Military offer with Perks (please read)

[jakzak10]

I'm not sure if Carnival ever reads these boards, but in case they do I thought I would throw this out. I think it would be great if Carnival took the lead in offering any military person, the option of sailing with their families for the Port Charge fees only. Many times these brave Americans are away from their loved for long stretches of time. It would be a great re-bonding time for not only husband and wife or significant others, but also father and or mother and children to get to know each other again. Carnival can confirm requests less than 30 days before each sailing and all ships would than sail full. Also the military on board would be spending money for drink, photo's gifts etc. so the cruise line would be making some revenue.

 

I don't think Carnival can do it alone as the amount of military requesting this will most likely be more that available cabins, but anything that can be done to start the ball rolling is a move in the right direction.

[bury me at sea]

Thank you for serving our country. I believe the federal government should be doing more to help veterans. Anything a private corporation does would be subject to shareholder approval. I agree that it would be a nice gesture but the almighty dollar rules our capitalistic society.

 

Again, thank you.

[klfrodo]

As a disabled vet, I don't want, need, or a desire for special treatment. A thanks and a small discount is very gracious.

Where would it end? I only spent 6 years in the military?

Do cops with 30 years get this free cruise? What about teachers who spend 30 years raising our children? Then you've got fire fighters,,,, where do you draw the line?

[T2C]

As a disabled vet, I don't want, need, or a desire for special treatment. A thanks and a small discount is very gracious.

Where would it end? I only spent 6 years in the military?

Do cops with 30 years get this free cruise? What about teachers who spend 30 years raising our children? Then you've got fire fighters,,,, where do you draw the line?

I agree also as a military veteran who is disabled after my service.

 

Actually most ships barely clear the break even mark on most sailings and that's with the fare and whats spent on the ship. Not that they are poor or suffering but if they did that there' no way they'd make a profit on sailings unless they limited the rooms available. Then there'd be the problem of who gets them.

Most of us who serve or served in the military are not looking for handouts, most of us believe it's the greatest thing our country has done for us because of the life long friendships whose depth can only be reached when going through what we went through together

[Havingfun2010]

I have two kids in the military. Many family members in the military. Everyone of them, chose the lifestyle, and commitment. Discounts are great and see no issue with receiving a discount, since so many places give out discounts for all kinds of reasons.

 

However, why would a business like Carnival give anyone a free cruise? Why only military? What out retired military? Other groups, such as police, and fire. I'm sure the teachers feel they should go free too.

 

For the record, an E2 in the army (private) between salary, benefits, housing, and food makes more money out of High School, than those that enter the job market without a college degree yet, plus, they receive I believer roughly $112,000.00 in education benefits.

 

It's a choice, a desire, a commitment but it is well paid, and a good choice for many.

 

I see no reason, that a company would start giving out free trips.

[keyguide]

As a disabled vet, I don't want, need, or a desire for special treatment. A thanks and a small discount is very gracious.

Where would it end? I only spent 6 years in the military?

Do cops with 30 years get this free cruise? What about teachers who spend 30 years raising our children? Then you've got fire fighters,,,, where do you draw the line?

 

You are right ... not to mention dozens of other occupations that make this country work ,right down to the folks that pay the bills.

[Smiling Cruiser]

Couldn't be prouder to thank a service person. You allow us to live the life we live. Just left an afternoon oldies concert. Started with a recording of the Star-Spangled Banner. The entire audience stood and SANG! Concert was great then ended with all of the service persons standing to be recognIzed. The final song was God Bless the USA. Again standing and singing .please know that you are all appreciated, thanked and prayed for

 

 

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[pattimelt]

Nope. I am a disabled veteran, and I don't want this, either. And I'm a sucker for anything free.

 

It's amazing that when I went in, and got out, I was just happy to do my part, and didn't expect anything other than what I got. Yet I'm seeing more and more that those that are serving now are asking for free this or free that, and it bothers me. You VOLUNTEERED to join. Nobody drafted you, or forced you to enlist. Why do these new veterans feel that they are owed more because they served???

[iceleven]

All military (current and retired) for the U.S., Canada, and GB are always given on board credit during their Princess cruises.

 

Less than 6 days - $50 on board credit

7-13 days - $100 on board credit

14+ days $250 on board credit

 

Once applied by your travel agent or directly through Princess booking, you never again have to apply for it. It becomes automatic every time you book another cruise with Princess. And no, it is not transferable to any other Carnival Corporation cruise lines.

 

It's not a lot, but all you have to do is show documentation of your current status or discharge.

