Loyal Carnival Cruiser heading for Royal treatment

[loubetti]

As I still want to try both CCL and RCCL since I now live in Florida and close to ports, I have priced similar cruises on both lines and they are both on par more or less. It all depends on the ship.

 

Now you want to see obscene prices?

 

For fun, today I priced a cruise on Dizzy...er....Disney. 7 nights out of Port Canaveral in August '14 in an inside cabin.

 

$4,495.44 for two!! I kid you not! I just checked it a second time. Deluxe balcony veranda cabin is $5,657.44

 

For that money I am on Cunard / Celebrity in a heart beat, and in a balcony to boot!!

[NOSaints1]

If you want to hear more about Royal they have a Podcast, the one thing I don't like about Royal is all the up charges, Johnny Rockets is 4.95 or 5.95 where Guys is free. We sail Carnival because they have a good product not for the perks.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[kybluecruiser]

I will never understand why one would only cruise one cruise line.

 

I will never understand why people have an issue with somebody cruising one line. I have one RCI and one ncl but have chosen to stick with carnival. Why? Because i like the atmosphere, i like the familiarity and i am the type of person once i find something i like i stick with it.

 

To the op good luck hope you enjoy your royal cruise.

[Writerfl]

It's really difficult to compare Carnival prices against those of other cruise lines because of Carnival's high volatility. The "price" for your cruise is likely to be nowhere near the true *cost*, especially for Early Savers who book at the 'catalog' price then watch it plummet as departure date approaches.

 

For late bookers, watching the price rise AND fall as departure approaches can drive you crazy. Do I book today? Tomorrow? Next Week? Never? It's likely, though, that the *true* price you pay will be significantly lower than that of other lines.

 

It can also be dependent on the number of people travelling. How much will it cost to bring Darling Daughter or Moderately Despised Mother In Law? Or Thing 1 and Thing 2? And God Bless Carnival, but they're still pretty much the Only Game in Town if you're a Solo.

 

As far as 'free' cruises, I wish that Carnival would either stop doing that altogether or reveal the process and/or criteria. It would eliminate a lot of butthurt for their 'tetchier' customers.

[kona_wahine]

I agree with OP on several points. In fact, I recently obtained a RC credit card. It was free, no yearly fee so what the heck. Just had to make a certain purchase to get OB credit. After three cruises on carnival, and one more booked, I'd like to try something else and want to go to labadee.

 

As for free cruises, I guess I do and don't care. I have an issue when people are offered two or three free cruises. And it seems no rhyme or reason as to why they are given. If it's someone who has "earned" a cruise by gambling tons of money that would make sense. Maybe if I quit booking cruises they will give me one. ;)

[jetta8300]

Have a great cruise with RCCL! We would never stick to one line, but did like our Carnival cruise better than the Royal one for many reasons. Also the money you save on the Carnival cruises would pay for a free one in itself.

 

Labadee is absolutely amazing. Our favorite island we have been to in the entire Caribbean. Falmouth is pretty terrible. Comparable to Freeport Bahamas. Not a whole lot to do unless you book and excursion. Either way I think it's great to have some variety and see what you like!

[innkeeper17]

As far as 'free' cruises, I wish that Carnival would either stop doing that altogether or reveal the process and/or criteria. It would eliminate a lot of butthurt for their 'tetchier' customers.

 

BINGO!

 

Hey I am all up for bring back some of the older perks like the future cruise certificate that they claimed wasn't making any money. It doesn't make any sense to look forward to a milestone and its perks when people can score a free cruise for no reason. To everyone who gets free cruises, congrats I am happy for you. Please don't brag it to me over dinner where I paid a full rate.

Sadly I have been around on Carnival to see the changes and the perks I use to look forward to. Now most of the perks can be bought for 49.99.

 

Okay I am a big boy so you can flame me about my observations!

 

What is the real kicker is that Carnival is beginning to pit its own customers against each other. They either have a very bad PR and Marketing advisors or they are making a decision about the direction to take Carnival Cruise Line in. Its a rather odd approach as I don't think it is working!

[Xina143]

I will never understand why people have an issue with somebody cruising one line. I have one RCI and one ncl but have chosen to stick with carnival. Why? Because i like the atmosphere, i like the familiarity and i am the type of person once i find something i like i stick with it.

 

 

 

To the op good luck hope you enjoy your royal cruise.

 

 

I don't think anyone is insulting you or anyone that stays with one line. They merely stated they don't understand why anyone would ONLY choose one line? It's a simple observation and not meant to insult your way if doing things.

