Is Carnival Falling Behind?

[TPFKAH]

This is exactly how we feel!! We are not cruising for all the bells and whistles, we are cruising for the experience of being on the sea. We spend a great deal of our time on our balcony, on the lido deck, a few shows, but not the highlight of a cruise for us. If I want to experience an amusement park, I will go to an amusement park on land.

Pat

 

You're looking at this the wrong way. Those "amusement park" attractions draws people that like that kind a thing toward them. This leaves you in areas less crowded in the areas you like to be, other than your balcony.

[stevenr597]

While I didn't read every reply word for word, I was able to find two replys that somewhat reflected my thoughts. The thing I've noticed about the bloated mega ships is that, at least in the Caribbean, the itineraries are very limited, due to the fact that there are some places they can't go because they're TOO DARN BIG! When we go on a cruise, I prefer a ship that's not a behemoth, and that you don't need a map and a compass to find your way around. For those that cruise for the ship and not so much for the itinerary, I wonder how many would be happy just to sail around for 7 or more days and never dock anywhere until they got back to the home port. What would be the point in that? Why even bother to sail anywhere? Just leave that monster tied to the dock like a floating hotel with a very large playground. Let people book their rooms for however many days they want to stay, then check out. No passports needed. At some point, the novelty of the mega ships is going to wear off, and all of the innovations won't be such a big deal. Remember the saying "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." So maybe, just maybe, Carnival is making the right choice by NOT doing some of the things that RCCL and others are doing. There will always be competition for customers among the mass market lines. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next ten years, and who gains and who loses in the stock market.

 

All of the major cruise lines, including Carnival are moving towards bigger and bigger ships. One of the reasons for this is economy of scale. The bigger the ship, the more passengers they can place on the ship and the more income they can generate.

 

One of the most important aspect is space/passenger. If you have a "smaller ship" with less space/passenger it will seem more crowded than a "bigger/mega" ship with less space/passenger.

 

RCCL has led with the introduction of bigger ships. While they do carry more passengers, the space/passenger is greater than NCL or Carnival. Carnival has been building bigger shipos (not as big as RCCL) but with every increase in size, it does appear that they are packing more individuals on the ship.

 

Result: Longer wait lines, less service.

[wanderingjew]

All of the major cruise lines, including Carnival are moving towards bigger and bigger ships. One of the reasons for this is economy of scale. The bigger the ship, the more passengers they can place on the ship and the more income they can generate.

 

One of the most important aspect is space/passenger. If you have a "smaller ship" with less space/passenger it will seem more crowded than a "bigger/mega" ship with less space/passenger.

 

RCCL has led with the introduction of bigger ships. While they do carry more passengers, the space/passenger is greater than NCL or Carnival. Carnival has been building bigger shipos (not as big as RCCL) but with every increase in size, it does appear that they are packing more individuals on the ship.

 

Result: Longer wait lines, less service.

Exhibit 1 Sunshine

 

I rest my case Your Honor :D :D

[stevenr597]

#1 in size is all

Look at ratings from different places. Here are some

The only one they are number one in is budget cruising

First timers - Budget

Top Rated

For Couples

For Families

Customer Satisfaction

Best ships - Not even listed

 

G.M. used to be the biggest automaker in the world, yet they still required a sizeable bailout from the U.S. Government. In Florida Winn Dixie was the biggest supermarket chain, yet they had significant problems and had to close many stores. Lets note foget J.C. Penny and Sears.

 

What I am saying is that being # 1 is not necessarily the best.

 

One has to ask is the product they are delivering superior to their competitors? In the past in regards to Carnival I would have said yes. But I still feel that in an attempt to be the lowest price cruise line, Carnival has lost its edge.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I believe you were the one that the Freedom would be Sunshined.

 

CB319 and all his alter egos think every ship is going to be sunshined.

 

Bill

[Casco Bay Kid]

RCI is wayyyyy more innovative than Carnival. Bumper Cars?!!!! WOW!!! What a great innovation.

 

Sent from my HTC One mini using Forums mobile app

[wanderingjew]

One has to ask is the product they are delivering superior to their competitors? In the past in regards to Carnival I would have said yes. But I still feel that in an attempt to be the lowest price cruise line, Carnival has lost its edge.

I don't enjoy the current CCL product the BASIC dining & Entertainment products on RCCL & NCLare far superior.

 

O'sheehans or Blue Lagoon is Far superior to Guy's and open much longer hours and its FREE and people serve you there.