[Cushing985]

I spent 7 years in the Army (including a fun-filled year in Viet Nam as a combat medic) and 13 years in the Navy and really don't think the majority of veterans would like this idea. Speaking for the masses...we're happy with military discounts.

 

Back in the day of US flagged passenger cruise ships the US subsidized the lines by buying up block of cabins and then giving them to service families on their way to or from Hawaii. My Dad was a Colonel in the Army and when it was time for us to return to the mainland the Army put us on the Lurline (Matson lines). When I received orders to Hawaii during my stint in the Army my ex-wife and I went over on the Monterey (Pacific Far East Lines). I was a lowly E-5 at the time.

[iceleven]

All military (current and retired) for the U.S., Canada, and GB are always given on board credit during their Princess cruises.

 

Less than 6 days - $50 on board credit

7-13 days - $100 on board credit

14+ days $250 on board credit

 

Once applied by your travel agent or directly through Princess booking, you never again have to apply for it. It becomes automatic every time you book another cruise with Princess. And no, it is not transferable to any other Carnival Corporation cruise lines.

 

It's not a lot, but all you have to do is show documentation of your current status or discharge.

 

Vets, too. You only need a DD214.

 

Yes, of course. I guess "retired" was what I meant by "Vets." Perhaps they are not interchangeable. I just went to the website and I was wrong about GB being included. It's only U.S. and Canada. Perhaps Princess headquarters in GB has their own regulations that would include them.

 

Also, if you are a couple, both veterans, you BOTH receive the OBC. That could be as much as $500 for a 14 day cruise. Just double what one cruise would offer.

 

I have to admit, the $250 OBC for our cruises to Hawaii (14 days) sure came in handy as we were able to apply it toward our automatic daily gratuity. Every little bit helps.

[pcdaddy]

I received a military discount from Carnival on my first cruise back in 2007. I was so impressed that I wrote to the then-CEO Bob Dickinson expressing my thanks for such a gesture. And I emphasized then what quite a few have said in this thread - we're not looking for the give backs. Hell, I made some amazing friends, and used what I learned to be become successful in my civilian career. Who could ask for anything more? The military rates or OBC offered by the cruise lines are more than generous on their part, and I damn sure appreciate them for doing it. Thankfully they do aslso include such rates for first responders as well.

[loxley]

Since when did serving in the military become a "me, me, me" thing? This vet and current reservist expects nothing in return other than a paycheck.

 

Did you see the post from the guy who wanted his 19 yr old son to be able to take a seat in the serenity area because the son had SIGNED UP FOR selective service?

[MCC retired]

I think Carnival could very easily grant the same OBC for Military as it's sister companies , Princess & Cunard do.

 

 

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[firemanbobswife]

My ex is a retired AF Officer, and my brother is a Major in the Army. Neither would expect a free cruise. The careers they had/have are because they love what they do. While the OPs intentions may mean well, why should only the Military get special treatment? What about police/firefighters (of which as you can tell by my handle my husband is in the FD and a Lt at that)/nurses/teachers, etc.

 

While the military do spend a long time away from their families in a lot of cases (not all) and I did deal with that for 10 years while raising 2 small boys, never did "free" ANYTHING cross our minds. It was his job and that's what he did. Nothing more. Police/FF also put their lives on the line everyday as well. As a nurse I did too. What if I would have got stuck by a needle, etc. and teachers - even just being in the building should warrant combat pay in some cities!

 

I don't know where/when the entitlement age started, but frankly I'm sick of it! Anything Carnival or any other business chooses to give in the way of discounts, etc is totally up to them. Maybe they should remove them all together so one class doesn't get left out. You know kind of like how everyone has to get a trophy in sports so they don't have their feelings hurt. That's total BS!

 

If you sign up for any job (and that's what the military is - a JOB) expecting special treatment, then you are going at life all wrong.

 

Short reply - NO to free cruises for military. Tons of people from the Hampton Roads area of VA, not to mention all the other places would put Carnival out of business if they took advantage of that. What a ridiculous recommendation.

[nomadron]

As a retired veteran (6 years in the Marines and 16 and a half in the Army) who spent most of that time outside of the US. My career stretched from Vietnam to Dessert Storm.

 

I agree with several posters in saying the OP's intentions were good. But, it is not necessary. Many in our communities place themselves in harm's way everyday for the good of us all. None of us do it for perks. Carnival is generous enough already.

[Gon2hwe]

Disney Cruises give the best military deals out there for their parks and Cruise line. They offer cruises usually within a month or so of the cruise and their rates are 1/3 or less of the going rate. Our cheapest cruise so far was on the Disney Dream. These are usually on cruises that are not sold out. On that same cruise they had really good Fl resident deal too. There are also cruise lines that give public service discounts. Police, Firefighter, and teachers, but can't remember which ones do. I won't argue the merits of this just that Disney usually sails full.

