Carnival doest care if your past guest or new

[James&Rob]

This is just the way Im feeling after sailing on Royal Caribbean twice . I had sailed with carnival 5 times prior to sailing with RCCL and did enjoy my cruises but when you call to book you get NOTHING being a past guest. O yes you do Im sorry you get a glass of cheap chanpaign and a ship pin. but no discounts on cruises like Royal caribbean. after I sailed with RCCL just one time I recieved coupons off of future cruises as soon as I got them I booked a cruise and they accepted the coupon no problem. and on my second cruise with RCCL there was a coupon book in my cabin with little perks discounts in it Spa, Casino etc.You know the more I think about it I think I will be a Royal Caribbean convert.And this is just my opinion but I think that after dec when the passport Law actually goes in to affect Carnival will wish they treated there past guest better, because lots of Carnivals guest are one time first time cruisers and they wont get a passport if they will never use it again. Folks this is just my opinion and I dont really understand Carnival because even some airlines gives you a little O well I guess good buy carnival and hello to RCCL you will be my cruiseline in the future . Have a great day James

[MrPete]

Carnival could do that too. Raise your cruise price and charge you for the perks you think you are getting for free.

 

I'm a repeat customer because I like their product. And this only affects me.

 

I got a "free" $22 towel on Disney because I'm a repeat customer. But I paid an extra $1700 to get it!

[lojill]

My wife and were just talking about passports. We are crusing with family on Febth and we have our birth certificates with the seal, but I heard passports are the only thing you can use in 2006 is that true ? We are going on RCCI.

[James&Rob]

RCCL didnt raise the price Im actually booked in sept on rrcl for Over 100.00 cheaper than the fantasy out of the same port for the same number of nights so that arguement doest stand sorry James

[MrPete]

RCCL didnt raise the price

 

Never said that.

 

And in Sept, you will find all kinds of bargains across the board with kids going back to school and it being hurricane season.

[lojill]

Can somebody please answer my questions if you know or should I ask my T/A

[MrPete]

I would put that question on its own post.

 

Here are some passport threads:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=1962322

[tarps14]

lojill-to answer your question, as things stand now, there is a "proposed implementation" of requirements for travel outside the US. You can read all you need to know at http://travel.state.gov/passport . It has the dates for the various requirements. But to answer your question, YES, it appears that you will need a passport effective 12-30-05 for air and sea travel to and from the carribean.:(

[tarps14]

BTW, James&Rob, I too have sailed Carnival four times and RCCL five times, and even though I have certainly enjoyed the past guest perks RCCL offers, I still find their prices to be higher overall than Carnival. We were looking to go on our annual summer cruise with the kids (12, 16 and 18), and RCCL was significantly higher than Carnival, I'm talking over $1000. We are not partial to either and simply look for the best deal now that we have one starting college and Carnival's prices were by far the best. We are traveling during high demand season (6/26-Conquest) but prices generally run the same percentage higher or lower based on time of year. It simply wasn't worth the extra bucks to get the perks offered by RCCL when the overall experience was the same. JMHO;)

[mc'smom]

Carnival could do that too. Raise your cruise price and charge you for the perks you think you are getting for free.

 

I'm a repeat customer because I like their product. And this only affects me.

 

I got a "free" $22 towel on Disney because I'm a repeat customer. But I paid an extra $1700 to get it!

 

 

 

:) Wow what deal you got !

LOL

 

I too have searched for future cruises this summer and this coming January and by far Carnival has come across with the best deal.

 

I have sailed the Disney Wonder and am also an annual pass holder for Walt Disney World and wouldn't even think of something for free. Nothing is ever free. You always pay for it either up front or in the end.

 

:)

[serene56]

Can somebody please answer my questions if you know or should I ask my T/A

 

 

Whats quite sad is that your agent did not tell you that you need passports for every one when you booked. YES-- for your curise every one will need passports.

[Chucksta63]

So my question is with the cupon books, did that bring the price down to meet what Carnival charges?? Or is it still more expensive?? I would cruise RCCL but I like a balcony and RCCL has never touched the prices I get from Carnival for a Balcony... $1000 was my sail and sign bill last cruise so unless thoes cupons can save me $1000,,, well... Just look at the group cruises,, Famley Jewels is higher than the Triumph Travellers one week apart in April 06 peek season!!! And no cabin credits... Triumph group cruise is giving $100 and cabins are cheaper.. Humm cheeper and cabin credits I'm booked!!! Sorry James&Rob I'm still with Carnival.. But I like this thread I never knew about the perks with RCCL!!

