has CCL fallen that far?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...We have always had great service, and I always tip the servers well. :)

 

I have come across plenty of friendly/helpful people even at the pizza, deli areas, etc... a $2 bill given to them, here and there, comes as a welcome surprise. :)

 

Tom

[jonbgd]

Ran out of days before running out of FREE venues for lunch options - ok - some were so good I did them more than once.

If you were on for 21 days how many lunches did you do on the ship?

I was looking at the deck plans and it seems the Magic has the same amount as past ships. Am I missing something?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

If you were on for 21 days how many lunches did you do on the ship?

I was looking at the deck plans and it seems the Magic has the same amount as past ships. Am I missing something?

 

Apparently the same "something" that I missed. ;)

 

Tom

[Silverscreencruiser]

It never ceases to amaze me, anytime one of these threads appears, that people completely forget the differences that have taken place in the economic climate in this country and worldwide over the past three years. Carnival's "penny pinching" is not a sudden decision by management to gouge customers any way they can.

 

We are in a recession folks.

 

Now perhaps a few of the luxury cruise lines haven't been hit that badly since their typical clientele have been spending more freely than most of the rest of us, but a very large number of people in this country are economizing much more than they were in 2007. Things are a bit better now, but people still are very concerned about their finances and thinking a lot more than twice before spending money on "frills."

 

I've witnessed this time and time again when I've gone out to dinner in my hometown. Restaurants on the one hand are discounting aggressively, while on the other hand they are looking to cut corners to keep costs down. Smaller portions, fewer selections, shorter hours (closing earlier if there's little demand), fewer employees, and more inventive methods of pricing with more a la carte items and fewer things included in the base price are all standard at those restaurants that stay open. Every restaurant owner or manager worries over these details, and they know they are losing some customers no matter what they do.

 

Carnival isn't immune. In fact, as the entry level cruise line for many people, Carnival is in the most vulnerable situation as people debate whether to spend money on a cruise, another vacation, or pay off bills. Carnival has to get about 60,000 bodies onto its cruise ships every single week in order to keep going, and their biggest worry right now isn't losing customers to RCCI or NCL or to various all-inclusive resorts... it's having customers sit on their wallets or spend a few days close to home instead of going on a cruise. If anything, by keeping their pricing the way it is, they are taking customers who simply can't afford RCCI or NCL (or Carnival lines like HAL) but still want the cruise experience.

 

Like a couple of other posters here, I priced a comparable RCCI cruise for next year to various Carnival routes. At the times we travel, I'd be paying about $500 more for a comparable RCCI cruise, and it's just not worth it to me. And my gut tells me that the RCCI and NCL "experiences" have gone down over the last four years as well. It just takes someone who is familiar enough with them to recognize the changes.

 

I know the cruise experience has gone down. My overall experience at a lot of restaurants has gone down as well. That's due to the economy, not a sudden outbreak of greed by Carnival management or the owners of the restaurants I enjoy. I would be very surprised if Carnival did not start adding to their amenities as economic conditions permit, because people will be looking harder at the package as opposed to just the price. If they choose to do so then, I will explore other options. But until then, I understand what they are going through and what our country's economy is going through.

[Jsaxm]

I do not get all these comments about meat loaf or fried chicken being offered as an option. No one is forcing anyone to make these choices and it appears there are many other options to satisfy even those with the "high class" tastes. What does it matter if people really like the pizza or burgers and think they are the best on CCL? Some enjoy it. Some don't. Big deal

 

Because, as I have noticed from my short time on this board, there are a lot of cruise snobs out there. People who think because you cruise with carnival that you are some poor redneck who can't enjoy the finer things in life.

 

Sadly, if they only knew that some of the people, more than we may know, cruise carnival because we are looking for a good deal and not the 24/7 perks of butlers, gold leaf on the sundae, sinks that wash your hands for you, lighting in your room that changes when you push one button, and a touch screen phone.

