Be Happy!!

[2 cruzen]

[quote name='Gayle V']The only problem with the: "if you don't like it, go where you'll be happy" plan, is the fact that if we had been given this information before we booked Carnival, we mostly likely would have done exactly as you recommend and gone elsewhere. People who pay for one product and and find they'll be receiving something less, when there is no longer a chance to "go elsewhere", they have a right to feel disappointed.

Besides, if we don't express our disappointment how will Carnival ever know that the cheapening of their product is the reason we will book with another company next time. How will they know to stop ruining their company if we don't give them some feedback.[/QUOTE]

You know, I felt a little like this when I first read about the changes and realized that it would effect our cruise on the Liberty. Will I miss some of my favorites, of course. But then I REALLY looked at the new menus and thought, I certainly won't starve. Unfortunately, we live too far from any ports to afford the air to cruise more than once a year, so we have to make the most of each cruise we are on. I think that was the OP's original message.

I will just be happy to be on a warm beach having a Funship special. Like many in the country, we have already had enough of these cold temps. The things I AM looking forward to on Liberty are the old style of shows and the "free" steam rooms. Edited January 9, 2014 by 2 cruzen

[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']I'm ok with new menus, they looked good to me. What worries me is the family style serving everyone out of the same bowl or something. (Sounds GROSS) And the limits for choices makes it hard for people with food sensitivities....(automatically bringing a cake or something for dessert, one choice for everyone)[/QUOTE]

SMH, you have never eaten at the buffet because I missed all the individuals servings containers. If someone has eating issues then book another lines or stay home. I did not know of all the changes before my last cruise but I either go and eat without the tablecloth or take my own.

Exactly, what's the problem or grossness since I have eaten in the buffet out of the same bowl? Edited January 9, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[BattyL]

[quote name='Phlybice']I do think the straws were the first to go.[/QUOTE]

LOL. Pretty good!!

[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']...there are more to cruises than that though... that's a really low standard to set for a vacation...[/QUOTE]

That's pretty messed up to say TO someone I assume you don't know. Who are you to tell someone what standard they should set for their vacation.
I know what I want from mine, which is why I am booked on Royal Princess next. I know what to expect from my next Carnival cruise. Yes, I might pack my own table clothes.
I don't leave home just to say I am on vacation, my standard. Edited January 9, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[EZ4]

Most people set their standards too high.

[golfadj]

[quote name='EZ4']Most people set their standards too high.[/QUOTE]

Very good

[SailingRNC]

Maybe there is something wrong with me but I always look for that silver lining in all situations. When I'm cruising I don't care if there's no table cloth. I'm enjoying that moment, being on a cruise ship at sea. After all, it's not like I'll spend eternity eating from a cloth less table. Just my way of thinking...like I said, maybe something's wrong with me.


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[Fla Senior]

[COLOR=Blue]So many uninformed people with so much misinformation. One thing about Cruise Critic is that you take every comment with a grain of salt. Best to learn and decide for yourself. If I listened to half of what I read on here, then I would never cruise again.[/COLOR] Edited January 9, 2014 by Fla Senior

[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='Fla Senior'][COLOR=Blue]So many uninformed people with so much misinformation. One thing about Cruise Critic is that you take every comment with a grain of salt. Best to learn and decide for yourself. If I listened to half of what I read on here, then I would never cruise again.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

If you believe everything here, then you would have to believe that people would be walking up to you on deck, saying things that should not be echo to a stranger. Edited January 9, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[LWiening]

[quote name='Fla Senior'][COLOR=Blue]So many uninformed people with so much misinformation. One thing about Cruise Critic is that you take every comment with a grain of salt. Best to learn and decide for yourself. If I listened to half of what I read on here, then I would never cruise again.[/COLOR][/quote]

I totally agree. If cruising on Carnival is such a bad decision that why do I keep booking on them. Because everything now days have change. If it was so bad I would not asked friends last year to go with us and would not have other friends join our group this year on our Feb 1st Liberty cruise. I can't wait to try the new menu's.

