Mariner leaving :( West Coast is sad

[bluegirlum]

If everyone else on the west coast felt as passionately as everyone on here, perhaps Mariner would've done better and she could have stayed there. But you all still have some options out there. Most of us in the rest of the country have to fly to ports. I know it's upsetting that the ship is pulling out of there, but realize how lucky you are still have some options. Cruising is very limiting to many people because we have to fly to port. RCI doesn't think you're chopped liver or whatever. It's a company that needs to make money. We all have options on how we spend our vacations. If you live in California, you already have the ocean! You don't get snow! People come to you guys for vacation. In WI, we have to fly somewhere just to get warm. You should be feeling sorry for us! ;)

[glrounds]

The Elation doesn't have the full Evolutions of Fun upgrade yet. She only has the Serenity deck.

 

My son and I putted on the putt putt golf course in October . . . doesn't that count? :D

[LoneStarJeffe]

Sorry you are losing Mariner. I truly think RCCL is going to continue to base their ships to better leverage the European market over the next several years. That means east and gulf coast basing for US ports. I do not think the west coast based trips are failures as much as Europe is just a better opportunity right now.

 

Hopefully what goes around will come around again and ships will return.

[spencercoop]

My son and I putted on the putt putt golf course in October . . . doesn't that count? :D

 

I didn't even think of the mini golf course.

 

She still doesn't have the remodeled cabins, Resort Style Pool, or WaterWorks Park.

[PrincesScuba]

One can only hope that the Viking Serenade will be back.

 

Sorry everyone, but we are not getting a Royal Caribbean ship on the West Coast. Why not send an email to Adam Goldstein agoldstein@rccl.com and tell him your feelings. Let's support Carnival, Princess and Holland America because they are supporting us.

This post is a perfect example of odd-think.

 

Cruiselines don't support people. How absurd. They sell a product.

 

If no one is buying, or won't buy unless the price drops too low to be profitable, the company won't keep selling that product.

 

If those cruiselines are still on the West Coast, it is because (for now) they still are making a profit.

 

They have NO interest in *you* as a person. They just want your money. When you won't give it to them anymore, they will leave.

[glrounds]

This post is a perfect example of odd-think.

 

Cruiselines don't support people. How absurd. They sell a product.

 

If no one is buying, or won't buy unless the price drops too low to be profitable, the company won't keep selling that product.

 

If those cruiselines are still on the West Coast, it is because (for now) they still are making a profit.

 

They have NO interest in *you* as a person. They just want your money. When you won't give it to them anymore, they will leave.

 

Well said. The only 3-dayer I've ever been on was on my last cruise of the ELATION out of San Diego. Took my son for $99 per person for the 3 day cruise ! ! I can't eat 3 days for that ! ! :D

And, of course, the ELATION is leaving the So Cal market the end of this month.:rolleyes:

[brn2crz]

This post is a perfect example of odd-think.

 

Cruiselines don't support people. How absurd. They sell a product.

 

If no one is buying, or won't buy unless the price drops too low to be profitable, the company won't keep selling that product.

 

If those cruiselines are still on the West Coast, it is because (for now) they still are making a profit.

 

They have NO interest in *you* as a person. They just want your money. When you won't give it to them anymore, they will leave.

 

While I support your comments over all..the letter writing might not hurt.

Although I dont think Cali cruisers will put together the consorted effort that we did here in Galveston,when the Rhapsody left.

 

I think its part of what has helped keep Galveston in the game..We wrote non stop....When we were on Voyager,in...07...one of the first things Eric Downs said was..OK,who here hasn't written Mr Goldstein lol

[mlk58]

Good grief! We have never sailed Mariner but are booked for 1/2/11. Just got in under the wire!!

[brn2crz]

I do feel sorry for everyone that has to lose their cruise..that is just a huge disappointment..

I guess,I don't really see any other way they can do it,at least the way the market is changing and ships change so often.

Hope you all get re booked on a great cruise !

[lappy22]

I don't remember the person's name. But you are right, he had no trouble spending millions of someone else's money.

