Carnival's "Rising Rates" - I booked the Solstice!!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I am not going to BITE on their marketing practices ("warnings" of upcoming rate increases for summer)!!

 

... interestingly enough, I just booked the Solstice YESTERDAY - I looked briefly at the Dream and it was $600 MORE for a balcony for my 18yo son and 3 of his friends! I would have booked them in an interior, but there are not many of them on the Solstice, and they were long gone. Also, the 3rd and 4th person rate for the Dream that week shows as $559. On the Solstice 3rd and 4th are $399... thus, they could sail the Solstice in a BALCONY for about the same as an INTERIOR on the Dream. Has the world gone topsy turvy?! :eek:

 

5/29/10 Carnival Dream:

Interior (4 People): $3095 (185 sq. ft.)

8A Balcony (4) ... : $3685 (185 sq. ft. + 35 sq. ft. balcony) ..... $3545 for a Cove

 

5/30/10 Celebrity Solstice:

Interior --- N/A -- Sold Out

Balcony (4 people): $3072 (194 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. balcony)

 

Some part of the Carnival "VALUE" concept is missing to me here! I will admit, having sailed both lines a few times - I prefer the food on Carnival, and their entertainment (shows/music/comedians) are usually good.

 

On our two previous Dream sailings, there were definitely times where the ship felt quite crowded. I sense that this will not be the case on the Solstice:

Dream = 128,000 tons, 3464 (double occupancy guests) - MAX of 4,631!

Solstice= 122,00 tons, 2850 (double occupancy guests) - MAX of ? (I can tell you it is less than 4,600 !!) ;)

 

BTW - Celebrity got my business because they were SMART enough to send me a list of a dozen sailings which I could choose from for 2010 and only pay fees/taxes in a Concierge Class balcony cabin thanks to their Blue Chip Club (Casino) -- as a result they get my business for the additional cabin as well. ;) As nice as the Casino Marketing people are at Carnival, they are hamstrung due to current corporate policies -- severely limiting what they can offer "players".

 

It was difficult picking from this (below) list, but I already had the week of Memorial day off... so.. !

------------------

5/3/10- Celebrity Eclipse (new ship)- 4 night U.K.cruise- port- South Hampton, England

 

-5/30/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-6/6/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-6/6/10- Celebrity Summit- 7 night Bermuda cruise- port- Bayonne, N.J.

 

-7/18/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-8/8/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-8/15/10- Celebrity Summit- 7 night New England and Canada cruise- port- Bayonne, N.J.

 

-9/18/10- Celebrity Constellation- 7 night Western European cruise- port- Barcelona

 

-10/18/10- Celebrity Equinox (new ship)- 13 night Holy Land cruise- port- Rome

 

-10/24/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-11/17/10- Celebrity Eclipse (new ship)- 3 night Bahamas cruise - port- Miami, FL

 

-12/26/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night

“New Year” Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

-------------------

 

In all fairness, I see that the 5/29/10 Dream sailing is offering a new fare: "Pack & Go - Last Minute Specials" where you can book guarantees for Interiors ($2705), and balcony ($3072) cabins. The drawback there is you must "risk" being assigned to a less than desirable cabin location. That is an entirely different topic - which I won't go into!

 

Tom

[PittsburghGirlee]

I am not going to BITE on their marketing practices ("warnings" of upcoming rate increases for summer)!!

 

... interestingly enough, I just booked the Solstice YESTERDAY - I looked briefly at the Dream and it was $600 MORE for a balcony for my 18yo son and 3 of his friends! I would have booked them in an interior, but there are not many of them on the Solstice, and they were long gone. Also, the 3rd and 4th person rate for the Dream that week shows as $559. On the Solstice 3rd and 4th are $399... thus, they could sail the Solstice in a BALCONY for about the same as an INTERIOR on the Dream. Has the world gone topsy turvy?! :eek:

 

5/29/10 Carnival Dream:

Interior (4 People): $3095 (185 sq. ft.)

8A Balcony (4) ... : $3685 (185 sq. ft. + 35 sq. ft. balcony) ..... $3545 for a Cove

 

5/30/10 Celebrity Solstice:

Interior --- N/A -- Sold Out

Balcony (4 people): $3072 (194 sq. ft. + 54 sq. ft. balcony)

 

Some part of the Carnival "VALUE" concept is missing to me here! I will admit, having sailed both lines a few times - I prefer the food on Carnival, and their entertainment (shows/music/comedians) are usually good.

 

On our two previous Dream sailings, there were definitely times where the ship felt quite crowded. I sense that this will not be the case on the Solstice:

Dream = 128,000 tons, 3464 (double occupancy guests) - MAX of 4,631!

Solstice= 122,00 tons, 2850 (double occupancy guests) - MAX of ? (I can tell you it is less than 4,600 !!) ;)

 

BTW - Celebrity got my business because they were SMART enough to send me a list of a dozen sailings which I could choose from for 2010 and only pay fees/taxes in a Concierge Class balcony cabin thanks to their Blue Chip Club (Casino) -- as a result they get my business for the additional cabin as well. ;) As nice as the Casino Marketing people are at Carnival, they are hamstrung due to current corporate policies -- severely limiting what they can offer "players".