 

IMHO, even though my upcoming cruise is going to be my first ever, I don't see the point in paying twice what I am paying for my Carnival cruise to get a smaller room. If I wanted to get a suite on one of the other lines, I would have to pay in excess of 3 to 4 times what I paid for my Carnival suite (which people will knock and say really isn't a suite).

 

I usually try not to upset people on these boards because people are enboldened when they can hide behind their keyboards and computer screens, but enough is enough. I am tired of hearing people knock Carnival, and in turn the people who cruise that line, because it's affordable.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It never ceases to amaze me, anytime one of these threads appears, that people completely forget the differences that have taken place in the economic climate in this country and worldwide over the past three years. Carnival's "penny pinching" is not a sudden decision by management to gouge customers any way they can.

 

We are in a recession folks.

 

Now perhaps a few of the luxury cruise lines haven't been hit that badly since their typical clientele have been spending more freely than most of the rest of us, but a very large number of people in this country are economizing much more than they were in 2007. Things are a bit better now, but people still are very concerned about their finances and thinking a lot more than twice before spending money on "frills."

 

I've witnessed this time and time again when I've gone out to dinner in my hometown. Restaurants on the one hand are discounting aggressively, while on the other hand they are looking to cut corners to keep costs down. Smaller portions, fewer selections, shorter hours (closing earlier if there's little demand), fewer employees, and more inventive methods of pricing with more a la carte items and fewer things included in the base price are all standard at those restaurants that stay open. Every restaurant owner or manager worries over these details, and they know they are losing some customers no matter what they do.

 

Carnival isn't immune. In fact, as the entry level cruise line for many people, Carnival is in the most vulnerable situation as people debate whether to spend money on a cruise, another vacation, or pay off bills. Carnival has to get about 60,000 bodies onto its cruise ships every single week in order to keep going, and their biggest worry right now isn't losing customers to RCCI or NCL or to various all-inclusive resorts... it's having customers sit on their wallets or spend a few days close to home instead of going on a cruise. If anything, by keeping their pricing the way it is, they are taking customers who simply can't afford RCCI or NCL (or Carnival lines like HAL) but still want the cruise experience.

 

Like a couple of other posters here, I priced a comparable RCCI cruise for next year to various Carnival routes. At the times we travel, I'd be paying about $500 more for a comparable RCCI cruise, and it's just not worth it to me. And my gut tells me that the RCCI and NCL "experiences" have gone down over the last four years as well. It just takes someone who is familiar enough with them to recognize the changes.

 

I know the cruise experience has gone down. My overall experience at a lot of restaurants has gone down as well. That's due to the economy, not a sudden outbreak of greed by Carnival management or the owners of the restaurants I enjoy. I would be very surprised if Carnival did not start adding to their amenities as economic conditions permit, because people will be looking harder at the package as opposed to just the price. If they choose to do so then, I will explore other options. But until then, I understand what they are going through and what our country's economy is going through.

 

All valid points!

 

I don't really know though that "things are a bit better now" - that really depends who you ask (again, forget asking that of the truly "rich", not the lower edge of what is politically considered "rich" to be sure)! As a political aside, how anyone thinks that we can get our fiscal house in order (America) without both raising taxes and cutting expenses is beyond me!!

 

Carnival is adding amenities - though many of those appear to come at a cost. The Red Frog Pub as well as additional pay dining options (and let's not forget milkshakes and specialty desserts) though the fees associated with these new additions are minimal. I for one appreciate additional choices such as these. They provide variety and take some pressure off the other (included) offerings on the ship.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Because, as I have noticed from my short time on this board, there are a lot of cruise snobs out there. People who think because you cruise with carnival that you are some poor redneck who can't enjoy the finer things in life.

 

Sadly, if they only knew that some of the people, more than we may know, cruise carnival because we are looking for a good deal and not the 24/7 perks of butlers, gold leaf on the sundae, sinks that wash your hands for you, lighting in your room that changes when you push one button, and a touch screen phone.

