it amazes me how people pay for what used to be free

[iron9er]

Why worry about 'extra' charges? If you don't like them, don't purchase them. I've been on 7 or so cruises and only did upcharge dining once. Not for me. I'll prob never do FTTF, congrats to those who love it. I do buy alcohol, and one picture to remember the cruise by, but usually get my excursions elsewhere.

 

What is amazing to me is not the 'extras' that are charged, but the value that is received by cruising. We just bought a 7 night Carnival cruise for a decent amount less than $1,000 including tax/fees. Try getting that at a land based hotel/resort with good service and decent to good food included, as well as transportation to many different islands and entertainment to boot. Good luck!

[Tantra1]

In my experience the quality of Carnival cruising has declined and there are more charges if you want those extra perks. This is just my observations over time.

 

However, the cost has not kept up with inflation so this is something to be expected from a cruise line that tries to be affordable for more people.

 

Since a great deal of their revenue comes from the bar and casino the reason for the decline is easy to correct. All you folks need to do you part and start drinking and gambliing more. Seriously! :D

 

Cheers!

[bassmaster150]

Here is another interesting stat for my earlier post on costs going up.

 

1 metric ton = 2204.62 pounds

 

THere was an article on CC a few years back that listed the fuel capacity of Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas at 3,533 Metric tons. That is 7,788,852 pounds -- and with diesel fuel weighing about 7.1 pounds per gallon, that's approximately 1,097,021 gallons. Back in the day when Diesel was $0.89 a gallon, the cost to fill up was $976,348.69. At today's prices ($3.50 gallon), that same fill up costs $3,839,573.50. Now I think we all understand that they do not use the same type of diesel that we use in our trucks, etc....and they probably have contracted the fuel price to be a lot less....but they also did that back in the day. The difference in price is over $3,000,000.....yet, Carnival continues to keep their cruise fares relatively stable.....therefore, they have to charge in other places to make this up....BOOM...specialty restaurants, FTTF, bar bills, shore excursion prices, etc.....Last time we were on the Sunshine, we ate almost exclusively at the specialty restaurants....Farenheit 555, CUcina, and especially JiJi.....and it was worth it, because (minus airfare and excursions), it cost my wife and I $2100 to get a balcony on a Mediterranean cruise.....that is unheard of, and it was worth every penny. We are going again this year on Princess to the Baltics...price to get on the ship - over $5,000 for a balcony....so hopefully people will begin to realize the value that Carnival has put forward and quit complaining.

[Laurie S.]

Why do people think it's their business what other people pay for? It's not affecting you so what's the big deal? I bought FTTF, not to get on the ship first because our suite already offers that, but because being able to drop off a big roller bag of camera and dive equipment and our laptops in our room first thing is worth it. It's going to be great to be hoisting our margaritas on the Lido without having to worry about our stuff. Also, we have two days of tender in Cabo, again, worth it to jump the line. We don't spend money on bingo, in the casino, or on specialty coffees so if we want to spend $50 on something that's worth it to us, what is the big problem? Besides, other than getting on the ship first, we never had the FTTF perks, so we figure, for us, it's money well spent.

[LMaxwell]

Here is another interesting stat for my earlier post on costs going up.

 

1 metric ton = 2204.62 pounds

 

THere was an article on CC a few years back that listed the fuel capacity of Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas at 3,533 Metric tons. That is 7,788,852 pounds -- and with diesel fuel weighing about 7.1 pounds per gallon, that's approximately 1,097,021 gallons. Back in the day when Diesel was $0.89 a gallon, the cost to fill up was $976,348.69. At today's prices ($3.50 gallon), that same fill up costs $3,839,573.50. Now I think we all understand that they do not use the same type of diesel that we use in our trucks, etc....and they probably have contracted the fuel price to be a lot less....but they also did that back in the day.

 

Interesting stats; and now when they are near shore they must burn lower sulfur, cleaner burning fuels and they employee onboard fuel polishing and exhaust scrubbing systems. Back in the days of cheap fuel they were burning some cheap nasty stuff that was basically liquid asphalt. The new fuels and technologies add lots of cost to OpEx.

[DirtyDawg]

Why do people think it's their business what other people pay for? It's not affecting you so what's the big deal?

 

Laurie, this is Cruise Critic, lots of people care passionately about what others do! How they tip, How they dress, booze smuggling, and on and on. Just search the topics of all those locked threads.;)

 

I have to admit I too care what other people pay for on a cruise. Please, please people, keep drinking, keep gambling, keep buying those photos and spa services. And don't forget about those watch deals and art auctions! The darn cruise line need to make a profit off you guys because they don't get it from me.