 

Breakfast & lunch are Superior to the Brunch with a very limited lunch selections.

 

CCL doesn't have LIVE guests singers. and except for the piano bar most music is not done in a room but in the Casino where the clang of the slot machines clashes with the music

Edited May 13, 2014 by wanderingjew

[wanderingjew]

RCI is wayyyyy more innovative than Carnival. Bumper Cars?!!!! WOW!!! What a great innovation.

 

Sent from my HTC One mini using Forums mobile app

Where are Flavored sugar free water & freestyle Coke machines on CCL:D

[WishIwerethere]

Like the carnival itineraries and price but that's about it.

[cruisinfanatic]

Like the carnival itineraries and price but that's about it.

same here. I also like the comedians many nights as well as Guys Burger and the fish and chips. The rest of the entertainment pales overall.

The MDR food is about the same, but RCL gets the nod as they have great dining rooms with real tables (and table cloths) rather than booths like a diner

[EZ4]

What I find interesting in the study that I linked earlier, is that most of the major cruise lines are tagged as mass market, with Carnival and Aida being the only two tagged as budget. Those two are classed in a market all by themselves.

[jimbo5544]

does Carnival even offer some of those things? What's wrong with the offer of something better if you choose to splurge?

I hate the nickel and diming line.

 

They do not offer pay for OJ or an upgrade to the menu items. The answer to the rest is yes. You can hate the phrase, but that is what I felt and I felt it a lot. Go check out my review, it is pretty objective and got objective compliments and agreement from readers as well (both sites here and on the main Royal page).

 

Options as a rule are not a bad thing to have. IMHO charging for OJ (fresh squeezed or not), a tiny bag of pop corn and for a burger are beyond the line. That is my feeling, you can have yours as well. The extras on the menu, I just feel are not needed.

[jimbo5544]

Guys is not a service restaurant. Johnny Rockets is a service restaurant. Both have free hamburgers. One charges you a tip for service.

 

Royal forces a tip in the 12AM to 6AM hours. The room service food is free on both lines. Tips are discretionary all other times.

 

Still have never seen popcorn on a CCL ship, as I still select ships without the Jumbotron.

 

OK, I will play. First of all, you can call the charge whatever you like. It's having to pay for something you get fro Carnival for free. You can say they get the hamburger for free and "tip" or "service charge" but guess what? After eating at Guys I am no lighter in my pocket. When I eat at JR's I am 7 bucks lighter (by the way that is more than the actual restaurant charges). Non discretionary tips, that is a good one.:rolleyes:

 

Royal can force a tip as you call it but again I would have to PAY to get room service. Carnival I do not it is free. You need to look closer at every Conquest or Dream class of ship. They do have popcorn and it is free.

Edited May 13, 2014 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

RCI is wayyyyy more innovative than Carnival. Bumper Cars?!!!! WOW!!! What a great innovation.

 

Sent from my HTC One mini using Forums mobile app

 

Soon to be re-branded as Six Flags of the Sea

[jimbo5544]

All of the major cruise lines, including Carnival are moving towards bigger and bigger ships. One of the reasons for this is economy of scale. The bigger the ship, the more passengers they can place on the ship and the more income they can generate.

 

One of the most important aspect is space/passenger. If you have a "smaller ship" with less space/passenger it will seem more crowded than a "bigger/mega" ship with less space/passenger.

 

RCCL has led with the introduction of bigger ships. While they do carry more passengers, the space/passenger is greater than NCL or Carnival. Carnival has been building bigger shipos (not as big as RCCL) but with every increase in size, it does appear that they are packing more individuals on the ship.

 

Result: Longer wait lines, less service.

fair points, also fair to say less itin options

[Hendricks Clan]

OK, I will play. First of all, you can call the charge whatever you like. It's having to pay for something you get fro Carnival for free. You can say they get the hamburger for free and "tip" or "service charge" but guess what? After eating at Guys I am no lighter in my pocket. When I eat at JR's I am 7 bucks lighter (by the way that is more than the actual restaurant charges). Non discretionary tips, that is a good one.:rolleyes:

 

Royal can force a tip as you call it but again I would have to PAY to get room service. Carnival I do not it is free. You need to look closer at every Conquest or Dream class of ship. They do have popcorn and it is free.

 

And i'll play as well. In order to get a burger one doesn't have to pay JR anything. RCI still offers free burgers outside of JR that don't cost you a dime. Good job of ignoring that part.