 

IMHO, even though my upcoming cruise is going to be my first ever, I don't see the point in paying twice what I am paying for my Carnival cruise to get a smaller room. If I wanted to get a suite on one of the other lines, I would have to pay in excess of 3 to 4 times what I paid for my Carnival suite (which people will knock and say really isn't a suite).

 

I usually try not to upset people on these boards because people are enboldened when they can hide behind their keyboards and computer screens, but enough is enough. I am tired of hearing people knock Carnival, and in turn the people who cruise that line, because it's affordable.

 

I can't help but see some of my past comments embedded in your post - however I have no interest in gold leaf on a sundae or sinks that wash your hands, LOL - though nor do I desire to use the bidet which is in many GS cabins on Carnival. Don't misunderstand me, I don't take offense. I fully realize that there are all levels of offerings out there - and that one must pay for additional things.

 

Carnival is still a great value - no doubt about it. It fits some people perfectly, other less so. It's a good thing that there are many choices out there.

 

I won't fault anyone for making a decision to sail on any line. It's totally their call - it's there life, and their $. :)

 

Tom

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Right and the one radical thing they did(decor) has been successful, who wants the ships to look like grandmothers house like RCI and NCL, I prefer the youthful,wildly exciting vegas decor to get me in the fun ship mood.;)

 

Vegas doesn't look like that anymore. It used to but now its about beauty.

 

IMHO, there is nothing wrong with comfort food (I like it). I just wish Carnival would open a 24 hour bar/restaurant like the one on NCL. I've never cruised on NCL but after reading the menu, I think that this would be the way to go. Carnival, bring on the chicken wings but please only in the bar!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Vegas doesn't look like that anymore. It used to but now its about beauty.

 

IMHO, there is nothing wrong with comfort food (I like it). I just wish Carnival would open a 24 hour bar/restaurant like the one on NCL. I've never cruised on NCL but after reading the menu, I think that this would be the way to go. Carnival, bring on the chicken wings but please only in the bar!

 

Simple things!!

 

I ordered a couple of plates of Honey-Sesame chicken wings (no charge/room service) on Celebrity and enjoyed them on our balcony with some Coronas. It's those simple things that really make you kick back and say ahhhh! :cool:

 

Tom

[papillon cruiser]

1 the MDR

2 BUffet

3 pizza place

4hamburger grill

5 Deli

6 Indian food

7 outdoor grill on Promenade deck (serves barbeque)

8 Italian place

9 Red frog

10 Room Service

11 WOK

12 Burrito Bar

13 Coffee Bar (I know I am pushing this one but htey do serve food)

14 They had light healthy foods on the promenade by the coffee bar

 

the Europe cruise was very port intensive and Lunch was usually off the ship. So I can see if you are repeating some venues it is possible to eat something different everyday.

 

If I forgot anything someone will surely correct me.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 the MDR

2 BUffet

3 pizza place

4hamburger grill

5 Deli

6 Indian food

7 outdoor grill on Promenade deck (serves barbeque)

8 Italian place

9 Red frog

10 Room Service

11 WOK

12 Burrito Bar

13 Coffee Bar (I know I am pushing this one but htey do serve food)

14 They had light healthy foods on the promenade by the coffee bar

 

the Europe cruise was very port intensive and Lunch was usually off the ship. So I can see if you are repeating some venues it is possible to eat something different everyday.

 

If I forgot anything someone will surely correct me.

 

Are all of those "FREE" options?

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

IMHO, even though my upcoming cruise is going to be my first ever...

 

Sorry - I meant to add HAVE A GREAT TIME !!

 

(it's difficult not to)!

 

Tom

[papillon cruiser]

Yes they were all free with the exception of the red frog and the coffee bar.

 

The Italian venues is free during the day and $10 at night.

 

By the way I used to love NCL but had a few bad cruises but that was at least 2-3 years ago. Let me know your experience when you get back.

