BIG cutbacks for Carnival in effect Jan 1st 2011- I hope this isn't true!

[waldocruiser1]

Waldo, I see your point...and yes you have exaggerated a lot.

 

I just seems like with the economy the way it is, it was inevitable that cruising would go up. Looks like they are trying to cut corners so the price of the cruise doesn't sky rocket. And for that I am happy. I don't think it will go as extreme as you have suggested.

 

I fully plan to enjoy my first cruise regardless.

 

I remember my first cruise, it was on the Paradise, when it was Non-Smoking, it was so elegent, attention to detail was huge, in the dining room, there were people working everywere, one bringing bread, on for drinks (water/tea) the real drink waiter, the head waiter, the assistant waiter, they really made you feel special,

 

that was in 2003, now you get a waiter and assitant, and might see the drink waiter.

 

I understand that they are trying to keep prices down, but cutting people and services has an adverse reaction at some point, and it is very hard to get past.

[Cruisin Christi]

I was on Triumph a couple of weeks ago, that did offer the 4 items for $18, surf and turf, just steak, just lobster, and one more. Someone posted a picture of the 4 choices in the bottom of the right hand side of the menu in a box.

 

Its just a option if you want a MAINE lobster. The little free lobster isnt a Maine lobster. I dont think Carnival has been serving Maine lobster for a while for free, but Im not a expert on lobster, I just like it a lot.

 

I can see I might decide to pay $18 for a maine large lobster. I love it. I would even be happy if they would keep the broiled shrimp on the free lobster and just give me a couple of the free ones, instead of two full plates, with all the veggies and shrimp. I just want the lobster.

 

Since it does not affect the free lobster, just like having a pay restaurant on the newer ships does not affect the food in the MDR .. Im fine with it. Why worry about what they might do until they do it. The free lobster was still free. I decided to get the duck too, so I had both the duck and the lobster for free. Two of my favorite carnival meals.

 

Its a option. Do you also object to having a pay restaurant on ships?? same thing, its a option. i say great, let others subsisdize my cruise.

PS its already started on some ships .. so how could it start on 1/1/11?? It was on Triumph and Host Mach says the $18 option is on a couple of other ships as well. Like FCC desks, it takes a while to get on all ships .. but it already is on ships. Its here. I saw it on Triumph with my own two eyes. posts going back to last October reported it on their ship. I did a search to see how far back this has been going on. Its here. Its the its starting 1/1/11 I am objecting to, because Iv already been on a ship with it.

 

I agree with what is in red 100%

[firefly333]

I remember my first cruise, it was on the Paradise, when it was Non-Smoking, it was so elegent, attention to detail was huge, in the dining room, there were people working everywere, one bringing bread, on for drinks (water/tea) the real drink waiter, the head waiter, the assistant waiter, they really made you feel special,

 

that was in 2003, now you get a waiter and assitant, and might see the drink waiter.

 

I understand that they are trying to keep prices down, but cutting people and services has an adverse reaction at some point, and it is very hard to get past.

 

I did a birthday cruise back in the late 1980s, one where the $10 7 course meal. 7 courses, one by one and the waiters used to wear white gloves.. so I could say what you observed was a huge cut back too. They used to make the ceasar salad fresh in the room ... not back in the kitchen. It was made right there and the dessert cart was wheeled around.

 

Things went downhill then to what you witnessed .. change. l

[elcuchio24]

I was on Triumph a couple of weeks ago, that did offer the 4 items for $18, surf and turf, just steak, just lobster, and one more. Someone posted a picture of the 4 choices in the bottom of the right hand side of the menu in a box.

 

Its just a option if you want a MAINE lobster. The little free lobster isnt a Maine lobster. I dont think Carnival has been serving Maine lobster for a while for free, but Im not a expert on lobster, I just like it a lot.

 

I can see I might decide to pay $18 for a maine large lobster. I love it. I would even be happy if they would keep the broiled shrimp on the free lobster and just give me a couple of the free ones, instead of two full plates, with all the veggies and shrimp. I just want the lobster.

 

Since it does not affect the free lobster, just like having a pay restaurant on the newer ships does not affect the food in the MDR .. Im fine with it. Why worry about what they might do until they do it. The free lobster was still free. I decided to get the duck too, so I had both the duck and the lobster for free. Two of my favorite carnival meals.

 

Its a option. Do you also object to having a pay restaurant on ships?? same thing, its a option. i say great, let others subsisdize my cruise.

 

PS its already started on some ships .. so how could it start on 1/1/11?? It was on Triumph and Host Mach says the $18 option is on a couple of other ships as well. Like FCC desks, it takes a while to get on all ships .. but it already is on ships. Its here. I saw it on Triumph with my own two eyes. posts going back to last October reported it on their ship. I did a search to see how far back this has been going on. Its here. Its the its starting 1/1/11 I am objecting to, because Iv already been on a ship with it.

 

Waldo its only on ships that do not have a pay restaurant.

 

Out of all our cruises I think I saw the last Maine lobster in 2006. Since than its been Rock, so I can see how they might legitimize a charge if it's Maine Lobster. Even the lobster tail in the steakhoue this summer on the Liberty was Carribean, real nice a big, but still carribean.

