Carnival has changed the tradition of cruising

[OCruisers]

2 hours ago, ray98 said:

LOL....strange topic.

 

The entire cruise industry has changed.  What was once an industry modeled after the stuffy ocean going voyages between continents of times past is now a family friendly floating Caribbean resort.

 

Carnival was one of the first ... if not the first ... cruise line to promote the idea:  Cruising is affordable for EVERYONE!  

[lottiegreen56]

The things that bother me the most are...

 

1)you can’t watch decent TV with real news,

 

2) Carnival’s casino is the biggest ripoff going compared to the other lines, yes I know that inherently casinos are a ripoff but Carnival’s is insulting,

 

3) Commercialization of port experience with the cruiseline controlling everything,

 

4) too many people on the ship change/limit the food and entertainment offerings

 

half of the changes are carnival and half are industry-wide changes. We are trying a couple Viking cruises this year and will see how we like them.

[JMAE]

Cruising is all about making your vacation what you want.  They are not the cookie cutter cruises from yesteryear, with one pool, no slides, no specialty restaurants.  The way I see cruising today is you purchase the standard model, then if you want you can add options to make it enjoyable for you.  We always take twice a day stateroom servicing, always ask for an ice bucket, always ask for robes, never worry about anyone else on our cruise and always have fun!

[ray98]

4 minutes ago, lottiegreen56 said:

The things that bother me the most are...

 

1)you can’t watch decent TV with real news,

 

2) Carnival’s casino is the biggest ripoff going compared to the other lines, yes I know that inherently casinos are a ripoff but Carnival’s is insulting,

 

3) Commercialization of port experience with the cruiseline controlling everything,

 

4) too many people on the ship change/limit the food and entertainment offerings

 

half of the changes are carnival and half are industry-wide changes. We are trying a couple Viking cruises this year and will see how we like them.

 

 

.....but all that is available on other niche lines who cater to the minority, 

 

You will find lines that take you to obscure ports, have top of the line performers and have Michelin quality food.  You just have to open your pocketbook.

[brookeq]

The entire cruise line industry has changed since we started cruising in 2000.  Somethings are gone (ex. midnight buffets) and now some new things added. (ex. carnival has added more water slides, more lunch options, etc).     It is definitely cheaper to cruise now than when we started.  There are things you can add to enhance your cruise experience if you like and if you don't want to you don't have to.  I appreciate this.  We are a family of four now and grateful for the affordable experience to travel with our children.   

 

For now we have mainly been choosing Carnival since it fits our needs/wants and our price point.  We are open to other lines ( have been on many others) and when/if they offer things that we want that Carnival doesn't offer we will go for it.  I like I having choices 🙂

[outdoors27]

Trying to figure out if the OP was for real or just stirring the pot, either way and like someone else already said, if you don't like the carnival produce find something else.  We enjoy it and works for our family of four.  When I can take a B2B cruise for the same price it might cost me to sail on a Disney Ship for for only one week in an equivalent cabin, I'm gonna take the B2B cruise (I have priced this out before).  Lots of things have change across the cruise industry, but as someone else said, Carnival set the tone for the industry and made it fun and affordable for families. Boston-line its a business and about profit but at the end of the day I still think Carnival wants to make people happy, they have too, too much competition out there.  Anyways that's my two cents.  Thanks

[schazzy]

2 hours ago, 13cheermom said:

Honestly the older I get I realize you have 2 choices, either adapt to the change or not and be miserable.  Time moves on as well as life and the ways of the world.  I still enjoy all the amenities Carnival has to offer and am grateful for the free dining choices that are still available on their ships.  At least you don't have to pay for that hamburger (unlike other lines) whether you like them or not.  It's like someone else stated, it's your choice to pick the cruise line that fits yours needs and lifestyle, so just do it and be happy. 

