Why so little variety in Carnival's itineraries?

[babyblue78]

I think that Reno3 was referring to Pride sailing out of Baltimore with Port Canaveral as a port of call, but I could be wrong. :)

[hubofhockey]

The younger people and younger families that Carnival attracts has little use for Europe and Med cruises. CCL serves that market very well with both Princess and HAL. We're doing a family Med cruise on the Magic. But we'll do British Isles on Princess and Asia on Princess or other lines. You don't have to go on Carnival for every cruise and you may not even want to. There are many Carnival passengers who are very happy never having to take a vacation away from the Caribbean.

[Mekamax]

Out of curiousity how profitable is New Orleans as a port? I see some of the best prices out of that port and wonder that it is profitable at all....

[kathy884]

What I mean is that they basically sail only out of various US ports. No South America, Europe, Asia. Ok they will be next year in Europe for a couple of months but just because the ship is already there.

 

I think my family / extended family are similar to the main North American demographic group that Carnival goes for. We have limited time for a vacation and a limited budget. These farther away ports would not work for us (budget -- too expensive to fly to -- time -- flights take too long when total time off work is a week or less)

 

Carnival is our favorite line because we think they put together a good value package (quality / price)

 

Like others have said, some of their other brands cover these other markets. These look really interesting and fun, but due to price/time aren't even options we'd seriously look at.

[wone3]

I think that Reno3 was referring to Pride sailing out of Baltimore with Port Canaveral as a port of call, but I could be wrong. :)

 

Exactly....past couple of years have had year round to Port C, Nassau and Freeport with late spring to early fall having an alternate sailing week schedule with stops in Grand Turk, HMC and Freeport.

 

2011 is adding some new stuff ( several sailings to Bermuda and a slight change to the alternate sailing with Grand Turk, HMC and Nassau) along with the previous listings

[CanWeGoYet?]

Carnival is in Europe, but just mediterranean, at least for now.

 

I so wish they would add British Isles or Baltic in 2012. A ways off, but that is the time frame I'm looking at for my next major vacation. If I could get a week long cruise or a longer TA with that itinerary on Carnival, I'd book it in a heartbeat.

 

I understand they want to limit the itineraries to what is most profitable, but a little variety wouldn't hurt.

[AdrenalineRush]

Carnival is in Europe, but just mediterranean, at least for now.

 

I so wish they would add British Isles or Baltic in 2012. A ways off, but that is the time frame I'm looking at for my next major vacation. If I could get a week long cruise or a longer TA with that itinerary on Carnival, I'd book it in a heartbeat.

 

I understand they want to limit the itineraries to what is most profitable, but a little variety wouldn't hurt.

 

The last time they tried to mix it up, it backfired on them. They had Liberty and Freedom scheduled to sail in Europe a few years ago. Freedom sailing from Rome, doing Med cruises and Liberty doing some London based cruises to the Baltics..even after drastically dropping rates, they couldnt fill berth.

 

It cost Carnival a ton of money to refund all those pax and then try to rebook the ship to sail in the Caribbean.

While the economy is much better now, Carnival isnt in a hurry to "mix things up" when their current business model is highly successful.

[CanWeGoYet?]

I remember, I had booked a transatlantic on the liberty & they canceled the cruise. I had been planning for 3 months, so disappointed. I had found great airfare for the trip home, just found a cruise with a similar itinerary on Celebrity to use the airfare, hotel & tickets to the Royal Opera Ballet.

 

They said they wanted to keep their cruise ships close to home, but now that they have returned to Europe I wish they had some more options than Med.

[iceleven]

I think there's a couple issues with the West Coast... market and ports.

 

The market has never been exceptionally strong for cruise ship... witness the recent departure announcements from RCCL and a few other lines.

 

Where ya' gonna go? The Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Alaska is far and away the most expensive and least profitable destination anywhere. I understand that some changes are in the works but the ships go where the money is...

 

:)

 

I'm not sure what you point is. Mexico is far more interesting than the Bahamas yet Carnival convinces people to go there. Many offerings of the Western Caribbean (Mexico) are similar in culture and ports as the Pacific ports of Mexico and Carnival goes there from several ports on the east coast.

