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

[EZ4]

Why do people think that CCL is trying to keep prices low? They want them to be as high as possible, to make more money! They are not running a little lemonade stand, counting out the price of lemons, then tacking an extra $.20, they are a cruiseline!

They don't set the price; the market does. CCL sells cabins for what the market will bear. When the market says "no, you can't sell X cabin for $500!" , then CCL has to either make cutbacks in expenses or add extra fees. It really is that simple, folks.

And if you don't think you should pay for things you don't want, then great, have a nice day. But, what if you DO have to pay for things you want?

Have kids? Why shouldn't you pay $3 per hour that your kids are there? Like to overeat, stuff yourself with burgers and seconds in the MDR? How about charging you extra there too? I mean, with your logic, why should I have to pay for free baby sitting for others, or for some, the pursuit of gluttony?

Wait, I got a better idea- how about a charge for everything on board, from food, entertainment, to renting pool loungers. Why not?

 

I totally agree with you. And I think it's coming. The waters are being tested right in front of us, as we watch.

[abisha]

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 completely agree.

[ldlewis45]

Why do people think that CCL is trying to keep prices low? They want them to be as high as possible, to make more money! They are not running a little lemonade stand, counting out the price of lemons, then tacking an extra $.20, they are a cruiseline!

They don't set the price; the market does. CCL sells cabins for what the market will bear. When the market says "no, you can't sell X cabin for $500!" , then CCL has to either make cutbacks in expenses or add extra fees. It really is that simple, folks.

And if you don't think you should pay for things you don't want, then great, have a nice day. But, what if you DO have to pay for things you want?

Have kids? Why shouldn't you pay $3 per hour that your kids are there? Like to overeat, stuff yourself with burgers and seconds in the MDR? How about charging you extra there too? I mean, with your logic, why should I have to pay for free baby sitting for others, or for some, the pursuit of gluttony?

Wait, I got a better idea- how about a charge for everything on board, from food, entertainment, to renting pool loungers. Why not?

To be quite honest, I really don't have a problem with that. One, it would cut down on the chair hogs if they had to pay a fee for their lounger. Two, it would likely increase the quality of the food if they didn't have to feed people 10 servings for every meal on a Carnival budget. Three, I don't usually go to the entertainment (and when I do, I usually think it's pitiful), so if they want to charge for it, they can go right ahead. Maybe it would increase the quality of it enough that it would be watchable for me.

 

Bottom line is that I have no issues paying for the stuff I want to do and NOT paying for the stuff I don't want. That's why I sail with Carnival, because it's a BUDGET line (or if you prefer, DIRT CHEAP) and I can afford to sail quite a bit more often on Carnival than I can a higher-end line that includes a lot of perks and "free" items that are included in the fare. And yeah, "free" is never "free." You're always going to be paying for it, either before hand or after the fact. I prefer something to be cheaper and then add options as I choose, instead of paying a higher price for a cruise that includes options that I may not want or use.

[Georgiagolfer]

To be quite honest, I really don't have a problem with that. One, it would cut down on the chair hogs if they had to pay a fee for their lounger. Two, it would likely increase the quality of the food if they didn't have to feed people 10 servings for every meal on a Carnival budget. Three, I don't usually go to the entertainment (and when I do, I usually think it's pitiful), so if they want to charge for it, they can go right ahead. Maybe it would increase the quality of it enough that it would be watchable for me.

 

Bottom line is that I have no issues paying for the stuff I want to do and NOT paying for the stuff I don't want. That's why I sail with Carnival, because it's a BUDGET line (or if you prefer, DIRT CHEAP) and I can afford to sail quite a bit more often on Carnival than I can a higher-end line that includes a lot of perks and "free" items that are included in the fare. And yeah, "free" is never "free." You're always going to be paying for it, either before hand or after the fact. I prefer something to be cheaper and then add options as I choose, instead of paying a higher price for a cruise that includes options that I may not want or use.[/quote]

 

This!!!

