Carnival Cut backs I noticed, that I had expected. Thought I'd share.

[jmscat10]

That's awesome Dora the Ex! Good for you. :-)

[MtnDweller]

Just sailed the Liberty 7-Feb-16 for the 3rd. time, and noticed these things that are now History.

 

1) No more chocolate at night on your rack.

2) No more items in your bathroom, just bar soap and the 2 liquids in the shower.

3) Promenade deck Sushi at 5pm. is history.

4) Maitre' D no longer comes to any table on your cruise.

5) No more table cloths, or neatly folded napkins at diner. Table cloths are only formal nights now.

6) Pass guest get together's, with drinks and hors d'oeuvres History! Was told only for Carnival Platinum members now.

 

Got off the Fantasy two weeks ago and had #5 at every dinner. The rest are no big deal to me.

[sunshine002]

What I miss the most is the Captains party on formal night. I know its been gone for awhile. But it was great with the live bands in the different lounges and the free flowing drinks. I even managed to go to one or two farewell parties which took the place of the Captains party for a few months or a year.

 

I do make a point of attending the liquor tasting the 1st night outside the store.

 

I still love cruising and find it to be one of the most reasonable vacations one can take.

 

Still remember with fond memories when Carnival started testing out MTD, and it was in the upstairs area of the small dining room on the ship I was on. The room never really filled up, and after the 1st night we just went to the same table each night and dined with most of the same people. No wait, no beepers, it was great. These days I am happy to do the 6pm seating.

[Crusin Karen]

What I miss the most is the Captains party on formal night. I know its been gone for awhile. But it was great with the live bands in the different lounges and the free flowing drinks. I even managed to go to one or two farewell parties which took the place of the Captains party for a few months or a year.

 

I do make a point of attending the liquor tasting the 1st night outside the store.

 

I still love cruising and find it to be one of the most reasonable vacations one can take.

 

Still remember with fond memories when Carnival started testing out MTD, and it was in the upstairs area of the small dining room on the ship I was on. The room never really filled up, and after the 1st night we just went to the same table each night and dined with most of the same people. No wait, no beepers, it was great. These days I am happy to do the 6pm seating.

They usually have a "meet and greet" with the officers on the lst formal night, on the Promenade deck. The officers are usually very accomadating with picture taking and such and it is much less formal. No free drinks, but they offer $1 off drinks for a set time (:rolleyes:) and that is when I usually order the fancy pricey drinks lol. I miss the "ship roll calls" tho. Same old movie but I loved cheering for each ship I have sailed! I don't think ANYTHING will prevent me from cruising, so I take these things with a grain of salt and margarita on $1 off drink night! :p

[RuthlessBoss]

wow saddened to hear about the past guest party. We liked belonging to that "secret" club but are not yet Platinum. The cutbacks are why I tried Royal Caribbean

 

It's always good to try a new cruise line because you start at the bottom again and have no idea what their cutbacks were. That way you can't miss them:D

[BallFour4]

What I miss the most is the Captains party on formal night. I know its been gone for awhile. But it was great with the live bands in the different lounges and the free flowing drinks.

26 Carnival cruises since 1976 and these have been gone since the early 90's.

 

.

Edited February 19, 2016 by BallFour4

[srlafleur]

Just sailed the Liberty 7-Feb-16 for the 3rd. time, and noticed these things that are now History.

 

1) No more chocolate at night on your rack. I never cared for them anyway, even though it was a nice "touch"

2) No more items in your bathroom, just bar soap and the 2 liquids in the shower. Except for the soap, I bring my own stuff anyway.

3) Promenade deck Sushi at 5pm. is history. Lack of sushi does disturb me. makes a nice snack/appetizer

4) Maitre' D no longer comes to any table on your cruise. I found on our last cruise on Princess that I was annoyed because the maitre' d came too often!

5) No more table cloths, or neatly folded napkins at diner. Table cloths are only formal nights now. Well, at least it makes formal night seem more special. I think it had lost that somewhere along the line.

6) Pass guest get together's, with drinks and hors d'oeuvres History! Was told only for Carnival Platinum members now. Somehow, I never managed to make it to them anyway.

 

Oh well, to each their own.

Edited February 19, 2016 by srlafleur

[tkportersat]

I don't think they have been gone quite that long, I got to experience a few of these...the last being our Conquest cruise in 2009. Maybe not to the level you got to experience earlier on but they were quite nice with the officers there and free drinks/food/music.

