Enough is Enough Carnival Detractors-This is What FREE Costs You

[sparks1093]

I was pointing out Thanksgiving week. Magic is only a 5 day cruise vs a 7 day. Sunshine 7 day cruise is $1,229 per person on carnival.com right now, beginning 11/19/16 for a balcony. NCL.com has a guaranteed balcony at $1,099, regular you pick at $1,299. Both prices at this moment. I was comparing full week ones, not partials from the same port, balcony, dates.

 

Those darned gratuities for free drinks. I'll happily pay gratuities.

 

Sorry, my bad, I was looking at 2017.

[cruizin4sho]

That is one more reason that I may cancel my NCL studio. I don't mind an interior room, but those are really small, and for the same money or close to it, if I book early enough, I can and usually do get a port hole room, on Carnival

 

I hope this thread does not disappear. Interesting to hear others ideas.

 

I cruised the Escape back in May and actually found the solo cabins to be bigger than I thought. Plenty of space to move around but the only down side was the space that contains the toilet. Now it's really tiny, but you're only in there for a short time so...:)

 

Also, if you're cruising solo it's simply hard to beat Norwegian prices especially with the perks added. Also, they have a cruise director who specifically caters to solo cruisers. We met everyday around 6 and she would help plan out the evening (optional of course). She even sent chocolate covered strawberries to the cruisers who attended the meetings. Very nice touch.

[RuthlessBoss]

I'm just looking at the week of our next cruise, Thanksgiving. Looking up prices here at cruise critic for Port Canaveral, Thanksgiving and balcony. Carnival is the most expensive at $1,229, followed by Epic at $1,099 (with the free drink package and four free specialty dinners) that is followed by Oasis of the Seas at $1,098.

 

All are a week, nowhere special going to, same port and same week.

 

Not sure about you, but I'd rather save the $130 and get the UBP/Dinner promo. That's a lot saved with the promo.

 

Did it occur to you that Carnival was higher that week due to demand? You can't just compare numbers.

[sid_9169]

When NCL's "free" drink package first came about, it was actually free and included pretty much everything you could ever want to drink (including very high-end liquors)...

 

Fast forward several months, and they started charging the "gratuity" on the package, but you could still pretty much have anything you desired... Which brings us to now. Vastly decreased choices on wine, and drastic price increases on "premium" beverages. (example: Patron Silver, previously $9.95 now $16.95... )

 

The only thing keeping me on NCL at the moment is the solo cabins (*with included drink package) My most recent Carnival booking on the Vista is running me $1331.00 for an inside cabin. (not including Cheers, which will cost an additional $438.00) ... That's $1769.00 for an inside vs $850 for a solo cabin on Escape (with included drink package)

 

[hockeyguru32]

I tried NCL in April because it was a cheap cruise for an inside cabin compared to Carnival. I did not get the meal or drink package. I compared everything to Carnival when I was onboard because of my 3 previous cruises that's all I knew of.

 

Each have their pros and cons as do other cruise lines but for this thread I will compare certain things on each. I cruised on the Escape and have cruised on the Conquest class of ships.

 

Embarkation was the same process with the exception of the taking of the onboard picture was done after you checked in and not on your way to the ship.

 

Since the Escape is a newer ship it had more bells and whistles than the Conquest Glory or Liberty The Serenity deck compared to the H2O Ill give the thumbs up to Serenity less crowded and non segregated. Also Escape only has 1 pool and it is jammed and you feel like you're inside because of all the tall glass everywhere you cant lean on the rain and look our you have to peer thru slots in the glass.

 

The action on Escape is what they call 678 Plaza I did not like it was very crowded and hard to move around when they did a show in the main lounge and after shows. I didn't like how you had do book your shows.

 

Food I have to give thumbs up to Carnival. The buffet on NCL I didn't like and again on NCL you have to pick when and where you want to dine and no lobster on NCL as far as food choices and speciality restaurants I would say NCL has that won hands down if you like paying extra for your meals when you already have paid for them in the MDR and buffet.

 

Bars hands down NCL every where you looked you could get a drink. I loved the District Brewhouse Brewery they had on board and cant wait to try out the Vista for their Brewery. I liked the atmosphere and the piano player was very entertaining.

 

Speaking of entertainment NCL would probably get my vote they had more variety of shows and night time activities than Carnival does. Again you had to book the times and shows you wanted you just couldn't walk up and get a seat.

 

I know I checked off a lot for NCL but for value and food and getting around on the ship I felt like I was cheating on Carnival and love their product and that's why I have booked 2 more cruises with them. I am always open to deals and will cruise various lines but I feel Carnival fits the way I like to vacation.

[Cruiseathoning]

a styrofoam cup funny much the same way Carnival can make a piece of paper and a pencil fun, with trivia hosted by dedicated staff who engage with the participants.

