The MAIN reasons we (mostly) avoid Carnival

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We may have achieved Diamond status on Carnival, but our frequency of Carnival cruising has drastically plunged over the last few years.

 

It comes down to:

 

> Lack of suite perks compared to other lines

 

> Lack of hot room service breakfast

 

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It's that simple. If we're going to spend a few grand on a cabin, then I expect to get something for my vacation dollar.

 

No full breakfast room service - come on Carnival, get with the program. I think you're the SOLE mainstream line out there who doesn't provide this simple service.

 

Suite perks - A bidet, a tub? I have no used for such things. How about a (any of these would be nice) suite lounge, a suite restaurant, drink or internet packages...

 

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I so want to put Carnival back on our "fully approved" list of cruising options, but they're not making any effort towards that end. Granted, having a coffee maker in suites (Vista or similar??) is a token step, but how many years did that take?

 

You've got some great attributes - the Steakhouse, Ji Ji's, Guy's Burger Joint, etc. Obviously you're doing plenty "right", as you're very successful, but you lack just a couple of things which prevent you from being a contender - w/regard to those who enjoy a little more in the way of amenities.

 

Tom

[cruisin froggy]

I agree. We will be on Carnival for the first time and am dismayed at the lack of perks in a suite. Oh well, its not forever. Just 14 days.

[RjayB]

Unfortunately I do not think Carnival is heading in the right direction. To be blunt, suite cruisers are not who they are trying to bring in...they seem to still be in the business of just getting warm (alcohol-drinking, casino-playing) bodies on the ship. :(

[vwrestler171]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I look at other lines, it seems that they are quite a bit more than Carnival, so it would seem that you are paying more for the perks.

[Je Souhaite]

We may have achieved Diamond status on Carnival, but our frequency of Carnival cruising has drastically plunged over the last few years.

 

It comes down to:

 

> Lack of suite perks compared to other lines

 

> Lack of hot room service breakfast

 

-----------------------

 

It's that simple. If we're going to spend a few grand on a cabin, then I expect to get something for my vacation dollar.

 

No full breakfast room service - come on Carnival, get with the program. I think you're the SOLE mainstream line out there who doesn't provide this simple service.

 

Suite perks - A bidet, a tub? I have no used for such things. How about a (any of these would be nice) suite lounge, a suite restaurant, drink or internet packages...

 

-----------------------

 

I so want to put Carnival back on our "fully approved" list of cruising options, but they're not making any effort towards that end. Granted, having a coffee maker in suites (Vista or similar??) is a token step, but how many years did that take?

 

You've got some great attributes - the Steakhouse, Ji Ji's, Guy's Burger Joint, etc. Obviously you're doing plenty "right", as you're very successful, but you lack just a couple of things which prevent you from being a contender - w/regard to those who enjoy a little more in the way of amenities.

 

Tom

 

I have WAY too many reasons to mention.

 

I was what you would call double platinum when they launched their loyalty program back in the mid 00's. I use to defend CCL by saying they DIDN'T even NEED a loyalty program, cause the dollars spent on CCL got you more than paying more on the similar lines.

 

That fractured around 2008 under the new "LEADERSHIP". Little by little, more and more was taken away all while using smoked mirror to make it seem like they were not.

 

Fast forward to today. Just a cheap line offering nothing more than a generic experience. SURE, the ships sail full, when your paying a fare that's just slightly higher than cost, all while trying to augment that income through on board purchases. Ah, the days when the only time you had to pay for something was for a drink, a massage, or a tour.

 

Now it's pay for everything. And the stuff that's included? They should be embarrassed. Poor service, lacking entertainment, and inferior quality food.

 

Remember the 5+ course meals? You're lucky to get 3 now.

 

Carnival has become the subway of ship travel. Get your tokens ready.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when I look at other lines, it seems that they are quite a bit more than Carnival, so it would seem that you are paying more for the perks.

 

It's not quite that cut and dry. With the Grand Suites and Captain's Suites on Carnival often going for $4-7K/week, there are plenty of suites on other lines where that kind of investment will return all sorts of perks.

 

Tom

[funship freddy]

I have to agree with the OP. I have been on more Carnival cruises overall but not in recent years. I was on Victory in January for a 5 night. No lobster ???

So I sucked it up and paid $$ as did others in my party who paid $$ for a steak in the MDR. Things that used to be "included." I am booked on MSC next week and the price was way better than Carnival for an aft balcony 7 nts.

I have four more in the Que after Divina - none of those on Carnival. So when is my next Carnival cruise ?? Maybe never. My future cruises are all on non-Carnival lines. But I don't think they would care.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... My future cruises are all on non-Carnival lines. But I don't think they would care.

 

I would imagine you're correct. Their obligations are to their shareholders first, and their guests second (hopefully!). :(

 

Of course, the same can be said for other lines too...

 

Tom

[greaseslapper]

I have to agree with the OP. I have been on more Carnival cruises overall but not in recent years. I was on Victory in January for a 5 night. No lobster ???

So I sucked it up and paid $$ as did others in my party who paid $$ for a steak in the MDR. Things that used to be "included." I am booked on MSC next week and the price was way better than Carnival for an aft balcony 7 nts.

I have four more in the Que after Divina - none of those on Carnival. So when is my next Carnival cruise ?? Maybe never. My future cruises are all on non-Carnival lines. But I don't think they would care.

