For those that left; what will it take to convince you to come back?

[LMaxwell]

I used to really like Carnival; I enjoyed it. I try to enjoy any vacation I go on. Over the last few years the changes have been too much for me to make Carnival my first choice. I can cruise them locally (no flying) and they offer good last minute deals, but there is not any significant savings of $$$ compared to NCL and RC about 80% of time. So for me it's not a cost thing.

 

When I go on a vacation to Caribbean/Bahamas/Mexico I want live bands playing by the pool, upbeat caribbean rhythms. I want shows at night with singers, dancers, and an orchestra playing. I don't expect Broadway level productions, but I like to be entertained.

 

I like CCL's food, I am open to the new menu changes. I happen to like the choice of staterooms they offer. But the lack of live entertainment is keeping me away.

 

I feel like many others that participate in this forum, or even just lurk quietly, have their reasons for WANTING Carnival to be in their top choice again. So, tell me, what change would it take for you to come back to Carnival?

 

TL;DR:

Dear Carnival; Hang the DJ and I'll be back. My next three bookings are with another cruise line and one of those bookings I paid for three families to go. That money could have been yours.

[erkevin]

If they left Carnival, why would they be on a Carnival message board?

 

No sarcasm intended

[beachbum53]

Despite some of the changes, we haven't abandoned Carnival. Like you, I wish they'd bring back live bands on the Lido and dump the DJ, and the shows in the lounge are definitely not as good as they used to be. However, there are still a lot of things that we do like, so we haven't given up on Carnival yet. I keep hoping that Carnival will listen to the complaints they've received, especially those regarding live entertainment, and take the complaints seriously enough to bring back good live entertainment. In the meantime, I can always listen to my ipod while stretched out in a lounge chair, soaking up some sun, and enjoying our vacation.;)

[LMaxwell]

If they left Carnival, why would they be on a Carnival message board?

 

No sarcasm intended

 

It's a great way to learn about changes that may be appealing, deals, itineraries, information about ships (which in itself I personally find fascinating) etc. Having sufficient information to make a decision is always a plus. If I didn't read this board and Carnival DID bring back a live Caribbean style band, and that is something of interest to me, I wouldn't otherwise know about it.

 

I also read the NCI and HAL boards for this reason as well, though my participation there is minimal. I like some of the itineraries offered by both lines.

[susie8862]

I have never understood why one would only cruise one line. There are sooo many options out there. :confused:

[arush5268d]

I have never understood why one would only cruise one line. There are sooo many options out there. :confused:

 

Amen!

[stevenr597]

There are several things that Carnival should do to attract past passengers as well as to continue to be the best cruise for the money.

 

1) Do not concentrate on having the most passengers in the least amount of space.

2) Improve the service in the MDR. Decrease the number of tables the waiter and ass't waiter have to service.

3) Increase the quality of the food in the MDR

4) Increase the variety. Bring back a real steak such as a sirloin as a daily choice

5) Improve the entertainment. Increase the number of performers as well as the length of their shows.

6) Increase Buffet hours to cut down on crowding. One line should be open 24 hours/day

7) Decrease the number of cabins the steward has to service.

8) bring back live bands instead of DJ's

9) Increase benefits for Platinum Level Cruisers

10) Carnival should stress the message that they will be the best cruise for the money. Stress quality, not price.

11) The ships should become more innovative like NCL and RCCL. On the smaller ships have more themed cruises with lecturers on various topics

 

These are a few changes that Carnival could and should make.

[Mysticks1]

I have never understood why one would only cruise one line. There are sooo many options out there. :confused:

 

I agree. Whenever we decide to cruise we determine where we want to go and then I determine which lines go to those ports and start comparing them. Price is not my first consideration so we look at all options and book the one that appeals most. Loyalty programs don't mean anything to me.

[Warm Breezes]

I have never understood why one would only cruise one line. There are sooo many options out there. :confused:

 

Me either....

[bassmaster150]

Not sure how I can understand someone stating that they love everything about a cruise line but because they don't have live bands playing they refuse to cruise on that line...my wife and I have been on 13 cruises...all with Carnival, and have 3 coming up...all with Princess. We could care less about live music, etc.....we cruise for the ports and to see stuff. The ship is simply a hotel...or home base for that matter. We chose to go with Princess this time because Carnival pulled out of Europe. We can easily afford to cruise an any line we choose, but have chosen Carnival over the years simply because of the value that they provide...just kind of weird that someone would choose not to cruise a particular line just because they don't have live music.