Tonight my husband and I were talking about upgrading to a balcony and we both decided that we are only in our room to sleep and change. We rather keep the room we have and spend it on other things on board..

[cruisinbabs]

[quote name='LWiening']I love reading all of the posts and yes I have start some threads in the past. BUT I have to get this off of my chest..

Since we started cruising with Carnival 12 years ago we have seen so many changes. Some that we have frowned about and some we truly enjoyed.

Now with our next cruise we are going to in a few weeks experience the new dining experience on Liberty. Am I happy not really will it put a damper on my cruise. NO.

We too had so many cruises to make to be platinum but Carnival revamped them and we have to book more to get the perks that we want. Am I happy No but will it stop me from traveling with Carnival NO.

There was a time in my life that I was taught "Change is my friend" That is how I feel about Carnival. They are our friend and no matter what negative reviews we read about them we still go back.

It could be the price , the ports but I believe simply its the fun time that we have on their ships. We have had good and bad Cruise Directors . But everytime we cruise whether as a couple, family or friends. Carnival created another new memory. You can't take it away all you have to do is keep smiling...

So when you go on your cruise remember that Carnival is trying new things to make them better. I am sure the ideas came from fellow companies, passenger's , crew members or just the big guys at top.

No matter what go on that cruise with a positive light. If you go Negative that is what you are going to have a negative time. Go and be happy!!![/QUOTE]

AMEN!!!!!!


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[TwinPrincessMermaids]

[quote name='SIENA6334']I spent 30 years giving everything i had raising four children which by the way are terrific loving adults. Their dad walked away when the youngest was 15. With the support of my other children we got through it. So I do not consider it a "low standard" to enjoy everthing done for me for a change. Maybe you should not be so quick to pass judgement when you don't know any information about the poster.[/QUOTE]

Your personal business is none of my business and I do not need that kind of odd explanation. Of course, you can love whatever cruise line you want. However, that sad instance makes me want EVEN MORE for you or that person than just a mediocre meal prepared for them and a room tidied up... You are so very, very mistaken when you say I am judging the person..I am judging the VACATION. And they deserve a lot better than 'someone making up the room and cooking for them.' Yours is a case in point right there.

People make excuses for CCL. Mainly these: "I'm not cleaning or cooking, so its gotta be great right?" Well yes as long as you get the food you asked for etc. "You have to have realistic expectations." Basically that means they admit they have to lower their expectations..

Maybe the poster just really loves CCL! Well, that's alright then! But just saying that its meals and laundry when a vacation can be really memorable and wow you, well that's why I said that is a low standard for judging a vacation. And I still think it is. Especially for those like you that clearly deserve more.

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[Blk_Amish]

[quote name='SIENA6334']I spent 30 years giving everything i had raising four children which by the way are terrific loving adults. Their dad walked away when the youngest was 15. With the support of my other children we got through it. [COLOR="Red"][B]So I do not consider it a "low standard" to enjoy everthing done for me for a change.[/B][/COLOR] Maybe you should not be so quick to pass judgement when you don't know any information about the poster.[/QUOTE]

No it's not. Sometimes many here book the cheap cruise and forget its not cheap for everyone, therefore we like the extra. On the other hand those who can afford to book whichever line they wish forget that might not be possible for everyone. I had something done for me recently and therefore I hear you:D Edited January 9, 2014 by Blk_Amish

[Keel Haul]

[quote name='Phlybice']I do think the straws were the first to go.[/QUOTE]Bravo:):)

[Keel Haul]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']Your personal business is none of my business and I do not need that kind of odd explanation. Of course, you can love whatever cruise line you want. However, that sad instance makes me want EVEN MORE for you or that person than just a mediocre meal prepared for them and a room tidied up... You are so very, very mistaken when you say I am judging the person..I am judging the VACATION. And they deserve a lot better than 'someone making up the room and cooking for them.' Yours is a case in point right there.