 

If Carnival spent a longer day in Cabo (currently only 5 hours and even that has to be tendered) perhaps more people would be interested. Cabo is a beautiful port with many things to do but not enough time to enjoy any of them.

 

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and was scheduled to leave for my cruise on the Splendor tomorrow afternoon but we all know what happened there. We were going to be able to drive to the pier. Just like so many people, as yourself. If there had been more options, I would have booked another ship going out of LA or San Diego but the choices were slim.

 

So, we now are flying to Port Canaveral, with the added expense of air and an overnight hotel, and cruising on the Dream. So yeah, it would be great if there were more ships going out of California.

 

Twice, in the last 2 years, we have had to fly to our cruise destination. Once to NOLA and also Puerto Rico. Both Carnival cruises. But if I have to fly to them all of the time, I might as well fly to Hawaii, or Singapore. We will be flying to Europe for a Baltic cruise in the fall.

 

It's a shame, because we enjoy Carnival's more casual style than some of the other cruise lines. I think we will give The Splendor another try when she get's repaired. It sure makes traveling easier when you don't have to always take a red eye

 

Oh, I almost forgot to ask, why is Alaska less profitable? It seems that so many people want to go there. We were there a couple years back but went with NCL. It was by far the best cruise we have ever been on. You just can't top the scenery, no matter what ship you are on. And the excursions were awesome.

[golfadj]

I read maybe something in the works for Baltimore, another ship going to better ports than Port Canaveral, maybe a long cruise than 7 day?

The airfare is really putting a kink in my cruising, I need to drive to my next ships port:p

 

Baltimore would be the closest port for us but the itineraries leave a lot to be desired so we travel to Florida. Going to Pt Canaveral and the Bahamas do not exactly do it for us.

 

We much prefer going further South into the Caribbean.

[LynneL]

.... It is also appearing more frequently as a port-a-call. It has the beaches, Cocoa Beach which is a vacation destination in it own right, Kennedy Space Center, the Merritt Island National Wild Life Sanctuary, less than one hour from Orlando which hosts all the parks for day excursions or pre or post cruise extensions.

 

Orlando International airport services over 35 million passegers per year, And a road directly from that airport and the beaches on the east coast of Florida terminates a mile after Port Canaveral on the Atlantic Ocean. Its called the "Beach Line" so nobody would get lost getting here.

 

We searched several areas before we decided on retiring to Florida and picked this area becasue of its beauty, beaches, friendly atomosphere, proximity to a major airport and being close to the port for cruising.

 

Yep, we're 15 minutes away and never have trouble getting a ride to the ships. So no airfare or parkign fees! I think it was 78 degrees today....

 

Sorry you don't share my entusiasm!

 

CocoaBob

 

As a cruise terminal, Port Canaveral was very nice & easy to find. However, as a port...just not my idea of what I'm looking for on a Caribbean/Bahamas cruise. For someone who does not live in a beach area it may provide an opportunity to swim in the Atlantic or for someone who may not get back to Florida an opportunity to drive to Disney (though I think it is far for a day excursion & doesn't give you enough time to experience Disney).

 

For myself, I can swim in the Atlantic at beaches I preferred to Cocoa Beach (Jones Beach on Long Island with a long boardwalk, mini-golf right there, children's playground, bandshell that has music/dancing on certain evenings, etc.). I did rent a car & drove to other attractions, but again - I'm looking for something tropical on a Bahamas or Caribbean cruise. Not dismissing Cocoa Beach as not being nice...just not what I wanted as one of my ports. Would have preferred 2 days at a cruiseline owned island or even Nassau.

[babyblue78]

Oh, I almost forgot to ask, why is Alaska less profitable? It seems that so many people want to go there. We were there a couple years back but went with NCL. It was by far the best cruise we have ever been on. You just can't top the scenery, no matter what ship you are on. And the excursions were awesome.

 

Not sure where I read this, but supposedly there is less alcohol and casino revenues since people "party" less on Alaska cruises and focus on the ports of call. Also, many people book private excursions rather than through the ship, reducing revenues.