 

:o OK, OK, I do my part with the booze.;)

Edited February 9, 2014 by DirtyDawg

[cjknox]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

OP

 

I am wondering why this is such a big issue for you? Why does it matter how others choose to spend their money? If you don't want to purchase these items/services then don't, simple as that. The fact of the matter is that many cruisers, including myself, find many of the extra services available worth the extra cost so we pay for them. There are others that I don't deem necessary so I choose not to purchase them, but I don't have an issue if others want to spend their hard earned money on those things.

[thinfool]

That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

I am puzzled....are you expecting this to end??? ever??

 

No offense, but I suggest you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with Carnival's business model.

Edited February 9, 2014 by thinfool

[zephyrhillscruisers]

How to get some of the biggest laughs without telling a joke:

 

Walk into any of the better Steakhouses in the US.

 

Describe to the Maitre'd, wait staff and Chef everything that you are served and how you are treated at a Carnival Steakhouse.

 

Tell them you will pay no more than $30 per person for an equivalent experience at their Steakhouse.

 

It may very well be the biggest laugh that staff has all year long.

Edited February 9, 2014 by zephyrhillscruisers
Font

[sharecruises]

It seems as if all the cruise lines are doing this - you pay your money and you take your choice

 

What other people do doesn't bother me - what does bother me is the huge cutbacks in entertainment on Carnival

 

the "pay concert" has zero interest for me - some has beens, some country people I have no idea what they sing, not my kind of music

 

Other cruise lines still offer really good entertainment included

[jimbo5544]

It seems as if all the cruise lines are doing this - you pay your money and you take your choice

 

What other people do doesn't bother me - what does bother me is the huge cutbacks in entertainment on Carnival

 

the "pay concert" has zero interest for me - some has beens, some country people I have no idea what they sing, not my kind of music

 

Other cruise lines still offer really good entertainment included

 

 

While you think it is a cutback, many think just the opposite. It is not on many, many sailings, pick another. It's all about options, not cutbacks. By the way, while there are some older acts (which will all have significant draws) the current acts are more than country.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[BenjiRodney]

No one is forcing you to pay for the extras. Try getting the same meal and level of service at a steakhouse on land for 35.00, cant do it.

[awhcruiser]

What's the difference? We do eat in the specialty restaurants and purchase FTTF. We like to change into our swimsuits and get to the pool ASAP. You must not eat out much at home if you think the specialty restaurants are a waste of money.

QUOTE=MISSSNOOPYGIRL;41610740]My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

Edited February 10, 2014 by awhcruiser

[nitro2448]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

 

Good thing is you don't have to pay for any of this stuff if you don't want it. So why complain ? If you don't want FTTF don't buy it, for some people it is worth it. Don't want to pay for specialty drinks, don't. I'm going to guess you have never been to the steakhouse, you will not get those steaks for free. I'm fine with the MDR, but sometimes people just want to treat themselves to something extra, nothing wrong with that.

[JohnSpo]

I use to call myself a savvy/frugal person. I would travel the cheapest way possible and obsess not to spend for extras. Besides obsessing, I would be envious of other people having more fun than me.

 

I really wasn't being savvy or frugal, I was being downright cheap and not enjoying my travels, especially cruising to the fullest. I have now loosened up my wallet and pay for the little extras that I enjoy like the wine package, steakhouse, casino and on my last cruise I even purchased some art at the art auction.

 

I have always enjoyed cruising on Carnival and am now enjoying it much more. I think the Carnival business model is a good one and I hope they keep up the good work.

 

I don't use FTTF but I am surprised how many people do. Good for all of you!

Happy cruising.:cool:

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

I'm with you on the specialty restaurants but not on the FTTF. IT is only $50 per stateroom. I always HATED carrying around my carry on stuff on embarkation day. Someone always has to sit with it at the table while others go looking for lunch. I love getting on first before all the crowds, going straight to the room knowing it will be ready, and knowing my luggage will be along shortly.

[CatlinSTJ]

It amazes me that you just don't get it.... NOTHING was ever "free"... It was included in your fare... Fares are lower or the same as they were 25 years ago yet all the costs have gone up cosiderably. Instead of rasing all the fares, the cruise lines have figured out a way to stay profitable with a low base fare by giving the guests..... CHOICES!! It can't be both ways. You want everything included, be prepared to have the fare go up around 50%. Some people aren't interested and just want the lowest price point for a vacation... Others want to spend more for an upgraded experience. Why should those who aren't interested in those things subsidize it for those who are? What is so hard to understand about that?

