Loyal Carnival Cruiser heading for Royal treatment

[jonbgd]

I'm about this (...) close to booking on NCL.

 

I see they offer 15% off pictures once you're silver. Now THAT is a perk worth switching over:D

 

For me the only good perk with NCL is free specialty restaurant BOGO and bottle of wine when you make Platinum (besides the priority stuff )

 

We are making it after 4 cruises

as they give you double points for booking 9 months out:D

 

They also have future cruise open bookings

that if you pay $250 you get an automatic $100 obc on current cruise

[Jay Sam]

Husband and I will be going on our ninth Carnival cruise next month and our third Royal Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving. We love all cruise lines - we're not picky people. We enjoy the fact that we are sailing and not at work:)

 

Thank you. Very well said. I so agree.

[Tapi]

That's why I cant wait to go on IOS, for the WOW factor

 

 

When we sailed on the Allure, we probably walked around with our mouths open in awe for the full 7 days. Hope you have the same experience on the Independence. It's really a neat thing to sail on a ship that blows your mind.

 

 

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Edited June 19, 2014 by Tapi

[ATHENA3]

First I have to say to Tapi, I love your dog. And yes the Oasis and the Allure are an experience at sea that no other cruise line can come close to bringing you…A MUST!!

Yes, it cost more but do your homework it doesn’t cost that much more.

[RuthlessBoss]

and that is precisely why I am switching lines! RCL appreciates their customers because without us, they would have no jobs. Carnival needs to learn that!

 

Yup! Carnival will go out of business soon, 1 cruiser has gone to another cruise line:rolleyes:

You can't compare prices if one line is having their sale on a particular date when the other is not. Across the board, RCCL is not always cheaper.

Sure, Haiti is new to you, but to a RCCL cruiser, the Carnival beaches would be new to them.

As for the free cruises, names go into a lottery, they are not hand selected. Maybe some day mine will come up.

Well, you have a while yet to change your mind.

[Tapi]

You can't compare prices if one line is having their sale on a particular date when the other is not. Across the board, RCCL is not always cheaper.

 

 

I do agree that, while you can find deals and sometimes cheaper prices on Royal, in general Carnival is consistently cheaper.

 

However, IMHO, price is not such a big consideration when selecting a Royal cruise vs. a Carnival cruise. Yes, it plays a role in the decision process, but people usually select Royal because, like the OP, they want to be "wowed". People usually select Carnival because they want a cheaper cruise. Nothing wrong with either one. It all depends on what the individual person wants on their cruise experience.

 

I believe in paying more to get the vacation that one really wants. Cheapest may work for some, but we are at a point in our lives where we are willing to dig deeper in our pockets to get a bit more. Yes, Carnival has delivered some great, budget vacations, but they are not at the top of our list when we are looking for a special cruise.

 

In other words, the "But Carnival is cheaper" argument doesn't resonate with people that are not interested in cheapest.

 

 

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Edited June 19, 2014 by Tapi

[fuddrules]

For me the only good perk with NCL is free specialty restaurant BOGO and bottle of wine when you make Platinum (besides the priority stuff )

 

We are making it after 4 cruises

as they give you double points for booking 9 months out:D

 

They also have future cruise open bookings

that if you pay $250 you get an automatic $100 obc on current cruise

 

Thanks -

 

Unfortunately after this possible NCL cruise we are going to have a minimum of 8 straight years of paying college tuition (at times 2 in college). That will all but eliminate cruising for some time :(

[ILCruzr]

Yes they will go out of biz if they don't treat their customers loyally. Look at this thread, there's lots who jump ship or thinking about it. But bottom line, I'd rather spend my hard earned money where I'm valued.

Edited June 19, 2014 by ILCruzr

[EmmasNana]

I was not going to reply to this thread, but oh what the heck.

 

I totally understand where the OP is coming from. I also cancelled 5 cruise certificates. It would have been 6 but my November cruise with CCL was early saver.

 

I wont say I will never sail Carnival again, but it is very unlikely any time soon.

 

Husband said he wants to be Diamond on RCL in a years time, so who am I to tell him no. This, coming from a man who is very frugal, but sails only on a balcony. We will be Platinum on RCL the middle of January and we are just doing our first cruise with them this August. At this point I have enough cruises booked to make it half way to diamond.