 

26 Carnival cruises since 1976 and these have been gone since the early 90's.

 

.

[Draka1]

I have been cruising long enough to tell you Carnival has been changing things for years. This is not necessarily just a cutback thing, but changes that occur as Carnival continues to evolve. For example, years ago I can remember when Carnival would give you a souvenir placemat in the dining room at dinner. Those have been gone for years. I can also remember when the waiter would scrape the crumbs off the tablecloth in between meal courses. I haven't seen that in years either. I agree some of the changes are not so good--like the switch from live Calypso music on Lido to annoying DJs. A lot of the changes don't really matter to me though. I never ate the chocolates when they did have them because they tasted so bad. It would be nice to hear more about how Carnival plans to enhance my cruise experience rather than just how they can improve the bottom line. Many of the new things they have introduced do not interest me at all--like American Table, Dr. Seuss, Carnival Live, and confining smokers to the casino.

 

I especially agree with your comment about the switch from live Calypso bands to an annoying DJ.....on a carribean cruise I want to hear a steel drum and Reggae, not Taylor Swift on the Lido deck.

[dawnjam1]

While I do agree with the fact that cruising is not as "elegant" as it used to be, it was much needed that the lines changed with the times. They now appeal to a larger audience. And if memory serves me right, we were the very people calling for more activities across more age ranges!

 

I know some of you wish the ships were not so crowded, but the way we get larger and more interesting ships is by their increasing their appeal as well as their affordability to fill them and their bottom line! It IS an affordable vacation, but it wouldn't be if they didn't have passengers over all social sets as well as Newbies all the way up to Platinum or Diamond.

 

Look.....I have been cruising a LONG time and have "earned" perks, but honestly....I do not find myself in any way superior or more entitled than the new cruisers I am taking in June! I hope they LOVE cruising like I do! I am sure this won't be popular, and I remember the old Past Guest Parties, but really??? it is a few drinks and frankly, they were a little boring! Especially when I can pass the Captain and he will speak! The Captain and entitlement is not why I cruise.

 

As for the chocolates....Andes are $1 a BOX and can be carried on!

 

Don't know how I feel about the table cloth issue! Will find out in June! Not sure it IS an issue and certainly not worth so much complaining! I am not saying noticing and pointing out changes is complaining! LOL! I am saying that there are a lot of people that have taken great offense to it!

 

We are all loyal to a line for our own reasons. I have been on many lines and they are all great! Do you know why? Cause they were ALL CRUISES! My favorite thing to do! No demands here!

[Crusin Karen]

26 Carnival cruises since 1976 and these have been gone since the early 90's.

 

.

 

I don't think they have been gone quite that long, I got to experience a few of these...the last being our Conquest cruise in 2009. Maybe not to the level you got to experience earlier on but they were quite nice with the officers there and free drinks/food/music.

I believe it was the Captain's Welcome Aboard party. It was always on the lst formal/cruise elegant night which was usually the day after sailaway. They had the band, dancing, introduction of officers, free drinks and appetizers and drawing for a free cruise I think. Later on it was a drawing for a bottle of champagne. Then they had the CCL movie and all the ships were projected on the screen and everyone cheered for the ship(s) they cruised on. Good times! :D

[Crusin Karen]

While I do agree with the fact that cruising is not as "elegant" as it used to be, it was much needed that the lines changed with the times. They now appeal to a larger audience. And if memory serves me right, we were the very people calling for more activities across more age ranges!

 

I know some of you wish the ships were not so crowded, but the way we get larger and more interesting ships is by their increasing their appeal as well as their affordability to fill them and their bottom line! It IS an affordable vacation, but it wouldn't be if they didn't have passengers over all social sets as well as Newbies all the way up to Platinum or Diamond.

 

Look.....I have been cruising a LONG time and have "earned" perks, but honestly....I do not find myself in any way superior or more entitled than the new cruisers I am taking in June! I hope they LOVE cruising like I do! I am sure this won't be popular, and I remember the old Past Guest Parties, but really??? it is a few drinks and frankly, they were a little boring! Especially when I can pass the Captain and he will speak! The Captain and entitlement is not why I cruise.

 

As for the chocolates....Andes are $1 a BOX and can be carried on!