 

Thanks YOu:)

[Cruising89143]

Carnival could do that too. Raise your cruise price and charge you for the perks you think you are getting for free.

 

I'm a repeat customer because I like their product. And this only affects me.

 

I got a "free" $22 towel on Disney because I'm a repeat customer. But I paid an extra $1700 to get it!

 

Pete I can tell that my last three cruises on RCI were no more than what I would have paid on Carnival for the same type ship and cabin. I checked things out just to see how they compared to one another after I booked. So these perks such as a $100.00 on board credit and $100.00 off my balcony cabin on the next Navigator cruise are actually bringing my price much lower than what I could have booked on the Triumph for the same week.

 

You are right in your comment that you have to do what is right for you. If one likes a certain cruise line and they are happy then I see no reason for them to change. For me I felt like after 16 cruises with Carnival that they could care less if I returned again or not. If I can get some nice perks from a cruiseline by showing them my loyalty then I am going to try it and see how it works. Also to me it's not always about getting the cheapest price out there because I truly believe that you get what you pay for.

[James&Rob]

I will agree with cruising thats all Im trying to say I have actually paid less plus get the perks thats an extra. Im not saying I didnt enjoy my carnival cruises but it seems they could care less if you come back to them or not. I actually did just have a little problem with pvp at carnival and a supervisor called me to resolve the problem he was very friendly he said for my problem he would give me a cat 6c cabin for a 6a price guess what that is what they are doing for everyone. Its in big bold letters on there web page so see they really dont care. But you must cruise with who you like this is just the way I feel have a great day James

[Sea Turtle]

I guess good buy carnival and hello to RCCL you will be my cruiseline in the future

 

Freudian Slip, James? :p

 

I personally am not moved by the onboard 'perks' RCI leaves in the cabin. There is no way I would wear a RCI fanny pack, and the coupons are just a lure. I seriously doubt past guest benefits will ever play a role in my choice of cruises.

 

But for you, James, if that's what works for you then well, good bye, and enjoy RCI. :cool:

[caviargal]

Freudian Slip, James? :p

 

I personally am not moved by the onboard 'perks' RCI leaves in the cabin. There is no way I would wear a RCI fanny pack, and the coupons are just a lure. I seriously doubt past guest benefits will ever play a role in my choice of cruises.

 

But for you, James, if that's what works for you then well, good bye, and enjoy RCI. :cool:

 

I like the many perks RCI gives to their frequent cruisers. I get 40 free internet minutes, two free photos, upgrade to best available stateroom confirmed 2 weeks prior to sailing, wine and fruit in my cabin, caviar, chocolate covered strawberries every day and a concierge lounge that cuts my bar tab by about 75%.

 

So, James, I am with you. I prefer RCI to CCL across the board, and the perks are just icing on the cake.

[MrPete]

Pete I can tell that my last three cruises on RCI were no more than what I would have paid on Carnival for the same type ship and cabin. .

 

Gordon...

I wish I shared your experience. Then I would definately try RCL. Maybe it's the category I try booking, but every cruise for the past 5 years I've tried to price Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean, Carnival is priced better. And if it was a close margin, it wouldbn't bother me. So, while I am still enjoying the Carnival experience, I tend to keep going back to them.

 

It's not for lack of trying.......:rolleyes:

[gumdrop38]

With pricing I think it's the luck of the draw....

I think both Carnival and Rccl both seem to run pretty competively on older ships on thier pricing.

I go with the cheapest...lol

Although I do slightly like one better than the other...

 

Sometimes with some ships it is like comparing apples to oranges.

With Rccl yes you do seem to pay a bit more for thier bigger ships//

"of the seas"...which have rock climbing and ice skating and johnny rockets included in thier fare.

RCCl does seem to have nice suprises on board for returning guest...

sometimes things that arent even advertised...hats ,shirts beach, bags.

Anyone else have this experience...

My friend did?? A small group of 6 cabins went all return cruisers were suprised with something??

