Carnival = Its time to Raise the Bar

[mrrugby]

Having just returned home from an 8 night cruise on board the Carnival Glory, I am left with a huge sense of disgust in Carnival Cruise Lines. Now having been on more than 15 cruises, 3 of which have been Carnival, and working in the travel industry myself this form of travel is not new to me. That said, I have to admit that this will be my last time on a Carnival Ship.

 

I fully understand that Carnival stands alone as a cruise line. And that although the parent company owns title to luxury cruise lines. It has never toughted Carnival as being one of these. However, just because you want to make cruising affordable for everyone, doesn't mean you have to abandon some of the staples that have made cruising the enjoyable experience for most who partake.

 

My most recent cruise was Dec 18-26 on the Glory for Christmas. The ship was at capacity, and it very much showed. The following are a few of the experiences that we encountered that have led me to remove Carnival from my future cruise list. If you also believe that my observations would give you pause then you may want to consider booking elsewhere.

 

1. The inability of the Dining room management staff to enforce even the basics of dress code in the dining rooms. When questioned as to why beach flip flops and swim trunks are permitted in the dining rooms. We were told it depends on the flip flops? (the daily agenda clearly states they are not acceptable or are swim shorts)

 

2. Allowing a grown man in his 30's to wear Sponge Bob Square Pants Pajamas in the Dining room on formal night? Oh and i forgot his camoflauge antlers.

 

3. Putting the 24hr Pizza and burger stations in the adult only pool area along with the 24hr ice cream machine does nothing but add excessive traffic and noise in what one would hope was a more tranquil area since it is a 16 or older area.

 

4. The Serenity 21 or over area is great if you have people a. ensuring that no children are in the area b. you have bar staff serving the area? Not much point in relaxing in an area that you have to travel 3 decks down to get a drink from.

 

5. Being that we traveled with 2 teens we purchased the soda bubbles cards! This was the first time however that the waiter staff actually would roll their eyes at us when we asked for a soda. It appears as if they were only interested in serving people where additional tip money was to be had! Seeing as how we had already prepaid our gratuity on the soda packages.

 

6. At one point in San Juan we were aboard the ship and in Serenity! The bar in that area was closed and no wait staff visited for an hour or so! So we went down 3 decks to see a manager to inquire if perhaps a waiter could pop up to the 30-40 people up there and take drink orders maybe every 30 minutes! When we asked for a manager we were ignored! After asking 7 times for a manager, I raised my voice and asked again! At that point a bartender picked up the phone and dialed. I was advised again no manager was available. I then called guest services and was told sorry no manager available. I find it interesting as I am well aware that an on duty manager must be on board at all times covering the ship but that no one was interested in allowing a guest to speak with them.

 

7. Our stateroom attendant was amazing and very friendly! as were all the casino Staff! Especially Sandra and Michael in the Casino as pit bosses and Lily the Casino Host. They were the only real examples of friendly consistent professionals we met.:)

 

8. The cruise director was Josh......All I will say is that when children are walking the ship mocking the cruise director for his poor ability to make announcements....that should be an indication......Josh, here is a hint! The phrase "a quick heads up" should not be repeated 3-7 times per announcement every time you make an announcement!

 

9. Finally the amount of people who would just throw their used dirty glasses, cups, dishes, food on the floor in hallways, elevators, staircases SHOCKED me!!!! At what point did self respect and common decency sink to lower than sea level?

 

:mad:

 

Although we made this decision to cruise Carnival based on price point! In hindsight we should have paid the difference and went with either RCCL or Celebrity who we normally cruise on.

 

Although Carnival wants to be a fun ship there is no need to lower the basics of standards. Sometimes you have to maintain standards and help people rise to the challenge.

[kroozers]

Your post contained some valid points. I would suggest you send them to John Heald. As the Brand Ambassador, he is in a position to forward them to the proper channel so that they may be addressed. Too often valid feedback is shared with everyone except those with the ability to do something about it. Secondly - I would shake my head at the creative dressers on formal night, but I hope you didn't let it ruin your night.

[firefly333]

Many of these things are common on Carnival ships, so people expect things that way and what dissapointed you in some cases is just how the ships are built.

 

3. Putting the 24hr Pizza and burger stations in the adult only pool area along with the 24hr ice cream machine does nothing but add excessive traffic and noise in what one would hope was a more tranquil area since it is a 16 or older area.

 

I have been on only a few ships, but Triumph and Conquest both are also set up this way and no serenity area. I'm not expecting some area without children back there, so I was in no way upset.

