Are people not booking Carnival?

[glrounds]

10 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I am curious if Carnival is struggling when it comes to future bookings. For awhile now they have had by far the most  enticing incentive in the industry offering up to $600 in OBC to rebook cruises. Now for the first time ever they are offering Cheers for free (don’t confuse this with casino drinks on us offers which is a completely different animal). Actions like these make me think bookings must be way down, not to mention ships are likely to cruise with reduced capacity when cruising resumes. These actions are definitely not consistent with a cruise line that continues to have ships booked close to capacity, whatever that may be, during this pandemic. 

 

I think they are. I recently wanted to book something before the 12/31/2020 deadline to get the $600 OBC, so I picked out a another cruise on the PANARAMA for a year from now. I jumped on that reduced deposit thing and at the bottom of the whole deal it still showed the standard deposit. I put it on hold while I tried to figure out why the discrepancy.

 

Son-of-a-gun . . . got a call the next day from a carnival rep asking me to go ahead with the booking. He explained that because of the particular PRICE I chose in my selection process, I couldn't get the REDUCED DEPOSIT. Not only that, the deposit I had on my Aug2020 PANORAMA cruise which was cancelled wouldn't play forward to this cruise. I would have to come up with more deposit money (loot). He then offered me an extra $200 over my $600 OBC as an added incentive if I took the higher deposit option ! As the conversation went on I was expecting him to throw in free drinks and two whores ! As a retired businessman I began to think there can only be one reason why such a giveaway on a cruise a year down the road. They need CASH and they need it NOW. Frustrated with this rep and just wishing to end this mess all together, I told him I want to get a refund on the Aug2020 cruise and I'll call later if I want to cruise in the future.

 

Then I read that Carnival just sold 1.5 BILLION in stock and everybody wets their pants ! That doesn't INCREASE Carnival's VALUE. It merely deflates the value per share of the current stock by spreading the value over more shares. It's simply like cutting a pizza into more PIECES. Still the same pizza. 32 cruises with Carnival and I loved them and I realize Carnival is in a fight for it's life, trying not to fail before NCL or RCL, but do they really think we're all schmucks ?

[firefly333]

26 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

For the record, there is zero chance that Carnival will fail before Royal and even less odds before NCL.  The bad news is libs are already putting pressure on the cdc to reinstate the no sailorder.   

I saw that on a thread elsewhere, though I didnt know their party affiliation, I could guess. 2 wrote to cdc asking them to reinstate the no sail order. Enough with the bad news. 

 

Let's get that vaccine going!

[Moviela]

I don't understand why people think Carnival LLC is having any financial difficulty. Even with the recent dilution of common shares the market thinks they are worth more than $15.

 

There is no dire lack of customers booking either. Sure it has slowed down from 2019, but with a smaller total universe willing to sail on any line they have used targeted marketing to attract a larger share of business. Free alcohol, and reduced deposits are two vehicles being offered, along with spa discounts and free category upgrades.  

[firefly333]

33 minutes ago, Moviela said:

I don't understand why people think Carnival LLC is having any financial difficulty. Even with the recent dilution of common shares the market thinks they are worth more than $15.

 

Well taking on more debt and now offering more shares of stock, does indicate they are scrambling. Talk of the cash burn rate etc, all signs of struggling financially, and I'm a stock holder who is u dear water. So I listen when they ask for reinstating no sale order and cases, though I try and hope carnival and the country comes out of it.

 

I'm sure a lot of businesses are struggling including ccl. Sorry. 

 

Count me in hoping the vaccine helps out fast.  For the whole country.

[MsTabbyKats]

4 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I dont gamble so I'm always paying double. Never get any offers to get me to stay. 