[jimbo5544]

Carnival is in Europe, but just mediterranean, at least for now.

 

I so wish they would add British Isles or Baltic in 2012. A ways off, but that is the time frame I'm looking at for my next major vacation. If I could get a week long cruise or a longer TA with that itinerary on Carnival, I'd book it in a heartbeat.

 

I understand they want to limit the itineraries to what is most profitable, but a little variety wouldn't hurt.

I agree....would love to do that itin as well.

[firefly333]

What I mean is that they basically sail only out of various US ports. No South America, Europe, Asia. Ok they will be next year in Europe for a couple of months but just because the ship is already there.

 

I dont understand why people are so stuck on not trying out other cruiselines. there are so many choices for Europe, S Am, Asia etc.. broaden your horizens a bit and you will find lots of choice.

[PROCRUISE]

The answer is simple... economics.

They know (very well...) where the profit is and in order to return money on an investment they sail from where they can make money.

:)

 

Exactly right!

[jimbo5544]

I dont understand why people are so stuck on not trying out other cruiselines. there are so many choices for Europe, S Am, Asia etc.. broaden your horizens a bit and you will find lots of choice.

You make a fair point. Price is the biggest arbiter we have, Carnival is just cheaper. Platinum perks are nice as well. We are somewhat restricted at times we can sail also. (northern Europe is what I am referring to).

[hubofhockey]

Carnival is in Europe, but just mediterranean, at least for now.

 

I so wish they would add British Isles or Baltic in 2012. A ways off, but that is the time frame I'm looking at for my next major vacation. If I could get a week long cruise or a longer TA with that itinerary on Carnival, I'd book it in a heartbeat.

 

I understand they want to limit the itineraries to what is most profitable, but a little variety wouldn't hurt.

 

 

They are only in the Med (and only Western Med) temporarily for next Summer before they move the Magic permanently to Galveston. They have made no commitment to it beyond that.

 

Carnival is not known for competing in Europe and CCL has other lines there and they do quite well with Princess and HAL. For next summer for us, it is nice to have the low cost Med cruise out there. We're taking advantage. But I doubt that large of a percentage of Carnival's regular market really care too much for Med cruises.

[iceleven]

Not sure where I read this, but supposedly there is less alcohol and casino revenues since people "party" less on Alaska cruises and focus on the ports of call. Also, many people book private excursions rather than through the ship, reducing revenues.

 

Is that why we were constantly being interrupted by announcements for BINGO?? OMG, I was never more annoyed. Maybe it's just an older group of people and younger families who prefer the nature cruises over the booze and island beach crowds. Both can be wonderful and it's great people have choices.

 

I have to admit, our excursions made a major dent in our costs for the cruise. We easily spent over $600 for our excursions and booked them through the cruise line. Of course, we were "newbies" to the hard sell of the "if you don't book thru us, and you don't get back to the ship on time......" Selling fear sucks but now I see they all do it.

 

Perhaps people don't know how exciting some of the excursions are. We ziplined through the temperate rain forest where bears padded below and stood eye to eye level with eagles. We biked 22 miles (mostly downhill) from Canada and back into Alaska through a magnificent mountain range, kayaked across the bay and saw wildlife such as seals, golden eagles, and took a helicopter ride that took us up and above the mountains and landed us on top of a huge glacier where we were able to get out and walk around, drink the icy pure water from a melting stream. It was the most exciting cruise we've ever taken.

 

Personally, I would never book a cruise during the summer thru the end of November anywhere in the Caribbean as there are too many chances of hurricanes ruining my cruise yet it doesn't seem to put a dent in the cruise industry. They seem to be just as busy during that time as the winter.

 

Life is just too short to just keep seeing the same things over and over again. My opinion only, of course.

[golfadj]

We do not particularly care about the islands in the Caribbean anymore just now go on unusual excursions.

 

We like to cruise to cruise and now with the comedy club plus platinum have new reasons to go again. Can get to ports without flying so cruising has become very economical.

[jimbo5544]

They are only in the Med (and only Western Med) temporarily for next Summer before they move the Magic permanently to Galveston. They have made no commitment to it beyond that.