I have been on the sun and majesty and sky and another one (star maybe) I forgot the name of but it was one of the newer ones 3 years ago. NCL was a fantastic cruise line but when they started the American ships) they really went down hill. Maybe it was just a tough time for the company. I would love to here your opinions though,

 

The only big positive thing with carnival from the old NCL was bigger cabins.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Simple things!!

 

I ordered a couple of plates of Honey-Sesame chicken wings (no charge/room service) on Celebrity and enjoyed them on our balcony with some Coronas. It's those simple things that really make you kick back and say ahhhh! :cool:

 

Tom

 

Exactally!! I for one would love that. How hard would it be to add things like this to room service? Also, the addition of a 24 hour restaurant for late night comfort food (like NCL has) would totally improve on late night fun. We could close down the casino and then go out for chicken wings! Hey Carnival...Didja Ever?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Yes they were all free with the exception of the red frog and the coffee bar.

 

The Italian venues is free during the day and $10 at night.

 

By the way I used to love NCL but had a few bad cruises but that was at least 2-3 years ago. Let me know your experience when you get back.

I have been on the sun and majesty and sky and another one (star maybe) I forgot the name of but it was one of the newer ones 3 years ago. NCL was a fantastic cruise line but when they started the American ships) they really went down hill. Maybe it was just a tough time for the company. I would love to here your opinions though,

 

The only big positive thing with carnival from the old NCL was bigger cabins.

 

No doubt that Carnival offers some of the largest "standard" cabins on all the major cruise lines!

 

Our only experiences with NCL has been in the last year (Sky and Epic). I am sure that they too are struggling with costs/profits as all the lines are. It's a tougher business climate at this time!

 

I will add that our experience with NCL is somewhat colored by the fact we were in a suite both times, which brought into play some of those additional (at our upfront expense) perks such as Cagney's and Epic club. So I admittedly can't compare apples to apples here.

 

We had SUCH a great time on the Epic in February that I have switched our annual office cruise from Carnival to NCL (on the Epic) the week after Thanksgiving this year. They are going to love it (even though they won't be in suites, LOL)!

 

Tom

[papillon cruiser]

I also read that NCL is now charging for Room Service from Midnight to 5 AM. That did kind of p**s me off.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I also read that NCL is now charging for Room Service from Midnight to 5 AM. That did kind of p**s me off.

 

I know that I read that w/regard to RC. I can't, again, speak for non-suite cabins, but I know we did not have any additional charges in February on the Epic. These things can change though! (EDIT: at least at those hours they do have the Blue Lagoon or O'Sheehan's Family pub open)!!

 

Of course, the NCL room service menu (along with most other lines) is superior to Carnival's IMO. I like being able to order a cheeseburger and fries at 2 or 3 am if I want to!

 

Tom

[papillon cruiser]

I am really looking hard a Norwegian again. I want to do a panama canal cruise and am afraid Princess will be to upscale and for some reason not interested in HAL. (plus I gotta admit I smoke:eek:)

 

NCL seems to do a couple Panama canal cruises per year and the price isn't really to bad. Plus I still have past cruiser stuff with them.

 

NCL is much cheaper for Europe than Carnival and when I go back will probably use them.

 

I do like carnival the most (haven't tried RCL yet) but each cruise line has there pluses and minuses. Also, each cruise has it's own personality. One week on the Dream is totally different then the next and I am not talking about ports. Just different group of people and even the food was different at times.

[Jsaxm]

Sorry - I meant to add HAVE A GREAT TIME !!

 

(it's difficult not to)!

 

Tom

 

Thanks! And just so you know, the comments weren't directed towards you or any person in particular. It's just a reply to compilation of all the negative comments and feelings I have read from people about Carnival.

 

If it is legit, like the boat was falling apart, the bed was scratchy, blackjack dealers drop cards all the time, or things like that, then cool. That's good stuff to know. But when people start saying that this line sucks, it's no good, it's the worst, you don't get this, but in happy mystical luxury land you get your own room gnome, it gets a little annoying, haha!