 

Carnival does fun. They may not have the best shows, or the best food, or even the best ships, but we have cruised on four major lines and when the subject of cruise comes up, it is Carnival's site I go to first.

 

Why? Maybe it is the "Happy Meal" effect. Like with McDonald's as a child, I have a confidence in what I will get in return. Not the best burger, (ok Guy's aside) or best playground, but most every time I would A. get my meal hot, tasty, and with a smile, and B. my toy would be there.

 

I would get my toy, head to the playground, and this was a pleasant Saturday to a five-year old. Carnival to me is that type of thing. I will have fun. I won't meet former cabinet members like on Crystal, but I will have a ball laughing, eating, meeting people, being silly. Being a kid, really. No pretense. Just real everyday people having a great time. The toy will be in the box.

 

They have ingrained in me as a cruiser that they are fun, and a value second to none. NCL puts together a nice cruise, that is not the issue and I do not want people to think I am not being objective. But apples to apples, go straight MDR, no drinks, no specialty dining the experience is not even close.

 

At times the smoking has bothered me, and the transition to American Table was clunky, but guess what? The "toy" (fun) was where it always was, in the box. And because I can trust my toy would be in the box, tucked neatly next to the burger, we returned. And the next time, our burger was fresher, so to speak.

 

See, Burger King (Royal) and Wendy's (NCL) tried a similar tactic with toy giveaways, and for a time, I went there. When they had toys I wanted, that is. But in the end, when I wanted that familiar feeling of warmth, and happiness, I reached for a Happy Meal.

 

NCL is not giving you anything free. The toy may be in your box, but you will have to pay a good bit extra on top of the kid's combo to get it.

 

And that doesn't make anyone happy.

[tgirl25]

I am doing NCL for a different reason. Personally so far I totally prefer CCL, but they are not that solo friendly. What I mean by that they do not organize anything for solo's and seeing that I am loosing my cruising buddy a bit(can come sometimes but not every time) I have to figure out the best fit as a solo.

 

What drew me to NCL was the studio's and the studio lounge. I like the idea of getting us together for meals so I don't have to dine alone or with family groups of strangers. I also like that there is a certain spot we can gather and hang out if we want, where again I am not going to have wives thinking I am trying to steal their hubbies(don't want them, I have a long time BF and no desire for another, he just is not interested in cruising). The UBP is cool, and I don't mind spending 100$ to not have to worry about what my bar tab is at the end. My room in a studio was very similarly priced to a single inside without the drink package on CCL(1025$ for 7day on Epic including UDP). So yeah, for a solo NCL does have alot to offer.

 

That said I have sailed NCL twice with my son and we were not WOW'd. He and I both prefer RCCL and CCL over NCL when cruising together. Though I think he is interested in trying a studio on NCL as well(maybe adjoining rooms at some point if Feb goes well?)

Edited August 22, 2016 by tgirl25

[Shih-tzu]

I have to say that I don't consider myself a stupid person (I work in finance related field) but I am finding it much more difficult to figure out what is what at the best price.

 

As an OP mentioned, you can take the price of the inside cabin on two or three different lines...but the promotion isn't applicable to a certain type of cabin, you need to upgrade (i.e. more $$). Then there's other items to consider (does the cruise line charge for room service? what activities cost more and how much? - Do both people in the cabin have to purchase the drink program if only one drinks, etc). If you don't drink, is it worth taking the promotion or is what you need less expensive on another line?

 

Long story short - I wish that they would all just publish the cost of their cabins by category. Publish the cost of a drink package. Publish the cost of the special dining packages.... Give us the base price and let us select our own add-ons..... And when something is FREE, then it is REALLY free.... Sitting trying to figure out the "real" cost of the cruise now is like being in the casino - roll the dice and hope for the best....

[winddawn]

All well and good, but the reality is that Carnival is headed in the same direction as NCL with "for a fee" venues where you get nickeled and dimed to death. And after that becomes the norm on Carnival as it has on NCL, Carnival will start the marketing strategy of charging more but enticing you with so-called freebies thrown in but for a higher booking price.

 

There are so many first-time cruisers out there, they don't know the difference, and the cruise lines profit from that. So I don't see the cruise lines deviating from the current marketing strategy.

[DancerOT]

Although it is a different experience (and I enjoy both), some of you may want to price out Celebrity's cruises. Aside from TAs, the classic drink package is included when booking an oceanview or above. Oftentimes, other perks are included as well. However, the experience may not be what you are looking for. Sadly, they don't have solo cabins - big bummer, but what's a girl to do?

[dna529]

I love both NCL and Carnival. Have sailed both equally. It really depends on the departure port and the itenerary for us. Sometimes NCL is the better deal. We booked an inside on the Epic a year in advance for $499 pp with the drink package for 2 the week before Christmas. Paying the "service charge" still doesn't come close to the $700 I would spend on Cheers for both of us.