 

Don't know how I feel about the table cloth issue! Will find out in June! Not sure it IS an issue and certainly not worth so much complaining! I am not saying noticing and pointing out changes is complaining! LOL! I am saying that there are a lot of people that have taken great offense to it!

 

We are all loyal to a line for our own reasons. I have been on many lines and they are all great! Do you know why? Cause they were ALL CRUISES! My favorite thing to do! No demands here!

GREAT POST and attitude!!! :D:D:D

[CdrescherRBL152]

Just sailed the Liberty 7-Feb-16 for the 3rd. time, and noticed these things that are now History.

 

 

 

1) No more chocolate at night on your rack.

 

2) No more items in your bathroom, just bar soap and the 2 liquids in the shower.

 

3) Promenade deck Sushi at 5pm. is history.

 

4) Maitre' D no longer comes to any table on your cruise.

 

5) No more table cloths, or neatly folded napkins at diner. Table cloths are only formal nights now.

 

6) Pass guest get together's, with drinks and hors d'oeuvres History! Was told only for Carnival Platinum members now.

 

 

Of the things you list all have brought up before and explained.

1) Chocolates were done away with as 80% were being thrown out.

2)See above

3) Limited number of servings

5) Poll showed that most would not be bothered by not having table clothes

6) Increasing number of past guest made it hard to make room for everyone.

As for number 4 just because the Maitre D did not visit a table on your cruise dosn't mean none do. Have been on Cruises where the Maitre D visited every table at least once. And others the visited none.

[Raxter54]

The waiters don't come around with the fresh grated Parm for the Caesar salad anymore either. Matter of fact, I like the Caesar salad from the pizza place better than the salad in the MDR!

 

 

Hmmm, on our Dream cruise a few weeks ago, our waiters put our napkins in our laps, offered us grated Parmesan, and the maitre Davor came to out table a couple times to ask us how the food and service were. He seemed to take pride in how guests were enjoying 'his' dining room.. What happens in the dining room might be more of a reflection of each ship's restaurant management staff than actual cutbacks by Carnival...

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

[TORQ]

Of the things you list all have brought up before and explained.

1) Chocolates were done away with as 80% were being thrown out.

2)See above

3) Limited number of servings

5) Poll showed that most would not be bothered by not having table clothes

6) Increasing number of past guest made it hard to make room for everyone.

As for number 4 just because the Maitre D did not visit a table on your cruise dosn't mean none do. Have been on Cruises where the Maitre D visited every table at least once. And others the visited none.

 

I had cruise 10mos. prior, and the items I listed were just what I noticed different from that cruise. Not to mention different, from the 9 prior to that one! I apologize for boring people, with very old news from what your telling me. HONEST! I never seen this post, you mention about all these Polls. Or seen any of all these threads, where all this items had been touched on already. I will be very careful next time, to read every thread of the 50 some odd pages, so I don't bore people with old news! I also made a 2nd. beginners/green horn mistake. I did a review on our Liberty cruise, and there are already reviews, about the Liberty! What was I thinking?!

 

Hmmm, on our Dream cruise a few weeks ago, our waiters put our napkins in our laps, offered us grated Parmesan, and the maitre Davor came to out table a couple times to ask us how the food and service were. He seemed to take pride in how guests were enjoying 'his' dining room.. What happens in the dining room might be more of a reflection of each ship's restaurant management staff than actual cutbacks by Carnival...

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

 

Wow what you had happen and experienced is, what were used to yet not on our cruise. Your absolutely right about the Maitre'D, should do that like at any fine restaurant. Mainly for the reason you mention, not to mention he's expecting and envelope, at the end of the cruise! Or at least they used too?!

It's great to be consistent, however based on your post, seems as though. There consistently inconsistent. Yet what I've been taught, here on this thread. This topic has been mentioned already somewhere. Like the X-FILES... You know, the information out there somewhere. Sure wish there was a search engine to this forum!

[buddylover]

 

Look close at what was paid a decade ago for a 7 night cruise versus 2016 prices. It looks like you'd be surprised to see the costs are not much more or actually less.

 

I took my family on the Celebration in 2001 and we just returned from the Magic last Sunday. My ocean view cabin was less this year than on the older, less feature laden ship.

 

Even further, the two cruises I went on the Mardi Gras were more expensive than today.

 

.