 

Yes, you have made comments on some of your posts, but they were neither here nor there. They were basic comparisons (you get this here and not there, etc). I don't mind those, they're informative. However, like I said, it's when other posters start to add on top of that and imply that there choice is the best and we're somehow not up to par if we don't cruise on their luxury line, you know?

 

Anyway, almost a year away now....one week more and then I can say I only have 12 months to go, LOL!!!

[Jsaxm]

Sorry - I meant to add HAVE A GREAT TIME !!

 

(it's difficult not to)!

 

Tom

 

Also, BTW, I love looking at the pics from your cabins via the link on your CC signature. My wife and I do like big luxury rooms like those, but our two year old has kind of put a damper on that for a while. Maybe, one day down the road, when he gets out of college, we can afford to stay in some of those sweet suites in your pics, hahaha!

 

Take care!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks! And just so you know, the comments weren't directed towards you or any person in particular. It's just a reply to compilation of all the negative comments and feelings I have read from people about Carnival.

 

If it is legit, like the boat was falling apart, the bed was scratchy, blackjack dealers drop cards all the time, or things like that, then cool. That's good stuff to know. But when people start saying that this line sucks, it's no good, it's the worst, you don't get this, but in happy mystical luxury land you get your own room gnome, it gets a little annoying, haha!

 

Yes, you have made comments on some of your posts, but they were neither here nor there. They were basic comparisons (you get this here and not there, etc). I don't mind those, they're informative. However, like I said, it's when other posters start to add on top of that and imply that there choice is the best and we're somehow not up to par if we don't cruise on their luxury line, you know?

 

Anyway, almost a year away now....one week more and then I can say I only have 12 months to go, LOL!!!

 

Gotcha!

 

Here is a telling photo from our first Celebrity cruise - in a suite (how do you think this compared to the well liked "Carnival Comfort Bedding" system)? :eek: !!

 

 

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Also, BTW, I love looking at the pics from your cabins via the link on your CC signature. My wife and I do like big luxury rooms like those, but our two year old has kind of put a damper on that for a while. Maybe, one day down the road, when he gets out of college, we can afford to stay in some of those sweet suites in your pics, hahaha!

 

Take care!

 

Thanks.

 

... and all things in good time! We did not start cruising until I was almost 40 -- MANY MANY years of few/no vacations prior to that!

 

Tom

[JPH814]

It never ceases to amaze me, anytime one of these threads appears, that people completely forget the differences that have taken place in the economic climate in this country and worldwide over the past three years. Carnival's "penny pinching" is not a sudden decision by management to gouge customers any way they can.

 

We are in a recession folks.

 

Now perhaps a few of the luxury cruise lines haven't been hit that badly since their typical clientele have been spending more freely than most of the rest of us, but a very large number of people in this country are economizing much more than they were in 2007. Things are a bit better now, but people still are very concerned about their finances and thinking a lot more than twice before spending money on "frills."

 

I've witnessed this time and time again when I've gone out to dinner in my hometown. Restaurants on the one hand are discounting aggressively, while on the other hand they are looking to cut corners to keep costs down. Smaller portions, fewer selections, shorter hours (closing earlier if there's little demand), fewer employees, and more inventive methods of pricing with more a la carte items and fewer things included in the base price are all standard at those restaurants that stay open. Every restaurant owner or manager worries over these details, and they know they are losing some customers no matter what they do.

 

Carnival isn't immune. In fact, as the entry level cruise line for many people, Carnival is in the most vulnerable situation as people debate whether to spend money on a cruise, another vacation, or pay off bills. Carnival has to get about 60,000 bodies onto its cruise ships every single week in order to keep going, and their biggest worry right now isn't losing customers to RCCI or NCL or to various all-inclusive resorts... it's having customers sit on their wallets or spend a few days close to home instead of going on a cruise. If anything, by keeping their pricing the way it is, they are taking customers who simply can't afford RCCI or NCL (or Carnival lines like HAL) but still want the cruise experience.