[elcuchio24]

I did a birthday cruise back in the late 1980s, one where the $10 7 course meal. 7 courses, one by one and the waiters used to wear white gloves.. so I could say what you observed was a huge cut back too. They used to make the ceasar salad fresh in the room ... not back in the kitchen. It was made right there and the dessert cart was wheeled around.

 

Things went downhill then to what you witnessed .. change. l

 

Hey I remember all that too!.......in the steakhouse!:)

[waldocruiser1]

I did a birthday cruise back in the late 1980s, one where the $10 7 course meal. 7 courses, one by one and the waiters used to wear white gloves.. so I could say what you observed was a huge cut back too. They used to make the ceasar salad fresh in the room ... not back in the kitchen. It was made right there and the dessert cart was wheeled around.

 

Things went downhill then to what you witnessed .. change. l

 

I think it is time for the cruise lines to reevaluate the cost/selling price for cruises, and get back the "special feeling" and then charge for it, I would be more for More service, we cruise 2 time in 18 months, most of the time, so we try to make it special, so should they. Make it memorable, and worth what you pay.

 

I have also go Disney and they are great, just need a longer cruise when we can cruise, maybe with the new ships they will get more 7-8 day cruises, and I would be glad to pay for the service.

[deborahjo]

I did a birthday cruise back in the late 1980s, one where the $10 7 course meal. 7 courses, one by one and the waiters used to wear white gloves.. so I could say what you observed was a huge cut back too. They used to make the ceasar salad fresh in the room ... not back in the kitchen. It was made right there and the dessert cart was wheeled around.

 

Things went downhill then to what you witnessed .. change. l

 

Well I cruised for the first time in 1978 and that is when everything was free and the price of a cruise was double what it is today. But the service I received was impecible. Can I say it is impecible today. No but it is pretty darn close.

 

Today we have lower costs and we pay for alcohol and pop. Meals were a ceremony and they have lost that feeling today. I still love my room steward and the entertainment on board.

[elcuchio24]

I think it is time for the cruise lines to reevaluate the cost/selling price for cruises, and get back the "special feeling" and then charge for it, I would be more for More service, we cruise 2 time in 18 months, most of the time, so we try to make it special, so should they. Make it memorable, and worth what you pay.

 

I have also go Disney and they are great, just need a longer cruise when we can cruise, maybe with the new ships they will get more 7-8 day cruises, and I would be glad to pay for the service.

 

I think yours would be the minority opinion in the market share that CCL targets, that is the 'value' cruisers for the most part. The last thing they want to do, or intend to do, is raise rates. That's just not the way the company is headed.

[CruzVinnieCruz]

I think yours would be the minority opinion in the market share that CCL targets, that is the 'value' cruisers for the most part. The last thing they want to do, or intend to do, is raise rates. That's just not the way the company is headed.

 

In the end they are raising rates only indirectly if they head in the direction that it seems. Even the value cruiser notices the changes and at some point may decide to spend their vacation dollars differently.

[firefly333]

The $18 steak and turf or just steak, if I remember correctly was sirlion steak. I bet there are some who would pay for sirlion over the flat iron steak. Im not a beef eater, but I do love the lobster. 4 pay options in a little box, with $18 written at the top. you could get either by itself or both together for $18... I forget the 4th option, I think another steak option.

 

If you have hundreds of $$ of OBC like I do on my upcoming cruise .. why not treat myself to a maine lobster? I dont see all the fuss .. but nothing changed suddenly on 1/1/11 ..

[G'ma]

actually, the way i'm reading this is the good old slippery slope. decrease the quality of the "normal" food, and then give the option of "buying" the good food.

 

Not at all. Currently it's being tested on 3 ships....if they put it in place fleetwide, it will be on the ships that have no Steakhouse/Supper Club such as the Fantasy class and Triumph class which have none.

 

This is an addition to the menus....not a price for the regular dining fare which will remain fine and included in your cruise fare. No downgrading in quality or service..

[G'ma]

Sounds like you pretty much have your mind made up about how things are........

 

AH, that is how conspiracies are born, for sure. A rumor starts..spreads over many horizons and, despite the very best information to the contrary, they simply cannot abide the reality or refuse to believe it.

 

A few of note: The Flat Earth people, we didn't REALLY land men on the moon, FEMA is building internment camps somewhere "out there" to lock up people who don't agree with the "new world order".. Thousands of vans are parked at an abandon pier in Florida to roundup nonbelievers...on and on....

 

No proof, no sort of reality will be allowed to take root in a conspiracy-driven person...

 

Personally, I have no reason to believe that Carnival is about to downgrade the food in the MDR, forcing us to pay a surcharge for "better" food. That's ridiculous....

 

Offering a premium steak or lobster for a fee however, is practicable and makes sense on those ships where the Steakhouse is not an option.

[G'ma]

I remember my first cruise, it was on the Paradise, when it was Non-Smoking, it was so elegent, attention to detail was huge, in the dining room, there were people working everywere, one bringing bread, on for drinks (water/tea) the real drink waiter, the head waiter, the assistant waiter, they really made you feel special,

 

that was in 2003, now you get a waiter and assitant, and might see the drink waiter.

