Just back from the Glory-Carnival just isn't for us anymore

[jimbo5544]

Hip hip hurray, please do

 

 

 

Just more bashing....so sad

 

 

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[Tatka]

To you maybe. But my opinion is my opinion. Spirit attracts people with low initial costs, and then hits you with the add-ons. Sure, all mass market lines do this, but not on the level of NCL. Who else charges gratuities on so-called "free" perks? Who else charges a la cart prices in all their restaurants? Who else charges their passengers to eat on their private island (Harvest Cay)? NCL is the front runner on nickel and dime so yes, I do believe the metaphor is founded.

 

I should probably add that I don't hate NCL. I recently cruised Escape and loved it. I'll cruise one of their newer ships any day. But I'm not blind to their business practice.

Royal has a la carte in Izumi, NCL has some restaurants with a la carte, while most are with cover charge. GSC of NCL includes food, Turks and Caicos for Carnival Corp as well as Falmouth for Royal are analogs of HC for NCL although HC is more developed. I've heard that loungers in Turks aren't free anymore?

 

What's wrong with offering free perks which are otherwise not free, and not free on other lines?

 

 

It's not about good or bad lines... NCL offers all essential services other mass market lines do.

 

By the way I've not noticed that NCL pricess are lower than with other similar lines for comparable itins. We constantly compare them as we sail with them all.

[Aquahound]

Royal has a la carte in Izumi

 

That's one restaurant.

 

NCL has some restaurants with a la carte, while most are with cover charge.

 

Most? Not in my experience. On my Escape cruise, all the fee restaurants were a la cart. Maybe the dinner theater was a flat cost, but that's it.

 

GSC of NCL includes food, Turks and Caicos for Carnival Corp as well as Falmouth for Royal are analogs of HC for NCL although HC is more developed. I've heard that loungers in Turks aren't free anymore?

 

Harvest Cay is a true private island, owned by NCL. I know of no other line charging passengers for food on a true private island. And I don't mean some food...I mean all of it. Turks and Falmouth are not private islands. The ports might have been built by cruise lines, but that's it. You can venture beyond the manufactured area.

 

What's wrong with offering free perks which are otherwise not free, and not free on other lines?

 

Nothing is wrong with it, but that wasn't the point.

 

It's not about good or bad lines... NCL offers all essential services other mass market lines do.

 

Yep, just like Spirit Airlines. Some love it, some don't. If you think I'm saying there's anything wrong with it, you misunderstood. All I'm saying is, NCL is the industry leader at added costs. You know, just like Spirit Airlines. ;)

[Tatka]

Spirit is one of the worst airlines around, which charges you for basic things, disregards schedules etc...

So I don't understand how "nothing wrong with it", "I enjoyed my cruise" and comparisons to Spirit can be in the same sentence.

[Aquahound]

Spirit is one of the worst airlines around, which charges you for basic things, disregards schedules etc...

So I don't understand how "nothing wrong with it", "I enjoyed my cruise" and comparisons to Spirit can be in the same sentence.

 

Spirit airlines is typically rated at or near the bottom of domestic airlines. NCL is typically rated at or near the bottom of US based cruise lines. Both charge for basic things that are normally free on other lines. Yeah, you're right...I can't see the comparison. ;)

[Tatka]

Spirit airlines is typically rated at or near the bottom of domestic airlines. NCL is typically rated at or near the bottom of US based cruise lines. Both charge for basic things that are normally free on other lines. Yeah, you're right...I can't see the comparison. ;)

Same as Carnival, MSC (US).

What things NCL is charging for that are typically free on other lines?

[Cruzaholic41]

Regarding the NCL side conversation, my opinion of them is not nearly as flattering. Yes, they have converted to ala cart pricing in almost all of their restaurants. They charge for room service. They have the highest daily service charge in the business. They have the nerve to add a service charge to free perks like the UBP. The most egregious thing is how they don’t have free food on one of their own private islands.

 

The sad thing is, other lines tend to eventually follow their lead with this stuff.

 

That said, I totally get the comparison to Spirit.

 

I don’t blame the OP for wanting to stick with Celebrity and/or HAL.

[Cruzaholic41]

Same as Carnival, MSC (US).