 

The problem with the west coast is simple. How many times do you want to visit Cabo, Mazatlan and PV? Even if you are on a different ship, it is the same three cities. Okay, Splendor goes PV, Mazatlan, Cabo and the Mariner when Cabo, Mazatlan and PV, but even a six year old is going to figure out it is the same three cities, just in a different order.

 

The variety of choices from Los Angeles and San Diego do not match the variety of choices from Miami. Also, Cozumel is closer to Miami than Cabo is to either Los Angeles or San Diego (even when going down hill).

 

There are many ports in Mexico that the cruise lines continue to sail past on their way to the big three that every ship seems to go to. It would be nice to see La Paz, Loreto, or even Topolobampo. We visited La Paz on the Carnival Spirit a few years back and loved the city. Not sure why more lines don't visit. It is already set up with a great port facility. And a heck of a lot nicer than Mazatlan. I'm sure the Mariner was a little big for these less known ports, but a Radiance class ship would have been perfect.

[isujim]

I don't think Ericsocal or something like that maybe socaleric doesn't post here anymore. He used to harp on this constantly.

 

I remember many many threads on the topic of how RCI couldn't fail if they brought a Voyager class to So-Cal. I remember using logic to explain the giant hurdles that RCI would have to jump in order to make it work, some of those points were, dry dock capacity, the Panama Canal, Cape Horn, or around the world, and the limited options for ports of call. I don't think he ever conceded the logic on any of my points. I used to cringe when he would start another thread or hijack another thread. :D

 

jc

 

Logic...........on cruise critic??:rolleyes: jc you should know better.

[bbenson]

Voyager class will not fit under the Sunshine Skyway bridge in Tampa due to their height.

 

Well that explains that! how fortunate for new orleans then!

[spencercoop]

If I recall correctly, Royal Caribbean made the announcement about the Mariner coming to Los Angeles before Carnival made the announcement about the Splendor coming to Los Angeles.

 

I just checked.

 

Carnival announced they would be bring the Splendor to the West Coast on June 18, 2007.

 

According to Cruise Critic news Royal Caribbean announced they would bring the Mariner to the West Coast on May 5, 2008. I just found another news article that said June 8, 2007.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2565

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2082

[Cruising89143]

I just checked.

 

Carnival announced they would be bring the Splendor to the West Coast on June 18, 2007.

 

According to Cruise Critic news Royal Caribbean announced they would bring the Mariner to the West Coast on May 5, 2008. I just found another news article that said June 8, 2007.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2565

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2082

 

 

Not exactly.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2082

 

Date Published: June 8, 2007 Royal Caribbean International Profile and Reviews

Latest Cruise News Headlines

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas Heads West In a huge boost for West Coast cruising, Royal Caribbean will deploy Mariner of the Seas in the Pacific beginning February 2009. The ship will be based in Los Angeles and sail seven-night Mexican Riviera itineraries. Ports of call include the region's mainstays: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

 

This is the first time Royal Caribbean has stationed a ship as big as the 137,308-ton, 3,114-passenger, Voyager-class vessel on the West Coast.

 

Prior to beginning its season in the Mexican Riviera, Mariner of the Seas will cruise from the East Coast around South America though details about specifics -- dates, itineraries -- have not been released. As well, plans for Mariner of the Seas after it winds up its cruises to Mexico's west coast have not been announced.

 

We'll keep you posted.

 

--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor

 

Largest ‘Fun Ship’ Ever Constructed, 3,006-Passenger Carnival Splendor, To Operate Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises Beginning in March 2009

 

 

06/13/2007

 

 

 

MIAMI (June 13, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed – will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in March 2009, following its inaugural schedule of European and Caribbean voyages.

 

The Carnival Splendor will further bolster the line’s dominant position as cruise industry leader in Southern California, which is currently home to four Carnival ships. With the arrival of Carnival Splendor, the line expects to carry approximately 650,000 guests annually on these highly popular West Coast cruises -- almost twice the number of any other cruise line.

 

Carnival is the only cruise line to feature three ships offering year-round cruises from Southern California – two from Long Beach and one from San Diego -- as well as a fourth ship sailing seasonally from San Diego. In addition, Carnival offers the widest available choice of cruise lengths – ranging from three to eight days -- with visits to exciting ports in Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

 

A new class of “Fun Ship,” the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor will introduce a host of innovations, highlighted by a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness facility surrounded by 68 exclusive spa staterooms and suites – a first for the line.