 

Sorry, it does feel unfair and I'm taking it personal. If nothing else I'll annoy them. I'll ask my TA if he has anyone but guestadmin or guestcare to contact. I've already posted it to another group. I may not book carnival again, but I wouldnt leave without letting them know I think they should care about keeping my business too. I've also called lol and customer service said no you didnt get the offer lol. Which I didnt ask, I knew that, that's why I called. I said so you dont care and cant transfer me to someone who does. Coldly stating it's not offered to me, with nothing else said, they dont care if i leave, i get it. But i can post elsewhere so others are aware they have been passed up.

 

Of course you dont care, you said your husband got the offer so you got it too. Easy for those who got the offer to not care. I do care as i stated and feel carnival doesnt care to keep me. I do spend on excursions and in the shops etc. Seems we are always on opposite sides. I dont gamble so never get casino offers. Never once got a break in the price in over 15 years with carnival. It's no wonder I'm straying to other lines. 

Are we at war because DH got an offer that's 100% useless to us (I drink water, green tea, almond milk...and wine about once a month)?

 

So..my big casino promo saves me about $150.  How many people claim they never gamble and they got entire free cruises?  I never got that offer.  But I still cruise and still lose lots of money.

 

Life is just too short to get upset about not getting a promotion.  I know I've mentioned that I'm a breast cancer survivor.  I live each day as a happy day...and refuse to let nonsense drive me crazy.  In the long run, it's just not worth it.  

 

If you feel snubbed by Carnival, then you need to do what's right for you and what makes your comfortable.

 

BTW....everyone on this forum is "one the same side".  We all want cruising to resume.  But we all have different opinions and criteria about when and how.

[firefly333]

2 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Are we at war because DH got an offer that's 100% useless to us (I drink water, green tea, almond milk...and wine about once a month)?

 

So..my big casino promo saves me about $150.  How many people claim they never gamble and they got entire free cruises?  I never got that offer.  But I still cruise and still lose lots of money.

 

Life is just too short to get upset about not getting a promotion.  I know I've mentioned that I'm a breast cancer survivor.  I live each day as a happy day...and refuse to let nonsense drive me crazy.  In the long run, it's just not worth it.  

 

If you feel snubbed by Carnival, then you need to do what's right for you and what makes your comfortable.

 

BTW....everyone on this forum is "one the same side".  We all want cruising to resume.  But we all have different opinions and criteria about when and how.

No of course not at war. Actually I like you. 

 

And I dont mind you get casino offers. You gamble so entitled to them. 

 

This offer seems to be to entice people back to book. I'm just saying since it's not casino related and i didnt get it, it has the opposite effect on me. Makes me not want to book with carnival in the future. But then i was already fading away...from carnival. 

 

I can remember when 1As were only 50% solo supplement, or even before that none. Maybe 15 years ago? Solos have been saying for a long time they dont feel wanted by carnival. Rcl has solo cabins and if I book a regular cabin, I get 2 loyalty pts. It's also about value. I get better rates on rcl. Not selecting me for this offer is just one more thing. 

 

I happened to look at the new quantum OTS to alaska when it came out. A very new ship. Solo cabin was like $687. I cant book solo cabins on carnival .. this drink offer is just one more thing added to I get free drinks being diamond on rcl, though to be honest I drink very little, I'd go for the coffees. 

 

Carnival just seems to not want my business as a solo. It's more than this offer. 

 

We still friends. I hope. America and us just needs more understanding imo. 

[PhillyFan33579]

33 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Nobody is going anywhere (cruisewise that is) in the near future.  Nobody is going anywhere until there's a vaccine.

Remember several months back when "the majority" were packing their bags for August cruises?  And here we are, mid-November, still pointing that "it ain't happening soon".

 

You are confusing me. Earlier today, or maybe yesterday, I read a post where you said you are optimistic about your cruise in September. Now you are saying nobody is going anywhere in the near future. You are starting to sound like my local weather man. 😊

[msdeb1107]

2 hours ago, Moviela said:

I don't understand why people think Carnival LLC is having any financial difficulty. Even with the recent dilution of common shares the market thinks they are worth more than $15.