 

This! We actually like or don't mind several of the changes that Carnival made during the time we were on a hiatus from cruising, the few remaining others, we've just accepted and adapted to, you can't dwell on the past or how things used to be. We too still enjoy all the amenities Carnival has to offer and are grateful for the free dining choices that are still available, and we don't mind splurging on a few of the extra charge options if they are good and something we want. We have looked at other cruise lines, but we feel Carnival is the best fit for us and what we want in a vacation. If one day we feel that it doesn't work for us anymore, we will look for a new cruise line or vacation type.  

[rolloman]

5 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

So, of all the changes (and there are many, in many different areas, on many different cruise lines) the worst one in your opinion is the OPTION to have once a day service?  How about nickel and dining NCL or Amusement park of the seas Royal?  I would wager the dining team informs the VAST majority of cruisers they can order multiple entries (unlike other cruise lines).

 

FTTF is probably one of the best ideas (at least from their perspective) to come to cruising.  People are willing to pay a pretty large amount per cabin to have the option to have access to the cabin early and a couple of trivial benefits that cost them virtually nothing.  Whoever the one that thought of it, should have been promoted.

All rooms were ready upon boarding going back as early as the 2000's.  In today's  world they have conveniently trained everyone to believe paying for the privilege is a big deal.  On the upside Platinum and above still have the honor, for which I give props to Carnival because no one else is doing that. 

Edited February 23, 2019 by rolloman

[Butterbean1000]

I asked for stateroom to be serviced twice a day, got it.

I have Guys burgers for lunch and MDR for dinner.

I choose to pay for FTTF, no one forced me.  (BTW, this upcoming cruise will be the last time I choose to purchase it, turning Platinum)

Don't watch much TV on cruise, so don't care about the new channels.

Yeah, I'm good.

[Taters]

Folks keep mentioning that prices are best and most affordable on Carnival.  Anyone can price out any cruise and find deals on most lines.

 

We've cruised many times on Carnival, but I am just a little fed up with my latest experience in January on Pride, 14 nights.  

 

Our next couple of cruises are on Holland America where we get the following:

 

1. Excellent pricing.

2. Twice per day room cabin cleaning without having to ask.

3. Table cloths (Hey!  I like them!)

4. Free burgers when we feel like eating them.

5. They still have plenty of bar waiters.

6. Dirty tables get cleaned quickly.

7. Interesting itineraries all over the world.  

8. Fun music (BB King Blues Club)

9. Great service!

 

I could go on, but you get the gist.

 

There are plenty of choices out there, and Carnival has cut back on service so much that we don't think we'll sail again with them until I hear that they once again take pride in the great service like they used to.  I had first time cruisers with me on our Pride cruise, and they thought that it was a less than interesting experience.

 

Carnival used to be a great cruise line.  Now they are mediocre at best, which is sad.

 

[Mediterranean_Honeymooner]

Hmmm....I don’t know that any of the things you mentioned are actually downgrades.  You can still get service twice a day.  We don’t because we are fairly tidy and aren’t in the room that much.  Guy’s Burgers is in addition to the buffet and MDR.  More options = better in my book.  I think the burgers are delicious, but if you don’t like them, there are plenty of other options.  FTTF is optional.  I chose to purchase it on our last cruise as having early access to the room and shorter wait to board seemed like it would be very nice with two small children.  Turns out, it was. Best spent money of the cruise.  It was so nice to be able to get right on, get in the room, get changed, get lunch, and then settle the kids in for a nap before other people were allowed into their rooms. Not sure if I would purchase it if I was just traveling with my husband, but with the kids it was fantastic.  But if you hate it, don’t purchase it? 🤷‍♀️   Seems like much ado about nothing if you ask me.

[Cafedumonde]

We love Carnival.  Eat maybe one Guy's burger every cruise.  Dh has 3 or 4.  Lol.  But we eat in the main dining room almost every night.  We ask for 2x day service.  The only thing I think they should improve on is cleanliness.  We find the rooms are not as clean as on other lines.  Last cruise the sofa in our cabin was truly gross, stained beyond belief.  But otherwise... we love Carnival.   Really glad they got rid of CNN too! 