[jacmo24]

We can't find a reason not to cruise on Carnival. We've wanted to try other lines but so far haven't found a reason to. I do miss the live Lido bands but not that much. We don't sit on the lido often due to the crowds there. There are so many other things to do and places to be!

 

We really want to try RCL but can't figure out what we get for the large increase in cost.

[halos]

Not sure how I can understand someone stating that they love everything about a cruise line but because they don't have live bands playing they refuse to cruise on that line...my wife and I have been on 13 cruises...all with Carnival, and have 3 coming up...all with Princess. We could care less about live music, etc.....we cruise for the ports and to see stuff. The ship is simply a hotel...or home base for that matter. We chose to go with Princess this time because Carnival pulled out of Europe. We can easily afford to cruise an any line we choose, but have chosen Carnival over the years simply because of the value that they provide...just kind of weird that someone would choose not to cruise a particular line just because they don't have live music.

Not everyone cruises for the ports. For me, if it was about the ports, I'd fly there and stay in a hotel. I cruise for the cruise and the longer cruises with lots of sea days are what appeal to us. Lack of live music is one of the bigger things that caused us to leave CCL though not the only thing.

Edited December 12, 2013 by halos

[LMaxwell]

Not sure how I can understand someone stating that they love everything about a cruise line but because they don't have live bands playing they refuse to cruise on that line..

 

I don't intend this to come off as rude, genuinely, but I thought I explained that live music and nightly entertainment is important to me on a vacation. I certainly didn't love everything about Carnival, because I booked with others. And I have cruises on Celebrity as well but find that line to be a bit more "biz cas" then I want on vacation.

 

I listened to the RC costs more speech a million times, then I went and booked 3 RC cruises, two of them for cheaper than anything Carnival had running at the similar time/itineraries. Why should I sacrifice being entertained when I spend EVERY night at home base, so to speak, and only a few hours of a few days in port?

 

I really have to wonder in all these forum posts when people (not specifically aimed at you, but included) claim they don't care that this was cut, they don't care that that was cut, they don't care, it makes no difference, who cares, blah blah blah. Well then what DO you care about?

 

But, not to go too far off track, there have been some good suggestions made in here. I can put up with a lot of cut backs if there are some good tunes and a show to dazzle me. Carnival used to offer a great all around product and I don't feel like they do anymore. Incorporating a deck band (when there is already bandstands for them) and more shows when a theater already exists isn't like asking them to completely re-model a ship or add new infrastructure that would be costly/downtime.

 

I like nightlife and entertainment, nothing not to get. Someone said put the comedians in the theatre. 100% agree! Maybe a steel drummer for sail away. The DJ can waterski behind...

 

If Carnival were half the price of RC I'd look the other way, but they really aren't. In fact in a lot of cases they are more expensive. So even the old rules of thumb are changing.

[arush5268d]

We can't find a reason not to cruise on Carnival. We've wanted to try other lines but so far haven't found a reason to. I do miss the live Lido bands but not that much. We don't sit on the lido often due to the crowds there. There are so many other things to do and places to be!

 

We really want to try RCL but can't figure out what we get for the large increase in cost.

 

There is your reason to try another line - the Lido band and a less crowded lido deck. Last week I saw NCL Jewel give people a whole welcome back aboard party as they walked down the pier to get back onto the ship in Cozumel. THAT is what I call a Fun Ship.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I think for me it all comes down to feeling welcome on the ship. I always notice the hard working staff, smile at them, like to chat with them. On Carnival, its getting harder and harder to communicate with them. When I smile, they won't look at me. I felt like they just hated us for being on a 'rich' luxury trip while they slaved away for their families. It REALLY came through on the last cruise. I felt like a dollar sign for the poor desperate staff trying to sell the whole time. Buy drinks, buy bingo cards, here's a trivia game right next to the casino, take a photo! I know that is all optional, but no one wants to be sailing on an infomercial on their vacation. I'm over the 'sexy man' or 'hairy chest' contests with vulgar gestures in the middle of the day on the pool deck. Turns out when you cruise other lines, they offer a lot more than bean bag tosses and trivia. I wonder why they don't have karaoke computerized, even on the newer Dream they wheeled the CD books around and some didn't work. (A shout out to SuperStar Karaoke tho, that is great!) And so I feel like they have really cut back the technology compared to other ships.

 

The tablecloth debate is going. I like them, and I like the crumb cleaning tools so I dont drop crumbs all over after dinner. I like the 2 dedicated servers, not 3 paniced, overworked and disorganized new system. We used to have superb service in the MDRs on Carnival. SOme of the best on the ol' Holiday and Triumph a few years ago. The last two were bad with this last one abysmal. I don't even necessarily blame the staff, but they are seriously understaffed and overworked and they are only human. I blame Corp for cutting back the employees. For breakfast, I overheard one server say "Where are my assts? Where is everyone?" He rushed off and we didn't see anyone for a while. I got up and poured my own coffee off the server's beverage stand twice. NEver had to do that on any other cruise, CCL or otherwise before. That's substandard even for them.