They’re selling off a bunch of ships, too, some for scrap (which is pennies on the dollar, but will cut crew and maintenance  costs considerably) and some to other lines. 
 

If even Disney had to cut thousands of jobs, cancel all parades, etc., because they’re cash strapped then why wouldn’t Carnival be? All travel industries are hurting right now, regardless of the brave face they put on things. 
 

Aren’t we all? 2020 has been a nightmare. 

[Calnev1]

6 hours ago, firefly333 said:

When they said the vaccine might only last a year I was like oh no, I have to get it again in a year? Everyone or it comes right back? Lots to worry about. 

If the vaccine is effective, but you need to get a booster shot every year, that's OK with me.   I want to get out there and live my life!

[ontheweb]

28 minutes ago, msdeb1107 said:

 

Aren’t we all? 2020 has been a nightmare. 

Saw this on a board in front of a gym:

 

2020 had a virus. Let's uninstall it.

 

I would reply AMEN.

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Calnev1 said:

If the vaccine is effective, but you need to get a booster shot every year, that's OK with me.   I want to get out there and live my life!

They have already said with one shot its 90% effective. By dec 1st they should have data on effectiveness with the 2nd shot.

 

My local news tonight said CVS and tom thumb are ready to give vaccinations and tom thumb and Albertsons are free. Wierd way of putting it but I guess it's because tom thumb and Albertsons merged together.

 

They expect to start vaccinations by the end of next month. I hope to get it and will wait in line however long the line is. I'll feel better feeling safer. Glad I dont live in ny where they are setting up another review, I just want to get it asap. 

 

Bring on the cruises. 

[skridge]

9 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

BTW....everyone on this forum is "one the same side".  We all want cruising to resume.  But we all have different opinions and criteria about when and how.

This is so true.  Thanks for putting into words what I have felt since March.

[MsTabbyKats]

10 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

You are confusing me. Earlier today, or maybe yesterday, I read a post where you said you are optimistic about your cruise in September. Now you are saying nobody is going anywhere in the near future. You are starting to sound like my local weather man. 😊

This depends on your definition of "near future".  There are people on this forum packing for their cruises in Jan.  That's near future for sure. 

 

My definition of "near future as it relates to cruises" is anything pre-vaccine.  I'm hoping for a springtime vaccine which is why I'm optimistic for Sept. 

 

I also have an April NCL cruise booked (borderline near future).....I'm highly pessimistic about that one.

[Earthworm Jim]

16 hours ago, jetsfan58 said:

Let's hope that this miracle vaccine is made available to everyone; not just the privileged.

 

I've never seen any suggestion anywhere that it won't be available to everyone. The only concern has been how many people will take it.

 

Unless you mean their distribution priorities where medical staff, first responders, the elderly, and the medically vulnerable get the vaccine first. But I doubt you'd have used the term "privileged" to describe those groups, and it will be available to everyone eventually.

[richfret]

I am an avid Carnival fan.  Have been on 23 cruises and all with Carnvial and I have 2 more booked.  The way things are going, however, I don't think there will be a Carnival if things don't change quickly and I doubt they will regardless of a future vacine.  If things get worse, Carnival will probably go under.  You just can't lose money like they are doing and survive.  With several fairly new ships around and a couple brand new ones, Carnival will dispose of them and a new company will be formed.  That's what happens in the business world and that makes financial sense.

 

 Maybe the company will become "The New Carnival".  I really hate to say this but that's reality.  Got $1,300 in Carnival gift cards and that will turn to dust along with 2 deposits.  As for the future, will probably cruise again but have to see what new cruising will be like.  Doubt it will be the same and prices will certainly increase and I mean increase a lot.  Who would have ever thought this could happen?  Some will say I am a pessimist.  I would say realist.    

