Carnival Could Learn a Lot from other Cruiselines

[FTLCruiseGal]

Okay, so now the latest slap in the face for those that aren't platinum or diamond. Taking away gold members access to the past guest party. Did I go to those parties? No. But it really sucks. However, they are giving a free drink to be used on the last full day of the cruise. A lot of people didn't go for the drinks, they went for the fun.

 

That being said, Carnival needs to open their eyes and see what other cruiselines are doing. Royal's version of Cheers does not require everyone in the cabin purchase the package. If you travel with a non-drinker, it is not fair to them to make them pay just because you want the package. Let's take it up a notch to Celebrity who also allows bottled water and specialty coffees to be purchased with the drink package.

 

Royal offers double points for staying in a suite. Carnival does not. Royal also offers double points when you cruise solo. Makes sense as you are paying for two cruises.

 

And before anyone blasts me and tells me to go to Royal, just know that I cruise both. I am just hoping that people are right when they say that Carnival corporate reviews these posts and takes note. Will they make changes, probably not, but it's worth a shot.

[MrMileStoner]

Carnival is quite aware of what the competition (alleged) does.

 

So you are upset about being uninvited from a "party" you never went to?

[xeroxme]

Okay, so now the latest slap in the face for those that aren't platinum or diamond. Taking away gold members access to the past guest party. Did I go to those parties? No. But it really sucks. However, they are giving a free drink to be used on the last full day of the cruise. A lot of people didn't go for the drinks, they went for the fun.

 

 

 

That being said, Carnival needs to open their eyes and see what other cruiselines are doing. Royal's version of Cheers does not require everyone in the cabin purchase the package. If you travel with a non-drinker, it is not fair to them to make them pay just because you want the package. Let's take it up a notch to Celebrity who also allows bottled water and specialty coffees to be purchased with the drink package.

 

 

 

Royal offers double points for staying in a suite. Carnival does not. Royal also offers double points when you cruise solo. Makes sense as you are paying for two cruises.

 

 

 

And before anyone blasts me and tells me to go to Royal, just know that I cruise both. I am just hoping that people are right when they say that Carnival corporate reviews these posts and takes note. Will they make changes, probably not, but it's worth a shot.

 

 

Good points!! Royals approach to their customer loyalty program may give them a huge lift as carnival people become frustrated. RCCL new ships are truly amazing like the quantum!!

[sjn911]

Good points I hope Carnival considers them. It does not cost much to give the Gold's that perk. I love the 2 pts for price of solo cabin as that eases the pain for us usual double payers....even though they can make less on all extras from one person in cabin....often that one person gambles or does something alot to make up...spa, fancy dinners, more tours..etc.

 

I can't keep up with it..is the water changed from a free drink for everyone after the first cruise? In other words..does everyone get the water at least, on cruise 2??? These are very small things to me given way I change travel choice around and shop. But when there was the economic dip and all lines did little things to save,,,the lessening of loyalty level things was kind of rough on Carnival and I no longer think loyalty is not important for them and they are trying just for the first time cruiser..I simply no longer think that...too many berths to fill every week out there...everyone has to shine in some way out there and create a percentage of repeat passengers.....Sarah

Edited May 6, 2015 by sjn911

[RuthlessBoss]

Boy they sure can learn from other cruiselines:mad: Try the new NCL policies. $7.95 for room service if you ordered beyond the basics. The DSC up a dollar. 18% automatic gratuity at specialty restaurants.

 

The grass isn't always greener. The only thing lost here is free drinkfest that is out of control. Face it, no one goes for the "fun", they go for the free drinks.

[CJinFLA00]

They had to do something with past guest party. It was way out of control. I'd be happy with the free drink they are offering.

[cruise_girl2002]

Okay, so now the latest slap in the face for those that aren't platinum or diamond. Taking away gold members access to the past guest party. Did I go to those parties? No. But it really sucks. However, they are giving a free drink to be used on the last full day of the cruise. A lot of people didn't go for the drinks, they went for the fun.

 

That being said, Carnival needs to open their eyes and see what other cruiselines are doing. Royal's version of Cheers does not require everyone in the cabin purchase the package. If you travel with a non-drinker, it is not fair to them to make them pay just because you want the package. Let's take it up a notch to Celebrity who also allows bottled water and specialty coffees to be purchased with the drink package.

 

Royal offers double points for staying in a suite. Carnival does not. Royal also offers double points when you cruise solo. Makes sense as you are paying for two cruises.

 

And before anyone blasts me and tells me to go to Royal, just know that I cruise both. I am just hoping that people are right when they say that Carnival corporate reviews these posts and takes note. Will they make changes, probably not, but it's worth a shot.

 

good points, but I WILL NOT pay double to sail on royal again. IMO, RC can learn a thing or two from carnival based on my past experiences with them. I cruise to cruise and get away from my job and crazy b of an aunt. I don't cruise for the benefits.

