Carnival is cutting back so much

[broyles60]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

The entertainment has declined....frankly I did not think it was possible to sink any lower. Personally Carnival has just given up here. They can't compete with the other lines and they don't even try. Magicians, Carnival "Legends", Love & Marriage show.......low rent, low budget entertainment.

 

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

[Hoosierpop]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

 

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

 

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

 

 

The entertainment has declined....frankly I did not think it was possible to sink any lower. Personally Carnival has just given up here. They can't compete with the other lines and they don't even try. Magicians, Carnival "Legends", Love & Marriage show.......low rent, low budget entertainment.

 

 

 

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

 

 

I don't think the food has deteriorated in the 5 years I've cruised Carnival. Maybe it has when compared to before I started cruising. Yes, there have been cutbacks, but nothing I care about has been taken away, so I'm all for that if it keeps costs down.

[vwrestler171]

Is there room for both Guy's and the Cantina? I can't think of a ship that has one but not the other. Adding both may require more work to the galley area. If Carnival can figure out how to squeeze a Ji Ji Asian Kitchen on the ship, then the Mogolian Wok would be safe as it is a lunchtime venue in the same space on other ships.

 

I could see both pool bars on the lido deck getting the 2.0 treatment, though.

 

 

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Guys goes where the grill is now and the Blue Iguana Cantina will replace the Mongolian Wok

[southbayer]

I liked the rotisserie station... I think they had it on splendor, I remember having to walk upstairs from the buffet area to get to it.

[Karnyval]

Cruising is NOT what it used to be 10 years ago...or even, 3 years ago! It's still a fun vacation, but don't expect to feel like "royalty", like in the "old" days!

 

Neither are the people who cruised 10 or more years ago. :D

[Micahs Grandad]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

The entertainment has declined....frankly I did not think it was possible to sink any lower. Personally Carnival has just given up here. They can't compete with the other lines and they don't even try. Magicians, Carnival "Legends", Love & Marriage show.......low rent, low budget entertainment.

 

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

 

Food is still good but entertainment has gone downhill a lot. Love and Marriage used to be done in the afternoon on a sea day and now is an evening entertainment.

 

Hasbro as evening entertainment in main lounge for two nights is just pathetic.

 

Luckily they did add comedy club so when they have good ones we do have a place to go.

[hubofhockey]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

The entertainment has declined....frankly I did not think it was possible to sink any lower. Personally Carnival has just given up here. They can't compete with the other lines and they don't even try. Magicians, Carnival "Legends", Love & Marriage show.......low rent, low budget entertainment.

 

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

 

Carnival has had an over reliance on these silly game shows for close to a decade, but the people in Carnival marketing must be doing their homework because a lot of people seem to like it. The Royal Caribbean mega ships are the best place to find great entertainment at sea. As far as food goes, if you want good food, you'll need to pay for it on a premium line or pay extra in a fee restaurant. Carnival is still a great choice for young families and budget cruisers. As people get older and maybe have a bit more money, Carnival has other brands which my satisfy its customers.

[RuthlessBoss]

Great find, Bookbug53!

 

For those that didn't click on the link the first time; please do. There are only 2 posts by OP and absolutely no followup posts.....

 

For those that posted you should do your research before your cruise, you are right. Don't mean to be critical; but OP has set herself up with this one.

 

She did the same ship LAST YEAR. She didn't do her research for THAT cruise. The complaints were very similar to the ones this year. How can you forget so much about a ship you were just on?

 

There was also a complaint last year about the change from Past Guest Party only being for Platinum and above. Further proof she didn't research last year.

 

It seems like someone trying to stir the pot to me.

 

With all the responses this year - it seems to be working. LOL

 

Yup, busted!!:D

[AdGuyMG]

I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

Comments like these are usually made as a general statement within trip review threads or discussions about cruise food in general. This is not a Chowhound.com restaurant review site.

 

There are plenty of positive threads and reviews here on the Carnival board about the buffets, MDRs, brunches and specialty restaurants, including reviews with food pictures and entire threads dedicated to food porn.

[RjayB]

<snip>

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

 

This post above reflects my feelings also. I have been a very loyal Carnival cruiser for 15 years, and will be sailing again in 4 weeks...but it might be my last on Carnival. We may try Princess next year and see how that goes.

[greaseslapper]

We return today from a 7 days cruise out of California cruising with Carnival Miracle. I was surprised to see how much Carnival has been cutting back since last year when we cruised. No more Mongolian BBQ, no more rotisserie chicken. The dinner at the buffet was cut back also. We used to be invited for an event for return cruisers but now it is only for platinum. They did not have shows only 3 nights out of 7 they did have game shows. In other carnival ships they had a nice big bar near the casino. They always had entertainment right there, they had music and people were dancing as they were going by. Was a very nice area to sit and have fun. This time the casino was much bigger and slots machines were in this area. We were 3 couples with side by side balconies so we had them open to each other and we enjoyed that a lot. Size of balcony was nice and bigger than other ships. All and all it was OK but the cutting back was noticeably by us.

 

 

This will be CCL in 3-5 years

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyCruise

[winddawn]

We return today from a 7 days cruise out of California cruising with Carnival Miracle. I was surprised to see how much Carnival has been cutting back since last year when we cruised. No more Mongolian BBQ, no more rotisserie chicken. The dinner at the buffet was cut back also. We used to be invited for an event for return cruisers but now it is only for platinum. They did not have shows only 3 nights out of 7 they did have game shows. In other carnival ships they had a nice big bar near the casino. They always had entertainment right there, they had music and people were dancing as they were going by. Was a very nice area to sit and have fun. This time the casino was much bigger and slots machines were in this area. We were 3 couples with side by side balconies so we had them open to each other and we enjoyed that a lot. Size of balcony was nice and bigger than other ships. All and all it was OK but the cutting back was noticeably by us.