What things NCL is charging for that are typically free on other lines?

 

 

You can pick and choose 1 thing here and there that is similar to other lines, but I challenge you to name 1 other line that charges for ALL the things NCL does.

[Tatka]

You can pick and choose 1 thing here and there that is similar to other lines, but I challenge you to name 1 other line that charges for ALL the things NCL does.

Most charges match. Not one.

[Tatka]

Regarding the NCL side conversation, my opinion of them is not nearly as flattering. Yes, they have converted to ala cart pricing in almost all of their restaurants. They charge for room service. They have the highest daily service charge in the business. They have the nerve to add a service charge to free perks like the UBP. The most egregious thing is how they don’t have free food on one of their own private islands.

 

The sad thing is, other lines tend to eventually follow their lead with this stuff.

 

That said, I totally get the comparison to Spirit.

 

I don’t blame the OP for wanting to stick with Celebrity and/or HAL.

Well, HAL, Celebrity, Princess are premium lines and our favorites. It's not fair comparison.

Topic started from cruise on Carnival Glory.

[jimbo5544]

Same as Carnival, MSC (US).

What things NCL is charging for that are typically free on other lines?

 

 

 

How much does NCL charge at Cagney?

 

 

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[Tatka]

How much does NCL charge at Cagney?

 

 

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I have now idea as I am completely fine with included fare.

Not as on X or Princess but nevertheless.

[jimbo5544]

I have now idea as I am completely fine with included fare.

Not as on X or Princess but nevertheless.

 

 

 

I will give you a hint....a lot and often. King of the hill on hitting up their cruisers for cash....but the excitements goes on from there.

 

 

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[AmBear]

Every cruise line has their strengths and weaknesses, you gotta just find the best fit for you now, which might be much different in the past, or in the future!

[jimbo5544]

Every cruise line has their strengths and weaknesses, you gotta just find the best fit for you now, which might be much different in the past, or in the future!

I would totally agree that cruising is continually evolving.

[pacruise804]

We actually really like Celebrity. The only reason we sailed the Glory and at this time if the year ,was because our son was getting married on St Thomas and they picked the cruise. It seems that many read more into my OP then what I actually said. It was by no means a terrible cruise and we are not "old folks" at 55. HAL and Celebrity do not allow smoking in their casino and I had forgotten how bad it gets on that deck when walking by or trying to stop to have pictures taken. It was also interesting in our past guest party that they told us there were only 25 Diamond and 154 Platinum guests on board, far different then what it's been on other cruises.

Carnival is great option for families and all though we have never used it I know they have a great kids program.Joanne is the Piano was indeed very good and we spent a couple of nights in there. We also very much enjoy interacting with the staff and getting to know them, after all they tend to be family after a week or more on board. This time we just didn't leave the ship feeling very sad, even the song on the final night in the dining room did not bring tears to my eyes like it always has in the past.

 

Sherri

 

What you said here really struck me. We really enjoyed our last Carnival cruise - so much so that we booked another for later this year on the same ship - but were absolutely ready to go home at the end of the week and did not have any sadness over the cruise ending, rather excitement about the next adventure at home. We do keep asking each other if it's September yet;) but I think I realized that while getting away is great (and even essential sometimes), I have a really good life.

 

Don't be too concerned if even on your next cruise you don't get sad at the end. It probably just means you have something better waiting at home:halo:

 

I hope you find a line that is a better fit for you. I know we will continue to try different lines for different experiences, but Carnival still has a place for us. While I suspect some of the more upscale lines will have better food and itineraries, we will have the opportunity cost of missing out on some of Carnival's brand of fun too. Sometimes I want fancy, but sometimes simple basic pleasures have their place too.

 

What's a "blue card?"

Your sail and sign card comes in different colors depending on your cruise history. First time cruisers get a "blue" card, next is red, then I think gold.

 

Princess does a similar thing. I think our cards were blue for our first cruise with them, but we won "Elite" for that cruise and our cards were swapped out for Black.

[Froggy1369]

We saw a LOT of blue cards on our recent Glory sailing. More than I think I ever have.