[Doggielover68]

Fun fact: On my last cruise, I ate one burger in 14 days. I order one entree at dinner because I don't want to pack on 10 pounds that takes me a year to lose due to a metabolic disorder. My room is attended to twice a day, cleaned once which is more than enough. I don't vacuum/clean my bedroom every day. Why would I need my cabin cleaned twice a day? Cruises are way more affordable than they were years ago. With that comes some changes. If you are not okay with that, select one of the luxury cruise lines. 

[Nic6318]

3 hours ago, rolloman said:

All rooms were ready upon boarding going back as early as the 2000's.  In today's  world they have conveniently trained everyone to believe paying for the privilege is a big deal.  On the upside Platinum and above still have the honor, for which I give props to Carnival because no one else is doing that. 

 

 

Hi

 

You are conveniently not mentioning the fact that the work load on the cabin stewards have at least doubled.

 

Getting people to pay for a privilege that isn't actually necessary, takes great business understanding. Once again, it is all about what the customer wants and will pay for. For example...they don't want fine dining, they don't want to dress for dinner, don't give it to them, let them come as they like. For those that want something better, raise the price in the steakhouse as well as the "chefs table".  The very worst, they might move to another more expensive cruise line, possibly owned by CCL. The cabins will be filled anyway, and new cruisers generally spend more than those who have cruised before. Many people, at least on these forums, have stated that the pizza and hamburgers are the only food on the ship they like. 🤣 Come on, if people are willing to accept shepherd's pie as a MDR entrée, why should they serve filet mignon.  

 

They know their market and they keep their price right.

[schazzy]

8 minutes ago, Nic6318 said:

shepherd's pie as a MDR entrée

 

I haven't seen that on a MDR menu, but I would happily order it if it was! 

[grandmarnnurse]

10 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

So, of all the changes (and there are many, in many different areas, on many different cruise lines) the worst one in your opinion is the OPTION to have once a day service?  How about nickel and dining NCL or Amusement park of the seas Royal?  I would wager the dining team informs the VAST majority of cruisers they can order multiple entries (unlike other cruise lines).

 

FTTF is probably one of the best ideas (at least from their perspective) to come to cruising.  People are willing to pay a pretty large amount per cabin to have the option to have access to the cabin early and a couple of trivial benefits that cost them virtually nothing.  Whoever the one that thought of it, should have been promoted.

Yes! To FTTF! Great idea! As for once a day service, I intend to ask for twice daily on my next cruise. And who eats just Guys burgers for dinner when there is such a wonderful menu in MDR? I’m rather enjoying my cruises!! 

[Cruisegoer]

10 hours ago, Pyrate13 said:

Your opinion of a "proper meal plan" doesn't necessarily apply to others. Yes, you can still get twice a day service in your stateroom and by the way, give others credit, I believe most cruisers DO know they can order multiple items from the MDR menu. 

It's not necessarily all or nothing but you're the one that's complaining instead of just dismissing, as you say, the stuff you don't like.

 

 

 

What I’m doing is starting a discussion and sharing my thoughts on these boards. I’m sorry  You see criticism as complaining,  Your world is so black and white, I’m sorry.

[OCruisers]

5 hours ago, outdoors27 said:

Trying to figure out if the OP was for real or just stirring the pot,

 

The OP has been a member since 2001 and had never posted to "stir the pot" and doesn't post often so this is a real question/comment from the OP.  

[mpdog42]

18 minutes ago, grandmarnnurse said:

Yes! To FTTF! Great idea! As for once a day service, I intend to ask for twice daily on my next cruise. And who eats just Guys burgers for dinner when there is such a wonderful menu in MDR? I’m rather enjoying my cruises!! 

Of course, you say yes to FTTF, Because your not Platinum..Will you buy FTTF when you get your Platinum status??..Of course not...I have said it before FTTF cheats Plat's and diamonds.