 

As for me, if you want to stay with one line cool, but that doesn't mean everyone has to agree with you.

 

Life's too short for me to only stay with one line, especially when Carnival doesn't give me a reason to be loyal. Someone mentioned kot getting free gas-you shop at the wrong station. I get perks at grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, etc. but to be clear I get perks because I use those stores, I don't use those stores to get perks. I have a reason to come back.

 

And I have never seen Royal twice the price of a CCL cruise. Not for a comparable cruise.

 

Someone mentioned a Disney cruise at around $4500 for two? I priced a 7 day Disney cruise for 4 in December for less than that. So it would seem, just like any other line, that there are factors going into that price.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ILCruzr]

I don't think anyone is insulting you or anyone that stays with one line. They merely stated they don't understand why anyone would ONLY choose one line? It's a simple observation and not meant to insult your way if doing things.

 

As for me, if you want to stay with one line cool, but that doesn't mean everyone has to agree with you.

 

Life's too short for me to only stay with one line, especially when Carnival doesn't give me a reason to be loyal. Someone mentioned kot getting free gas-you shop at the wrong station. I get perks at grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, etc. but to be clear I get perks because I use those stores, I don't use those stores to get perks. I have a reason to come back.

 

And I have never seen Royal twice the price of a CCL cruise. Not for a comparable cruise.

 

Someone mentioned a Disney cruise at around $4500 for two? I priced a 7 day Disney cruise for 4 in December for less than that. So it would seem, just like any other line, that there are factors going into that price.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Thank you! My points exactly. Why spend money for nothing?? It's called customer service and carnival doesn't seem to have any loyalty.

[ILCruzr]

It seems like everyone wants to jump on KPfromCT for throwing an opinion out there and it doesn't seem fair for them to catch so much heat from where I'm sitting... Really seemed to be on point to me with the information given here.

 

So let's start at the first paragraph, you pay for a cruise and you are delivered a cruise, why do so many people get mad about not getting more than what they bought rather than be greatful at what is given? If I buy gas at the same gas station everyday I do not expect then to throw me a free tank full after 75 days visiting. I don't expect McDonalds to give me a free value meal for eating there, and I definitely don't expect a car dealership to give me a new car for buying a couple from them.

 

The second and third seem like fine reasons, except the wow factor thing. Go read the breeze review by Gambee and you will see some carnival WOW factor.

 

Now that last paragraph is an absolutely childish statement, the real reason you are leaving is because you didnt get a free cruise reads the same to me as I'm going home and I'm taking my ball with me.

 

Now somewhere else the comment was made that if KP had been on as many cruises they would be mad too screams arrogance. BUT... Going by the info here the 6 previous cruises in the signature wouldn't have gotten anywhere close to the front of the free cruise list if it was done by number of previous with 6.

 

What you said makes no sense because carnival is giving away free cruises. That's fact. And you are mis construing my points. The free cruises are a fact because I'm not asking for a free happy meal!

 

I'm jumping lines because I want more bang for my buck an carnival doesn't seem to care about keeping loyal customers. I didn't come on here to get harped on, just formulating my opinion. Why do you care so much about who's harping on me??

[CruzCrazy]

So let's start at the first paragraph, you pay for a cruise and you are delivered a cruise, why do so many people get mad about not getting more than what they bought rather than be greatful at what is given? If I buy gas at the same gas station everyday I do not expect then to throw me a free tank full after 75 days visiting. I don't expect McDonalds to give me a free value meal for eating there, and I definitely don't expect a car dealership to give me a new car for buying a couple from them.

 

I read this over a couple of times, but the difference in these scenarios is that (as far as I'm aware), the gas station, car dealership, and McDonald's aren't giving ANYONE a free tank of gas, new car, or value meal. I'm aware of discounts or perks for repeat customers/other gimmicks by various companies/corporations, but they are offered to everyone who meets the criteria...if you (or anyone else) buys enough Subway sandwiches and brings the little card every time, you earn points, etc., etc. But Carnival is, by all accounts, actually handing out free cruises with no known criteria--you didn't sign up for it or spend a certain amount--if there are criteria, only they know what they are, and as such they are creating an atmosphere of discontent for those who feel slighted, right or wrong.

 

We've never received a free cruise offer, but we currently do have a few discounted offers that are specific to our respective VIFP numbers.

