* Eliminated midnight buffet

* Changed what was related to a proper afternoon tea into... I don't know what to call it

* Addition of FFTF

* Elimination of $5 match play card with purchase of drink in casino

* IMO the short cruises are more rowdy and even less appropriate for families and people like me

* The decor of the newer ships is less gaudy

* Addition of Chef's Table

 

Some I like and some I don't. Either way I love to cruise.

 

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

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Everything that was said above plus:

 

* Addition of Punchliners (we like very much)

* Addition of Cat in the Hat theme party

* Addition of Hasbro show

* Eliminated midnight buffet

* Changed what was related to a proper afternoon tea into... I don't know what to call it

* Addition of FFTF

* Elimination of $5 match play card with purchase of drink in casino

* IMO the short cruises are more rowdy and even less appropriate for families and people like me

* The decor of the newer ships is less gaudy

* Addition of Chef's Table

 

Some I like and some I don't. Either way I love to cruise.

 

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

I forgot the addition of the Hasbro game show and Dr Seuss breakfast. My only cruise before 2014 was in 1995 on Royal Caribbean where we had the midnight buffet.

 

We love Carnival too despite the changes. In fact, we are on the Carnival Liberty for the 2nd time. I just love to hear how things have changed--for better or worse.

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Everything that was said above plus:

 

* Addition of Punchliners (we like very much)

* Addition of Cat in the Hat theme party

* Addition of Hasbro show

* Eliminated midnight buffet

* Changed what was related to a proper afternoon tea into... I don't know what to call it

* Addition of FTTF

* Elimination of $5 match play card with purchase of drink in casino

* IMO the short cruises are more rowdy and even less appropriate for families and people like me

* The decor of the newer ships is less gaudy

* Addition of Chef's Table

 

Some I like and some I don't. Either way I love to cruise.

 

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

I knew there was one I had forgotten...

 

No life jackets at muster. How could I forget that!

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

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Our first Carnival cruise was in July 1998 (Imagination) and the most recent December 2017 (Pride). In 1998 the food flowed all day (and night). There was a buffet every night. In December, it was difficult to even get a late evening snack. The changes on Carnival are similar to what we have seen on other lines. However, as was previously mentioned the price has remained relatively the same. Think of what has happened to other prices and cruising is a better deal now than then.

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Interesting thread--thanks for posting, OP!

 

First Carnival cruise was 2002; last was 2015...

 

Seen many more changes than what you listed--plan to come back when I have more time to list them all!!

 

Again, thanks for posting--interesting reading some of the responses.

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My 1st cruise was on the Festivale in 1988. One thing I do not miss at all is running around getting exact change and the little envelopes on the last night to tip everyone. Putting gratuities on the sail and sign card was best thing ever.

 

I also remember that my bar bill for the week was only $250 and now it is, well ,more. :)

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My first cruise back in the mid 80's was on the Mardi Gras. They would ring chimes to let you know the dining room was open. That is when you ate. Although the option of room service was available. There was no buffet but there was a spectacular midnight buffet. You could buy a bottle of liquor in the shop onboard and take it back to your room. There was a live band playing calypso music by the pool much of the time. With the steel drums bringing out the party, tropical atmosphere. This is probably what I miss the most. I remember being a little loopy and doing a congo line around the pool deck while my husband watched in horror. The comedians were actually funny and I didn't feel insulted while watching the shows. Embarkation would sometimes take hours with the lines wrapped around the building in the hot Miami sun. Yup. There have been a lot of changes. Some better. Some worse. On all cruise lines. That is my walk down memory lane.

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First Cruise was in College in 2011. So not quite 10 years.

 

I enjoy cruising the smaller ships. Fantasy class. Like the smaller feel. Quality has not changed on these ships as far as staff and service go. The smaller ships you get quality service each time.

 

Some Changes I like: Addition of Guys Burger Joint and other lido deck options besides buffet.

 

Things I miss: Those Plush Plush Bathrobes.( But asking for them is no big deal) Lobster at dinner I seem to recall it being included in 2011. Also miss the old MDR menus. The new ones are good but seem less adventures.

 

Other than that not much has changed since 2011.

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