Carnival needs better Suite perks

[TrinaLC]

Having enjoyed (very much!) the suite perks on NCL, we will never take a suite again on Carnival (well, maybe an aft wrap every once in a while!)

 

There just isn't the "value" associated with a larger room that there is on other lines... So we simply won't pay for it on Carnival.

[Taters]

We have traveled in inside and outside cabins, balcony cabins, mini and junior suites and full suites. We have traveled on 5 different cruise lines. Somehow, no matter what type of cabin we've had we always find ourselves going back to Carnival. We just have a better time on Carnival, and we think they have the best food, casinos and friendliest staff.

 

We are currently booked back-to-back on the Miracle - We have a Grand Suite for the 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise, followed by a balcony guarantee on the 15 night Hawaii cruise.

 

It boils down to this for us: We choose our cabin by what we think is the best value per cruise. I got an amazing deal on the GS going to Mexico, and found that the balcony guarantee was the best deal for our needs for the Hawaii cruise. The next cruise after that - Who knows? We may travel in an inside cabin! We love the spaciousness of the suites, but are not above traveling inside if the cruise price is high and this is where we really want to go.

[OrlandoGirl57]

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. Yes, some folks would have to take 7 trips to spend as much as you did on the suite. If you can afford to spend that much on a suite that is wonderful for you! Don't expect anything more. Enjoy it or stay with other cruise lines.

Yes, on other lines you get more perks- but their prices most of the time are higher. I am one of those that takes only 1 trip every year or ever other year and it costs maybe $1200 plus what I would spend on board. I specifically choose Carnival for their prices. I don't need any extras. That's why the rates on the other ships are higher- they give out more freebies!

I'm not flaming you- you just asked the opinions of others. Good for you that you could afford the high dollar accommodations- and hope you had a great trip!

 

I am wondering if anyone thinks the suite perks should be better for those who shell out the extra cash. For this last cruise we had the Captains Suite and spent $7500 total for the room not including what we spent on board. The only perk besides a great room was first on and off the ship. I mean there are people(interior) that would have to go on 7 cruises to spend what we did. Perks we have had on other lines that I think Carnival could handle include: first night steakhouse free, priority seating at anytime dining(no pagers), something simple as choc. strawberrys and flowers, full breakfast delivered to room(not continental). Don't flame me ,because I think Carnival has the best overall package going. They are making a larger profit on Suite guest because there is no way we are going to eat $7500 in food! Carnival, just throw me a bone:D

[richstowe]

I'm betting someone will be soon be going to John Healds blog and posting a link to this thread.

They will demand that Carnival improve Suite perks and insist that CCers demand it.

They will then go on to call him gutless and perhaps fat.

He will thank them for being concerned about his weight and defend Carnival as an excellent cruise experience.

And so it goes.

 

On a different note

Personally I am not thrilled with the direction Celebrity is going with this.

They are currently carving out new lounges and eating area for their suite guests.

In addition they are looking in all directions to improve th perks they offer the self-chosen few.

They are doing this while eliminating and reducing amenities for all their guests.

They are even reducing perks for their near-suite guests in Aqua and Concierge class.:mad:

 

I'm hoping Carnival (admittedly on a lower level) doesn't follow suit.

[SWEETSEA]

I am wondering if anyone thinks the suite perks should be better for those who shell out the extra cash. For this last cruise we had the Captains Suite and spent $7500 total for the room not including what we spent on board. The only perk besides a great room was first on and off the ship. I mean there are people(interior) that would have to go on 7 cruises to spend what we did. Perks we have had on other lines that I think Carnival could handle include: first night steakhouse free, priority seating at anytime dining(no pagers), something simple as choc. strawberrys and flowers, full breakfast delivered to room(not continental). Don't flame me ,because I think Carnival has the best overall package going. They are making a larger profit on Suite guest because there is no way we are going to eat $7500 in food! Carnival, just throw me a bone:D

 

I absolutely agree with you! Make it a little special! Seems like for the extra $$ they could offer a little more.

[PA Dutchman]

I'm betting someone will be soon be going to John Healds blog and posting a link to this thread.

They will demand that Carnival improve Suite perks and insist that CCers demand it.

They will then go on to call him gutless and perhaps fat.

He will thank them for being concerned about his weight and defend Carnival as an excellent cruise experience.

And so it goes.

 

On a different note

Personally I am not thrilled with the direction Celebrity is going with this.

They are currently carving out new lounges and eating area for their suite guests.

In addition they are looking in all directions to improve th perks they offer the self-chosen few.

They are doing this while eliminating and reducing amenities for all their guests.

They are even reducing perks for their near-suite guests in Aqua and Concierge class.:mad:

 

I'm hoping Carnival (admittedly on a lower level) doesn't follow suit.