 

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we'll be taking them up on it this time because we too have booked our next cruise on RCI. It had nothing to do with the free cruise offers to others or being ticked off at Carnival--I'm platinum on Carnival and have enjoyed all my cruises with them--but RCI was offering a fantastic discount for police/firefighters/EMTs that we are taking advantage of on Oasis of the Seas. After that, we'll reassess.

Edited June 18, 2014 by CruzCrazy

[Scootercruise]

We will be going on our 8th Carnival cruise in September, we cruise Carnival because we like Carnival, period. Does price make a difference? Yes, at times. That being said, we just booked our first RC cruise for March 2015. Why? because we want to try the ports that they offer that Carnival does not. Plus right now they have a buy one, get one half price going. So what better time to try them? We have sailed Princess twice, and NCL once. Like Princess, dislike NCL. We also own CCL stock, but that doesn't mean we have to be loyal only to their cruise lines, and my feelings aren't hurt because I didn't get a free cruise. The way we see it is life is an adventure, you have to try and mix it up once and a while. :D

[JimAOk1945]

We have experienced cruises on three different cruise lines so far. When I compare the "perks" I received for booking a full suite on Carnival and RCI, I feel that Carnival is sadly lacking.

 

Here are the perks enjoyed by full suite guests on RCI copied directly from the RCI website:

 

Suite guests (excluding Junior Suites) will enjoy a myriad of special privileges and upgraded amenities for their cruise, along with Royal Caribbean's world-renowned friendly, engaging and attentive Gold Anchor Service from every member of its staff and crew.

 

• Enhanced Program for Suite Guests Staying in the following suites*:
  
• Royal Suite, Royal Family Suite, Presidential Family Suite, Owner's Suite, Grand Suite
  
• Oasis Class: Royal Loft Suite, Sky Loft Suite, AquaTheater Suite & Crown Loft Suite
   
  
• *Excludes Junior Suites
   
  
• Priority check-in
  
• Personalized attention throughout the cruise with complimentary Concierge Club service on select ships
  
• Reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows, where available
  
• Priority tender tickets on select cruises. (Tender service is provided when smaller vessels are necessary to reach shore in locations without docking ports large enough for cruise ships.)
  
• VIP pool deck seating, where available
  
• Full breakfast, lunch and dinner dining room menus available for in-room dining
  
• Private breakfast and lunch seating in specialty restaurants on our Voyager and Freedom Class ships
  
• Mattel® board games available to order for in-room entertainment for the kids
  
• Complimentary luggage valet service
  
• Luxury spa bathrobes for use onboard
  
• Complimentary pressing service on formal night
  
• Priority departure with exclusive suite* departure lounge featuring continental breakfast
  

 

We enjoyed all of our cruises on Carnival, but we enjoy RCI more.

 

Happy cruising wherever you go. It's a great way to travel.

Edited June 18, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[soccersharon]

I see nothing wrong with trying other lines.

 

I do think there is a very big difference between a promotion (which is what the cabin lottery is), and a loyalty perk.

 

Sent from my phone. Typos are inevitable.

[Gon2hwe]

We did 4 cruises on RC. Allure was amazing but then going back to Freedom was boring. Because of the price we decided to go with Carnival and loved it. RC made a lot of people mad with their loyalty points changes awhile back and recent policy changes. So don't expect them or any other cruise line to reward loyalty with extreme perks. They will do only what they say they will and you can't expect any more than that. My next cruise is Carnival and the next may be NCL. I go for the savings up front. As for Labadee, been there twice and it's probably one of my least favorite ports. Cloudy water full of rocks. The zip line is cool though. I find it really hard to eat in front of starving people playing music. But to each his own. Most of RC's itineraries are pretty much the same. Carnival has the best variety of ports. There's nothing wrong with trying different lines. Any line will get boring after a while.

[guidobiker]

The so called free cruises are a promotion thru the Carnival casino offers. It is not just for big spenders in the casino. My wife had signed up with the casino for this several cruises ago and has been getting these offers ever since. The offers are for select crusies which for example you can book a 7 day cruise with an inside cabin for $50 per person plus you get $100 on board credit. You still have to pay for port charges and fees but it is an awesome deal. There are only available to be booked for a short time and you must be able to travel within the next month or so. We booked a 7 day balcony for $120 per person and came out to just over $400 with fees. I do not get these offers sent to me as I have not signed up with the casino offers and I have several cruises with Carnival. We did not win anything.

Edited June 18, 2014 by guidobiker

[Xina143]

Thanks for the info! I signed up to get Casino offers , but no luck for me.