People make excuses for CCL. Mainly these: "I'm not cleaning or cooking, so its gotta be great right?" Well yes as long as you get the food you asked for etc. "You have to have realistic expectations." Basically that means they admit they have to lower their expectations..

Maybe the poster just really loves CCL! Well, that's alright then! But just saying that its meals and laundry when a vacation can be really memorable and wow you, well that's why I said that is a low standard for judging a vacation. And I still think it is. Especially for those like you that clearly deserve more.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]much to logical, I was in one of our wonderful NHS hospitals recently for some routine chopping and squeezing.They cooked and cleaned for me for free.......I loved it to the extent I am thinking of contracting Munchausens.

[Keel Haul]

[quote name='SIENA6334']I spent 30 years giving everything i had raising four children which by the way are terrific loving adults. Their dad walked away when the youngest was 15. With the support of my other children we got through it. So I do not consider it a "low standard" to enjoy everthing done for me for a change. Maybe you should not be so quick to pass judgement when you don't know any information about the poster.[/QUOTE]Does your ex cruise?

[Lace]

[quote name='That girl at the pool']I would eat with no table cloths on a picnic table in the MDR and not complain if there were no misbehaved or loud kids in there.... or no kids at all! Happy, happy, happy![/QUOTE]

For $100/night per person?

[Lace]

[quote name='2 cruzen']Haven't you EVER eaten on Lido? EVERYTHING there is served out of "community" dishes. Some people even grab with their hands! :eek:

Good grief, I don't get how food scooped out of the same dish is so bothersome.[/QUOTE]

I often read here how people don't even like to sit at the same table with strangers when they eat dinner. That some don't like to share plates doesn't surprise me. I wouldn't like it, after experiencing it once at a wedding. Yes, a wedding. And it was the entree.

[Lace]

[quote name='LWiening']When I think of portion size I think of the many restaurants that My Husband and I have gone to the past year. They all have cut the size down and costs us more. At least on the cruise you can order more then one item and not pay extra.

Last week when we went out I thought of the commercial "Where's the beef".

They may have changed allot of things that we are use to but they will never change my memories.[/QUOTE]

The restaurants in our area do the opposite. The prices are higher, but the portions are HUGE. Seeing take away boxes is quite common.

[cruizinisthebest]

Love the first post in this thread.

I cruise these boards mostly for information and to offer whatever I know and have learned along the way myself. It has been a huge benefit despite the bickering that takes place. I'm always excited to plan the vacations we take as a couple and as a family. It's my money to spend where I choose, and I don't have to justify my choices to anyone.

I'm happy OP. And blessed. :p

[cruizinisthebest]

[quote name='Blk_Amish']SMH, you have never eaten at the buffet because I missed all the individuals servings containers. If someone has eating issues then book another lines or stay home. I did not know of all the changes before my last cruise but I either go and eat without the tablecloth or take my own.

Exactly, what's the problem or grossness since I have eaten in the buffet out of the same bowl?[/QUOTE]

Exactly. This big uproar about the family style dining only makes sense if you've never eaten from a buffet. I happen to be one that really does not prefer buffets, because the food sits out and any and everyone is walking past it and folks do not always use the serving utensils. Heck I've even had to check my own kids from grabbing freely. They had to learn and many people don't even bother watching their kids and send the little ones to the buffet by themselves. The family style dining gives you MUCH LESS exposure to the rest of the ship's passengers. And if you've never done it (I have many times) you should give it a try instead of knocking it right out of the gate. I'm also SMH. Edited January 9, 2014 by cruizinisthebest

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

[quote name='TwinPrincessMermaids']...there are more to cruises than that though... that's a really low standard to set for a vacation...[/QUOTE]

NO kidding! I think it's such nonsense when people post on here that no matter what Carnival does, or changes they make anyone who doesn't like those changes is negative or a whiner. It think this poster is any crappy company's dream come true - give me anything you want, regardless of quality and I will gladly pay my hard earned money, andgo around telling everyone else if they don't like it too they aren't happy enough. LOLOL