 

Its just that the crew is unhappy and you can tell. While they offer some family stuff, they really want more of the drinkers and gamblers they make a lot of their income there.

 

We have enjoyed some shows (an international one on the Triumph, great, and the Dancin in the Streets on Dream, also good) but they are kinda like Americas Got Talent with black and neon and breaker dancers. Other lines feature more broadway caliber and that is what I"m used to growing up on RCCL. (and moving on now to DCL) They had good ones but they don't have them very much. A big kudos to the Legends show that they involve us in. That show is NERVE WRACKING to be in, and its a great idea, but it does need updating.

 

I always enjoy their ports, but before I moved on to Disney, I didn't think I would take a cruise again or if I did, it would be a really long time later. I just was bored and cruised out. I ended up on a DCL only 5 weeks later as life would have it! And it totally changed my view of cruising from there on out.

 

So I don't think CCL can really win me back. I prefer more family style ships that don't deliberately funnel traffic through a smokey casino to get across from dinner to shows. I prefer lines where G-strings aren't all over the dancefloor. Basically I just don't like the Vegas lines that much. (CCL isn't the only one, for sure!) I was amazed at the special effects and talent on Disney and they didn't have to use butt cheeks to get that wow effect, I guess, if that makes sense. They had fireworks and amazing sets and costumes and pitch perfect talent and Lion King caliber professional dancers. I would have felt fine paying $50 for those shows on land.

 

Also, other cruise lines offer changes in the main dining rooms, we get 3 different ones on Disney and your staff moves with you. There is something interesting going on all the time, and you don't have to rely on yourself or some pier runners for entertainment.

 

We have always enjoyed the food at CCL, but the menus were getting a bit repetitive for us. I never used to understand why people would rush off a boat of free food to buy local food, and now I definitely do! Yum! That is the highlight of port day, all that fresh seafood?! A buffet can't compare.

 

And CCL got rid of my sushi bar. That was a major plus for them. The taste bar had pork, yuck!! I can't eat pork?! When not put the two next to each other. But they cut back sushi, like the cut back a lot of other things.

 

With CCL, they police all your bags and make you check in your beverages. Well, not all lines do. Some let you bring on whatever you want. CCL makes you buy only their choices, and not all lines operate that way. Its my trip. I like what I like, and maybe I don't want pure sugar mixes in my margaritas.

 

Ok well those are my thoughts. I have another Disney planned next May so I will see it if it 2 for 2. My first 2 CCLs were wonderful and I would have told ANYONE that yes they can cruise them and they WERE just as good as the RCCLs I had been on, because at the time, it was true!

[crzndeb]

I have never understood why one would only cruise one line. There are sooo many options out there. :confused:

 

Count me in on this also...

 

The saying "Variety is the spice of life" I like spice, others don't.

 

People really don't know if something is more enjoyable, unless they give it a try. They can always come back to Carnival. I have cruised mostly Carnival in the 2000's, but I will be heading back to RCI, since I'm so close to Diamond, and hoping to throw some Celebrity in the mix soon. Haven't sailed NCL in about 20yrs, so I would also like to check them out again. And with 2 grandkids now, really want to go on Disney..it has spectacular reviews.

 

I have seen a noticeable decline in Carnival, and I have grown bored with them, so it's time to move on. I will be sailing the Legend to Australia next year, and then it's time for a change. I will still come back if an itinerary is right, but they won't be my first choice.

Edited December 12, 2013 by crzndeb

[meatloafsfan]

I like the Carnival product and would choose them more often if they separated out their accessible cabins from their non-accessible cabins.

 

When I take my mom (which seems like every cruise now), we need a wheelchair accessible cabin and I just can't find them online on Carnival because they put them in with the general inventory and people book them who don't need them (but want the extra space).

[DGP1111]

. . . I feel like many others that participate in this forum, or even just lurk quietly, have their reasons for WANTING Carnival to be in their top choice again. So, tell me, what change would it take for you to come back to Carnival?

 

I departed CCL as my main "go to" cruise line (6 to 9 sailings per year) and I've certainly enjoyed the alternate cruise experiences. Thrilled, actually.

I never said "Never" regarding future Carnival cruises, and recently did a short sailing as a last-minute booking, and had a really enjoyable time (despite a casino manager I wanted to strangle for being an idiot).