 

Pretty soon "A bad day at work will better than a good day on Carnival" :D

[bluecruisin]

We cruise twice a year and pick Carnival when we have a 3rd vacation planned purely for the price. We have never had a suite on Carnival put have multiple times with RCCL and Celebrity because of the perks that are offered. We are also displeased with the perks for Diamond/Elite guests with Carnival.

 

I guess the good thing about no cooked breakfast with Carnival is we then tend to skip breakfast sailing Carnival thus saving some calories.

[packedandready]

The main reason we mostly avoid Carnival (we've done 2) is because they don't have an enclosed/covered adult pool. That's were we spend a lot of time and the serenity decks are too open and windy.

[Karnyval]

Carnival is not a cruise line for everyone, nor should they try to be. It is a business with a target market. Either you are in the target market or you want to be, it seems. I don't see them changing what got them to where they are.

 

That Carnival rarely discounts prices on suites would seem to indicate the demand a is good match for the supply.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Karnyval

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Carnival is not a cruise line for everyone, nor should they try to be. It is a business with a target market. Either you are in the target market or you want to be, it seems. I don't see them changing what got them to where they are.

 

That Carnival rarely discounts prices on suites would seem to indicate the demand a is good match for the supply.

 

From my standpoint, Carnival was at its peak with the Spirit class of ships - aft corner suites with huge balconies and a two story Supper Club! Oh yes, the Supper Clubs - with their live music!

 

Tom

[Micahs Grandad]

Still like Carnival but more and more we are switching to Princess.

 

Not suite people but think they offer things that Carnival used to including rather good production shows.

 

Choices on lido far exceed Carnival in quantity and quality.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I agree with this. We book junior suites on Carnival for the extra space and larger balcony. That's it. I've started looking at suites on other lines and, though they're cost prohibitive most of the time (That or I'm just cheap), I have a feeling my husband and I will find we're willing to pay for the extra suite benefits on other lines. I'll be retiring in a few years and at that point we'll stick with basic balconies. While I'm still working, it seems silly not to live a little and enjoy a suite on Princess, Royal or HAL.

 

As long as you're looking a "livin' a little", steer clear of Princess and HAL (suite wise) and focus on Celebrity, Royal, or NCL. They're all mainstream lines which offer excellent suite benefits.

 

If you're not a smoker, then put Celebrity at the top of your list!

 

Again - that's just been our experience!

 

Tom

[StolidCruiser]

Sounds like Carnival is no longer the lovingly considered vacation experience you want.

 

Thanks for sharing your disappointment.

[TullMan]

I just ended a 5 day aboard the Triumph and I was not pleased with the cuts Carnival has made. I think I'll start my own thread.

[aztekpm]

Carnival is clearly not a 'suites' line, but if you're willing to pay from USD$2500 - USD$5000+ on other lines, then you can get the experience you're looking for. Personally I can't justify that kind of cash to get the same basic experience to the same ports... better things to spend my money on. I'm sure it's nice to have a butler & concierge, but, I don't live that way, however, to each their own, that's what makes the world go around!

 

All the other forums are lamenting the loss of service, food quality, etc. across the board and all the extras you need to pay for. Carnival is not the only one being accused of this, but, I believe they have the fewest 'add-on' costs.

 

Lobster was brought up and actually, Carnival is the only one of the mainsteam 3 to still offer it for free on 7+ day cruises. NCL and RCI (at least what has been reported) no longer do.

 

I'm sailing RCI for the first time next year, but have sailed with NCL and feel it's a comparable experience, however, IMHO, the food is not as good / tasty and yes, they may offer a hot breakfast room service, but you pay 7.95 for it!

Edited October 2, 2016 by aztekpm

[glrounds]

From my standpoint, Carnival was at its peak with the Spirit class of ships - aft corner suites with huge balconies and a two story Supper Club! Oh yes, the Supper Clubs - with their live music!

 

Tom

 

I quite agree . . . it seemed those SPIRIT class ships were the best (have been on all four) . . . They were popular when Carnival was at the peak of service and perks also. But, alas, the efficiency of size got them also.

[janf]

Maybe you guys should go all inclusive instead

 

 

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[simplelife]

Rather than trying to make Carnival be all things to all people, it would serve customers well to make the loyalty program valid across their brands.

 

 

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[Mr & Mrs Happy]

I've only been on cruises with Carnival, so I have nothing to compare them to. The past 2 cruises, I don't recall having any major complaints that would make me try another cruise line at this point.

 

Then again, we are pretty simple (laid back) people who are homebodies for the most part. Cruising for us is a chance to get away to relax and have fun. Having 'extra" perks in a suite, wouldn't even cross my mind.

[funship freddy]

I am with Tom and Cheryl. We sailed on Reflection and loved it. We are booked on Silhouette in January 2017 and Equinox in October 2017. The "free" perks were great. Drinks, Grats and $$$ OBC. We are on MSC Divina next week. I will report back after the cruise. Booked on Seaside in March 2018 just in case we like MSC :D:D

[Mr & Mrs Happy]

I just ended a 5 day aboard the Triumph and I was not pleased with the cuts Carnival has made. I think I'll start my own thread.

 

We sail on Triumph in 27 days. I'm curious as to what your issues were.

[glrounds]

Rather than trying to make Carnival be all things to all people, it would serve customers well to make the loyalty program valid across their brands.

 

 

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Another post I would agree with completely. Gave PRINCESS a try a few years ago and was overjoyed with everything. Maybe I'm NOW cruising the wrong line :confused: It would seem if Carnival did this they would "capture" so many cruisers who are "carnivaled out" and looking elsewhere at times.:)