 

I agree, the pax at times can be unruly and that Carnival makes no attempt to enforce rules at the pool or in the MDR. They made a annoucement no wife beaters or baseball caps and the next table over 2 guys were dressed that way, and no one said a word even when they said over the microphone you cant dress that way.

 

Carnival gave up on the dress code. Some things you just have to accept, and move on. Let others do what they want since you know Carnival is not going to enforce the rules .. let it go. What surprises me is how many women wear these tank tops with tiny straps and still wear a full bra under them with bra straps that are huge and showing. So much underwear showing... but maybe that is some style these days I dont know about.

 

I just go on the cruises and do my own thing.

[Tapi]

Carnival generates revenue by charging considerably lower rates than competing cruise lines and thus, making cruising affordable for everyone. Unfortunately, keeping rates low enough to keep people coming has meant cutting corners in service and product quality, and it's something that is somewhat expected when cruising on them these days. Many of us sail on Carnival knowing that it will be a budget experience, but we are willing to put up with it to enjoy the basic pleasure of cruising for less.

 

Low rates also mean that many fellow cruisers may not be the most traveled, sophisticated, well mannered, or refined bunch, but that's something that we've learned to expect as well when traveling on Carnival. We just laugh it off now.

 

Your complaints are echoed by many others, specially loyal Carnival cruisers who've watched Carnival's product decline over the years. But as many (including yourself) have discovered, it seems like if you want to experience a better cruise experience, you'll need to pay a bit extra and sail other cruise lines not so concerned with offering the absolute lowest rate possible.

[Jeffy294]

Although I enjoy Carnival and have no plan to go elsewhere, I do agree with your points. Except I really didn't see that with Josh the CD. I really miss formal night on the ships when everybody dressed up. You have some very valid points. And as the previous posted said, you should forward them to John Heald on Facebook.

[gogetter]

A very insightful and interesting post. Points well taken.

 

It is a shame that cruisers like you and I, I will be going on #15 in February, have seen the change in a downward spiral of customer service. I agree it's the value and money and i enjoy the laundry service as we are platinum. However for 1st-2nd or third time cruisers they can't compare to what used to be. The standards have been lowered, i agree, just like in society. No one wants to take responsibility, generally speaking.

 

I like your #5 point. I had a similar kind of experience on my Legend cruise in September 2010. We were in the lobby bar, drinking our champagne, that i had mistakenly put in my checked luggage instead of my carryon...my mistake and i take full responsibility for that however we got it the last night and we drank and shared our 2 bottles.

My gripe comes when i went to the bartender and asked for a bucket of ice and they said they didnt have any buckets....really? What about people that wanted a bucket of beer? Better yet they just stood there and kinda smirked and laughed. Ok, could you find a bucket for me, i mean you are supposed to serve people, my tips have been autmatically deducted and on many occasions have tipped a few more $ for this service, heck, charge me for the bucket of ice...NOPE....I went to guest services and a friendly manager went and found one for me.....even to top it all of, they continued to play that cornhole game in the lobby throughout the cruise. I mean they could play that game and not have buckets in the lobby??????? Crazy

 

Thank you for your wonderful and great points.

[riffatsea]

I think you have made several valid points about service!

It seems to me that the atmosphere on each ship is different.

We have only sailed on the Carnival Spirit and have found that the officer in charge of hotel services on that ship (Ron Ness)makes sure his staff ALL have friendly welcoming attitudes.

IF I had a problem about staffing I would have gone straight to him and it would have either been solved or I would have been given an explanation of why it could not be changed.

I would not assume that this is a fleet wide issue.

I would definitely bring it to the attention of the Carnival management!

As for dress in the MDR, we may comment on it but it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the cruise. If others want to look foolish then that is their problem!!

[gmss0205]

We are just off the Dream and I can tell you we saw the same things on that ship. The quality of service has declined so much that we will no longer sail with Carnival. The staff was rude and made it appear that they just didn't want to be there. Very sad how far and how fast the quality of service on Carnival has fallen.

[Cmx3d]

Some points you made are the case for other cruise lines as well! Also, behavior of all guests cannot be controlled by Carnival! Go into the cruise with the thought that everything will not be perfect and you are on vacation! I never understood why people complain so much about what other people wear on formal nights, does it really make that much of a difference in your cruise?

 

Overuse of exclamation points!