 

CCL will not again return to "go to" status without a lobotomy being involved . . . and that's just the way it is with me. 35+ sailings on CCL and not a one of them would I call Bad. Carnival Dream did push me close, but I overcame that third sailing on that particular ship. ;)

 

Not everyone cruises for the ports. For me, if it was about the ports, I'd fly there and stay in a hotel. I cruise for the cruise and the longer cruises with lots of sea days are what appeal to us. Lack of live music is one of the bigger things that caused us to leave CCL though not the only thing.

 

^^ I often agree with the sentiments of this quality poster, and once again that is the situation. :)

 

.

Edited December 12, 2013 by DGP1111
grammar

[CarnivalBreeze319]

There is some AMAZING news coming in the next few months about entertainment and live music is my guess!!!!

[susie8862]

I like the Carnival product and would choose them more often if they separated out their accessible cabins from their non-accessible cabins.

 

When I take my mom (which seems like every cruise now), we need a wheelchair accessible cabin and I just can't find them online on Carnival because they put them in with the general inventory and people book them who don't need them (but want the extra space).

I understand your dilemma...this is the answer to it.

 

When a NON handicapped person books a HC cabin, they are told UP FRONT....if a HC person comes along that requires a HC cabin, then they are booted out and the HC person is given the cabin.

 

All you have to do is call the cruise lines 800 number. :o:o:o

[Havingfun2010]

If they left Carnival, why would they be on a Carnival message board?

 

No sarcasm intended

 

This is not a carnival message board, but rather a form of entertainment. Most of the other boards are boring, while Carnival Boards are filled with fun discussions like this one!!!

[Havingfun2010]

I used to really like Carnival; I enjoyed it. I try to enjoy any vacation I go on. Over the last few years the changes have been too much for me to make Carnival my first choice. I can cruise them locally (no flying) and they offer good last minute deals, but there is not any significant savings of $$$ compared to NCL and RC about 80% of time. So for me it's not a cost thing.

 

When I go on a vacation to Caribbean/Bahamas/Mexico I want live bands playing by the pool, upbeat caribbean rhythms. I want shows at night with singers, dancers, and an orchestra playing. I don't expect Broadway level productions, but I like to be entertained.

 

I like CCL's food, I am open to the new menu changes. I happen to like the choice of staterooms they offer. But the lack of live entertainment is keeping me away.

 

I feel like many others that participate in this forum, or even just lurk quietly, have their reasons for WANTING Carnival to be in their top choice again. So, tell me, what change would it take for you to come back to Carnival?

 

TL;DR:

Dear Carnival; Hang the DJ and I'll be back. My next three bookings are with another cruise line and one of those bookings I paid for three families to go. That money could have been yours.

 

Carnival was the fun ship, and promoted the ship for families. While the sat stale, and looked for ways to cut back, other lines, looked ahead, saw what Carnival was doing, promoting families and than actually done something about it. Look at the expansion of Disney. Look at RCCL. They designed their ships for fun, and did not just retrofit them. Carnival has a long way to go to fix what they broke.

[halos]

There is some AMAZING news coming in the next few months about entertainment and live music is my guess!!!!

you mean 'brilliant'??

 

 

 

 

^^ I often agree with the sentiments of this quality poster, and once again that it the situation.

 

 

 

.

 

Great minds think alike :D

Edited December 12, 2013 by halos

[Blk_Amish]

There are several things that Carnival should do to attract past passengers as well as to continue to be the best cruise for the money.

 

1) Do not concentrate on having the most passengers in the least amount of space.

2) Improve the service in the MDR. Decrease the number of tables the waiter and ass't waiter have to service.

3) Increase the quality of the food in the MDR

4) Increase the variety. Bring back a real steak such as a sirloin as a daily choice

5) Improve the entertainment. Increase the number of performers as well as the length of their shows.

6) Increase Buffet hours to cut down on crowding. One line should be open 24 hours/day

7) Decrease the number of cabins the steward has to service.

8) bring back live bands instead of DJ's

9) Increase benefits for Platinum Level Cruisers

10) Carnival should stress the message that they will be the best cruise for the money. Stress quality, not price.

11) The ships should become more innovative like NCL and RCCL. On the smaller ships have more themed cruises with lecturers on various topics

 

These are a few changes that Carnival could and should make.

 

How much more are you willing to pay to see these change$?

[arush5268d]

How much more are you willing to pay to see these change$?

 

 

Enough to to cruise on NCCL next time. Or Princess. Or Celebrity.

Edited December 12, 2013 by arush5268d