 

“With its vast array of on-board facilities and features, including the most elaborate and magnificent spa ever introduced on a Carnival ship, Carnival Splendor will usher in an exciting new era in ‘Fun Ship’ vacations and provide a fresh and exciting West Coast cruise option,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

 

Attractive Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Itinerary

 

Carnival Splendor will offer an unmatched Mexican Riviera cruise vacation experience when it launches year-round seven-day service from Long Beach March 29, 2009. Ports of call include three popular seaside towns: Puerto Vallarta, which dazzles visitors with its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush countryside; Mazatlan, which, in addition to excellent beaches, offers an abundance of dining and shopping options; and Cabo San Lucas, distinguished by its rugged rock formations and miles of white-sand beaches.

 

Fabulous pre- and post-cruise land stays, as well as myriad shore excursion opportunities – including snorkeling, canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, golfing and off-road Jeep adventures – will also be offered in conjunction with these voyages.

 

Prior to year-round deployment to Long Beach, the new Carnival Splendor will start service on July 13, 2008 and introduce Carnival’s first 12-day Northern European cruise program, followed by a series of 12-day Mediterranean departures through Oct. 17, 2008. The ship will then sail on a transatlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 29, continuing with a series of seven-day Caribbean voyages from that port beginning Nov. 22, 2008.

 

Host of On-Board Innovations

 

As the first in a new series of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a variety of innovative facilities and features. These include an expansive, state-of-the-art health and fitness center spanning the forward portion of two full decks. Including the 68 spa staterooms and suites, the health and wellness center will encompass 40,000 total square feet and will include the line’s first thalassotherapy pool, an elaborate Thermal Suite, and 17 treatment rooms for administering a wide range of soothing therapies.

 

Building upon Carnival’s distinction as the family cruise leader, Carnival Splendor’s numerous family-friendly amenities will include a two-level 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – part of the line’s top-rated “Camp Carnival” program, along with a water spray park on Lido Deck. An expansive teen club and full activity schedule, part of the line’s “Club O2” program, will also be offered.

 

Also new will be a sliding Sky Dome over the main pool area, which will house Carnival’s Seaside Theatre -- a massive outdoor screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

 

Dining options will include twin two-level main dining rooms, a casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, deli, a traditional Indian Tandoori oven, an upscale seafood venue and numerous other choices, and an elegant reservations-only supper club offering prime quality beef and other gourmet cuisine.

 

The ship will also house 1,503 staterooms, including a wide variety of accommodation categories, including several levels of suites and staterooms with private balconies. All accommodations will feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

 

Pricing and Reservations

 

Carnival will begin accepting reservations on the Carnival Splendor’s new seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach beginning Friday, June 22, 2007.

 

Prices begin at $549 per person based on double occupancy. Special discounts for third and fourth guests in the same staterooms and round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.

 

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

[spencercoop]

Not exactly.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2082

 

Date Published: June 8, 2007 Royal Caribbean International Profile and Reviews

Latest Cruise News Headlines

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas Heads West In a huge boost for West Coast cruising, Royal Caribbean will deploy Mariner of the Seas in the Pacific beginning February 2009. The ship will be based in Los Angeles and sail seven-night Mexican Riviera itineraries. Ports of call include the region's mainstays: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

 

This is the first time Royal Caribbean has stationed a ship as big as the 137,308-ton, 3,114-passenger, Voyager-class vessel on the West Coast.

 

Prior to beginning its season in the Mexican Riviera, Mariner of the Seas will cruise from the East Coast around South America though details about specifics -- dates, itineraries -- have not been released. As well, plans for Mariner of the Seas after it winds up its cruises to Mexico's west coast have not been announced.

 

We'll keep you posted.

 

--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor

 

Largest ‘Fun Ship’ Ever Constructed, 3,006-Passenger Carnival Splendor, To Operate Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Cruises Beginning in March 2009

 

 

06/13/2007

 

 

 

MIAMI (June 13, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed – will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in March 2009, following its inaugural schedule of European and Caribbean voyages.