I think your observations are spot on. Carnival's fares are higher this year and the ongoing cutbacks have been a hot topic for several years now. In my opinion cutbacks seem to be accelerating to the point where we will be seeing many more "pay extra" food venues on Carnival going forward.

 

And none of us likes to go into a store and buy something we buy regularly and see the package is smaller but the price is higher. That's similar to what I see on Carnival.

 

I guess we will all continue to evaluate how to spend our vacation dollars based on the perceived value and enjoyment we experience.

[First and Ten]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

 

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

 

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

.

 

 

I never understand the comparison between a cruise line MDR and a land based restaurant. The more accurate comparison is to compare the MDR to a catering hall or a large cafeteria. Food on a cruise line is good, not great. If someone is a foodie and wants a vacation centered around memorable food, a cruise is probably the worst choice you can make

 

 

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Edited August 14, 2016 by First and Ten

[wanderingjew]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

The entertainment has declined....frankly I did not think it was possible to sink any lower. Personally Carnival has just given up here. They can't compete with the other lines and they don't even try. Magicians, Carnival "Legends", Love & Marriage show.......low rent, low budget entertainment.

 

Do I think Carnival is still a great value for the money? Absolutely. Did we still have a great time? Absolutely. But you can not argue that many things have changed and not necessarily for the better. Most of us sincerely like the Carnival brand. It is just unfortunate it keeps getting watered down and that we are all so willing to keep accepting these downgrades and then feel the need to defend them while attacking those who speak out.

 

 

Not me I actually get better deals on NCL even when paying the tips for the FREE CHEERS package

 

If the cost was 5-10 % more on NCL I would still sail NCL

 

It amazes me to see all over the internet how BAD the dinner in the MDR is and they still sail CCL

[RuthlessBoss]

This post above reflects my feelings also. I have been a very loyal Carnival cruiser for 15 years, and will be sailing again in 4 weeks...but it might be my last on Carnival. We may try Princess next year and see how that goes.

 

Go wherever you want. No matter what line you go on there have been cuts, but because you'd be new to them, you won't know what their cuts have been.

[Micahs Grandad]

I think your observations are spot on. Carnival's fares are higher this year and the ongoing cutbacks have been a hot topic for several years now. In my opinion cutbacks seem to be accelerating to the point where we will be seeing many more "pay extra" food venues on Carnival going forward.

 

And none of us likes to go into a store and buy something we buy regularly and see the package is smaller but the price is higher. That's similar to what I see on Carnival.

 

I guess we will all continue to evaluate how to spend our vacation dollars based on the perceived value and enjoyment we experience.

 

Carnival is going to max their profit and if people will pay extra for "premium foods" they will keep adding more.

[Micahs Grandad]

This post above reflects my feelings also. I have been a very loyal Carnival cruiser for 15 years, and will be sailing again in 4 weeks...but it might be my last on Carnival. We may try Princess next year and see how that goes.

 

We are Diamond on CCL and have now done two cruises on Princess with two more booked.

 

Will continue to do both but Princess offers a very nice cruise with better food than Carnival especially their buffets.

[LMaxwell]

3 shows on a 7 nighter is pretty weak. So is no band on the promenade outside the casino. Can't blame those on OP's research...

 

carnival gets it right with the multitude of comedy shows, and is bringing back pool deck bands, but they don't seem to be firing on all cylinders for entertainment.

Edited August 14, 2016 by LMaxwell

[RuthlessBoss]

Not me I actually get better deals on NCL even when paying the tips for the FREE CHEERS package

 

If the cost was 5-10 % more on NCL I would still sail NCL

 

It amazes me to see all over the internet how BAD the dinner in the MDR is and they still sail CCL

 

I don't know about others, but I don't pick my cruise based on what food is. I prefer the ship, it's fun atmosphere and itinerary.

[ScottsSweetie]

Didn't you remember this from your last cruise on Miracle in May 2015?

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2207161

 

Aw, snap! ;)

[CptSticky]

Last year we did a 4 day out of Long Beach. I have to honestly say that it was the worst cruise food that we have ever experienced. Several people have told us that the food on a 4 day is not as good as on longer cruises. I don't know if this is true or not as that has not been our experience. As for cut backs, yes on all cruise lines that we cruise. If these cut backs are making them money then as a stock holder I should probably just shut up and deal with it but it still makes me sad. We have a Princess coming up soon and I remember their food being very good. Here's hoping that's still true. If not, they threw in the drink package so at least I can go drown my sorrows[emoji6]

 

 

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[Podna's]

I don't know about others, but I don't pick my cruise based on what food is. I prefer the ship, it's fun atmosphere and itinerary.

 

 

Believe me, the majority of us feel the same way. With that said I've been very pleased with the dining on my 2 Triumph and 1 Dream cruise this year.

[Micahs Grandad]

I don't know about others, but I don't pick my cruise based on what food is. I prefer the ship, it's fun atmosphere and itinerary.

 

Food and entertainment are major parts of the reason we cruise

[Chathamite]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

 

You can say that again. Our December 2014 cruise to Hawaii on the Miracle was a disaster. The food for the entire two weeks was nothing short of APPALLING. My old high school cafeteria served up better slop than that. I practically lived on Reubens/Rice for lunch. MDR food was nothing special either, very bland & with poor presentation. Out of 7 cruises, we liked the Miracle the least. It just seemed like an overall "depressing" ship to us, especially for such an exotic destination such as Hawaii...

[jimbo5544]

Believe me' date=' the majority of us feel the same way. With that said I've been very pleased with the dining on my 2 Triumph and 1 Dream cruise this year.[/quote']

 

 

Our dining on the Vista was the best we have ever had.

 

 

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