[PhillyFan33579]

3 minutes ago, richfret said:

I am an avid Carnival fan.  Have been on 23 cruises and all with Carnvial and I have 2 more booked.  The way things are going, however, I don't think there will be a Carnival if things don't change quickly and I doubt they will regardless of a future vacine.  If things get worse, Carnival will probably go under.  You just can't lose money like they are doing and survive.  With several fairly new ships around and a couple brand new ones, Carnival will dispose of them and a new company will be formed.  That's what happens in the business world and that makes financial sense.

 

 Maybe the company will become "The New Carnival".  I really hate to say this but that's reality.  Got $1,300 in Carnival gift cards and that will turn to dust along with 2 deposits.  As for the future, will probably cruise again but have to see what new cruising will be like.  Doubt it will be the same and prices will certainly increase and I mean increase a lot.  Who would have ever thought this could happen?  Some will say I am a pessimist.  I would say realist.    

Pretty accurate post in my opinion. The only thing I would add, even though this is a Carnival forum, is Carnival won’t be the only cruise line to no longer be recognizable in the future. Hopefully cruises will resume soon. For the CDC to possibly kill an industry is unacceptable in my book. 

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, richfret said:

I am an avid Carnival fan.  Have been on 23 cruises and all with Carnvial and I have 2 more booked.  The way things are going, however, I don't think there will be a Carnival if things don't change quickly and I doubt they will regardless of a future vacine.  If things get worse, Carnival will probably go under.  You just can't lose money like they are doing and survive.  With several fairly new ships around and a couple brand new ones, Carnival will dispose of them and a new company will be formed.  That's what happens in the business world and that makes financial sense.

 

 Maybe the company will become "The New Carnival".  I really hate to say this but that's reality.  Got $1,300 in Carnival gift cards and that will turn to dust along with 2 deposits.  As for the future, will probably cruise again but have to see what new cruising will be like.  Doubt it will be the same and prices will certainly increase and I mean increase a lot.  Who would have ever thought this could happen?  Some will say I am a pessimist.  I would say realist.    

Everyone has opinions and they all have the same value. Carnival was having zero problems in filling 26 ships before the virus, they will have zero problems filling 20 after the virus.  Whether you leave credits on the table or not is of course your decision, how it looks to us will not matter. If your vision of Carnival happens, the other two big boys will have had the same thing happen significantly before Carnival.  Lastly, you sure do not seem to be a Carnival fan to me, but you leave me wondering of that is a pessimistic view or a realist view, only time will tell.😎😉

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Pretty accurate post in my opinion. The only thing I would add, even though this is a Carnival forum, is Carnival won’t be the only cruise line to no longer be recognizable in the future. Hopefully cruises will resume soon. For the CDC to possibly kill an industry is unacceptable in my book. 

I agree with the last line, and the second sentence😉

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

I've never seen any suggestion anywhere that it won't be available to everyone. The only concern has been how many people will take it.

 

Unless you mean their distribution priorities where medical staff, first responders, the elderly, and the medically vulnerable get the vaccine first. But I doubt you'd have used the term "privileged" to describe those groups, and it will be available to everyone eventually.

Of course a vaccine will be available to everyone.  I share your concern that a large enough block of people will opt out which will jeopardize us all in the end.

[skridge]

2 hours ago, richfret said:

I am an avid Carnival fan.  Have been on 23 cruises and all with Carnvial and I have 2 more booked.  The way things are going, however, I don't think there will be a Carnival if things don't change quickly and I doubt they will regardless of a future vacine.  If things get worse, Carnival will probably go under.  You just can't lose money like they are doing and survive.  With several fairly new ships around and a couple brand new ones, Carnival will dispose of them and a new company will be formed.  That's what happens in the business world and that makes financial sense.

 

 Maybe the company will become "The New Carnival".  I really hate to say this but that's reality.  Got $1,300 in Carnival gift cards and that will turn to dust along with 2 deposits.  As for the future, will probably cruise again but have to see what new cruising will be like.  Doubt it will be the same and prices will certainly increase and I mean increase a lot.  Who would have ever thought this could happen?  Some will say I am a pessimist.  I would say realist.    