 

It was difficult picking from this (below) list, but I already had the week of Memorial day off... so.. !

------------------

5/3/10- Celebrity Eclipse (new ship)- 4 night U.K.cruise- port- South Hampton, England

 

-5/30/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-6/6/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-6/6/10- Celebrity Summit- 7 night Bermuda cruise- port- Bayonne, N.J.

 

-7/18/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-8/8/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-8/15/10- Celebrity Summit- 7 night New England and Canada cruise- port- Bayonne, N.J.

 

-9/18/10- Celebrity Constellation- 7 night Western European cruise- port- Barcelona

 

-10/18/10- Celebrity Equinox (new ship)- 13 night Holy Land cruise- port- Rome

 

-10/24/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

 

-11/17/10- Celebrity Eclipse (new ship)- 3 night Bahamas cruise - port- Miami, FL

 

-12/26/10- Celebrity Solstice (new ship)- 7 night

“New Year” Caribbean cruise- port- Ft. Lauderdale

-------------------

 

In all fairness, I see that the 5/29/10 Dream sailing is offering a new fare: "Pack & Go - Last Minute Specials" where you can book guarantees for Interiors ($2705), and balcony ($3072) cabins. The drawback there is you must "risk" being assigned to a less than desirable cabin location. That is an entirely different topic - which I won't go into!

 

Tom

 

Thanks for posting this Tom. I am thinking about checking out Celebrity for May 2011. The adult beverage packages are very appealing to us and the pricing would be an added bonus.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks for posting this Tom....

 

My pleasure!

 

Tom

[jimbo5544]

Can't fault your logic on this. Remains to be seen how their pricing philosophy works for them for the near term.

[mferris77]

We just booked on the Dream last week for September. I didn't even look at other cruise lines because in the past Carnival always seemed to have the best deals, and we also wanted to check out the Dream.

 

Yesterday I looked at Celebrity bookings and was surprised to see that the balcony rooms on the Solstice were the same as Dream interiors.. I would have seriously considered them had I looked at them last week. If they keep prices like this I will seriously consider them on my next cruise.. looking for a good southern itinerary.

[w8ing2cruz]

Having never sailed on Celebrity or Holland (but looking) how's the fun factor? Nightlife, shows, bartenders?

[DGP1111]

Carnival's "Rising Rates" - I booked the Solstice!!

 

Carnival's "Rising Rates" - I booked NCL EPIC!! :)

.

 

T-n-C: Darn it, you know I'd have enjoyed joinin' ya both on Celebrity Soltice, but I'm already scheduled completely for that timeframe. :(

 

The earlier tour I got to do of Soltice was pretty amazing. In that short time, I only got to see a limited glimpse, but that was enough to know it as a well-designed passenger destination.

 

As always, best wishes for good fortune at 'the tables'. :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Having never sailed on Celebrity or Holland (but looking) how's the fun factor? Nightlife, shows, bartenders?

 

In my opinion, the nightlife has a bit more life on Carnival - at least compared to the Century and Constellation (Celebrity) cruises we have been on. I do enjoy the SMOKE FREE casino which Celebrity has. At least the Dream has started to go that route.

 

Carnival's "Rising Rates" - I booked NCL EPIC!! :)

.

 

T-n-C: Darn it, you know I'd have enjoyed joinin' ya both on Celebrity Soltice, but I'm already scheduled completely for that timeframe. :(

 

The earlier tour I got to do of Soltice was pretty amazing. In that short time, I only got to see a limited glimpse, but that was enough to know it as a well-designed passenger destination.

 

As always, best wishes for good fortune at 'the tables'. :)

 

The Epic huh? I have not read too much about that one, other than she's a "biggie"! When do you sail, and where from? (good rates?)

 

Tom

[mudpievelour]

I also have been looking at Celebrity and Princess for fall next year. Comparing this year's fall rates, not only Celebrity and Princess are better, but I even found a Costa cruise :eek: that is better than Carnival (pricewise). I am seriously considering the Ruby Princess, since the itinerary is what we want and I see nothing but good reviews. If only they would go ahead and publish their 2011 lineups.

[jimbo5544]

In my opinion, the nightlife has a bit more life on Carnival - at least compared to the Century and Constellation (Celebrity) cruises we have been on. I do enjoy the SMOKE FREE casino which Celebrity has. At least the Dream has started to go that route.

 

 

 

The Epic huh? I have not read too much about that one, other than she's a "biggie"! When do you sail, and where from? (good rates?)

 

Tom

Jumping in on the Epic questions. Rates are a tad high when we looked. Innovative rooms and on some concepts.....butt ugly ship (looks top heavy). Will spend a season in Europe before coming over.... at least that is what I recall.

[iluvdoxies]

Good for you, Tom ! Enjoy !