 

Carnival is not known for competing in Europe and CCL has other lines there and they do quite well with Princess and HAL. For next summer for us, it is nice to have the low cost Med cruise out there. We're taking advantage. But I doubt that large of a percentage of Carnival's regular market really care too much for Med cruises.

They started to be competitive back when the Freedom was ove there (at least in terms of variety of ports...east/west med, northern Europe) but I would agree that the schedule for the Magic is strickly western med....and frankly a little weak.

[CJHAN]

Because Carnival is an AMERICAN company. They mostly cater to AMERICAN families (well, maybe some Canadian), who live in NORTH AMERICA. It's ridiculous to have cruises out of Asia, etc. if everyone will have to pay an arm and a leg to fly there! That's why.

 

PS: Just so you know, the current Caribbean itineraries are generally a hit, why fix what ain't broke?:confused:

I have to disagree I think they could make tons of money sailing out of aisa catering to aisan people and also to Americans who have to money to make the flight and see those ports.

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Not alot of money in South America but the other ports i have no idea why. I perfer the Caribbean anyway so im glad they have so many out of North America;)

[firefly333]

I have to disagree I think they could make tons of money sailing out of aisa catering to aisan people and also to Americans who have to money to make the flight and see those ports.

 

there are cruises that already do that. Why do people think Carnival's 22 ships have to be all things to all people to all places. People are already complaining they want more ships here in the U.S. they want more ports to choose from etc.

[Tapi]

Because Carnival is an AMERICAN company. They mostly cater to AMERICAN families (well, maybe some Canadian), who live in NORTH AMERICA.

 

Carnival being an "American" company has ZERO to do with where they cruise. These itineraries are determined by who Carnival has chosen as a target audience.

 

That target audience is lower-middle & middle income America. Carnival has devoted their fleet to affordable cruises from various "drive to" ports which makes cruising more accessible to more Americans. The only drawback is that you can only access a limited number of destinations in a given 3-7 day itinerary out of US ports.

 

It's ridiculous to have cruises out of Asia, etc. :

 

There's a market and a clientele for more upscale and exotic itineraries, who have the time, interest, and money to do these itineraries, so I don't think that these cruises should be labeled as "ridiculous". Not everybody wants to take a cruise to the Bahamas or Mexico from a "drive to" port. If others can afford more, who are we to say how they spend their money?

[Tapi]

You obviously haven't been to Pt Caneveral many times... Pt. Canaveral is the second busiest cruise passenger port in the nation. It is also appearing more frequently as a port-a-call.

 

We searched several areas before we decided on retiring to Florida and picked this area becasue of its beauty, beaches, friendly atomosphere, proximity to a major airport and being close to the port for cruising.

 

Yep, we're 15 minutes away and never have trouble getting a ride to the ships. So no airfare or parkign fees! I think it was 78 degrees today.

 

Sorry you don't share my entusiasm!

 

CocoaBob

 

A little bit defensive there CocoaBob?

 

I lived in Florida for many years and visited the Central Florida area many, many times, and this is what I have to say:

 

Port Canaveral is NOT where I would like to go on a cruise. No offense, but Cocoa Beach is lined up with trashy motels and subsequently, attracts a pretty trashy crowd. (Yes, there's a handful of "nice" hotels but the vast majority are trashy motels).

 

Even though Cocoa Beach may be attractive to passengers from northern states used to murky lake water, these beaches can't hold a candle to the clear water, white powdery sand beaches in the Caribbean.

 

Spending the day at a crowded amusement parks that is one hour away by expressway is NOT my idea of a relaxing Caribbean cruise either.

 

I can see how someone who 's never been on a cruise (or to Central Florida and its attractions) may be interested in taking a cruise that visits this "port of call", however, in my opinion, the reason why Port Canaveral is showing up in 7 night "Caribbean" itineraries from the northeast is because the options are very limited without spending a fortune on fuel just trying to get the ship to another destination farther away. Port Canaveral is a cheap alternative.

 

Sorry, but I don't share your enthusiasm CocoaBob... :o