She had two balconies.

i would like to see carnival offer some nice suprizes to returning cruisers..even if they do them at the return cruiser party radomly

[gina36]

My wife and were just talking about passports. We are crusing with family on Febth and we have our birth certificates with the seal, but I heard passports are the only thing you can use in 2006 is that true ? We are going on RCCI.

 

Yes that is true. You will need a passpourt for each person starting Dec 31 2005. I would start the process now. Waiting and trying to get it fast costs an extra $60 each passport. They cost $80 each to begin with. Google application for US passport. There will be a link where you can fill the from out online and submit it. You will need a credit card. Don't wait-- get the ball rolling. Hope this helps!

[Sea Turtle]

the perks are just icing on the cake.

 

I agree 'perks are just icing on the cake', caviargal. These perks however don't sell me on which cruise lines I choose. Currently I am a 'repeater' on RCI, CCL, and Princess. However, I don’t have a favorite cruise line—will hit them all if I can. So far I don’t have enough interest in RCI to make it to your level in the repeaters program where I get access to the concierge lounge, and that’s the only one of the perks you listed that would be of interest to me. Internet is for home use only and I don’t stand still long enough for a ship photo. ;) And, CCL has showered me with enough wine/fruit baskets on my cruises that I can pass on those items as well.

 

Variety is … Nice to know each of the cruise lines has something different to offer so we can all have enjoyable experiences.

 

BTW, caviargal, is Dolphin a line that called Miami home for short runs to the Bahamas in the 70/80’s? Also, curious to know if there is something in particular you like about Costa? If you'd like to respond but don't want to tie up James' post, feel free to email me Sea Turtle

 

Enjoy the day, all.

[Cruising89143]

I'm not Caviargirl but I can tell you about Dolphin. They had several ships. They had the Dolphin IV that sailed out of Pt. Canaveral for sometime to the Bahama's. They also had the Seabreeze that sailed out of Miami to the eastern and western Caribbean. The Island Breeze and Ocean Breeze were the other two ships that sailed on seven day itineraries. All were classic ocean liners that have since been scrapped or in the case of the Seabreeze is sitting on the bottom of the ocean off of the coast of North Carolina. Dolphine and Premier eventually merged into one line and added more of the Big Red Boats.

 

Due to the fact that they were small ships and carried a much smaller number of passengers, I found the service, crew and food on the Seabreeze to be some of the best that I have experienced. Hope that was not too much info.:)

[Wennfred]

you get NOTHING being a past guest.

 

Carnival does send Discounts and coupons for future cruises on Email and also via Mail, They do have a Past Guess Party which probably spend lots of cash serving Free Drinks. Carnival has a good thing going and knows it, If they were lacking passengers they would start giving out more pecks, as you see they dont, with all ships full, sounds like they are doing something right. For what I pay to sail on Carnival I dont go looking for other discounts etc.

 

because lots of Carnivals guest are one time first time cruisers and they wont get a passport if they will never use it again.

 

Once again, There is a reason why Carnival owns Costa, Cunard, HAL, Princess, and could end up owning RCCL soon. Most of all of Carnival Ships sail full, and as for what Im reading in these Threads from new cruisers, they would sail on Carnival again.

[Cruising89143]

 

Once again, There is a reason why Carnival owns Costa, Cunard, HAL, Princess, and could end up owning RCCL soon.

 

Wishful thinking on your part maybe but will never happen. Carnival was lucky that they were able to get P&O Princess but the FTC would never let Carnival get their hands on RCI/Celebrity nor should they.

[SAYHEYRENEE]

Another free perk to add for past sails..............just send a letter with compliments and concerns after a cruise and you get a 45 day letter for a free gift during your next cruise. Cost nothing to email and I got $20.00 drink coupons.

 

 

I too was on Carnival and RCCL. I look at iteniary and price only. I was disappointed with the size of my room on Majesty compaired to the Inspiration which was the same age. Both cruises were fabulous and different from each other which I enjoyed.

[BBiles]

Lets see....I go to Kroger...No perks for buying groceries after all these years.

I go to QuikTrip for fuel. No perks for being faithful to them all these years.

I have a cell phone with Sprint. No perks for being faithful to them all these years...Oh but there is...$150.00 off a new phone after 18 months with my current phone and have to sign a new 2 year agreement.

I've bought nothing but Ford/Chevys/Dodge (insert your own company here) and never got any perks for being faithful to that one company before.

 

I could care less about the perks...You are paying for them one way or another anyway.