[Badfinger]

Another I want more for less money post.

 

And to the OP...would not sitting around the living room TALKING provide for a better re-connecting experience? IMO that would be better than standing in line at the buffet, rushing for excursions, breathing second hand smoke in the casino or yelling your conversation over the DJ music on the Lido deck. Just my opinion.

[Cushing985]

My ex is a retired AF Officer, and my brother is a Major in the Army. Neither would expect a free cruise. The careers they had/have are because they love what they do. While the OPs intentions may mean well, why should only the Military get special treatment? What about police/firefighters (of which as you can tell by my handle my husband is in the FD and a Lt at that)/nurses/teachers, etc.

 

While the military do spend a long time away from their families in a lot of cases (not all) and I did deal with that for 10 years while raising 2 small boys, never did "free" ANYTHING cross our minds. It was his job and that's what he did. Nothing more. Police/FF also put their lives on the line everyday as well. As a nurse I did too. What if I would have got stuck by a needle, etc. and teachers - even just being in the building should warrant combat pay in some cities!

 

I don't know where/when the entitlement age started, but frankly I'm sick of it! Anything Carnival or any other business chooses to give in the way of discounts, etc is totally up to them. Maybe they should remove them all together so one class doesn't get left out. You know kind of like how everyone has to get a trophy in sports so they don't have their feelings hurt. That's total BS!

 

If you sign up for any job (and that's what the military is - a JOB) expecting special treatment, then you are going at life all wrong.

 

Short reply - NO to free cruises for military. Tons of people from the Hampton Roads area of VA, not to mention all the other places would put Carnival out of business if they took advantage of that. What a ridiculous recommendation.

 

You go girl!:D

[dadroy]

As a PEACE TIME vet, 1976 to 82, I am torn in what vets should get. On the one hand, an actual combat vet, I could agree should get some extra benefit. Some OBC or price reduction as Carnival does now.

 

But how do you separate it? This may get me flamed, but lets face it, being in the military is not the same as being in THE MILITARY.. An MOS of 11B (infantry man) assigned to Afghanistan is a heck of a lot different than someone like me. I was a 98C2LGM. Meaning I was a cryptographer trained in the German language. I would NEVER be put in harms way, especially in the middle east.

 

I feel guilty now accepting free admission to Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California, because my service in NO WAY matches that of combat vets.

 

While I might admire your view that vets should get something, I think maybe that "something" should come from people like you and I. Maybe if Carnival started something like the grocery stores in my area where I can contribute money to prostate cancer, I would donate $100 per cruise (or maybe all of my unused OBC) to paying for a COMBAT VET to cruise. Then the freebie would be from admirers rather from the corporation. Kind of like the make a wish foundation.

 

Sorry if this rambles, but the end statement is that things like this should not be the responsibility of Carnival, but from their customers. There are 21 million veterans in the US. How much do you think any cruise line could realistically do for 21 million vets, with their spouses and kids? Get realistic, they would be out of business in no time!

[RWolver672]

I'm not sure if Carnival ever reads these boards, but in case they do I thought I would throw this out. I think it would be great if Carnival took the lead in offering any military person, the option of sailing with their families for the Port Charge fees only. Many times these brave Americans are away from their loved for long stretches of time. It would be a great re-bonding time for not only husband and wife or significant others, but also father and or mother and children to get to know each other again. Carnival can confirm requests less than 30 days before each sailing and all ships would than sail full. Also the military on board would be spending money for drink, photo's gifts etc. so the cruise line would be making some revenue.

 

I don't think Carnival can do it alone as the amount of military requesting this will most likely be more that available cabins, but anything that can be done to start the ball rolling is a move in the right direction.

 

I have re-read this posting several times. Nowhere does it say that the poster is or ever was in the military. Several have bashed the posting saying that they want something for nothing basically. It could have been anybody posting that, a mother, a father, an aunt, uncle, friend, etc.

 

I do agree after serving four years in the Marine Corps that what Carnival gives is more than generous. I just don't see where the poster is a current or former service person.

[fireofficer5]

As a disabled vet, I don't want, need, or a desire for special treatment. A thanks and a small discount is very gracious.

Where would it end? I only spent 6 years in the military?

Do cops with 30 years get this free cruise? What about teachers who spend 30 years raising our children? Then you've got fire fighters,,,, where do you draw the line?

 

Firefighters don't need discounts.