 

The Carnival Splendor will further bolster the line’s dominant position as cruise industry leader in Southern California, which is currently home to four Carnival ships. With the arrival of Carnival Splendor, the line expects to carry approximately 650,000 guests annually on these highly popular West Coast cruises -- almost twice the number of any other cruise line.

 

Carnival is the only cruise line to feature three ships offering year-round cruises from Southern California – two from Long Beach and one from San Diego -- as well as a fourth ship sailing seasonally from San Diego. In addition, Carnival offers the widest available choice of cruise lengths – ranging from three to eight days -- with visits to exciting ports in Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

 

A new class of “Fun Ship,” the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor will introduce a host of innovations, highlighted by a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness facility surrounded by 68 exclusive spa staterooms and suites – a first for the line.

 

“With its vast array of on-board facilities and features, including the most elaborate and magnificent spa ever introduced on a Carnival ship, Carnival Splendor will usher in an exciting new era in ‘Fun Ship’ vacations and provide a fresh and exciting West Coast cruise option,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

 

Attractive Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Itinerary

 

Carnival Splendor will offer an unmatched Mexican Riviera cruise vacation experience when it launches year-round seven-day service from Long Beach March 29, 2009. Ports of call include three popular seaside towns: Puerto Vallarta, which dazzles visitors with its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush countryside; Mazatlan, which, in addition to excellent beaches, offers an abundance of dining and shopping options; and Cabo San Lucas, distinguished by its rugged rock formations and miles of white-sand beaches.

 

Fabulous pre- and post-cruise land stays, as well as myriad shore excursion opportunities – including snorkeling, canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, golfing and off-road Jeep adventures – will also be offered in conjunction with these voyages.

 

Prior to year-round deployment to Long Beach, the new Carnival Splendor will start service on July 13, 2008 and introduce Carnival’s first 12-day Northern European cruise program, followed by a series of 12-day Mediterranean departures through Oct. 17, 2008. The ship will then sail on a transatlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 29, continuing with a series of seven-day Caribbean voyages from that port beginning Nov. 22, 2008.

 

Host of On-Board Innovations

 

As the first in a new series of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a variety of innovative facilities and features. These include an expansive, state-of-the-art health and fitness center spanning the forward portion of two full decks. Including the 68 spa staterooms and suites, the health and wellness center will encompass 40,000 total square feet and will include the line’s first thalassotherapy pool, an elaborate Thermal Suite, and 17 treatment rooms for administering a wide range of soothing therapies.

 

Building upon Carnival’s distinction as the family cruise leader, Carnival Splendor’s numerous family-friendly amenities will include a two-level 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – part of the line’s top-rated “Camp Carnival” program, along with a water spray park on Lido Deck. An expansive teen club and full activity schedule, part of the line’s “Club O2” program, will also be offered.

 

Also new will be a sliding Sky Dome over the main pool area, which will house Carnival’s Seaside Theatre -- a massive outdoor screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

 

Dining options will include twin two-level main dining rooms, a casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, deli, a traditional Indian Tandoori oven, an upscale seafood venue and numerous other choices, and an elegant reservations-only supper club offering prime quality beef and other gourmet cuisine.

 

The ship will also house 1,503 staterooms, including a wide variety of accommodation categories, including several levels of suites and staterooms with private balconies. All accommodations will feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

 

Pricing and Reservations

 

Carnival will begin accepting reservations on the Carnival Splendor’s new seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach beginning Friday, June 22, 2007.

 

Prices begin at $549 per person based on double occupancy. Special discounts for third and fourth guests in the same staterooms and round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways are also available.

 

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

 

I found the second article after. I did post the article link in my post.

[kath00]

Hmmm, Captain Johnny hinted about this at one of the captain's parties last month when we were on the Mariner. He said something "very interesting and exciting" is going to happen. I thought he meant a Pacific Northwest cruise. DOH. Don't I feel like a total dork for my wishful thinking. :(

 

I was really mad yesterday when I got the call about the cancellation of our itiniary (we were on the late Jan 2011 cruise with the kids). But today I called the redeployment office back and they offered us the SAME prices as the Jan cruise for THANKSGIVING week!! I just could not say no.