 

and he will end it by saying people don't cruise Carnival for perks, end of story

Edited July 6, 2014 by PA Dutchman

[crzndeb]

I am wondering if anyone thinks the suite perks should be better for those who shell out the extra cash. For this last cruise we had the Captains Suite and spent $7500 total for the room not including what we spent on board. The only perk besides a great room was first on and off the ship. I mean there are people(interior) that would have to go on 7 cruises to spend what we did. Perks we have had on other lines that I think Carnival could handle include: first night steakhouse free, priority seating at anytime dining(no pagers), something simple as choc. strawberrys and flowers, full breakfast delivered to room(not continental). Don't flame me ,because I think Carnival has the best overall package going. They are making a larger profit on Suite guest because there is no way we are going to eat $7500 in food! Carnival, just throw me a bone:D

 

You paid it, knowing exactly what you were getting. Carnival will never change a thing as long as people pay those ridiculous prices for a suite. If you want a suite, and have $7500 to spend, Carnival would be at the bottom of my list as a cruise line.

 

In comparison, I am traveling solo next month on the Legend to Australia. I paid $3400 for a 4K.

[OCruisers]

Very much agree with those who feel Carnival should offer lots better perks for suites than are currently offered.

LuLu

[mayabean]

I booked the Captains suite as an "upsell"....not paying near the 7500 that it was going for online(liberty).....it was a one time treat that myself and my family do not regret regardless of cost....however we did get a few small perks....a deluxe fruit/cheese basket the first day....chocolate strawberries a couple of days later, and champagne formal night.....

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

We had a grand suite on our last cruise and yes, I also agree that there should have been more perks other than priority boarding. Double points would have been nice. Laundry? Dinner at steakhouse? Cheers program??? Now we are talking.

[FireEater]

Just went to my online TA site to see what an upgrade to a suite for me would be on my next Carnival cruise in August. When I went to the site, it is the first time I saw Captains Suite listed on any web site. It was showing approx $3,209, and $2,209 for a grand suite per person for an 8 day cruise.

 

For head of the line privileges only, that is a big chunk of coal to lay down.

Edited July 6, 2014 by FireEater

[OCruisers]

We had a grand suite on our last cruise and yes, I also agree that there should have been more perks other than priority boarding. Double points would have been nice. Laundry? Dinner at steakhouse? Cheers program??? Now we are talking.

 

Unfortunately, you get nothing except priority board for booking a Grand Suite. :(

LuLu

[markf]

Spend that kind of $ on NCL , and you will be spoiled--Large suite --private dining room--reserved show seats--priority on board and off the ship--etc

[Kimberlyr22]

I don't know much about the Captain's Suite because I only sail out of Baltimore or New York; but I would think, like others have said, if you're okay spending $7500 for a room on a cruise and you want perks, it would be easier to just go to another cruise line than trying to get more out of Carnival.

 

We are room people on a cruise -- my husband borders on anti-social and just likes to have a nice room and balcony to relax in for seven days -- so we love the Aft Vista Suites on Carnival. In planning for next August I compared Carnival, RCL, and NCL out of Baltimore or New York. We are three cruisers, and our need to haves are large bathroom, balcony, and separate room for my stepson so we all have our own space (and he has his own television). For a 7-night to the Bahamas, RCL is $6,000, NCL is $6,700, and Carnival is $4,200. I would say that is quite a perk in itself --we can have an affordable suite that fulfills all our wants and a HUGE balcony.

[silvercrikhix]

We would also never pay that much for a Suite on Carnival.

The "perks", basically nil, do not commensurate with that cost.

Book another line to get more benefits.

We have paid less than that for awesome suites on other lines, with perks.

 

We have sailed in Aft wrap suites and a GS on Carnival, but knowing the room IS the perk.

It is not necessarily about "being better" than someone else, it is more about, in our case, more room to relax, etc.....

As hard as my DH works, the last vacation he wants is a 200sqft room with a 30sqft balcony.

We enjoy being able to stretch out and relax....that is an important part of the vacation to US.

To each there own....but the bitter, jealous comments are sad to see.

Work hard, play hard is our motto.

 

With that being said, I agree, they should throw a couple bones in the soup!

But, as long as people pay those outrageous fares for no perks, it will not change.

[OCruisers]

We would also never pay that much for a Suite on Carnival.

The "perks", basically nil, do not commensurate with that cost.

Book another line to get more benefits.

We have paid less than that for awesome suites on other lines, with perks.

.

 

True but but but ... to book a convenient extra cruise when a 7 day is sometimes offered a couple of hours away in Charleston the only ship in town is Carnival Fantasy. To get a balcony cabin we have to book a suite. To get a suite in a location we want it has to be a Grand Suite.