[MagSeven1413]

Many of us sail on Carnival knowing that it will be a budget experience, but we are willing to put up with it to enjoy the basic pleasure of cruising for less.

 

Low rates also mean that many fellow cruisers may not be the most traveled, sophisticated, well mannered, or refined bunch, but that's something that we've learned to expect as well when traveling on Carnival. We just laugh it off now.

These are definitely true statements. When I look around at the passengers on the Carnival ships, I realize that a lot of them are cruising Carnival because it is the only cruise line they can afford.

 

Personally, I like the cheap rates. The ship itself is more of an afterthought since I cruise for the islands.

[Tapi]

I never understood why people complain so much about what other people wear on formal nights, does it really make that much of a difference in your cruise?

 

Uuuuh, YES!

 

The reason why is because of the sense of entitlement many passengers have these days who choose to ignore every code and rule possible because it's THEIR vacation, and they will do what THEY want on their vacation. It sucks for everyone else around people with this attitude. :rolleyes:

 

Believe me, after spending a considerable amount of time getting ready for an Elegant night with my spouse, the LAST thing that I want to see is a sweaty man wearing a tank top with armpit and chest hair sticking out, 2 feet away from our table at the MDR!

[elcuchio24]

You make some valid points. That being said, they sound almost totally trivial to me. If you are going to let small annoyances ruin your cruise, then…..you’ll ruin your cruise.:)

[H82seaUgo]

Having just returned home from an 8 night cruise on board the Carnival Glory, I am left with a huge sense of disgust in Carnival Cruise Lines. Now having been on more than 15 cruises, 3 of which have been Carnival, and working in the travel industry myself this form of travel is not new to me. That said, I have to admit that this will be my last time on a Carnival Ship.

 

I fully understand that Carnival stands alone as a cruise line. And that although the parent company owns title to luxury cruise lines. It has never toughted Carnival as being one of these. However, just because you want to make cruising affordable for everyone, doesn't mean you have to abandon some of the staples that have made cruising the enjoyable experience for most who partake.

 

My most recent cruise was Dec 18-26 on the Glory for Christmas. The ship was at capacity, and it very much showed. The following are a few of the experiences that we encountered that have led me to remove Carnival from my future cruise list. If you also believe that my observations would give you pause then you may want to consider booking elsewhere.

 

1. The inability of the Dining room management staff to enforce even the basics of dress code in the dining rooms. When questioned as to why beach flip flops and swim trunks are permitted in the dining rooms. We were told it depends on the flip flops? (the daily agenda clearly states they are not acceptable or are swim shorts)

 

2. Allowing a grown man in his 30's to wear Sponge Bob Square Pants Pajamas in the Dining room on formal night? Oh and i forgot his camoflauge antlers.

 

3. Putting the 24hr Pizza and burger stations in the adult only pool area along with the 24hr ice cream machine does nothing but add excessive traffic and noise in what one would hope was a more tranquil area since it is a 16 or older area.

 

4. The Serenity 21 or over area is great if you have people a. ensuring that no children are in the area b. you have bar staff serving the area? Not much point in relaxing in an area that you have to travel 3 decks down to get a drink from.

 

5. Being that we traveled with 2 teens we purchased the soda bubbles cards! This was the first time however that the waiter staff actually would roll their eyes at us when we asked for a soda. It appears as if they were only interested in serving people where additional tip money was to be had! Seeing as how we had already prepaid our gratuity on the soda packages.

 

6. At one point in San Juan we were aboard the ship and in Serenity! The bar in that area was closed and no wait staff visited for an hour or so! So we went down 3 decks to see a manager to inquire if perhaps a waiter could pop up to the 30-40 people up there and take drink orders maybe every 30 minutes! When we asked for a manager we were ignored! After asking 7 times for a manager, I raised my voice and asked again! At that point a bartender picked up the phone and dialed. I was advised again no manager was available. I then called guest services and was told sorry no manager available. I find it interesting as I am well aware that an on duty manager must be on board at all times covering the ship but that no one was interested in allowing a guest to speak with them.

 

7. Our stateroom attendant was amazing and very friendly! as were all the casino Staff! Especially Sandra and Michael in the Casino as pit bosses and Lily the Casino Host. They were the only real examples of friendly consistent professionals we met.:)

 

8. The cruise director was Josh......All I will say is that when children are walking the ship mocking the cruise director for his poor ability to make announcements....that should be an indication......Josh, here is a hint! The phrase "a quick heads up" should not be repeated 3-7 times per announcement every time you make an announcement!

