Why Would anybody have Loyalty to CCL?

[BonnieSte]

Carnival is not the only one. The Loyal Royals are even complaining lately. It seems like there is a lot of changes on all the lines.

[BonnieSte]

I really don't get the loyalty thing. I don't feel the need to be loyal to a business - and that is what makes the world go 'round!

 

If you are an entrepreneur starting your own company, you have to count on people not being loyal, otherwise you will never get any business.

 

I can count maybe 2 products in my household that I am "brand" loyal to - otherwise, make me an offer and I might buy your product. Cruise lines are included in this.

 

I'm not loyal to one grocery store or one department store. I shop for convenience, selection and budget. Cruise lines are included in this, also.

 

"Like"

[Isasprings]

Loyalty to a corporation is stupid. Every cruise (like every other purchase) should be selected after a total cost/benefit analysis.

 

I just tried MSC Divina because I wanted to try something different and the price was cheaper than Carnival but at the end I paid more...this is my review.

Embarkation 2 hours in line was a disaster.

I paid $15pp a day to be able to use the Solarium (serenity deck in Carnival is free) and because kids sail free was a lot of kids onboard and we prefer to be on the solarium

Total use of the solarium for us was $120.00 4 day cruise

Room service is a fee

To use the Sauna you have to purchase a spa package.

The ship is is stunning and clean they had drink vouchers $84

The food in the MDR was not good

Buffet had good pizza and pasta but you can't live on pizza only.

I am going back to Carnival

Edited May 8, 2015 by Isasprings

[eponym]

I just tried MSC Divina because I wanted to try something different and the price was cheaper than Carnival but at the end I paid more...this is my review.

Embarkation 2 hours in line was a disaster.

I paid $15pp a day to be able to use the Solarium (serenity deck in Carnival is free) and because kids sail free was a lot of kids onboard and we prefer to be on the solarium

Total use of the solarium for us was $120.00 4 day cruise

Room service is a fee

To use the Sauna you have to purchase a spa package.

The ship is is stunning and clean they had drink vouchers $84

The food in the MDR was not good

Buffet had good pizza and pasta but you can't live on pizza only.

I am going back to Carnival

 

Just a note. If you would have researched the Divina you would have been well informed of her documented 3.x ratings all over the web.

Edited May 8, 2015 by eponym

[Surfwench]

I'm not loyal to Carnival. When I decide I want to cruise I visit all the lines websites, come to CC and research, then I call Carnival and book 7 times out of 8. :D

[threetocruise]

I can't say we are loyal to Carnival even though our last 4 cruises in 5 years have been with them. They go to where we want to go and the price is more than right-compared to other cruiselines their prices are extremely good. We have always had fantastic vacations when on CCL. The staff has been wonderful, the food is good...can't really find anything to complain about with them. I think we will be trying another line in the future; this way we can have something to compare CCL to. But for right now, they fit our budget and in less than two weeks I will be drinking a Tiramisu martini and nothing else will matter lol.

[SMSACE6]

They have none to YOU

 

two years ago, I would have argued with you on this. But as things are going, faster and faster downhill IMO with Carnival, I do agree. Of course you all will know by my response that I am a gold level carnival cruiser. But even if I were not, I dont see Carnival stopping their trend to cut cut cut, or charge more and more for popular items. Also, now that they have obliterated any loyalty levels below platinum...you can just imagine where they will start cutting next.

 

Even if I were not upset about the most recent change, I would still feel that there is no incentive to get to platinum, because by the time I get there, you will an extra 25 days or more for it. There is just no point, especially since I am yearning to try something different in a cruise.

[JMKreno]

I don't get the fascination and emotion with loyalty programs. Companies are NOT looking out for their loyal customers, never have, never will. It's about the bottom line.

 

Here is an example:I buy a new car every few years from Toyota/Lexus. Been doing so for 12 years, bought a few cars from them ONLY (Not Ford, Not Chevy, not Dodge, not Nissan). I've easily spent $150k over that time on vehicles, and all I generally get is a "loyalty rebate" of $500-$1000 and they know my name. They don't give me any other special perks, like priority service, free extended services, early access to new vehicles,, nothing. Hell, they don't even throw in a free bottle of water for my troubles...:p

 

I keep buying their cars because they offer me a great product that works for what I want in the budget I want. The minute this stops happening, I go somewhere else, not because they forget my name when I walk into the dealership.

 

I see Carnival the same way. They offer a product that is still hard to beat, I enjoy my time, and know what to expect.