:D It's like Q: "When do you play a crooked wheel?" A: "When it's the only one in town". :D

LuLu

[vols_159]

I am wondering if anyone thinks the suite perks should be better for those who shell out the extra cash. For this last cruise we had the Captains Suite and spent $7500 total for the room not including what we spent on board. The only perk besides a great room was first on and off the ship. I mean there are people(interior) that would have to go on 7 cruises to spend what we did. Perks we have had on other lines that I think Carnival could handle include: first night steakhouse free, priority seating at anytime dining(no pagers), something simple as choc. strawberrys and flowers, full breakfast delivered to room(not continental). Don't flame me ,because I think Carnival has the best overall package going. They are making a larger profit on Suite guest because there is no way we are going to eat $7500 in food! Carnival, just throw me a bone:D

 

 

So instead of the 7500 you spent without those perks next time it might be 10k with those perks.. Would you be happy then?

 

 

 

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[mommyto2girls]

We only cruise suites and have booked carnival in March for the itinerary only. Having experienced some of the best suite perks around I have to say that $7500 is a lot of money for nothing. That kind of money gets me 10 days on NCL in a suite with amazing perks and even that is not $7500!

[ksy8384]

We all book for what we want and what we want to pay. Not necessarily able to pay but willing to pay. My husband would much rather cruise an inside and take more or longer cruises plus other vacations as well. It's just the two of us most of the time so space really isn't an issue. Would "I" like to have a balcony? Maybe but I am happy to be on the ship knowing that I can enjoy the same thing in my 1A as those in the Captains Suite (food, shows etc) plus for an extra $50 I can get on and off fast too. Works for me.

[LMaxwell]

Carnival Suite perks are worst in the industry. If they were always the cheapest that would be one thing; but they are not. Competition from MSC and NCL provides an enclave "ship within a ship" area along with special receptions, bespoke restaurant options, less crowded areas. RCI hosts nice evening cocktail receptions, access to a concierge, priority seating at events. Some of these things cost the cruise lines money, some don't.

 

Someone paying nearly 7X the base rate of others should be receiving more perks than priority boarding; they're paying a lot more freight than the inside cabin cruisers. Carnival doesn't have to give the sun and the moon, but they do need to be competitive and their suite class is a joke at the moment. A concierge to look after suite guests and some evening cocktails or a specialty dining reservation thrown in would go a long way towards creating an atmosphere worth the additional money beyond just cabin space, IMO.

[rxnrn]

For what they charge for a suite you would think there would be a few perks besides square footage and priority boarding. We toyed with the idea of a suite for our last cruise but once we saw what you get for the price decided against it. At the least they could give double VIFP points the way some other lines do.

Thank you!, I guess that is what i am talking about. Throw me a bone that makes me want to purchase that suite again. Based on the opinions here you would be nuts to waste your money on a Captains Suite on Carnival since it is a low budget line. Since I appear to be one of the few that would pay $$$$ for the suite, why not tempt me to keep buying it instead of going with Princess or others.

[rxnrn]

If you know what you are getting from the beginning and Don't like it why pay it? Doesn't make sense to me to pay something knowing what you are getting then complain about it after.

 

 

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Not complaining, always buy suites, half cruises on Carnival. Do you ever buy a car and ask for something thrown in? Sometimes you get something, sometimes not. You will remember when you got that extra something and probably go back.

[rxnrn]

Carnival Suite perks are worst in the industry. If they were always the cheapest that would be one thing; but they are not. Competition from MSC and NCL provides an enclave "ship within a ship" area along with special receptions, bespoke restaurant options, less crowded areas. RCI hosts nice evening cocktail receptions, access to a concierge, priority seating at events. Some of these things cost the cruise lines money, some don't.

 

Someone paying nearly 7X the base rate of others should be receiving more perks than priority boarding; they're paying a lot more freight than the inside cabin cruisers. Carnival doesn't have to give the sun and the moon, but they do need to be competitive and their suite class is a joke at the moment. A concierge to look after suite guests and some evening cocktails or a specialty dining reservation thrown in would go a long way towards creating an atmosphere worth the additional money beyond just cabin space, IMO.

Thank you! The kind of perks I am talking about would cost nothing to Carnival.

[jimbo5544]

Carnival Suite perks are worst in the industry. If they were always the cheapest that would be one thing; but they are not. Competition from MSC and NCL provides an enclave "ship within a ship" area along with special receptions, bespoke restaurant options, less crowded areas. RCI hosts nice evening cocktail receptions, access to a concierge, priority seating at events. Some of these things cost the cruise lines money, some don't.

 

Someone paying nearly 7X the base rate of others should be receiving more perks than priority boarding; they're paying a lot more freight than the inside cabin cruisers. Carnival doesn't have to give the sun and the moon, but they do need to be competitive and their suite class is a joke at the moment. A concierge to look after suite guests and some evening cocktails or a specialty dining reservation thrown in would go a long way towards creating an atmosphere worth the additional money beyond just cabin space, IMO.

 

 

They are getting more, a significantly better room. Where are you getting your 7X math theory from? I have stayed in every suite type that Carnival has and the only one close to that is the Captains suite. Royal suites prices are much much higher and many times an inferior room (comparatively).

 

 

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Edited July 7, 2014 by jimbo5544

[Badfinger]

Just another "I want more stuff for free" thread.