[BigRed93]

Those parties stopped being fun awhile ago. Overcrowded, free for alls. No one went to enjoy the party, they went for the drinks. They spoke over the person speaking, wouldn't shut up. Same old info presented each and every time. If you are loyal you have seen it all before. We stopped going because it was no longer about the fun.

 

Now the dilemma, we cruise just after the 5/15 date. I am platinum, DH is still gold one more cruise. Do I go to see the changes, or not because he can't go?... hmmmm

[MCFTJCH2V]

good points, but I WILL NOT pay double to sail on royal again. IMO, RC can learn a thing or two from carnival based on my past experiences with them. I cruise to cruise and get away from my job and crazy b of an aunt. I don't cruise for the benefits.

 

An educated consumer can cruise on RCCL for pretty close to what they pay on Carnival, but you have to research. You also have to included all the add one. CCL's sail and sign account can quickly exceed the actual price of the cruise.

[DGP1111]

. . . Face it, no one goes for the "fun", they go for the free drinks.

 

. . . No one went to enjoy the party, they went for the drinks.

 

 

I'm going to disagree, although 100% certain to be in the minority.

 

For my last CCL sailing (Carnival Breeze), I waved-off all food/beverage offerings, and went for the onstage entertainment. Live music is so rare on the main theatre stage, that I wanted to see/hear what was offered.

 

I am 'someone', thanks!

 

.

[ZoeyVictoria]

Now the dilemma, we cruise just after the 5/15 date. I am platinum, DH is still gold one more cruise. Do I go to see the changes, or not because he can't go?... hmmmm

 

We are in the same situation. We cruise on May 16, on a five-night cruise with port days on days 3, 4, and 5. Day 2 is therefore the first and last sea day. Wonder if they will be organized with the coupons on the first cruise after the change?

[MCFTJCH2V]

I'm going to disagree, although 100% certain to be in the minority.

 

For my last CCL sailing (Carnival Breeze), I waved-off all food/beverage offerings, and went for the onstage entertainment. Live music is so rare on the main theatre stage, that I wanted to see/hear what was offered.

 

I am 'someone', thanks!

 

.

 

This change will make me return to the parties. I can once again order what I like to drink, as opposed to the tray offerings just to save time.

 

Serenity now!

[BigRed93]

I'm going to disagree, although 100% certain to be in the minority.

 

For my last CCL sailing (Carnival Breeze), I waved-off all food/beverage offerings, and went for the onstage entertainment. Live music is so rare on the main theatre stage, that I wanted to see/hear what was offered.

 

I am 'someone', thanks!

 

.

 

I am glad that someone still enjoyed it.:)

We could never hear what was going on up on stage, because the people around us were talking so loudly and yelling for the waiters to add one more drink to their already full table - you know, before the hour was up.;)

[golfb4cruzing]

The grass isn't always greener. The only thing lost here is free drinkfest that is out of control. Face it, no one goes for the "fun", they go for the free drinks.

 

I only read the articles, never looked at the pictures.:cool:

[cruzeluver]

Each cruise line now s very well what the other guy is up to. Hence why they are becoming so homogenized. The differences are getting smaller and smaller all the time.

[jakesnana]

I have over 25 sailed days on Carnival, Royal, NCL, Princess and MSC but I don't remember EVER being invited to a Past Guest party on any of them but Carnival (nor was I given a coupon for a free drink).

 

I have sailed on Royal and NCL within the past year with no party, but I DID get a fee for late night room service. I will be sailing on NCL in Oct and will be paying $7.95 for ANY room service beyond my coffee and danish in the morning.

 

So you're going to jump ship from Carnival for what?

[MrMileStoner]

An educated consumer can cruise on RCCL for pretty close to what they pay on Carnival, but you have to research. You also have to included all the add one. CCL's sail and sign account can quickly exceed the actual price of the cruise.

 

Yes, one can cherry pick, but not cruise day in and day out,

[gtalum]

An educated consumer can cruise on RCCL for pretty close to what they pay on Carnival, but you have to research. You also have to included all the add one. CCL's sail and sign account can quickly exceed the actual price of the cruise.

 

What's an "add-on" on Carnival that is included on Royal caribbean?

 

I research every single time we cruise, and have yet to find a single instance of a similar Royal Caribbean cruise with fares less than 50% more than a similar cabin on carnival. Usually it's more like double. That covers a lot of "add-ons".

 

NCL often has fares similar to Carnival.

Edited May 6, 2015 by gtalum

[Gardeneroflove]

Okay, so now the latest slap in the face for those that aren't platinum or diamond. Taking away gold members access to the past guest party. Did I go to those parties? No. But it really sucks. However, they are giving a free drink to be used on the last full day of the cruise. A lot of people didn't go for the drinks, they went for the fun.

 

That being said, Carnival needs to open their eyes and see what other cruiselines are doing. Royal's version of Cheers does not require everyone in the cabin purchase the package. If you travel with a non-drinker, it is not fair to them to make them pay just because you want the package. Let's take it up a notch to Celebrity who also allows bottled water and specialty coffees to be purchased with the drink package.