 

Hey CCL Cheerleader, since you don't mind paying the increasing prices today for the decreasing amenities/services/quality etc....why don't you pay double so that others who can't afford to cruise now can go? Just sayin........

[loxley]

I had cruise 10mos. prior, and the items I listed were just what I noticed different from that cruise. Not to mention different, from the 9 prior to that one! I apologize for boring people, with very old news from what your telling me. HONEST! I never seen this post, you mention about all these Polls. Or seen any of all these threads, where all this items had been touched on already. I will be very careful next time, to read every thread of the 50 some odd pages, so I don't bore people with old news! I also made a 2nd. beginners/green horn mistake. I did a review on our Liberty cruise, and there are already reviews, about the Liberty! What was I thinking?!

 

 

 

Wow what you had happen and experienced is, what were used to yet not on our cruise. Your absolutely right about the Maitre'D, should do that like at any fine restaurant. Mainly for the reason you mention, not to mention he's expecting and envelope, at the end of the cruise! Or at least they used too?!

It's great to be consistent, however based on your post, seems as though. There consistently inconsistent. Yet what I've been taught, here on this thread. This topic has been mentioned already somewhere. Like the X-FILES... You know, the information out there somewhere. Sure wish there was a search engine to this forum!

The thing you don't seem to understand is just because there was a change fRom one cruise to another, doesn't mean cut back. It means they made a change. Maybe not to your liking, but there was NOTHING on your list that impacted me in any way. I like to go to Disney. Every year, there are changes from the last time I was there. I don't tell

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[TORQ]

The thing you don't seem to understand is just because there was a change fRom one cruise to another, doesn't mean cut back. It means they made a change. Maybe not to your liking, but there was NOTHING on your list that impacted me in any way. I like to go to Disney. Every year, there are changes from the last time I was there. I don't tell

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

Oh we got threw as well and had a great time, as we have always have had! OH and I'm sure those changes, had Absolutely Nothing... To do with, there bottom line$! And was only done, strictly to enhance the cruising experience, and safety to there customers.

Because getting all the linens for the tables, and washing along with ironing them, and replacing them at every seating was all free. Sure so no cost cutting there. They were just changes! RIGHT? And the hundreds of free drinks, that were made and served, and all the glass's washed after the past guest get together were at no cost as well to the cruise line. And all the hors d'oeuvres were just donated! Oh and those chocolates, that were wrapped with Carnival name on them, came as no cost at all to Carnival. Sure they were just changes! That had Nothing to do with out go, and there bottom line. Nah your right, all the labor/food/alcohol/Ice/water/soap/electricity/fuel to produce the electric/dish soap for all the glasses/contract to produce the chocolates wrapped in the name/and the staff that it took to do said items, that they no longer need to deal with! Had nothing to do with any cost at all!

Gosh, what was I thinking? Your right I just don't, "seem to understand". I'm glad it had no impact on you though. Most didn't bother me as well, however I can't drink the kool-aid being served, that these little Changes had nothing to to with money! It was, CUT BACKS. And with that said, came changes... Here's an analogy we all may grab the concept to. The Cereal we buy at our grocery store! It's the same price it was, HOWEVER... Instead of 25 ounces a box. That box now is 20 ounces. Were paying the same, but were getting less. I can except, what they did and why. Profit should not be a dirty word, to any business! But i'll say this, I'm glad I was not the one who had the linen account with Carnival! There margin has dropped significantly! Do the math!

[Jesse1179]

Although they have cut back numerous things (and are likely to continue doing so), I can't say I let it disrupt my cruising. As long as they don't take away my sunshine and relaxation, I'll be good to go!!

[loxley]

Oh we got threw as well and had a great time, as we have always have had! OH and I'm sure those changes, had Absolutely Nothing... To do with, there bottom line$! And was only done, strictly to enhance the cruising experience, and safety to there customers.

Because getting all the linens for the tables, and washing along with ironing them, and replacing them at every seating was all free. Sure so no cost cutting there. They were just changes! RIGHT? And the hundreds of free drinks, that were made and served, and all the glass's washed after the past guest get together were at no cost as well to the cruise line. And all the hors d'oeuvres were just donated! Oh and those chocolates, that were wrapped with Carnival name on them, came as no cost at all to Carnival. Sure they were just changes! That had Nothing to do with out go, and there bottom line. Nah your right, all the labor/food/alcohol/Ice/water/soap/electricity/fuel to produce the electric/dish soap for all the glasses/contract to produce the chocolates wrapped in the name/and the staff that it took to do said items, that they no longer need to deal with! Had nothing to do with any cost at all!