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

[quote name='SIENA6334']I spent 30 years giving everything i had raising four children which by the way are terrific loving adults. Their dad walked away when the youngest was 15. With the support of my other children we got through it. So I do not consider it a "low standard" to enjoy everthing done for me for a change. Maybe you should not be so quick to pass judgement when you don't know any information about the poster.[/QUOTE]

Oh brother. Most people did not start out in life well off and travelling the world. If in fact you were so bad off and now can afford to cruise, then simply saying any food and having my bed made should not be the standard you set for a great vacation and you should not be judging those who expect more than that.
What I expect is the menu they advertise on their website which is definitely NOT the menu they are now giving me on my cruise next week. THe fact that I'm not ok with the new menu does not give YOU the right to judge and make it sound like those who expect more for the hard earned money are just spoiled and haven't had hard times..

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Huh. People are agreeing with me?! Its a strange morning... Or maybe I'm finally not the only one speaking up and have actually BEEN on a few cruise lines to compare... But I sure do miss CCL of the 2000s... Now that was a quality vacation. Lately with CCL, the more I've paid (Dream being the most) the more disappointed Ive been... I'll take the old Holiday any day!

To the person about the buffet, a lot of that is being served BY CMs now. However, I'm more a frequent goer of the Omelet station and believe me, if you have food sensitivities, you cannot easily eat off the buffet. Not sure what's in the eggs (maybe milk or something) but holy canolli! Not happening... I think I can get away with the salad bar (cuz most people can't really just grab that), a hard boiled egg if I can't get an omelet, and maybe a piece of fruit.

Family style serving is just odd! And BTW, your now comparing what used to be a nice dining experience to the BUFFET... So I kinda think that says it all right there. I'm all about updating menus and trying to make cruising for the modern person but I would not expect to serve myself out of a family bowl at any restaurant I pay for, and I'm still paying on CCL for that restaurant. I just hope they are helpful to people like me... No pasta, no bread, no mystery ingredients... I got so sick on the Dream, I cut back to fruit and fish the rest of the trip. But its fine because I'll have many many choices on my next cruise in three different included MDRs and GF and dairy free menu options. And thanks to my rewards ($600 so far!) That's half my cruise so I think I'll be cruising around CCLs rates anyway...

So that's why I say make your vacation work for YOU and don't accept a lower standard if you don't want to. If you don't like their business plan (I HATE all the games and activities right next to the smokey casino while lounges are empty during the day... Its desperate to get people to be tempted out of losing money etc) and you can have a GREAT vacation. And then maybe CCL will return to their real Glory days when the ships were fun and service abundant...






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[jolyroger]

[quote name='LWiening']I love reading all of the posts and yes I have start some threads in the past. BUT I have to get this off of my chest..

Since we started cruising with Carnival 12 years ago we have seen so many changes. Some that we have frowned about and some we truly enjoyed.

Now with our next cruise we are going to in a few weeks experience the new dining experience on Liberty. Am I happy not really will it put a damper on my cruise. NO.

We too had so many cruises to make to be platinum but Carnival revamped them and we have to book more to get the perks that we want. Am I happy No but will it stop me from traveling with Carnival NO.

There was a time in my life that I was taught "Change is my friend" That is how I feel about Carnival. They are our friend and no matter what negative reviews we read about them we still go back.

It could be the price , the ports but I believe simply its the fun time that we have on their ships. We have had good and bad Cruise Directors . But everytime we cruise whether as a couple, family or friends. Carnival created another new memory. You can't take it away all you have to do is keep smiling...

So when you go on your cruise remember that Carnival is trying new things to make them better. I am sure the ideas came from fellow companies, passenger's , crew members or just the big guys at top.

No matter what go on that cruise with a positive light. If you go Negative that is what you are going to have a negative time. Go and be happy!!![/QUOTE]

I would really love a "like " button right about now! And I totally agree!