 

So we grabbed the last Owner's Suite and the interior we had for the kids and instead of being all bitter and annoyed, we decided to do one more cruise on the Mariner for old time sakes. Since we live in San Diego, it's redeployment to Galveston means we probably will never be on her again. But I am looking forward to my first Thanksgiving on the high seas and my last time on this gorgeous ship!

 

Katherine

[negc]

Hmmm, Captain Johnny hinted about this at one of the captain's parties last month when we were on the Mariner. He said something "very interesting and exciting" is going to happen. I thought he meant a Pacific Northwest cruise. DOH. Don't I feel like a total dork for my wishful thinking. :(

 

I was really mad yesterday when I got the call about the cancellation of our itiniary (we were on the late Jan 2011 cruise with the kids). But today I called the redeployment office back and they offered us the SAME prices as the Jan cruise for THANKSGIVING week!! I just could not say no.

 

So we grabbed the last Owner's Suite and the interior we had for the kids and instead of being all bitter and annoyed, we decided to do one more cruise on the Mariner for old time sakes. Since we live in San Diego, it's redeployment to Galveston means we probably will never be on her again. But I am looking forward to my first Thanksgiving on the high seas and my last time on this gorgeous ship!

 

Katherine

 

At least this time Captain Johnny didn't say "The Mariner will never leave the West Coast", although that would have been your first clue that something bad was about to happen.:D

[Geocat]

I have been looking at booking a cruise out of LA on the Mariner on January 23, 2010. Now I see on their website they only are Jan 2 and the 9th. Anyone now what happened to the rest of the January cruises?

[PrincesScuba]

I have been looking at booking a cruise out of LA on the Mariner on January 23, 2010. Now I see on their website they only are Jan 2 and the 9th. Anyone now what happened to the rest of the January cruises?

I guess that you haven't been on the board for the last two days.

 

RC is redeploying Mariner. She is headed to Europe, leaving the west coast of the US without a ship.

 

http://www.nationofwhynot.com/blog/

[alohadan]

It is too bad they just could not keep the Radiance on the west coast. I know that would not solve the summer Mex. Riv. issue with the ship sailing Alaska, but at least for 7-months there would be a RCCL ship sailing out of So. Cal. Radiance sailing 5-days out of Tampa instead? The rates they are charging in Tampa do not look high. I know there are other factors, but at least the Radiance needs to sail along the Ca. coast to get to Alaska. Wishful thinking for the future.

[Cuizer2]

There are many ports in Mexico that the cruise lines continue to sail past on their way to the big three that every ship seems to go to. It would be nice to see La Paz, Loreto, or even Topolobampo. We visited La Paz on the Carnival Spirit a few years back and loved the city. Not sure why more lines don't visit. It is already set up with a great port facility. And a heck of a lot nicer than Mazatlan. I'm sure the Mariner was a little big for these less known ports, but a Radiance class ship would have been perfect.

 

I believe the Carnival Spirit visits La Paz once per year. Other ships also visit that port. I was booked on an April cruise on the Mariner. I have since re-booked on a different ship that will visit "the big three" plus Topolobampo, Loreto and Guaymas (but not La Paz).

[LBumb]

west coast sailings are on the decline.

[spencercoop]

I believe the Carnival Spirit visits La Paz once per year. Other ships also visit that port. I was booked on an April cruise on the Mariner. I have since re-booked on a different ship that will visit "the big three" plus Topolobampo, Loreto and Guaymas (but not La Paz).

 

Not next year. Instead of the 7 day before Hawaii, they are doing a 5 day to Cabo and Ensenada instead.

[babies12]

Not next year. Instead of the 7 day before Hawaii, they are doing a 5 day to Cabo and Ensenada instead.

 

I can do Cabo, but hate Ensenada. Why don't they just do a 2 nighter in Cabo instead.

[babies12]

west coast sailings are on the decline.

 

Well you still got Carnival Splendor, (yuck), and I'm sure they will be increasing their fares in the not too distant future.