I had this view six months ago and was lambasted for it.  Every time I make a realistic comment about the cruise industry I am reported to the powers that be.  I hope your realistic point of view is wrong because I love Carnival cruise line.  It has brought my family an immeasurable amount of joy.  As a realistic person I think your post is spot on.

[PhillyFan33579]

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

Everyone has opinions and they all have the same value. Carnival was having zero problems in filling 26 ships before the virus, they will have zero problems filling 20 after the virus.  Whether you leave credits on the table or not is of course your decision, how it looks to us will not matter. If your vision of Carnival happens, the other two big boys will have had the same thing happen significantly before Carnival.  Lastly, you sure do not seem to be a Carnival fan to me, but you leave me wondering of that is a pessimistic view or a realist view, only time will tell.😎😉

I wouldn’t be so certain Carnival will have no trouble filling their ships after this virus (this comment applies to all cruise lines, not just Carnival). Fairly or not, the cruise lines have gotten a lot of negative publicity during this pandemic. While people like you and I, and the majority of posters on this site, will return to cruising as soon as possible, I don’t know if the general public will feel the same way. I have heard from countless people (friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc) that know we cruise a lot asking if we will still cruise in the future and say they would never go on another cruise again (or go on a cruise for the first time). Granted we are talking about a small group of people, but I think there are a lot of people out there who will no longer consider going on a cruise in the future. 

[firefly333]

31 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I wouldn’t be so certain Carnival will have no trouble filling their ships after this virus (this comment applies to all cruise lines, not just Carnival). Fairly or not, the cruise lines have gotten a lot of negative publicity during this pandemic. While people like you and I, and the majority of posters on this site, will return to cruising as soon as possible, I don’t know if the general public will feel the same way. I have heard from countless people (friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc) that know we cruise a lot asking if we will still cruise in the future and say they would never go on another cruise again (or go on a cruise for the first time). Granted we are talking about a small group of people, but I think there are a lot of people out there who will no longer consider going on a cruise in the future. 

I agree. I think not everyone will be rushing to book a cruise. I get a lot of comments that a cruise is the last thing my friends or cousins want to do right now. 

 

That's why I think this selective marketing which is alienating some of us is a mistake. People post carnival doesnt care if you leave, plenty of newbies to take your place. ... I agree with you. Maybe carnival should care. Normal people wouldn't be rushing to book that I know.

[Mud_Shark]

We got burned once on the non refundable deposit.  Did not submit final payment on a cruise we knew would not be going.  Lost the deposit, even though the cruise did not go.

 

So, no, will not be booking Carnival again until the landscape completely changes and there is some level of confidence that cruising is fully back on track.

 

Don

[travelhound]

19 hours ago, Moviela said:

I don't understand why people think Carnival LLC is having any financial difficulty. Even with the recent dilution of common shares the market thinks they are worth more than $15.

 

There is no dire lack of customers booking either. Sure it has slowed down from 2019, but with a smaller total universe willing to sail on any line they have used targeted marketing to attract a larger share of business. Free alcohol, and reduced deposits are two vehicles being offered, along with spa discounts and free category upgrades.  

Yup, Carnival is probably in the best shape to survive this crisis.  Hopefully with a successful vaccine to be distributed soon, some of this hyperbole will settle down and all of us can enjoy cruising again 😀

[TNcruising02]

I think all companies and struggling businesses are doing whatever they can to stay in business.  I do not think Carnival will go under.  I think we are too close to a vaccine for that to happen.  They may require all of their crew members to get it and require proof to cruise, which I will completely support.  

I have a cruise booked for April.  That might be too soon, but I will just reschedule if it ends up being cancelled.  I have a couple of elderly relatives with major health issues who are eagerly waiting for a vaccine.  Those who opt out can step aside for the rest of us.

 

Edited November 14, 2020 by TNcruising02