[bakersdozen12]

Thank you for pointing all of this out in a clear and insightful, not to mention creative, manner. Although I'm pretty sure that I had already come to the same conclusions. After all, nothing in life is truly "free" and you are always paying for it in the end, in some way or another.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Cruiseathoning]

once onboard. So if you have booked, rest easy.

Edited August 23, 2016 by Cruiseathoning

[sparks1093]

once onboard. So if you have booked, rest easy.

 

Maybe. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2387737&highlight=poll

[SMSACE6]

When NCL's "free" drink package first came about, it was actually free and included pretty much everything you could ever want to drink (including very high-end liquors)...

 

Fast forward several months, and they started charging the "gratuity" on the package, but you could still pretty much have anything you desired... Which brings us to now. Vastly decreased choices on wine, and drastic price increases on "premium" beverages. (example: Patron Silver, previously $9.95 now $16.95... )

 

The only thing keeping me on NCL at the moment is the solo cabins (*with included drink package) My most recent Carnival booking on the Vista is running me $1331.00 for an inside cabin. (not including Cheers, which will cost an additional $438.00) ... That's $1769.00 for an inside vs $850 for a solo cabin on Escape (with included drink package)

 

 

I took another look at my NCL pricing (which includes the drink package), and it does actually work out better than the cruises that I would like on Carnival (minus drink package). Am holding on to my booking for now. My cruise is not till next September to I have lots of time to ponder, but think I will stick with it. Carnival will still be there for me in 2018 if I am still cruising.

[SMSACE6]

I cruised the Escape back in May and actually found the solo cabins to be bigger than I thought. Plenty of space to move around but the only down side was the space that contains the toilet. Now it's really tiny, but you're only in there for a short time so...:)

 

Also, if you're cruising solo it's simply hard to beat Norwegian prices especially with the perks added. Also, they have a cruise director who specifically caters to solo cruisers. We met everyday around 6 and she would help plan out the evening (optional of course). She even sent chocolate covered strawberries to the cruisers who attended the meetings. Very nice touch.

 

Agreed, am not worried about the small space, but more about slow wifi. Per my other post, am holding on to my booking, and will most likely keep it, to try something different.

[BNBR]

I'm not sure how accurate this post is. You can certainly get the "free at sea" on NCL in an inside cabin.

 

If you want to go on Carnival Vista in February compared to NCL Escape - Vista will cost FAR more......

 

It doesn't mean it's always the case, and I think Carnival is a great deal for a lot of sailings, but there is no hard rule here as suggested by OP.

 

February 11th on Vista, oceanview = $1119 plus drink packages, etc. Total price with drink packages, $3200+

February 12th on NCL Escape, oceanview = $849, free drinks. Total price with drink packages: $2002.00

 

I can buy a lot of specialty dining or whatever with an extra $1200....

 

Am I really missing something obvious here?

Edited August 23, 2016 by BNBR

[mizLORInj]

In my experience, a new ship is always more $ than one that's been at sea a year at more. So comparing Vista to anything else really isn't apples to apples.

 

I like NCL's buffet and entertainment better than Carnival's, but that won't make me choose NCL exclusively. I'm tired of all their changes as of the past year, and I've cruised NCL a lot over the past years because they have two ships to choose from that I don't have to fly to. On our last 10 nighter on Gem in April, I paid $118 in service charges for my "free" drinks package, and I did not drink even $118 worth of drinks. (my SO did though). IMO also their included-in-fare meals are good and I don't usually pay to eat at upcharge restaurants.

 

And whoever mentioned earlier that at one time the drink pkg was truly Free, it was, for about 3 months until NCL decided to charge gratuities on it. So the term FREE AT SEA is deceptive and I don't like that.

 

Carnival better keep a ship in NYC!!!

 

oh and Half Moon Cay is much better than NCL's private island.

Edited August 23, 2016 by mizLORInj

[BNBR]

In my experience, a new ship is always more $ than one that's been at sea a year at more. So comparing Vista to anything else really isn't apples to apples.

 

I like NCL's buffet and entertainment better than Carnival's, but that won't make me choose NCL exclusively. I'm tired of all their changes as of the past year, and I've cruised NCL a lot over the past years because they have two ships to choose from that I don't have to fly to. On our last 10 nighter on Gem in April, I paid $118 in service charges for my "free" drinks package, and I did not drink even $118 worth of drinks. (my SO did though). IMO also their included-in-fare meals are good and I don't usually pay to eat at upcharge restaurants.

 

And whoever mentioned earlier that at one time the drink pkg was truly Free, it was, for about 3 months until NCL decided to charge gratuities on it. So the term FREE AT SEA is deceptive and I don't like that.