 

Royal offers double points for staying in a suite. Carnival does not. Royal also offers double points when you cruise solo. Makes sense as you are paying for two cruises.

 

And before anyone blasts me and tells me to go to Royal, just know that I cruise both. I am just hoping that people are right when they say that Carnival corporate reviews these posts and takes note. Will they make changes, probably not, but it's worth a shot.

 

royal also cost more, and I think smaller rooms (I know our room was tiny). you get what you pay for. Pay less for carnival, get less. I'll take no party if keeps prices low. and no pillow mints/chocolate, or bathrobes on Royal. (we didn't enjoy Royal, though the kid pool/slides were great). I'm hoping we enjoy carnival (haven't cruise carnival since having a kid).

[declansdad]

An educated consumer can cruise on RCCL for pretty close to what they pay on Carnival, but you have to research. You also have to included all the add one. CCL's sail and sign account can quickly exceed the actual price of the cruise.

 

With one exception we have shopped around for every cruise we have taken and not once have we found a RCCL cruise that is cheaper than Carnival during the times we wanted to cruise.

[Retired_to_Cruise]

One would think that some of the posters here have the Gold level at Carnival as their only experience with a loyalty program. Every airline, other cruise line, etc. that have loyalty programs have sometime or other (many multiple times) made changes to their loyalty programs that have excluded "less" frequent users or reduced the benefits for all levels of users or raised the thresholds for all levels of users. This is nothing new in the loyalty world. To claim that you deserve loyalty perks because you have spent a bunch of money is interesting. You continue to cruise with Carnival because you like what they provide and believe that you are getting your money's worth. If that is not true, then you people are not as smart as you think you are. Threatening to leave because of a change in loyalty perks sounds really childish. I would bet large amounts of money almost all of these people will stay right where they are. If you do leave and you can prove that you said you were going to leave and did, I will buy you a $9.00 drink on the last day on every future cruise on the other cruise lines.

 

It is also interesting that some of these same people were, at one time, complaining that the MDR drink coupon should be allowed for any bar. Now they have that and are complaining that it is not enough.

 

How would you like it if the cruise lines told you that if you did not cruise in a calendar year you would lose all of the cruising days you currently had accumulated like most of the airlines do with accumulated miles?

[sandij]

I don't really understand all the fuss, it's not really a party, just a lot and I mean a lot of people crowded into the theatre with drinks and cold food items being offered. Most of the time we forget about it and my DH hates crowds like that anyway. I'll give up my "party" invite for the free drink coupon that I can enjoy in private. But regardless it would never make or break my cruise experience.

[jimbo5544]

One would think that some of the posters here have the Gold level at Carnival as their only experience with a loyalty program. Every airline, other cruise line, etc. that have loyalty programs have sometime or other (many multiple times) made changes to their loyalty programs that have excluded "less" frequent users or reduced the benefits for all levels of users or raised the thresholds for all levels of users. This is nothing new in the loyalty world. To claim that you deserve loyalty perks because you have spent a bunch of money is interesting. You continue to cruise with Carnival because you like what they provide and believe that you are getting your money's worth. If that is not true, then you people are not as smart as you think you are. Threatening to leave because of a change in loyalty perks sounds really childish. I would bet large amounts of money almost all of these people will stay right where they are. If you do leave and you can prove that you said you were going to leave and did, I will buy you a $9.00 drink on the last day on every future cruise on the other cruise lines.

 

It is also interesting that some of these same people were, at one time, complaining that the MDR drink coupon should be allowed for any bar. Now they have that and are complaining that it is not enough.

 

How would you like it if the cruise lines told you that if you did not cruise in a calendar year you would lose all of the cruising days you currently had accumulated like most of the airlines do with accumulated miles?

 

well said.

[Havingfun2010]

With one exception we have shopped around for every cruise we have taken and not once have we found a RCCL cruise that is cheaper than Carnival during the times we wanted to cruise.

 

Based on the time of year you cruised, you should have found a RCCL at or around the same price. The only time RCCL is much more is during the summer months, and holidays. Also, when you research the prices, remember that if you are looking at the big ships, and comparing them to the tiny CCL ships, they will never be the same price. RCCL offers a cruise experience for every budget, and unlike Carnival, RCCL ships are not almost identical. Each class of ship offers a unique experience. (causing different price points)

[jimbo5544]

Based on the time of year you cruised, you should have found a RCCL at or around the same price. The only time RCCL is much more is during the summer months, and holidays. Also, when you research the prices, remember that if you are looking at the big ships, and comparing them to the tiny CCL ships, they will never be the same price. RCCL offers a cruise experience for every budget, and unlike Carnival, RCCL ships are not almost identical. Each class of ship offers a unique experience. (causing different price points)

Big ship vs tiny ship....lol You are a funny person.:cool: bTW your analogies are way off as well, but let's not throw facts into the discussion.;)