[bar1068]

How funny is this thread....RCCL cheerleading on the Carnival forum...awesome.

[Pine Bluff]

OK, I will play. First of all, you can call the charge whatever you like. It's having to pay for something you get fro Carnival for free. You can say they get the hamburger for free and "tip" or "service charge" but guess what? After eating at Guys I am no lighter in my pocket. When I eat at JR's I am 7 bucks lighter (by the way that is more than the actual restaurant charges). Non discretionary tips, that is a good one.:rolleyes:

 

Royal can force a tip as you call it but again I would have to PAY to get room service. Carnival I do not it is free. You need to look closer at every Conquest or Dream class of ship. They do have popcorn and it is free.

 

Interesting analogy. By that logic, The tips for ATD are different than the tips in the mDR for traditional because they are forced. And Europeans that are forced to pay their tips before sailing? I guess that's different too.

 

And as someone has already pointed out, if you don't wish to be served, get on the line in the WJ. Most pizza places have two areas. Some you sit and tip, and the other is you line up and get your food. No tip. Same food.

[Pine Bluff]

OK, I will play. First of all, you can call the charge whatever you like. It's having to pay for something you get fro Carnival for free. You can say they get the hamburger for free and "tip" or "service charge" but guess what? After eating at Guys I am no lighter in my pocket. When I eat at JR's I am 7 bucks lighter (by the way that is more than the actual restaurant charges). Non discretionary tips, that is a good one.:rolleyes:

 

Royal can force a tip as you call it but again I would have to PAY to get room service. Carnival I do not it is free. You need to look closer at every Conquest or Dream class of ship. They do have popcorn and it is free.

 

Interesting analogy. By that logic, The tips for ATD are different than the tips in the mDR for traditional because they are forced. And Europeans that are forced to pay their tips before sailing? I guess that's different too.

 

And as someone has already pointed out, if you don't wish to be served, get on the line in the WJ. Most pizza places have two areas. Some you sit and tip, and the other is you line up and get your food. No tip. Same food.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Guys is not a service restaurant. Johnny Rockets is a service restaurant. Both have free hamburgers. One charges you a tip for service.

 

Royal forces a tip in the 12AM to 6AM hours. The room service food is free on both lines. Tips are discretionary all other times.

 

Still have never seen popcorn on a CCL ship, as I still select ships without the Jumbotron.

 

I believe the charged room service hours are 12am to 5am and the free hamburgers on RCI are as have been described by many on the RCI as hockey pucks.

 

Just like to be fair and balanced.:)

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

And i'll play as well. In order to get a burger one doesn't have to pay JR anything. RCI still offers free burgers outside of JR that don't cost you a dime. Good job of ignoring that part.

Both have an upscale burger, Royal you have to pay for Carnival you do not. I was ignoring nothing. I was making a point on my cruise experience. Any other points you want to debate, or do you want to ignore the rest of my post?;)

[jimbo5544]

Interesting analogy. By that logic, The tips for ATD are different than the tips in the mDR for traditional because they are forced. And Europeans that are forced to pay their tips before sailing? I guess that's different too.

 

And as someone has already pointed out, if you don't wish to be served, get on the line in the WJ. Most pizza places have two areas. Some you sit and tip, and the other is you line up and get your food. No tip. Same food.

 

Tipping was not my term but the poster's I was referring to, let's not dilute the point. Call it whatever you want, Royal charges for JR and Carnival does not for Guy's.

[jimbo5544]

How funny is this thread....RCCL cheerleading on the Carnival forum...awesome.

 

It happens all the time, usually by the same 5 posters.

[jimbo5544]

I believe the charged room service hours are 12am to 5am and the free hamburgers on RCI are as have been described by many on the RCI as hockey pucks.

 

Just like to be fair and balanced.:)

 

Bill

 

Thanks;), I did have one and it was not guy's or JR, but hockey puck is a bit over the top. Speaking of Hockey pucks .....go Rangers!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Thanks;), I did have one and it was not guy's or JR, but hockey puck is a bit over the top. Speaking of Hockey pucks .....go Rangers!

 

Maybe they have a better way of cooking and serving the free burgers on the Oasis and Allure but on the Navigator they cooked the patties and then put them under a heat lamp.

 

Granted if you got one soon after cooking they weren't bad but the longer they sat the harder they got.

 

My Flyboys are already ousted by the Rangers but in no way can I root for the the Rangers.;)

 

Bill