Edited May 8, 2015 by JMKreno

[bruadhin]

They certainly are trend setting in terms of free style dining and bringing broadway shows and "other" types of entertainment to cruising. I am not a fan of off broadway shows on a cruise ship, but I am def in a minority on that. I thought their food was 1/2 step down from Carnival (granted as you say in a limited vein, we are TA's and our clients either love NCL or hate it). Rooms are tiny and so are the bathrooms, so much so that many have the sink not in the bathroom but the room itself. Ships are a little weird, small hallways (very narrow, so much so if a cleaning cart is in the hallway, you have to squeeze by) and if you are mid ship you hav a decent walk to get to an elevator or stairway.

 

Would I sail them, probably not, but that is just me. There are 4 or 5 other lines I would want to hit first. As others have mentioned ehre, they are right up there on the nickel and diming that others are talking about here and on RCCL. Just my 2 cents, others opinions may (and in some cases def will) vary. Sorry for going off topic.

 

I asked for your opinion and you gave it. Nothing to apologize, I respect you for doing it. :D

 

Are the balcony rooms tiny as well? I understand the interiors are.

[jimbo5544]

I asked for your opinion and you gave it. Nothing to apologize, I respect you for doing it. :D

 

Are the balcony rooms tiny as well? I understand the interiors are.

 

 

Yes

[bettyboop16]

I really don't get the loyalty thing. I don't feel the need to be loyal to a business - and that is what makes the world go 'round!

 

If you are an entrepreneur starting your own company, you have to count on people not being loyal, otherwise you will never get any business.

 

I can count maybe 2 products in my household that I am "brand" loyal to - otherwise, make me an offer and I might buy your product. Cruise lines are included in this.

 

I'm not loyal to one grocery store or one department store. I shop for convenience, selection and budget. Cruise lines are included in this, also.

 

 

I feel the same way!!

[nitro2448]

Why not ?

[eponym]

two years ago, I would have argued with you on this. But as things are going, faster and faster downhill IMO with Carnival, I do agree. Of course you all will know by my response that I am a gold level carnival cruiser. But even if I were not, I dont see Carnival stopping their trend to cut cut cut, or charge more and more for popular items. Also, now that they have obliterated any loyalty levels below platinum...you can just imagine where they will start cutting next.

 

Even if I were not upset about the most recent change, I would still feel that there is no incentive to get to platinum, because by the time I get there, you will an extra 25 days or more for it. There is just no point, especially since I am yearning to try something different in a cruise.

 

Carnival's view of loyalty perks/benefits/rewards/growth retention/incentives keeps getting more entertaining with each change, including some of their publicly stated rationale behind each of the changes (where there is any).

 

It looks like there are only 2 categories worth considering now and they have stacked their rewards/benefits/growth retention/loyalty incentives into the ones requiring 75 to 200 or more days on their ships. Not only has the middle tier been a moving target, it been been reduced to an almost non existent status. I think it's now a novelty pin, bottle of water, and a limited time one drink offer for those with about a month at sea until you have 75 days at sea on their ships.

 

I don't see reports of empty competitor ships, so the cruise industry is still booming.

 

For example, Royal Caribbean has ABOUT 41 ships in 6 brands, traveling to more than 460 ports and 5 million guests per year. I do not keep up with all cruise line perks/benefits/incentives/loyalty or growth retention, but will start to more closely.

 

I do know that RCI was voted 2015 Best Cruise Line for the Money in U.S. News, Travel. The article and interactive comparisons between RCI and Carnival ships/intinerary etc.. is on the web.

Edited May 15, 2015 by eponym

[Sh1035]

As a stockholder I'm loving it, well and free laundry. But also working my way up to RCL free drinks. But honestly out of all the lines carnival gives a good solid product.

[eponym]

There isn't too many businesses in the world that their sole purpose is to LOSE money.

 

It may vary somewhat, but last I read, 4 out of every 5 businesses in America fail. Even if is 3 out of 5, that's alot. Loyalty has something to do with that fact. Since about 50% of all cruisers worldwide are from America, I use the U.S. stats in reply. I don't know what the stats are internationally.

[A2Mich]

 

 

 

There isn't too many businesses in the world that their sole purpose is to LOSE money. Of course it is about the almighty dollar, but to get that you have to juggle amenities and customer service with costs.

 

 

 

 

Great point. No business is out there to lose money. Spending s few dollars to make guests feel appreciated is an investment, not a loss. Some people actually do appreciate good customer relations and service as well as a feeling of appreciation. That actually does matter to some people. It may mean nothing to others. Carnival is filling their ships now with the economy and vacationers spending money, but there will again come a day when the public is again watching their spending and first time cruisers may not open their wallets as wide. They would be prudent to keep their loyal repeat cruisers in mind and not alienate them or make them feel less valued. Consumers will remember that and maybe not be so loyal when Carnival truly does need them. They have a lot of ships and a lot of berths to fill 52 weeks per year. They would be foolish to believe that new cruisers alone will keep all of them full indefinitely.