[Phlybice]

Why do people think that CCL is trying to keep prices low? They want them to be as high as possible, to make more money! They are not running a little lemonade stand, counting out the price of lemons, then tacking an extra $.20, they are a cruiseline!

They don't set the price; the market does. CCL sells cabins for what the market will bear. When the market says "no, you can't sell X cabin for $500!" , then CCL has to either make cutbacks in expenses or add extra fees. It really is that simple, folks.

And if you don't think you should pay for things you don't want, then great, have a nice day. But, what if you DO have to pay for things you want?

Have kids? Why shouldn't you pay $3 per hour that your kids are there? Like to overeat, stuff yourself with burgers and seconds in the MDR? How about charging you extra there too? I mean, with your logic, why should I have to pay for free baby sitting for others, or for some, the pursuit of gluttony?

Wait, I got a better idea- how about a charge for everything on board, from food, entertainment, to renting pool loungers. Why not?

 

It's close.

 

And Carnival can sit back and watch in joy as many post that they like this, and will get exactly what they wish for. The Carnival Ferry. Cruise with or without a room, and everything is available for a charge.

 

And then and only then they can return to a class system, where those who want a hassle free on board experience pays one fare, and has access to everything and anything they want, including private areas.

Edited February 11, 2014 by Phlybice

[Georgiagolfer]

It's close.

 

And Carnival can sit back and watch in joy as many post that they like this, and will get exactly what they wish for. The Carnival Ferry. Cruise with or without a room, and everything is available for a charge.

 

And then and only then they can return to a class system, where those who want a hassle free on board experience pays one fare, and has access to everything and anything they want, including private areas.

 

Kinda like RCCL with their reserved seats by the pool and shows for those in Suites, and the Haven on NCL?:rolleyes:

Edited February 11, 2014 by Georgiagolfer
spelling

[WetToes]

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....

 

Royal charges (usually) a good bit more than Carnival, IMO they nickel and dime you also.

It's not just a Carnival thing. ;)

[Phlybice]

Royal charges (usually) a good bit more than Carnival, IMO they nickel and dime you also.

It's not just a Carnival thing. ;)

 

Actually, with their loyalty program, you can sail cheaper on RCCL than Carnival.

[WetToes]

Actually, not always. ;)

[LMaxwell]

[/color]

 

Kinda like RCCL with their reserved seats by the pool and shows for those in Suites, and the Haven on NCL?:rolleyes:

 

The haven is an enclave; a ship within a ship with venues ONLY open to haven guests. This includes pools and restaurants you can NOT use unless you pay for a Haven suite.

 

RCI reserves a section above the pool deck (not around the main pool) for suite guests. The reserve a few rows in the show theater for suite guests and then release those seats to anyone 10 minutes before show time. Besides access to the Concierge Lounge there are no public areas or restaurants dedicated solely to suite guests (although I believe suite guests may have reserved seating for breakfast at some locations, but that is for crowd control; they do not get a special menu).

 

NCL charges for far, far more things than RCI does.

 

For those saying RCI is more expensive, it isn't when I go to book. In many instances there is price parity or no significant difference one way or the other. Plenty of times Carnival is more expensive. I'm told it's just not so...but it is.

 

If Carnival guests are content to pay for, as one person put it, a ferry experience where EVERYTHING is optional and for an added fee, I won't soon return. I don't value my time as doing something as "cheap as possible." If I did I'd go camping and not cruising. Nothing wrong with camping; I enjoy it from time to time, but to me a cruise is a relatively inclusive vacation; if I want special food or alcohol I'll pay more, but the basic fundamental product has to be worth paying for. I don't just want a cot on a ship to schlep me around. Value to me includes certain amenities and I am willing to pay for them in the fare. RCI provides those amenities at a fixed cost and I don't feel blindsided or ripped off. If I constantly have to spend/swipe for EVERYTHING once I get onboard I am going to feel ripped off. RCI isn't charging me more than Carnival, but somehow they are able to provide me more.