Gosh, what was I thinking? Your right I just don't, "seem to understand". I'm glad it had no impact on you though. Most didn't bother me as well, however I can't drink the kool-aid being served, that these little Changes had nothing to to with money! It was, CUT BACKS. And with that said, came changes... Here's an analogy we all may grab the concept to. The Cereal we buy at our grocery store! It's the same price it was, HOWEVER... Instead of 25 ounces a box. That box now is 20 ounces. Were paying the same, but were getting less. I can except, what they did and why. Profit should not be a dirty word, to any business! But i'll say this, I'm glad I was not the one who had the linen account with Carnival! There margin has dropped significantly! Do the math!

I can't believe how stupid some people can be. Every change is not a cut back. Yeah, someone is watching the money, that is what businesses do, but for those that want everything add it had always been are unrealistic. Things and times change

 

Frankly I couldn't be happier about the chocolate going. Everyone I the mine in the garage I would say I wish they would stop with this crap.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[TomAceEsq]

How did anyone ever live without tablecloths and cheap chocolates?

[ET928]

My husband loves all the freebie stuff that used to come in the bathroom basket and was really bummed when they took it away. So now I secretly pack a bunch of travel-sized items from Target (deodorant, lip balm, mouthwash) and sneak into the bathroom as soon as we get to the room to place it. Each cruise I add more stuff.. even his favorite gum and candies. He gets so excited when he sees the stuff and still has no idea it's me. :D:D:D

 

That's is hysterical!!! I love this story! Anything to make them happy and to make them think they are getting a bang for their buck and we get to keep cruising! So sweet of you! I've done crazy things like that for my kids on Disney ships when it was my daughters birthday (this is going back 10-15 year .. Lordy that's so long ago 😢) all she wanted to do was meet sleeping beauty.. They had every other princess on board but her so prince Phillip brought her a bountiful gift with a letter apologizing for missing her birthday, she had fallen ill and couldn't make the celebration. She came back to the cabin that night thrilled to it all decorated and the letter from "Aurora" and the gems and princess jewelry and trinkets she left her. We as wives and moms have to do what we have to do to make it magical.. If it's toothpaste or a faux gem!

[nans vacation]

I just got off the Elation and agree with everything you said but one item #5. We had table cloths and folded napkins each night in the dining room.

 

Did you still have the original dinner menu on the Elation???? Not the American table menu. I will be on the Elation April 13th and I pray they still have the original Menu.

[BallFour4]

I believe it was the Captain's Welcome Aboard party. It was always on the lst formal/cruise elegant night which was usually the day after sailaway. They had the band, dancing, introduction of officers, free drinks and appetizers and drawing for a free cruise I think. Later on it was a drawing for a bottle of champagne. Then they had the CCL movie and all the ships were projected on the screen and everyone cheered for the ship(s) they cruised on. Good times! :D

 

Karen,

 

What you described sounds like the old Past Guest party. I seriously don't remember a Welcome Aboard Party and free drinks for cruises back to even the mid 90's. I'm not challenging you, but at 57 I'm not the sharpest pencil in the cigar box anymore either.

 

The new past guest party is a total waste of time. On the Magic last week the video had been shortened (again) to about 3 min and there was a quick introduction of the officers and staff.

 

They had drinks to order, no trays of drinks as you entered. There was a cooler full of beer at the door :) and light appetizers. To the person every member of the officers group looked like they'd rather be anywhere else on the last sea day than at this party.

 

.

Edited February 24, 2016 by BallFour4

[ShakyBeef]

I just pulled out my Capers from our Carnival Inspiration 5-Day Western Caribbean cruise in 2005.

 

On Sunday, November 27th, the second day of the cruise, there is this:

 

"CAPTAIN'S COCKTAIL PARTY

 

Captain Placido Tumminello

Cordially invites all guests to attend his formal cocktail party. Live dance music from the Inspiration Orchestra. Complimentary cocktails & hors d'oeuvers will be served. Proper attire required.

 

To meet the Captain, please use the Atlantic Deck, Starboard side entrance. He will be there for the first part of the party.

5:00pm-Main Seating / 7:15pm-Late Seating

Paris Lounge"

 

 

:)