 

But again, I can't stay loyal to Carnival in the hopes I'll get one . If I find what I want, of course I'll book with Carnival, but I found a great deal on RCCL so we are going to try that.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Tapi]

RC made a lot of people mad with their loyalty points changes awhile back

 

 

Really? I was actually thrilled with Royal's change. I became Platinum on them with the equivalent of 5 cruises, and with better benefits! :D

 

Now when Carnival changed their loyalty program, THAT made a lot of people angry. I was expecting a mob of people with pitchforks and torches to show up at headquarters any minute when the change was announced!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[guidobiker]

Thanks for the info! I signed up to get Casino offers , but no luck for me.

 

But again, I can't stay loyal to Carnival in the hopes I'll get one . If I find what I want, of course I'll book with Carnival, but I found a great deal on RCCL so we are going to try that.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Our last cruise was on RCCL and that trip was over 1-1/2 times what we would normally pay for a cruise. We did as always go with an open mind but I would have to say that trip did not wow me with higher expense than any other cruise we had been on. No trip is perfect and we have never been on a bad cruise.

[Gon2hwe]

Really? I was actually thrilled with Royal's change. I became Platinum on them with the equivalent of 5 cruises, and with better benefits! :D

 

Now when Carnival changed their loyalty program, THAT made a lot of people angry. I was expecting a mob of people with pitchforks and torches to show up at headquarters any minute when the change was announced!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Didn't bother me either, only had a couple of cruises at the time. It was all the loyal royals getting the same benefits for a 3 day as 7 day that were upset. My point was that the cruise lines are evolving their loyalty programs to attract new cruisers not the loyals. Most of them are already hooked with the little perks they already get with a promise of more. There's nothing wrong with looking around for the best deals on any line.

[ILCruzr]

The so called free cruises are a promotion thru the Carnival casino offers. It is not just for big spenders in the casino. My wife had signed up with the casino for this several cruises ago and has been getting these offers ever since. The offers are for select crusies which for example you can book a 7 day cruise with an inside cabin for $50 per person plus you get $100 on board credit. You still have to pay for port charges and fees but it is an awesome deal. There are only available to be booked for a short time and you must be able to travel within the next month or so. We booked a 7 day balcony for $120 per person and came out to just over $400 with fees. I do not get these offers sent to me as I have not signed up with the casino offers and I have several cruises with Carnival. We did not win anything.

 

Not all the free cruises are Casino offers fyi

[topofE]

BINGO!

 

What is the real kicker is that Carnival is beginning to pit its own customers against each other. They either have a very bad PR and Marketing advisors or they are making a decision about the direction to take Carnival Cruise Line in. Its a rather odd approach as I don't think it is working!

 

I agree. I know exactly what you're talking about and I find it tacky and off-putting...

[ILCruzr]

I agree. I know exactly what you're talking about and I find it tacky and off-putting...

 

Which is my frustration!!!!

[buddylover]

The so called free cruises are a promotion thru the Carnival casino offers. It is not just for big spenders in the casino. My wife had signed up with the casino for this several cruises ago and has been getting these offers ever since. The offers are for select crusies which for example you can book a 7 day cruise with an inside cabin for $50 per person plus you get $100 on board credit. You still have to pay for port charges and fees but it is an awesome deal. There are only available to be booked for a short time and you must be able to travel within the next month or so. We booked a 7 day balcony for $120 per person and came out to just over $400 with fees. I do not get these offers sent to me as I have not signed up with the casino offers and I have several cruises with Carnival. We did not win anything.

 

Some of the FREE offers are casino related, as yours clearly is....however we know of at least 4 FREE cruises that our friends have received who do NOT gamble at all. And in once case, the wife got a FREE cruise, and so did her husband. Now, come on CCL, at least spread "the wealth" around.

 

I think the point the OP is trying to make, is that it "loyalty" comes in many forms....and CCL's new marketing company is really hitting a "raw nerve" with some of their loyal pax....it is giving freebies, at least in the case of those that we know about, to people who have cruised far less than us, and have stayed in inside cabins spending less $$ than we have in balcony cabins or suites. None were gamblers. I agree with OP in saying that it is unnerving to those of us who have been loyal paying pax.....very simple.

[topofE]

Wait...how are people notified of the cruise deals?@ I got a call two weeks ago about a cruise for the cost of ports fees and taxes and I assumed it was a scam/timeshare and told them to not call e again!! They dId say carnival! (And other lines I think too)