 

Booked on Freedom of the Seas in a Promenade View cabin; 7 days, $369. What's Carnival got that matches that? Looking for a 3 night getaway later this spring. NCL - $119. RCI - $139. Carnival - $219. What?

Edited February 11, 2014 by LMaxwell

[SadieN]

It's close.

 

And Carnival can sit back and watch in joy as many post that they like this, and will get exactly what they wish for. The Carnival Ferry. Cruise with or without a room, and everything is available for a charge.

 

...................................

 

 

That was Ocean Village's model. Pay for a cabin then pay for extras. They're defunct now.

[Phlybice]

That was Ocean Village's model. Pay for a cabin then pay for extras. They're defunct now.

 

I think there are others. There's one that goes out of Maine up to PEI?

[ldlewis45]

Booked on Freedom of the Seas in a Promenade View cabin; 7 days, $369. What's Carnival got that matches that? Looking for a 3 night getaway later this spring. NCL - $119. RCI - $139. Carnival - $219. What?

March 30 7-day eastern on the Conquest

ocean view cabin: $369

balcony: $579

 

Courtesy of the no-single-supplement sale, so you can even sail ALONE for that much.

Edited February 11, 2014 by ldlewis45

[fin]

Bottom line for me: it's my money, I'll spend it how I want. If you don't like it, or you think it's silly, that's tough – the LAST thing I'm concerned with is how other people feel about how I spend MY money.

 

The second to last thing I care about is how OTHER people spend THEIR money.

 

"Like".

 

You could cut and paste this reply on half the posts here some days.

[3ricT]

- I HATE skimping when on vaca

- FTTF - bring it on!

- Cheers Program? I'm doing that to SAVE money - and no, not to get to 15 drinks, just to get free drinks after 6, so from, say, 3PM on :-)

- 1989 SS Norway $999/pp inside cabin - eastern carribean

- 2014 CCL Dream $749/pp balcony w/upgrade - same intinerary

- Casino - bring it on!

 

Running a ship is expensive, to replicate the experience

 

Put on a raincoat, stand in your shower running cold water and tear up 100$ bills

[bvhboat]

We had FTTF on our last cruise & loved it,worth every penny. We were on the fence about booking the Fantasy but pulled the trigger when we found out about Trace Adkins. We booked the cabin,FTTF & 4 show tickets as soon as we saw it. Our cabin has gone up almost $200 in three weeks so I guess people are digging it. We are in Nassau from 8am till 1am so no need to rush back to the ship. "So I got that goin' for me, which is nice." (Bill Murray in Caddyshack) :)

[winddawn]

Why do people think that CCL is trying to keep prices low? They want them to be as high as possible, to make more money! They are not running a little lemonade stand, counting out the price of lemons, then tacking an extra $.20, they are a cruiseline!

They don't set the price; the market does. CCL sells cabins for what the market will bear. When the market says "no, you can't sell X cabin for $500!" , then CCL has to either make cutbacks in expenses or add extra fees. It really is that simple, folks.

And if you don't think you should pay for things you don't want, then great, have a nice day. But, what if you DO have to pay for things you want?

Have kids? Why shouldn't you pay $3 per hour that your kids are there? Like to overeat, stuff yourself with burgers and seconds in the MDR? How about charging you extra there too? I mean, with your logic, why should I have to pay for free baby sitting for others, or for some, the pursuit of gluttony?

Wait, I got a better idea- how about a charge for everything on board, from food, entertainment, to renting pool loungers. Why not?

Lol. I'm pretty sure when I booked 2 cruises this month that there wasn't a fill-in-the-blank box to type in what I wanted to pay. IMO, that means Carnival set the price.

[Mysticks1]

Actually, with their loyalty program, you can sail cheaper on RCCL than Carnival.

 

Back in 2008 when I was looking for a Mediterranean cruise for 2009 I booked a Celebrity cruise for almost the same amount as Carnival wanted at the time. I have compared RCI and Carnival many times and didn't see RCI being much if any higher than Carnival.

[ShakyBeef]

The haven is an enclave; a ship within a ship with venues ONLY open to haven guests. This includes pools and restaurants you can NOT use unless you pay for a Haven suite.

