Cutting the bands may cost CCL

[Jeffy294]

Sgt wasnt it JH who said NO INCREASE in Bon Voyage Packages and a much improved VIPF

 

Most of the changes were first reported here, denied by John and then later he apologized for being wrong. This site did first break the VIFP crap. I think Sgt just got off the Breeze, he is in withdrawal.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Nope, wan't on Breeze. Another false rumor. ;)

[Cruisingzs]

I don't mind cutting the music-- at least they've also cut the NOISE!! :eek:

 

They do have discos- just canned music (at least on the West Coast cruise ships)

 

Not true. There is actually worse noise. We used to like hearing Caribbean music when we cruised the caribbean. Now they have the canned pop music blaring first thing in the morning around the pools. It was so loud and annoying. Alteast the live band were live and would interact some. and they were defiantely not as loud

[Jeffy294]

Nope, wan't on Breeze. Another false rumor. ;)

 

Seems odd for you to miss that one. Being on the inaugural sailing of Carnival's new Royal Caribbean ship.

[Pinkfloydfan]

Apparently some ships will still have the bands and others will have something else such as the ships band.

 

We prefer the bands especially the Phillipino ones.

I strongly second the statement about the Phillipino cover bands.Pink

[Sargent_Schultz]

Carnival is all about choice.

[Jeffy294]

Looks like this is just a false rumor thread.

 

No, the music thing is true, believe Heald if you want but he will be withdrawing that statement soon. I was just under the impression you wouldn't miss Carnival new baby.

[Shipbound]

Not true. There is actually worse noise. We used to like hearing Caribbean music when we cruised the caribbean. Now they have the canned pop music blaring first thing in the morning around the pools. It was so loud and annoying. Alteast the live band were live and would interact some. and they were defiantely not as loud

 

I like lisening to live music or I also like to dance and there is nothing like dancing to a live band. live music gets people moving( a few pops help). I'll be going on a cruise in March or April so I guess I'll have to wait until then before I make any judgements on CCL.

 

Gary

[Sargent_Schultz]

I like lisening to live music or I also like to dance and there is nothing like dancing to a live band. live music gets people moving( a few pops help). I'll be going on a cruise in March or April so I guess I'll have to wait until then before I make any judgements on CCL.

 

Gary

 

A wise man. Decide for yourself.

[golfadj]

John address this:

https://www.facebook.com/JohnHeald/posts/408731195836114

 

I asked this question of John about 10 days ago and based on his answer it appeared some ships would have the cover bands, some would have the pared down ships band and some would have something else which I did understand in his answer.

 

Thus it appears not all of the ship will have the cover bands.

[H82seaUgo]

I'll say it yet again - for the life of me, I cannot comprehend why people are complaining about getting rid of BAD music!

 

Seriously, if the musicians had real talent, they wouldn't be playing on cruise ships.

 

I simply cannot listen to off-key singers. The pool bands were one of the reasons I avoid the main pool area.

 

There's still plenty to do on the ship in the evening.

 

And just like with all the complaints first about the menu change, now about the loyalty program and music - if it is so important to you, then just GO already! I'm sure the grass is greener on other lines. You don't need a bunch of anonymous message board posters to validate your decision. Stop complaining and take your vacation dollars elsewhere!

 

i smell a carnival conspiracy. make things bad enough and people will wish it away.

 

or hide events in small print, like the farewell party, and cancel them due to poor turnout.

 

come up with poor excuses, like there's not not enough berths on the bigger ships for the entertainers to sleep, so they have to cut them back.

 

have a couple or 5 paid cheerleader posters say these changes are a positive thing for the line, including one that makes income from his pictures.

 

the list goes on....

[cambio]

My wife and I are ballroom dancers, so having cha cha, waltz, and two step music is a major plus factor for us in choosing a cruise vacation over other alternatives.

 

Unfortunately, the crowd at the live music venues are usually smaller than the comedy shows, karaoke or even the piano bar, I guess that is why the cruise lines are cutting back. I don't think it is so much a matter of cost as many entertainers have other jobs on the ship, but allocating crew berths to activities that are more popular.

 

We were recently on RCL's Adventure of the Seas and there were only two live bands, compared to four on our Splendor trip last month.