 

Like a couple of other posters here, I priced a comparable RCCI cruise for next year to various Carnival routes. At the times we travel, I'd be paying about $500 more for a comparable RCCI cruise, and it's just not worth it to me. And my gut tells me that the RCCI and NCL "experiences" have gone down over the last four years as well. It just takes someone who is familiar enough with them to recognize the changes.

 

I know the cruise experience has gone down. My overall experience at a lot of restaurants has gone down as well. That's due to the economy, not a sudden outbreak of greed by Carnival management or the owners of the restaurants I enjoy. I would be very surprised if Carnival did not start adding to their amenities as economic conditions permit, because people will be looking harder at the package as opposed to just the price. If they choose to do so then, I will explore other options. But until then, I understand what they are going through and what our country's economy is going through.

 

I agree with your post. And then let's add another dimension:

"Carnival" is one cruise line in a portfolio of cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation. In making decisions regarding the experience/ amenities and pricing on one line, the corporate management will be looking at the bigger picture. The Corporation includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises (Princess) and Seabourn. Its EAA segment cruise brands include AIDA Cruises (AIDA), Costa Cruises (Costa), Cunard, Ibero Cruises (Ibero), P&O Cruises (UK) and P&O Cruises (Australia). Each brand has a purpose. It makes no sense to blur the distinction between Carnival and Holland American or Holland America and Cunard. They are all targetted at different segments.

 

So Carnival's objective is providing a spectrum of choices that will give a cruiser the experience he or she is looking for. The Carnival brand is the low end....it will continue to be and it will compete against other lines in the low end segment. Management will judge its success by looking at market share within its segment. People looking for an experience that is above this segment should consider paying to book in another segment.

[pe4all]

Sadly, if they only knew that some of the people, more than we may know, cruise carnival because we are looking for a good deal and not the 24/7 perks of butlers, gold leaf on the sundae, sinks that wash your hands for you, lighting in your room that changes when you push one button, and a touch screen phone.

Hey - I resemble that statement!:D

(and let's not forget milkshakes and specialty desserts)

Tom

This is dh and dd's dessert downfall on the ship. The coffee shop's chocolate cake slice is to die for, and is incredibly reasonably priced.

1 the MDR

2 BUffet

3 pizza place

4hamburger grill

5 Deli

6 Indian food

7 outdoor grill on Promenade deck (serves barbeque)

8 Italian place

9 Red frog

10 Room Service

11 WOK

12 Burrito Bar

13 Coffee Bar (I know I am pushing this one but htey do serve food)

14 They had light healthy foods on the promenade by the coffee bar

.

Pretty much the same "free" food venues as the newer conquest class ships have. While only Magic has La Cuchina, (and Red Frog) the Dream has the same type of free Italian pasta area upstairs - and it was delicious. To me, there are enough food choices to eat at for lunch or dinner if I don't want the dining room. And yes, Tom - JH is still heralding the miraculous transformation the Liberty will be undergoing in Oct.:cool: - and how he will be on the ship for the first sailing after drydock to "roll her out!"

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

So Carnival's objective is providing a spectrum of choices that will give a cruiser the experience he or she is looking for. The Carnival brand is the low end....it will continue to be and it will compete against other lines in the low end segment. Management will judge its success by looking at market share within its segment. People looking for an experience that is above this segment should consider paying to book in another segment.

 

I called Princess last night when looking at some Alaskan cruises. I stated that I had 50 sailings with Carnival and asked whether it would entitle me to any deal/discount booking with them, since they are under the same corporate umbrella. I was told no. Of course, I already knew the answer to my question. I can't understand why CCL does not want to encourage migration within their other holdings, rather than having the guest perhaps give other corporations a chance. I mean, just allow me to book under a past guest rate or something! :confused:

 

Tom