 

9. Finally the amount of people who would just throw their used dirty glasses, cups, dishes, food on the floor in hallways, elevators, staircases SHOCKED me!!!! At what point did self respect and common decency sink to lower than sea level?

 

:mad:

 

Although we made this decision to cruise Carnival based on price point! In hindsight we should have paid the difference and went with either RCCL or Celebrity who we normally cruise on.

 

Although Carnival wants to be a fun ship there is no need to lower the basics of standards. Sometimes you have to maintain standards and help people rise to the challenge.

 

great post. too bad ccl says they no longer read here, cause they don't want this kind of feedback. they seem to not want it on comment cards either.

[H82seaUgo]

Some points you made are the case for other cruise lines as well! Also, behavior of all guests cannot be controlled by Carnival! Go into the cruise with the thought that everything will not be perfect and you are on vacation! I never understood why people complain so much about what other people wear on formal nights, does it really make that much of a difference in your cruise?

 

Overuse of exclamation points!

 

yes it does. it's called aesthetics. why do you think restaurants decorate their rooms?

 

hope carnival wakes up before the bar is too low to recover from.

[kroozers]

If the OP decides to forward the comments to Carnival, it's constructive criticism and most companies value that feedback greatly. If the post stays only on CC, it's just venting and doesn't help to improve anything.

[kyrisong1]

I don't really care what others wear, I don't pay attention to what they order and put on their plates. These things are up to them, if they don't want to look nice then let em look crappy, it's NOT going to ruin my cruise, because it's their body, they do to it what they want, I'll take care of my own.

I agree the adult area should not have high kid traffic things like ice cream. I am not a smoker, but my husband smokes. Although less and less lately.

Celebrity Constellation has a beautiful smokers area, it's on 10 aft, outside, but mostly covered, with a bar and sometimes music. It's on the aft of the Lido deck, they also allow cigar smoking out there. It just seems well thought out and comfortable.

I wish Carnival would consider doing something like this. They are ensuring the nonsmokers don't complain, but not doing anything to keep their smoking customers happy. Eventually they will jump to a cruise brand that does at least attempt to make the smoking areas comfortable.

The Serenity area should indeed have someone walking through offering to take orders, but some of the drink hawkers can get a little aggressive, maybe this is why they don't have it? It is a good suggestion and should be addressed to Carnival Customer service.

Carole

[jiggs]

I can't agree more with the comments on this thread concerning declining service, but its everywhere not just on cruise lines. I haven't cruised in 2 years, but #12 is coming up in about a month and I'm sure I'll notice the changes as well.

 

If Carnival continues to sail full ships, they will continue to change product to keep rates low. Unless ships start sailing half full, why change..?

 

Air travel couldn't be any more annoying, but planes are going out full. First Class on a mainline carrier used to mean something. Now its a bigger seat and common booze and a free checked bag.

 

The American Public have spoken - they will accept less for the same money. Cruises, airfare, cars, food in the grocery stores. I think the changes you mention will exist on a lot of cruise lines. The space between entry level cruising and luxury level is quite significant and that is for a reason.

[reno3]

Pleople need to just use common sense :rolleyes:

Would you wear your robe or PJ's to a restaurant at home? NO

Would you leave your dirty dishes on the floor at home? NO

Would you go to a upscale restaurant at home in cut-offs, tank tops, etc? NO

Would you walk into a restaurant in a bathing suit (wet or not)? NO

[rtw68]

We are just off the Dream and I can tell you we saw the same things on that ship. The quality of service has declined so much that we will no longer sail with Carnival. The staff was rude and made it appear that they just didn't want to be there. Very sad how far and how fast the quality of service on Carnival has fallen.

 

I can appreciate the OP's points and insight. Although it would be funny to see, people dressed in pajamas or bath robes for elegant night is ridiculous. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people with no class that go on vacations everywhere, not just on a Carnival cruise.

 

We were on the dream 12/10/2011 and didn't experience ANY of what you mentioned above. The staff was friendly, attentive, and I was pleasantly surprised after reading some of the reviews of the Dream. I always make it a point to be friendly and always receive that in return. There are always exceptions and staff that aren't doing what's required. Fortunately, we didn't run into any of them.

 

We went on the Behind the Fun tour and Emma (the training manager who led the tour) discussed how they are trained in customer service and how critical that is. In fact, the people that work in the areas where they don't normally see passengers are excited for the Behind the Fun tours so they can practice eye contact, greetings, etc with the passengers, so when/if they get promoted they are ready.