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit. This isn't a secret.... If you want everything included in your base fare, there are other upscale lines that do this. Of course, you don't pay $79 a day....

 

I'm not even going to try reading through all the other responses - this is dead on. Our first cruise was on the Inspiration 11 years ago. Guess what? A similar cruise and nicer room on the Breeze this year is about the same price that we paid in 2003! So while some of what used to be included has been made into options that you can add on - or not - it's still the best deal at sea.

 

 

Next cruise: Carnival Breeze June 2014

[Tapi]

Other cruise lines still offer really good entertainment included

 

 

But for a lot more.

 

Our cruise on the Allure of the Seas had jaw dropping, mesmerizing and professional entertainment. But we paid more than twice for that cruise than what we paid for our Carnival Dream cruise the same year.

 

Budget cruise lines like Carnival still give you the option of charging less for your cruise and giving you the option of paying extra for what you want, instead of charging you more for the cruise and including things that you may or may not enjoy. I don't know why that's such a hard concept to understand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited February 10, 2014 by Tapi

[bigmama9224]

I feel like many others I believe that we pay for what we want. I don't drink don't gamble, but I love to cruise meet lots of people different ports.

I am partially disable so my poor husband is left to carry most of the day all of our carry-ons. It becomes very hard for him so I simply love the FTTF. Sometimes it is a necessity..

[OmaK]

Both of us have some health problems and after not paying for it on our first cruise in November, decided that it would be worth the $50 for FTTF to be able to drop off our carry-on luggage when we sail again this month.

 

I like the opportunity to choose what's important for us, and what's not, thus keeping the cost less than that of other cruise lines.

 

Oma K

[sharecruises]

But for a lot more.

 

Our cruise on the Allure of the Seas had jaw dropping, mesmerizing and professional entertainment. But we paid more than twice for that cruise than what we paid for our Carnival Dream cruise the same year.

 

Budget cruise lines like Carnival still give you the option of charging less for your cruise and giving you the option of paying extra for what you want, instead of charging you more for the cruise and including things that you may or may not enjoy. I don't know why that's such a hard concept to understand.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I have not been on Oasis or Allure, Epic or the 2 newest NCL ships - those all have the totally great shows I hear - tho you must reserve and some are paid - like cirque on Epic is a paid dinner show

 

I have been on NCL Pearl - great shows, great "fly on group" Frankie Valle tribute, great production shows, lots of music....I have been on Navigator of the Seas - great ice show, pretty good production shows....live entertainers were ..ok not great

 

MSC which is often cheaper than Carnival and new beautiful ship has some of the best entertainment at sea IMHO - fabulous shows - and bands, duos, dueling pianos, classical trio and more all over the ship, music every night

 

I liked the old Carnival shows - have you seen the new ones? They are really sad and pretty much the same on all ships with 2.0 now

[frito58]

I don't get why people would buy the AI drink packages and try to drink 15 drinks a day , but I don't care its their vacation their money spend it anyway way they want. If they want to eat in the steak houses go for it. Some people say to us why do you go to beaches on a cruise you can got to beach anywhere. Maybe so but its what we like to do. Our vacation our money.

[riclop]

We go on a cruise to have fun even if it cost extra $$$.

[Emperor Norton]

Has the original poster

ever had to pay for a 1 gallon can of marine anti-fouling paint??

 

.

 

Less or more than the cost of a new fully loaded Power Mac which is still massively down on storage space for photo/video applications?

/I keep looking at it but the lack of built in storage space is terribad.

Edited February 10, 2014 by baychilla

[momof3cruisers]

DW and I have only eaten in Specialty Restaurants 2 times, 1 each on CCL and RCCL. We haven't purchased photos in a really long time, and very seldom book ship excursions. We do go to coffee shops on board, as we do this at home.

 

All of the upcharges as mentioned are a choice, not mandatory, so what's the big deal. CCL is not the only line that has added these venues, as we have seen the same on RCCL. Can't speak for other lines as we have not sailed. Unless I have actually sailed on a line, I can not offer any comments.

 

I tried to quote a poster, but evidently the site is messed up and won't let me.

 

Agree on the Royal extra cost options. We're going on the Allure in a couple of months and the conversation has been, "oh look, they have a cute little cupcake place. Oh it's extra. They have sushi too. Nevermind, extra. Johnny Rockets? Extra."Sure there are 23 dining options, but half of them cost extra. Not to mention a large number of the activities on the ship. Even a cooking demo has a fee.