LocoLoco1

1stClass/2ndClass HAL in the future seems to leave us CC’ers with mixed feelings.

A Premium experience for a Premium $price$ vs a Budget voyage for cheap aboard 1 ship has been around for centuries. Methinks HAL nearly has ‘a ship within a ship’ now ie Hydro-Spa Rm, Cabanas, PinnacleDining ‘No Lobster 4U’ etc. but without the Velvet Rope, as least for now.. Back in the day, when disembarking from a long Cunard cruise, I commented to my spouse, “All those folks have been on the boat with US?? I don’t recognize a face.”

I’ll venture I could far MORE than double the cost of a HAL basic fare by simply signing up for the various $upcharges$.

Personally, I am OK with an ‘Ala Carte’ cruise menu; here’s hoping CCL can prosper.

Thank-you. I can see how a Cruise’s price could easily Double.

Back in the day, I noted ‘VelvetRopes’ aboard certain cruiseships that reserved areas for 1stClass guests. Seems HAL is nearly there now with all these $upcharged$ venues/menus, albeit without the rope. Q: From my InsideCabin in steerage can I, if I’m willing to $Pay an upcharge, access everything or No?

Read like true insider ‘Corporate-speak’ but signifying nothing.

I’ll stand by by characterization that ‘Formality Reigns’ in 1 DiningRm and not the other. Hard & Fast dress rules? No, but the difference was obvious

Several TransAtlantics now and smooth sailing every time. Stabilizers have made it so…

It does..and it doesn’t. Cunard has a 2-tiered ‘Passenger Arrangement’. The higher status one has it’s own Dining Rm. where formality reigns. The lesser one is moreso Coat n Tie &Smart Casual.

I liked Cunard on two longer voyages and clicked with very fun bunch aboard ship. We had a modest Cabin yet the ‘Wow Factor’ onboard was everywhere. The live music, lectures, the food, the furnishings.. with a piano bar and a REAL Library etc. Next cruise was on HAL’s Maasdam. The difference was obvious.

HAL’s corporate press releases of late are rather clear: Onboard Up-charges and longer voyages will be a big part of their future. (Dare I call that ‘Cunard-lite’??) If Shorter cruises with bargain basement $prices$ are consigned to other brands in the family, perhaps they think a profit can be turned in both. Fine with me as I am usually a longer cruise Ports/ Destinations cruiser. I hope it all works out..

CCL seems to have HAL placed (for now) somewhere between Hoi-toi and ho-hum. Sailing recently on a CUNARD vessel told me my ideal would be the Prinsendam ambiance in a Koningsdam sized ship; and I’d pay $extra$ for it. As a loyal HAL cruiser I often imagine THAT for an Around the World.

CCL seems to have HAL placed (for now) somewhere between Hoi-toi and ho-hum. Sailing recently on a CUNARD vessel told me my ideal would be the Prinsendam ambiance in a Koningsdam sized ship; and I’d pay $extra$ for it. As a loyal HAL cruiser I often imagine THAT for an Around the World.

Basic $fares$ are probably money losers. Club Orange, HIA, Cabana rental upcharges etc will be the future corporate profitmakers methinks.

Maybe Carnival has smoother waters ahead? Corporate announcements of far fewer new vessels and adding many on-board upcharges seems to be the future.

I don’t like Nietzsche and Ensenada. I do however, like roasted chicken, Gin Sours and Riesling wine.

HAL does Multi-hotel stops with shuttle buses; bigger motor coaches for groups. HOWEVER, keep in mind that if you booked your own hotel you must find your own way to the ship.

My music tastes won’t be changing much. With that said, because a cruiseline parent company like CCL that offers Uber luxe 5-star experiences, amusement parks and on down to bare bones sailings, they will probably have something for me. Insofar as Mick Jagger is nearing 80 and I’m not far behind, I suspect the Millennials will eventually force music entertainment changes not to my liking. When that happens I’ll be happily in bed by 8 with my iTunes earbuds.

I agree..

I am OK with whatever people post. I’ve read COUNTLESS reviews of a cruise we’ve returned from, some from guests who seemed to be on another Planet. I’m occasionally quite sure who posted them too.

VOLENDAM is probably the next one to eventually leave their fleet

It appears CCL is finally showing it’s Corporate hand a bit more; ie No big purchases of ships. Wondering if they will retire more than they bring on line?

Fruitcake, NO!! Final answer. But a nice, moist Date-nut bread with Walnuts, maybe some raisins, Vanilla etc?? Heavenly. Finally above 0/F Degrees here in Minnesota with 24” of snow.