[firefly333]

I have been saying the same thing, that its becoming just as cheap to fly to florida and pay airfare and do another cruiseline as to do Carnival out of Galveston. Im also protesting the increases, and not doing any more booking. I paid a record last time for Ecstasy and next January is even higher ... Im not biting either at these rates. They are getting ridiculous.

 

Im betting more decide Carnival isnt so cheap if they look around.

[LemurCat]

Competition is good for those who aren't afraid to try another line. Good for you!

[jimbo5544]

I have been saying the same thing, that its becoming just as cheap to fly to florida and pay airfare and do another cruiseline as to do Carnival out of Galveston. Im also protesting the increases, and not doing any more booking. I paid a record last time for Ecstasy and next January is even higher ... Im not biting either at these rates. They are getting ridiculous.

 

Im betting more decide Carnival isnt so cheap if they look around.

Fire, I guess the question for you is, are there other options (as in cheaper) out of a smaller market like Galveston?

[jimbo5544]

I have been saying the same thing, that its becoming just as cheap to fly to florida and pay airfare and do another cruiseline as to do Carnival out of Galveston. Im also protesting the increases, and not doing any more booking. I paid a record last time for Ecstasy and next January is even higher ... Im not biting either at these rates. They are getting ridiculous.

 

Im betting more decide Carnival isnt so cheap if they look around.

dup

[halos]

GOOD for you!!!!!! I hope you have a great time :)

 

Oh, who am I kidding, you always have a great time :D

[mudpievelour]

Fire, I guess the question for you is, are there other options (as in cheaper) out of a smaller market like Galveston?

 

Read her quote again. She says it's cheaper to fly to FL and cruise than to drive to Galveston and cruise. I'm beginning to believe her.

[tulsacubfan]

I have been saying the same thing, that its becoming just as cheap to fly to florida and pay airfare and do another cruiseline as to do Carnival out of Galveston. Im also protesting the increases, and not doing any more booking. I paid a record last time for Ecstasy and next January is even higher ... Im not biting either at these rates. They are getting ridiculous.

 

Im betting more decide Carnival isnt so cheap if they look around.

 

Galveston has always seemed really high priced to me in comparison...is that because there is no competition? Sure wish others would put a ship in there.

[Bruce&Pam]

We've been eyeballing the Solstice as well. The itinerary looks good and the price is right there. Pam's going to have a hard time giving up the Platinum benefits, though. I told her not to worry. If we really liked the Solstice, it won't be long before we qualify for X's preferred customer list, too.

 

---Bruce

[jimbo5544]

Read her quote again. She says it's cheaper to fly to FL and cruise than to drive to Galveston and cruise. I'm beginning to believe her.

I agree....my point was that in a smaller market (such as Galveston) and with little competition, pure supply and demand rule....;)

[Tiffany1203]

Good job Tom! I will have to start looking "elsewhere" in the future instead of assuming carnival has the best deal!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We've been eyeballing the Solstice as well. The itinerary looks good and the price is right there. Pam's going to have a hard time giving up the Platinum benefits, though. I told her not to worry. If we really liked the Solstice, it won't be long before we qualify for X's preferred customer list, too.

 

---Bruce

 

It is "easier" to get to the top tier on Celebrity. They have 3 levels... the mid-level is SELECT, and the top is ELITE. It requires 10 "credits" to be elite.

 

A sailing is 1 credit.

 

Stay in a Suite or Concierge class cabin earns 1 additional credit.

 

Sail a 12 night (or longer) voyage and get 1 more credit.

 

With the upcoming 5th Celebrity sailing of ours on the Century, we will have earned 10 credits, thus when we board the Solstice - we will be "elite". One of their best perks is 90 minutes FREE INTERNET for each elite cruiser.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Good job Tom! I will have to start looking "elsewhere" in the future instead of assuming carnival has the best deal!

 

I honestly think that they believe everyone assumes Carnival is the least expensive - and hope that people won't look elsewhere. There comes a time though.....

 

Tom

[jimbo5544]

It is "easier" to get to the top tier on Celebrity. They have 3 levels... the mid-level is SELECT, and the top is ELITE. It requires 10 "credits" to be elite.

 

A sailing is 1 credit.

 

Stay in a Suite or Concierge class cabin earns 1 additional credit.

 

Sail a 12 night (or longer) voyage and get 1 more credit.

 

With the upcoming 5th Celebrity sailing of ours on the Century, we will have earned 10 credits, thus when we board the Solstice - we will be "elite". One of their best perks is 90 minutes FREE INTERNET for each elite cruiser.

 

Tom

 

That is a nice perk....don't get me started on loyalty programs again!:confused:

[ryanpatricksmom]

I actually laughed out loud this morning when I checked Carnival's website. I can't believe that putting a countdown clock, drawing attention to a price increase, is considered a winning business practice.

 

I understand creating a sense of urgency, retail businesses do it all the time. I get the concept of "You have 24 hours and this offer will be gone". I think it's really weird to keep announcing an impending price increase as if they're somehow doing you a favor.