How?

When you get in line at Guest services you cheat the Plat/Diam behind you

When you get a tender spot: You cheat a Plat/Diam behind you

and all because you paid Bribe Money (in my opinion) to jump in line!!

RC may have it's on set of problems but a least they don't offer FTTF (Bribe Money)

Mike

[ecarbine]

At the end of the day, Carnival Cruise Line as well as every other cruise line is a businesses, who's sole purpose is to make a profit and provide earnings for their shareholders.

It is their corporate responsibility to cut costs and expenses in order to maximize profits, they will and should continue this until the point of diminishing returns.

When people stop purchasing their product, they will adjust their business plan in an attempt to attract customers once again.

The only way to sway Carnival to change their ways is to vote with your money, take your money to the cruise line that most closely meets your needs and expectations!

[Cruisegoer]

7 hours ago, ray98 said:

 

 

Correct....they want the 5 star experience from old at a new bargain price.  Cruising in general is as affordable now as it has ever been.  My first cruises cost much more than I pay now dollar for dollar, I remember times when $1000pp for an inside on a 7 day was the going rate.  Factor in inflation and the cost of a mainstream cruise is probably down 50%.

 

That cruise that treated you like a king 25 years ago still exists, it is also priced accordingly.

I completely agree and that’s spawned many of the changes I’m sure. You can’t maintain a quality level on a lesser budget and I am always the first to say that Carnival especially remains a great value for the travel dollar.  Again, doesn’t mean I have to “like” every change they’ve made.

[mpdog42]

5 minutes ago, Cruisegoer said:

What I’m doing is starting a discussion and sharing my thoughts on these boards. I’m sorry  You see criticism as complaining,  Your world is so black and white, I’m sorry.

Being on CC you forgot the Cardinal Rule "Shut up and Obey""

Thanks for starting a excellent Discussion on how cruising has changed!

Mike

[Cruisegoer]

9 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

So, what is it specifically that Carnival has done that other comapnies haven't (remembering they are giving their customers what they want)? The one thing they all try to do is make more money. 

 

To be honest I did mention “all cruise lines” in my OP but I certainly believe Carnival has spearheaded the change if for no other reason than they are the oldest that set out to offer a different model. Carnival through their effective marketing has also introduced cruise travel to millions who knew nothing of it.  They told the customer what to expect, the customer never learned the tradition and history.  Norwegian followed with that marketing and lead their campaign to change the model.  I’ve cruised once with NCL when their ships were the first to offer a speciality restaurant(s) but prior to the all-inclusive perks offerings. The point is each line has tried to offer a slightly different product but Carnival has lead the change and has “creatively” learned to add revenues by selling or changing what was a longtime cruise tradition. 

[rolloman]

2 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

 

 

Hi

 

You are conveniently not mentioning the fact that the work load on the cabin stewards have at least doubled.

 

I am not " conveniently" doing anything..... I was just stating history....sorry if it bothers you and your agenda. I have over 80 cruises in...not counting Military...let me know if there is anything else historically I can fill you in on...….

 

[ecarbine]

36 minutes ago, mpdog42 said:

Of course, you say yes to FTTF, Because your not Platinum..Will you buy FTTF when you get your Platinum status??..Of course not...I have said it before FTTF cheats Plat's and diamonds.

How?

When you get in line at Guest services you cheat the Plat/Diam behind you

When you get a tender spot: You cheat a Plat/Diam behind you

and all because you paid Bribe Money (in my opinion) to jump in line!!

RC may have it's on set of problems but a least they don't offer FTTF (Bribe Money)

Mike

I find it interesting that many of the Platinum and Diamond level cruiser speak about it like it is some kind of God given right! It is a perk that is offered by Carnival Cruise Line, the same line that offers FTTF for a fee.

There is no cheating going on, there are no bribes being paid, no jumping in line, just people who feel entitled, who resent others who are willing to pay for the same benefit.