 

Carnival better keep a ship in NYC!!!

 

oh and Half Moon Cay is much better than NCL's private island.

 

I was just comparing Carnivals biggest/newest with NCL's biggest/newest. But regardless, I get your point. Vista is BRAND new.

 

As for not getting your moneys worth on the drink package after gratuities... NCL gives you a selection of 4 different "free" items to choose from. Maybe another selection would have been more valuable to you?

 

Another poster pointed out that the numbers still worked in NCL's favor for their cruise coming up, too. For accuracy sake, the pricing schemes would be something I would review carefully if it was important to me, but NCL is sometimes cheaper and Carnival is sometimes cheaper.

[hulksmash]

Im looking forward to Harvest Caye.

[sparks1093]

I was just comparing Carnivals biggest/newest with NCL's biggest/newest. But regardless, I get your point. Vista is BRAND new.

 

As for not getting your moneys worth on the drink package after gratuities... NCL gives you a selection of 4 different "free" items to choose from. Maybe another selection would have been more valuable to you?

 

Another poster pointed out that the numbers still worked in NCL's favor for their cruise coming up, too. For accuracy sake, the pricing schemes would be something I would review carefully if it was important to me, but NCL is sometimes cheaper and Carnival is sometimes cheaper.

 

No doubt including the drink package is a big seller for NCL and they are hoping people won't notice the other ways they are being fleeced;). They did increase the price of their package to $80 a day when they started including gratuities and as I understand recent threads they have increased the price of their drinks substantially, thus moving some of them out of range for those with UBP. I would likely take the UBP if we booked an NCL cruise but I won't factor the UBP into the cost comparison between lines because it's not something we would normally buy. If NCL can't get me onboard with just the fare then they can't get me onboard.

[mizLORInj]

 

As for not getting your moneys worth on the drink package after gratuities... NCL gives you a selection of 4 different "free" items to choose from. Maybe another selection would have been more valuable to you?

. . .

 

We had choose 2 on that cruise so we looked over the options carefully. Chose the drinks and wifi. The credit for excursions was worthless because we don't usually book excursions through the cruise line (or at least not in each port), and didn't want the dining pkg because I just can't eat that much! (plus dining would have been MORE gratuities to pay)

 

I would rather they reduce the price of the cruise slightly than have these offers of add-ons. Bring back the nice wide selections of drinks/wines from a year or two ago rather than the reduced menus being offered due to drink packages.

:cool:

Edited August 23, 2016 by mizLORInj

[ray98]

It simply isn't such a black and white issue, too many variables. I have cruised numerous times on each and each time they flip flopped on which was a better deal after comparing similar options. We went early winter on NCL and the overall price was simply amazing when considering UBP was included. The rate for an OV was $499 which was $50pp more than Carnival. The value of the beverage package was $350pp putting us $600 ahead.

Edited August 23, 2016 by ray98

[BNBR]

No doubt including the drink package is a big seller for NCL and they are hoping people won't notice the other ways they are being fleeced;). They did increase the price of their package to $80 a day when they started including gratuities and as I understand recent threads they have increased the price of their drinks substantially, thus moving some of them out of range for those with UBP. I would likely take the UBP if we booked an NCL cruise but I won't factor the UBP into the cost comparison between lines because it's not something we would normally buy. If NCL can't get me onboard with just the fare then they can't get me onboard.

 

 

All cruise lines fleece you! Granted, more included food options on Carnival looks nice. But an example on Carnival is that your entire cabin has to get the drink package if 1 person wants it. So my wife, who may only want 2 - 3 drinks a day, has to get the package. That's a net loss for me. On NCL, you can maybe select different items to suit your cabin better - included gratuities for one.

 

On Royal, on some cruises - when you add 3rd and 4th guests, they raise the prices of guests 1 and 2 to offset the discounts.... (at least, that's how it appears as a regular person booking a cruise).

 

I think it's pretty simple - that NCL is sometimes cheaper, and Carnival is sometimes cheaper. Depends on cruiser :)

[BNBR]

We had choose 2 on that cruise so we looked over the options carefully. Chose the drinks and wifi. The credit for excursions was worthless because we don't usually book excursions through the cruise line (or at least not in each port), and didn't want the dining pkg because I just can't eat that much! (plus dining would have been MORE gratuities to pay)

 

I would rather they reduce the price of the cruise slightly than have these offers of add-ons. Bring back the nice wide selections of drinks/wines from a year or two ago rather than the reduced menus being offered due to drink packages.

:cool:

 

I have no NCL experience, so I'll take your word for it. But reducing the cruise slightly, then charging $750 for a couple drink packages isn't a good deal for me! The open bar is a big deal for someone like me who buys it every time.

 

We are considering an NCL next year, I'll keep these tips in mind when booking, to be sure.