[winddawn]

They have none to YOU

Why would anybody have loyalty to CCL? I can't speak for anybody, but I can speak for me.

 

Carnival has great team members that truly care about passengers. One example is that a Carnival team member called me in my cabin on my birthday to with me a happy birthday. (Carnival Sunshine)

 

Carnival offers great cruise value with ports close to me which makes it more economical to cruise more often.

 

I think Carnival has loyalty to me. I have received 3 free cruise offers from Carnival Corporation this year.

 

Do I love everything Carnival does? No. But I still have a great time when I cruise on Carnival. I think they could do better than DJs for music and dislike the thick cigarette smoke in and around the casino area. I just find something else to do when those things impact me. It isn't all about me. Carnival appeals to passengers with varied interests.

 

I think being a well-rounded person is about appreciating the blessings around me. I'm thankful for my health which allows me to get on that Carnival ship and for the fabulous Carnival team members who work so hard to ensure that I have a great time, spending months at a time away from their families. I hope you find something that you can feel that way about because it can bring great joy to your life.

[eponym]

Carnival offers great cruise value with ports close to me which makes it more economical to cruise more often.

 

I think Carnival has loyalty to me. I have received 3 free cruise offers from Carnival Corporation this year.

 

I hope you find something that you can feel that way about because it can bring great joy to your life.

 

I am joyous that your live in or near a port city, and that you received 3 free cruises this year.

Edited May 15, 2015 by eponym

[K.T.B.]

They have none to YOU

 

Why don't you come back and explain what caused this attitude?

 

 

IMO, I don't have brand loyalty to anything. I do, however, have preferences in terms of what I am willing to spend. As long as I enjoy the product or service being provided, I'll keep using that brand.

[jimbo5544]

two years ago, I would have argued with you on this. But as things are going, faster and faster downhill IMO with Carnival, I do agree. Of course you all will know by my response that I am a gold level carnival cruiser. But even if I were not, I dont see Carnival stopping their trend to cut cut cut, or charge more and more for popular items.

 

For discussion sake, do you think Carnival is cutting more than other cruise lines? What are they charging more for?

Edited May 15, 2015 by jimbo5544

[maldenmusic]

The only reason I stick with CCL is they have a port that's close enough for me to drive to and their prices and schedules work with mine.

[winddawn]

I am joyous that your live in or near a port city, and that you received 3 free cruises this year.

Thank you! I don't live near a port city though. I always fly in. ;)

 

Have a great weekend!

[eponym]

Thank you! I don't live near a port city though. I always fly in. ;)

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Oh, I thought you said ports close to you. My Bad. Have a great weekend too!

[bell777]

I had for the longest time been devoted to RCCL and went on 12 cruises and was a Diamond Member with all the perks and then decided to try Carnival which was always praised by my brother. Needless to say i was apprehensive since i thought of Carnival somewhat lower quality then RCCL.

 

I was wrong there are differences but not enough as to disregard Carnival as an equal to RCCL>

 

ALthough i had free drink coupons and gifts and free photo coupons and onboard Diamond party, the perks did not make up for the price per room charged and all the discounts offered by Carnival for past guest.

 

Carnival also has great discounts for those whom play in the casino which RCCL never not even after spending thousands in the casino offered us a casino discount or free cruise for that matter and Carnival has given us unbelievable discounts almost 75% off the past guest cruise prices.

 

RCCL gives you 200.00 off a balcony but their prices are around 40% more then Carnival.

 

There are a couple of thing i prefer with RCCL the ice skating ring shows and nightly shows and the promenade. I also think that they use the stabilizers more frequent which helps with the ship movement. This being said Carnival has better ports more food selection, great pizza and the comedy show is good.

 

As for NCL never tried them.

 

So with this all being said why not stay with Carnival they give me much more for my money and they show it in $$$$$$$$ .

 

If i get a balcony on a 7 day cruise for 4 of us I save an average of $1500 a trip. So am I loyal YES as long they keep giving me perks. I now have 3 trips with Carnival and just booked 2 more rooms for next month.

 

I take 1 to 2 cruises a year and yes RCCL has lost my business until they change and start showing a little appreciation for my loyalty.

[elliair]

I go to the company that is offering me the best deal. On our upcoming Princess cruise to Alaska, we got the 3 for free deal. Free upgrade which we declined, free dinner for two in the steakhouse, and a nice on board credit. Carnival or any other cruiseline couldn't beat the offer. We also booked a balcony on Caribe which was another plus for us. Southwest just came out with their flights in December. When I looked at the price I immediately jumped on it. Never saw a fare so low going to FLL. No other company could match or beat the price so I jumped on that. So it isn't necessarily loyalty brand for us, it's what's being offered to us that makes it doable. Also Discover card cashback is another plus for us.