 

As far as price goes, just yesterday I booked a D1 category balcony for two on the Navigator out of Galveston for Oct. 5 for under $1400 including all taxes and fees. In addition I am transferring my booking to a TA and will receive $200 OBC and dinner for two in a specialty restaurant.

 

I am doing this same cruise and taking all my kids, grand kids, and sister and doing a B2B next September. Each of these weeks were $10 more pp than the one this Oct. Each week also gives me $200 OBC, $100 from RCL and $100 from TA.

Also, I have RCL shares and can combine the shareholder benefit($100 OBC).

 

We only need two more cruises on CCL to be at 25 with them for the BIG WHOOP of 25% OBC from the cruise.

 

RCL's perks, really are perks. They don't sell, them, you earn them and they just get better and better making you truly wanting to be loyal.

 

Oh yeah, and this will get me flamed. No smoking on the balcony!!!!

Edited June 19, 2014 by EmmasNana

[Xina143]

I was not going to reply to this thread, but oh what the heck.

 

I totally understand where the OP is coming from. I also cancelled 5 cruise certificates. It would have been 6 but my November cruise with CCL was early saver.

 

I wont say I will never sail Carnival again, but it is very unlikely any time soon.

 

Husband said he wants to be Diamond on RCL in a years time, so who am I to tell him no. This, coming from a man who is very frugal, but sails only on a balcony. We will be Platinum on RCL the middle of January and we are just doing our first cruise with them this August. At this point I have enough cruises booked to make it half way to diamond.

 

As far as price goes, just yesterday I booked a D1 category balcony for two on the Navigator out of Galveston for Oct. 5 for under $1400 including all taxes and fees. In addition I am transferring my booking to a TA and will receive $200 OBC and dinner for two in a specialty restaurant.

 

I am doing this same cruise and taking all my kids, grand kids, and sister and doing a B2B next September. Each of these weeks were $10 more pp than the one this Oct. Each week also gives me $200 OBC, $100 from RCL and $100 from TA.

Also, I have RCL shares and can combine the shareholder benefit($100 OBC).

 

We only need two more cruises on CCL to be at 25 with them for the BIG WHOOP of 25% OBC from the cruise.

 

RCL's perks, really are perks. They don't sell, them, you earn them and they just get better and better making you truly wanting to be loyal.

 

Oh yeah, and this will get me flamed. No smoking on the balcony!!!!

 

To be fair, you are purchasing these perks. You are buying cruises and doing so, gives you the ability to utilize these 'benefits.' This isn't a promotion that you receive for working hard, or an Olympic medal you get for being the best. You are buying cruises and as such spending your money gives you the 'right' to these benefits.

 

I don't cruise for a free Tervis cup-I can buy one for $25. I don't cruise for a pin. We've always had a great time on Carnival. Never gotten bad service or felt unappreciated, but at the same time these perks aren't all that, and as such they don't factor in to our decision to cruise. That's awesome, I get a free drink for being red-ok...I had to spend a couple thousand just to get on the ship. I can only use it in the MDR for a specific meal, etc...how is that such a great 'perk?'

 

Because we see no reason to stay loyal to Carnival, though to be clear, we enjoy our cruises with them immensely, we looked elsewhere and got a RIDICULOUS deal on a Family Suite on RCCL. Who knows maybe we will like them better, and perhaps their Crown and Anchor will be something to write home about.

 

But the bottom line is, there are so many little things that Carnival could do to retain customers, but instead they want to promote their VIFP as is, and frankly it's kind of a joke.

[ILCruzr]

To be fair, you are purchasing these perks. You are buying cruises and doing so, gives you the ability to utilize these 'benefits.' This isn't a promotion that you receive for working hard, or an Olympic medal you get for being the best. You are buying cruises and as such spending your money gives you the 'right' to these benefits.

 

I don't cruise for a free Tervis cup-I can buy one for $25. I don't cruise for a pin. We've always had a great time on Carnival. Never gotten bad service or felt unappreciated, but at the same time these perks aren't all that, and as such they don't factor in to our decision to cruise. That's awesome, I get a free drink for being red-ok...I had to spend a couple thousand just to get on the ship. I can only use it in the MDR for a specific meal, etc...how is that such a great 'perk?'