 

We are cruising on Fantasy in February. First time for either of us. We are 44 and 39 this year. Traveling with my 8 year old. So we made our choice based a lot on her and school and what she would like. If it were just the two of us we may have chosen something different. Like Alaska vs the Carribean. If we enjoy this, we are definitely going to plan something transatlantic in a few years.

[bigcraig]

We quit CCL when they got rid of the fruit punch, but we are back due to budget.

[Froggy1369]

Agree with most of what you wrote: Room Stewards overworked but the extra tips keep them going. Stage shows are disappointing. The computer background is amazing and that helps a bit but it is not a stage show. The entertainment music is loud. Not just loud but too loud. In fact, crazy loud!!!!! Flashing lights are OK for a minute or so - then shut them off. Dining food is fairly good. I agree. Dress code doesn't bother me much. I wear a suit coat on formal nights with a tie. Am toying with the idea of leaving the suit coat home. Still pondering that bold and daring move! Guy Burgers and Blue Iguana never disappointed us. I agree.

 

Have completed 21 cruises and all with Carnival so you can tell I am a Carnival nut. I really enjoy cruising and I think the newer and bigger ships make up for some takeaways. When I compare the Tropicale to new ships, their many new feature make up for some of the disappointments. On the other hand, Carnival needs to know that their are some issues that need fixing.

 

Completed my 2018 cruise in January and have Carnival cruises booked for 2019 and 2020. So will see how things go from there. Get the Military discount and pay for the cruise and cruise expenses with the discounted AARP gift cards. Live in Florida so don't need to fly to the port or rent a hotel. Book a year ahead for the lowest pricing. That makes for a bargain vacation.

 

Carnival!!!! We are still good friends.

 

As a veteran, the military discount really drew me into looking at Carnival. True, the one I booked was actually cheaper using the VFIP special, but to know that overall the military discount is there feels good.

[Froggy1369]

What you said here really struck me. We really enjoyed our last Carnival cruise - so much so that we booked another for later this year on the same ship - but were absolutely ready to go home at the end of the week and did not have any sadness over the cruise ending, rather excitement about the next adventure at home. We do keep asking each other if it's September yet;) but I think I realized that while getting away is great (and even essential sometimes), I have a really good life.

 

Don't be too concerned if even on your next cruise you don't get sad at the end. It probably just means you have something better waiting at home:halo:

 

I hope you find a line that is a better fit for you. I know we will continue to try different lines for different experiences, but Carnival still has a place for us. While I suspect some of the more upscale lines will have better food and itineraries, we will have the opportunity cost of missing out on some of Carnival's brand of fun too. Sometimes I want fancy, but sometimes simple basic pleasures have their place too.

 

 

Your sail and sign card comes in different colors depending on your cruise history. First time cruisers get a "blue" card, next is red, then I think gold.

 

Princess does a similar thing. I think our cards were blue for our first cruise with them, but we won "Elite" for that cruise and our cards were swapped out for Black.

 

No matter where I go on vacation or for how long, I can’t wait to get home at the end. 2 years ago I actually cut our trip to Nashville short by a day. I woke up in the morning and just decided I was ready to be home. And since we drove we were able to check out of Opryland and hit the road. Disney 3 years ago we flew so it wasn’t possible to do though I would have if I could have. So I am actually kind of worried about that feeling with a cruise because I really can’t cut and run!!!

 

The plan is to sell the house and buy an RV in 10 years when my daughter graduates high school. Then I will always have home with me no matter where I go.

[KmomChicago]

We are cruising on Fantasy in February. First time for either of us. We are 44 and 39 this year. Traveling with my 8 year old. So we made our choice based a lot on her and school and what she would like. If it were just the two of us we may have chosen something different. Like Alaska vs the Carribean. If we enjoy this, we are definitely going to plan something transatlantic in a few years.

 

 

 

Have fun on your first cruise. You’ll probably love it and your little girl too!

 

 

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[Moosevilleco]

We sailed on the Glory last June and had a fabulous time. I thought the ship looked great and also enjoyed the shows, comedy club and piano bar. That was number 7 for us and one of my favorites and we started cruising in 2010. I still say vacations are dependent on your own expectations and attitude and for me it’s about making great family memories in the Caribbean. You can’t beat it!

 

 

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