 

I understand that they are trying to keep prices down, but cutting people and services has an adverse reaction at some point, and it is very hard to get past.

 

Times change. I remember when a new car cost 3000.00, was made of steel, was built in the US and lasted 20 years. I remember when you could buy a well-made house on 1/4 acre of land for 18,000.00.

 

I started on Carnival back in the mid-70's when they only had 3 ships. Everything had the Carnival logo on it - from bedsheets to ashtrays, flatware and dishes, all the glasses - even the plastic used at the pool bars. Towels, rugs in the bathroom, everything had the logo.

 

I recall when you could bring your own booze onboard..as much as you wanted. Your blenders were welcomed as well as your irons and guitars. Drinks were about 1.50 and the special of the day was .50...Bingo was 1.00 a card and lasted an hour...and prizes were all cash with a huge jackpot coverall at the end of the week (I won once....4000.00!!!). Everyone dressed for dinner and the Captains Welcome Aboard party was lavish, tuxedos and gowns everywhere.

 

They still offer the best prices and the best cruising value for the dollar. There are "new" things I don't particularly like but none of those things would ruin my cruise experience or make me NOT book.

[Name Of The Game]

G'ma, where've you been for the past six months? :confused:

[G'ma]

I think yours would be the minority opinion in the market share that CCL targets, that is the 'value' cruisers for the most part. The last thing they want to do, or intend to do, is raise rates. That's just not the way the company is headed.

 

 

I agree. For those looking for a luxurious cruise, there are plenty of those out there for them....if they want to pay the prices.

 

Personally, I cruise because I love to and love being at sea. All I'm looking for is a comfortable cabin with a balcony at a decent price for a solo cruiser, good food, prepared with care, a little time at the tables in the casino, a good bartender. A good show or two..a funny comedian and a rowdy piano bar.

 

Carnival has always provided that superbly......

[Tbay-eh]

G'ma, where've you been for the past six months? :confused:

 

Was just going to ask the same question.

[G'ma]

G'ma, where've you been for the past six months? :confused:

 

Busy as heck....did a lot of traveling (and cruising), lots of company from out of town during the summer, Son came over to visit from Hawaii for a month...selling like crazy on eBay (that funds my cruises). Caught up on some reading and, being the family historian, really busy with genealogy thingie, digging through pounds and pounds of family documents, etc. trying to spruce up the "Family Tree" on Ancestry (which could be a full time effort...I'm always behind)....

 

Good to have the time to join in again.

[madge57]

jobell you are so correct in so many things!! just because some posters have more than 5,000 post they think they know it all!! Guess what ...they don't!! And Yes they have the attitude!!! So don't be a newbie and ask stupid question because you will be shot down!!!

[golfadj]

I still maintain that the pay for premium trial is a trial balloon and if successful you will see a "small" charge for better quality steaks, salmon etc.

 

They are in the business of making money and if people accept it this will grow.

[scperk]

G'ma, where've you been for the past six months? :confused:

we were hoping that she got banned permantly..instead of just 6 months......:)...Dennis

[pnjkeith]

People sure like to spread rumors.

 

I do believe they will increase the recommended daily tip though. Has been $ 10 for long time and they will follow RCCL's lead.

 

Some might deserve an increase, but lately many should receive a decrease!

[tinaky1114]

Just off the Jan 1-8 Dream Cruise.

 

Nightly turndown service with mints. Wonderful steward.

 

Dining staff wonderful - did notice a decrease in food quality since my last cruise. Most beef cuts were a little tough but would not categorize the food a bad and I am not paying 5 star restaurant prices. You certainly won't go hungry.

 

Lido service - I did not notice a lack of staff. I usually had someone picking up my tray as I left the table. One thing I missed was the late night grill. I love having a burger in the evening and the pizza just didn't taste good to me this time.

 

Entertainment was a lacking in quality. Their main show band (The Dream Band) was not good at all and had no charisma. Again, I found I had enough to keep me enjoying the cruise.

 

Everything being said, I loved my cruise and will sail carnival again.

[Name Of The Game]

One thing I missed was the late night grill. I love having a burger in the evening and the pizza just didn't taste good to me this time.

 

quote]

 

I miss the burgers too. Late at night I used to see half eaten burgers & fries all over the ship and they probably got tired of cleaning that up and stopped serving them. Now they just have appetizer type foods with small plates on the promenade deck at night.

[dan40]

I still maintain that the pay for premium trial is a trial balloon and if successful you will see a "small" charge for better quality steaks, salmon etc.

 

They are in the business of making money and if people accept it this will grow.

 

 

I disagree with this. $18.00 for a 24oz., dry aged, USDA Prime grade porterhouse leaves NO room for profit.

 

Dry aging shrinks beef from 25% to 40%, so that 24oz. steak started out as 30oz. to 33.6oz. And even Carnival pays more than $18.00 for 30oz. of USDA Prime beef.

[scperk]

Please get the facts right and don't repete what you HEARD...If you were on the ship and they did this come back and tell us..Dennis