 

RCI reserves a section above the pool deck (not around the main pool) for suite guests. The reserve a few rows in the show theater for suite guests and then release those seats to anyone 10 minutes before show time. Besides access to the Concierge Lounge there are no public areas or restaurants dedicated solely to suite guests (although I believe suite guests may have reserved seating for breakfast at some locations, but that is for crowd control; they do not get a special menu).

 

NCL charges for far, far more things than RCI does.

 

For those saying RCI is more expensive, it isn't when I go to book. In many instances there is price parity or no significant difference one way or the other. Plenty of times Carnival is more expensive. I'm told it's just not so...but it is.

 

If Carnival guests are content to pay for, as one person put it, a ferry experience where EVERYTHING is optional and for an added fee, I won't soon return. I don't value my time as doing something as "cheap as possible." If I did I'd go camping and not cruising. Nothing wrong with camping; I enjoy it from time to time, but to me a cruise is a relatively inclusive vacation; if I want special food or alcohol I'll pay more, but the basic fundamental product has to be worth paying for. I don't just want a cot on a ship to schlep me around. Value to me includes certain amenities and I am willing to pay for them in the fare. RCI provides those amenities at a fixed cost and I don't feel blindsided or ripped off. If I constantly have to spend/swipe for EVERYTHING once I get onboard I am going to feel ripped off. RCI isn't charging me more than Carnival, but somehow they are able to provide me more.

 

Booked on Freedom of the Seas in a Promenade View cabin; 7 days, $369. What's Carnival got that matches that? Looking for a 3 night getaway later this spring. NCL - $119. RCI - $139. Carnival - $219. What?

 

Actually, as suite guests on RCI, we did have a special menu breakfast served in Chops each morning. Cooked-order eggs, specialty dishes, and a very nice buffet. It was not just for crowd control - it was an exclusive "gold card only" breakfast.:)

[Aplmac]

That was Ocean Village's model.

Pay for a cabin then pay for extras. They're defunct now.

Ocean Village was very popular with middle class Britain.

It converted lots of average working-class Brits to the joys of affordable cruising.

 

 

 

Carnival Corp. pulled the plug on Ocean Village shortly after the economic meltdown of Sept. 2008

and there was lots of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth all over the British Isles!

 

The day that Carnival Corp. decides to bring back the OV brand

there will be a huge roar of approval from over on That Side of The Pond!

 

OV2 at Genoa - Sept. 2008

.

Edited February 11, 2014 by Aplmac

[WetToes]

We're booked on the Grandeur for Oct. 24. 8 night. $1209 - balcony.

Port Canaveral, Nassau, Coco Cay, Key West.

 

The Pride has a similar itinerary (IMO), for Oct. 12. 7 day. $799 - balcony.

Port Canaveral, Nassau, Freeport.

 

I know some will disagree that they are similar, whatever. It's all about what 'I', as the payee thinks. ;)

[hattack]

There was also a cruise line in Grrece (Easy Cruise or something close to that) orange vessel, ran it like a ferry system, could get off/on different Greek Islands, everything was a la carte

 

Did not stay in business too long

 

What cruisers say they want and what they are willing to pay extra for are worlds apart...

 

Across the board, I have always felt Carnival was the best value on a consistent level...have never felt "nickel/dime"

[WetToes]

 

Across the board, I have always felt Carnival was the best value on a consistent level...have never felt "nickel/dime"

 

I agree. :)

[Aplmac]

What cruisers say they want

and what they are willing to pay extra for are worlds apart...

Love the reality of that statement! :D

 

.

Edited February 11, 2014 by Aplmac

[BIG_Steve]

Frequently when someone is calling another a fool about how they spend their money, they're just saying that to feel better about themselves being "frugal."

 

I especially love (not) the ones that will take full advantage of the bargain cruising is, but then act like a line is screwing them by offering them drinks priced the same as any land nightclub, or marked up tours. Go ahead, kill the Goose that lays the golden eggs. Smart.