[gilboman]

Last cruise i met passengers who only sailed because of the 4 piece band

 

but you didn't meet the ones who will cruise now because they got rid of the god awful music

 

about time carnival joined the 21st century... those bands were a serious W T F.. now to get some more dj's and edm going on the ships instead of lame 80/90's music. But cruiseships usually are about a decade behind the times to what's happening on land.

 

350,000 people at EDC vegas paying $300 a pop just for tickets..and a lot more on going and spending. They should try to tap into that.

[dznymom]

I'll say it yet again - for the life of me, I cannot comprehend why people are complaining about getting rid of BAD music!

 

Seriously, if the musicians had real talent, they wouldn't be playing on cruise ships.

 

I simply cannot listen to off-key singers. The pool bands were one of the reasons I avoid the main pool area.

 

There's still plenty to do on the ship in the evening.

 

And just like with all the complaints first about the menu change, now about the loyalty program and music - if it is so important to you, then just GO already! I'm sure the grass is greener on other lines. You don't need a bunch of anonymous message board posters to validate your decision. Stop complaining and take your vacation dollars elsewhere!

 

Some of us do take lots of our cruise dollars elsewhere but we are still free to voice our disappointment when Carnival (or any other line) makes changes we don't like. I don't need a bunch of anonymous message board posters telling me my opinion has no validity. I haven't cruised Carnival for a couple of years, and many of the changes I have read about will negatively impact the overall experience. I already knew the Loyalty program sucked, so I am not even talking about that. But a DJ playing at the pool is a terrible idea (Bad Music at its worst) and will definitely keep me from spending any time there. This would actually have been a deal breaker if I had known about it before final payment.

 

In all honesty, I am embarassed that I chose the Glory next month for a cruise for friends and family.

[golfadj]

Some of us do take lots of our cruise dollars elsewhere but we are still free to voice our disappointment when Carnival (or any other line) makes changes we don't like. I don't need a bunch of anonymous message board posters telling me my opinion has no validity. I haven't cruised Carnival for a couple of years, and many of the changes I have read about will negatively impact the overall experience. I already knew the Loyalty program sucked, so I am not even talking about that. But a DJ playing at the pool is a terrible idea (Bad Music at its worst) and will definitely keep me from spending any time there. This would actually have been a deal breaker if I had known about it before final payment.

 

In all honesty, I am embarassed that I chose the Glory next month for a cruise for friends and family.

 

You will still have a great time but some of the changes are not positive no matter how it is spinned.

[flyonmaster]

[Sargent_Schultz]

I asked this question of John about 10 days ago and based on his answer it appeared some ships would have the cover bands, some would have the pared down ships band and some would have something else which I did understand in his answer.

 

Thus it appears not all of the ship will have the cover bands.

 

Perhaps not, but still some will. Customers can choose those ships that do. IMO, choosing a cruise for music is as absurd as picking a cruise because of the cruise director. Or perhaps who isn't.

 

It is all subject to change, with or without notice, at any time.

 

Entertainment doesn't generate any direct revenue, unless there is an additional charge for it. It is overhead.

 

Carnival isn't eliminating entertainment but transitioning to more options. Same with more food options. Choices. Having multiple competing options, helps to distribute the passengers over more of the ship.

[golfadj]

Perhaps not, but still some will. Customers can choose those ships that do. IMO, choosing a cruise for music is as absurd as picking a cruise because of the cruise director. Or perhaps who isn't.

 

It is all subject to change, with or without notice, at any time.

 

Entertainment doesn't generate any direct revenue, unless there is an additional charge for it. It is overhead.

 

Carnival isn't eliminating entertainment but transitioning to more options. Same with more food options. Choices. Having multiple competing options, helps to distribute the passengers over more of the ship.

 

Since we have no idea who the entertainers on a ship would be except for piano bar impractical to choose ship for that.

 

We shall see how these options work out on our upcoming cruise but if not happy we will be voting with our feet for our future cruises.

[Texarribean Chick]

We will terribly miss the live cover bands. We are also dancers, and one of our biggest pleasures (besides the casino and comedians) is stopping by one of the many bars and relaxing for a minute - having a drink and a dance or two.