[kyrisong1]

I can't agree more with the comments on this thread concerning declining service, but its everywhere not just on cruise lines. I haven't cruised in 2 years, but #12 is coming up in about a month and I'm sure I'll notice the changes as well.

 

If Carnival continues to sail full ships, they will continue to change product to keep rates low. Unless ships start sailing half full, why change..?

 

Air travel couldn't be any more annoying, but planes are going out full. First Class on a mainline carrier used to mean something. Now its a bigger seat and common booze and a free checked bag.

 

The American Public have spoken - they will accept less for the same money. Cruises, airfare, cars, food in the grocery stores. I think the changes you mention will exist on a lot of cruise lines. The space between entry level cruising and luxury level is quite significant and that is for a reason.

Like button (that we don't have, hint,hint CC!!!

[sparks1093]

Uuuuh, YES!

 

The reason why is because of the sense of entitlement many passengers have these days who choose to ignore every code and rule possible because it's THEIR vacation, and they will do what THEY want on their vacation. It sucks for everyone else around people with this attitude. :rolleyes:

 

Believe me, after spending a considerable amount of time getting ready for an Elegant night with my spouse, the LAST thing that I want to see is a sweaty man wearing a tank top with armpit and chest hair sticking out, 2 feet away from our table at the MDR!

 

Yep, it's all about them and everyone else can just take a long walk off of a short pier.

[halos]

Your post contained some valid points. I would suggest you send them to John Heald. As the Brand Ambassador, he is in a position to forward them to the proper channel so that they may be addressed. Too often valid feedback is shared with everyone except those with the ability to do something about it. Secondly - I would shake my head at the creative dressers on formal night, but I hope you didn't let it ruin your night.

Sorry...JH cannot fix everything.

Carnival is different now. That's the bottom line. Some are OK with that, others are definitely not.

 

I totally agree with the Op's statment,

However, just because you want to make cruising affordable for everyone, doesn't mean you have to abandon some of the staples that have made cruising the enjoyable experience for most who partake.

 

Amen to that

 

 

hope carnival wakes up before the bar is too low to recover from.

 

I believe it's too late.

[Bikeguy64]

Sponge Bob Pajamas on Formal Night? I would have been taking pictures and cracking up!

 

It's all about expectations. Carnival makes people expect that if they say no wife beaters and pajamas, they will enforce it.

 

I saw a hill billy required to change from a really nice T shirt on the Valor last year.

 

It didn't bug me, but I'm glad the staff asked him too.

 

Carnival should either enforce their guidelines or remove them and allow people to dress as they please.

 

But don't print them and give people reasonable expectations and then disappoint.

 

I find value in Carnival and have the Dream booked in Feb.

 

Would I be happier on a higher priced line? Yes.

 

Am I willing to pay the extra (x 6)? No.

[kyrisong1]

Pleople need to just use common sense :rolleyes:

Would you wear your robe or PJ's to a restaurant at home? NO

Would you leave your dirty dishes on the floor at home? NO

Would you go to a upscale restaurant at home in cut-offs, tank tops, etc? NO

Would you walk into a restaurant in a bathing suit (wet or not)? NO

My sister lives in Southern Cal and you will see lots of people in the lounging pj bottoms and slippers in the stores there, she makes fun of them (Nebraska sensibilities)

If I want to go to breakfast in my pjs I just order room service.

I do know that the room steward on our Miracle cruise told us to just leave our room service tray in the hall and call room service and let them know it's out there. THat is what we do because the steward asked us to.

Some people will wear what they want and you are never going to change them, so why worry about it? Let them look stupid, they aren't going to change because they have the DGAS disease.

Carole

[Bikeguy64]

We were on the dream 12/10/2011 and didn't experience ANY of what you mentioned above. The staff was friendly, attentive, and I was pleasantly surprised after reading some of the reviews of the Dream. I always make it a point to be friendly and always receive that in return. There are always exceptions and staff that aren't doing what's required. Fortunately, we didn't run into any of them.

 

We went on the Behind the Fun tour and Emma (the training manager who led the tour) discussed how they are trained in customer service and how critical that is. In fact, the people that work in the areas where they don't normally see passengers are excited for the Behind the Fun tours so they can practice eye contact, greetings, etc with the passengers, so when/if they get promoted they are ready.

 

Thank you for posting this! Will be on the Dream in Feb. Was second guessing myself.