 

Because we see no reason to stay loyal to Carnival, though to be clear, we enjoy our cruises with them immensely, we looked elsewhere and got a RIDICULOUS deal on a Family Suite on RCCL. Who knows maybe we will like them better, and perhaps their Crown and Anchor will be something to write home about.

 

But the bottom line is, there are so many little things that Carnival could do to retain customers, but instead they want to promote their VIFP as is, and frankly it's kind of a joke.

 

 

But that is the point? We as consumers spend money and want to get more bang for our buck. That is why they are called Perks. Of course I know I am paying for the perks, but on RCL you get good ones. Not on Carnival, which you quoted as a joke. So we agree on that one!

[ILCruzr]

Thanks -

 

Unfortunately after this possible NCL cruise we are going to have a minimum of 8 straight years of paying college tuition (at times 2 in college). That will all but eliminate cruising for some time :(

 

 

Oh priorities lol but just think how much cruising you will get to do when you are doing paying college. Much to make up :)

[Xina143]

But that is the point? We as consumers spend money and want to get more bang for our buck. That is why they are called Perks. Of course I know I am paying for the perks, but on RCL you get good ones. Not on Carnival, which you quoted as a joke. So we agree on that one!

 

ILCruzr-I wasn't specifically addressing you, I was referring to another poster's remarks.

 

I know what perks are, and in fact I agree with your stance, so not sure why you are pointing out my post.

[ILCruzr]

ILCruzr-I wasn't specifically addressing you, I was referring to another poster's remarks.

 

I know what perks are, and in fact I agree with your stance, so not sure why you are pointing out my post.

 

 

Just because you kinda contradicted yourself a bit then. If you get it, then you know you really aren't paying for perks right? you are earning them thru a service, which in this case is cruising.

[Xina143]

Just because you kinda contradicted yourself a bit then. If you get it, then you know you really aren't paying for perks right? you are earning them thru a service, which in this case is cruising.

 

IF you don't take a cruise, ie: pay for one...you can't utilize those perks, can you?

 

If you are platinum they don't just send you the cup, or whatever the gift is now, you have to pay for and take a cruise to get it.

 

IF you don't pay to reach the level that those perks pertain you, you can not utilize them.

 

They don't just give them out for the most part, you need to pay for and take cruises to access them. There might be some hidden ones I don't know about....

 

You can see them one way, and that's cool. But I don't think you earn platinum status, you buy your way to it. I don't think you earn these perks, you buy your way to them. Either way, I'm not impressed with CCL's so far, so I'll see what RCL has to offer

[DebJ14]

It will take you a quite a few cruises to receive the Royal Caribbean perks. As a Diamond on Royal I can say that they are very nice perks.... however, 9 times out of 10 Carnival cruise fares are much lower than Royal. Also our onboard bill is always higher on Royal. The WOW may be when you view your final bill. LOL

 

We have never been offered a free cruise with either line. I think they go after the big gamblers. Kind of like Vegas.

 

Enjoy Royal, it's a great product. Freedom class and Radiance class are our favorite RCL ships.

 

I hope you enjoy RCCL as much as we do. You can attain Diamond status on RCCL a whole lot faster than you can on Carnival. I finally got there on Carnival after 31 cruises. On RCCL it will only take us 7 cruises (going to be Diamond on our August cruise). If you book suites you get double points and get there much faster and there are some nice perks along the way as you move up through Platinum and Emerald. We have 2 RCCL cruises, 1 NCL and 1 MSC booked.

[clayb]

I feel that I am a loyal Carnival cruiser, so why wasn't my name picked to get a free cruise? I know married couples who both got each a free cruise. It's really irritating because I have spent some hard earned money on their cruises and because I am booked on one, I probably wont get one.

 

I am also not jumping ship just because of the free cruise, I want to try something new. And Carnival doesn't go to Haiti. And I also really want to try a freedom class ship. I hear they are super nice.

 

I am really excited about my IOS cruise :)

 

 

I've been on 35 cruises on various lines, the most of which have been on Royal Caribbean. I have been offered "free" cruises but only on NCL through their casino department. So, the "free" cruise was really NOT free. But I echo some of the previous posts, go on different lines and experience what they have to offer. I would like to try Princess again. And I do want to sail Oasis class.

[jsfromsc]

Hey, try as many lines as you want to. Come back and tell us what you think. But if your main reason for leaving Carnival is because you're ticked off that you weren't offered a free cruise, don't expect any of the other lines to give you that.