 

When we first started cruising - there was a 4-5 piece band in the back lounge on most ships. Another 2-3 piece band in the mid ship bar area. Then there was the lone (often horrible) one man show around the casino/lobby area. OOpps - forgot to mention the calypso band on deck. The "disco" as Europeans call it, was the only DJ, canned music, and of course, that turns into the employees lounge after midnight.

 

As much as we have loved CCL in the past, I will try another line for the second time. I still think CCL pricing is good; but it is no longer the best "value" for the type of cruise we are seeking.

 

Bottom line - total disappointment with CCL again.

 

The "new" cruisers to CCL have nothing to compare. Therefore, they just tell us that do, "to shut up" and quit complaining. I'm complaining because I have a reason to.............period. I also have choices - and I plan to venture out and see what else is out there.

 

Give the "new" cruisers a couple of cruises under their belts - bet they'll start complaining too! :)

[Sargent_Schultz]

There are more and more themed cruises these days, some full ship charters, where one can be immersed in entertainment of their liking and surrounded by people with similar interests. While not for everyone, they are an option. In the meanwhile, Carnival has to provide mass market entertainment options for everyone.

[Another ship trip]

I can't wait until I retire (very early) and can go on the themed rock cruises with real rock bands. I have friends with bands and we listen to live music in clubs a couple times a month. (and we spend money there!)

 

Now the orchestral strings in the tiny bars can disappear for all I care since it is sleepy time music.

 

Bring on the jumping 70's and 80's and 90's LIVE rock! Maybe the demographic is not there for Carnival so they cut it out.

We love cruising out of New Orleans every year so that we can go listen to music all night the night before the cruise and "party like a rock star." There are some awesome rock bands/party bands in that town and it is often our favorite "excursion".

 

Having canned music is like partying in the backyard pool. Nothing unique. I can play the ipod for canned music. I go on vacation for the things I can't do at home.

[Texarribean Chick]

I can't wait until I retire (very early) and can go on the themed rock cruises with real rock bands. I have friends with bands and we listen to live music in clubs a couple times a month. (and we spend money there!)

 

Now the orchestral strings in the tiny bars can disappear for all I care since it is sleepy time music.

 

Bring on the jumping 70's and 80's and 90's LIVE rock! Maybe the demographic is not there for Carnival so they cut it out.

We love cruising out of New Orleans every year so that we can go listen to music all night the night before the cruise and "party like a rock star." There are some awesome rock bands/party bands in that town and it is often our favorite "excursion".

 

Having canned music is like partying in the backyard pool. Nothing unique. I can play the ipod for canned music. I go on vacation for the things I can't do at home.

 

Ok AST - you have to tell me what part of the Great State of Texas you are from? DH made his way through college pretending to be David Lee Roth or Jani Lane (yikes) - leg warmers and all (double yikes). We spend all of our time seeking good live music. Although what is offered on the ship is not necessarily considered "good" - we still enjoy what is offered. We have also learned that you can just about two step to anything! :D

Give me a good "glam rock ballad" - and I can make a two step work (LOL) -

[Mary49]

Apparently some ships will still have the bands and others will have something else such as the ships band.

 

We prefer the bands especially the Phillipino ones.

 

I agree with you golfadj I'm going back to see Music Unlimited on the Miracle. And I just saw Music Boardwalk in April. I would truly miss them all. Nothing would be the same again.. Mary49

[Mary49]

I strongly second the statement about the Phillipino cover bands.Pink

 

 

Hi Pink, You know that I'm with you and golfadj on this and I strongly thirdly agree with this statement. I look forward to hearing them perform. They sing our songs so well. I sincerely hope that nothing happens to them. Let them stay with Carnival forever.... Mary49

[LetzCruze]

Perhaps not, but still some will. Customers can choose those ships that do. IMO, choosing a cruise for music is as absurd as picking a cruise because of the cruise director. Or perhaps who isn't.

 

It is all subject to change, with or without notice, at any time.

 

Entertainment doesn't generate any direct revenue, unless there is an additional charge for it. It is overhead.

 

HA HA HA. So says the man who would just about need to change his shorts if he could kiss up to JH on a cruise (even if it was a hologram).

 

You are correct when you say entertainment doesn't generate direct income. However, I am more likely to buy drinks if I am enjoying some great live music.