[soccersharon]

The biggest misconception some have with regard to the free cabin promo is that they are perks. This is a marketing campaign. Period. Has absolutely nothing to do with status / perks etc.

 

Sent from my phone. Typos are inevitable.

Edited June 19, 2014 by soccersharon

[Jay Sam]

Hey, try as many lines as you want to. Come back and tell us what you think. But if your main reason for leaving Carnival is because you're ticked off that you weren't offered a free cruise, don't expect any of the other lines to give you that.

 

Well said. Carnival has always been very nice to me. No major complaints. Good value for the money, just like Royal. Those are my 2 favorite lines. NCL, take a lesson.

[Badfinger]

I have only cruised twice in the past, and have booked our third for this summer. All on Carnival. To me, the Carnival perk is the price that is on average, lower than other cruise lines and a more casual atmosphere than other cruise lines. But I guess that is a matter of perspective..

 

As for trying another cruise line, that is not "unthinkable" at all. Heck, you just took a few cruises on Carnival. You did not marry the company. Spend YOUR money how you want.

 

I don't see a repeat visit to a port as a waste of money. There are so many things to do at most of them. If you believe a repeat visit is a waste of money, than your cruising days are indeed numbered.

 

And finally, what ever happened to the time when people were genuinely happy for the good fortune of others? Now, when someone says they got a free cruise, most start whining and crying and asking "what about me". I guess times have changed.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Badfinger

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I hope you enjoy RCCL as much as we do. You can attain Diamond status on RCCL a whole lot faster than you can on Carnival. I finally got there on Carnival after 31 cruises. On RCCL it will only take us 7 cruises (going to be Diamond on our August cruise). If you book suites you get double points and get there much faster and there are some nice perks along the way as you move up through Platinum and Emerald. We have 2 RCCL cruises, 1 NCL and 1 MSC booked.

 

Of course you can reach Diamond (80 days) faster on RCI. Their Diamond status is equivalent to the Carnivals Platinum.(75 days)

 

Bill

[Jay Sam]

I have only cruised twice in the past, and have booked our third for this summer. All on Carnival. To me, the Carnival perk is the price that is on average, lower than other cruise lines and a more casual atmosphere than other cruise lines. But I guess that is a matter of perspective..

 

As for trying another cruise line, that is not "unthinkable" at all. Heck, you just took a few cruises on Carnival. You did not marry the company. Spend YOUR money how you want.

 

I don't see a repeat visit to a port as a waste of money. There are so many things to do at most of them. If you believe a repeat visit is a waste of money, than your cruising days are indeed numbered.

 

And finally, what ever happened to the time when people were genuinely happy for the good fortune of others? Now, when someone says they got a free cruise, most start whining and crying and asking "what about me". I guess times have changed.

 

I have been on Carnival, Celebrity, Holland, NCL and Royal Caribbean. Carnival and Royal win for me. Yes repeat visits will happen for sure. I like to get something new each time I cruise: a different ship/class, new port(s), different line etc. So with all of those combos I am always sure I can come up with something. Times have changed, and thanks for your post. I agree.

[stooth]

I like both Carnival(Gold) and Royal(Diamond). I usually book for price, but I will say from experience, that Royal's perks are better...If you book a balcony, there is a great discount and if you drink, there is a lounge open everyday from 5-8 that you can get free wine..liquor drinks and specialty coffee. Almost to platinum on Carnival, but not impressed with those perks.

[Oak Hill Cruisers]

When we get our Diamond coupon books on RCI, all we clip out are the discounted wash & dry specials. Then we give away the rest of the books to our tablemates because we just don't use the rest of the services or they are merely discounts on services we don't want.

 

The Diamond Lounge is a great perk on RCI ships because it's a great place to relax away from the 'madding crowd' and brew yourself a specialty coffee on those nifty $10,000 dollar coffee machines.

 

The Diamond/Concierge lounges are open 24/7 and are unattended by the concierge for several hours during the day and therefore you're likely to have the machines run out of coffee beans and/or have the used coffee grounds bin full -- know where the concierge hides the coffee and be ready to service the machine yourself. ;-)

 

We like Carnival as well for the different itineraries and the Lido buffet on the Carnival Elation was great.