mighty13

My point is, try viewing yourself as Carnival might. That might hold the answer to whether you might get a free cabin offer.

 

I'm not a high spender when it comes to booking cabins. It is rare that I ever book anything except an inside cabin, and those are usually cheapy 1As because I cruise solo. So obviously there are other factors in the free offers. I do however always buy the Cheers package and spend money in the casino. Its rare that I spend money on anything else onboard though except an occasional meal in the steakhouse.

If I were a 'free cruise decision maker' you would be my target. Someone who books an inside cabin and spends a bunch of money in the casino, on drinks, ship based excursions, etc.

Think about this for a second. Let's say the average 7 day cruise inside cabin costs $200 per person before taxes and port fees. That is ALL Carnival is out when offering a free cruise to someone who probably would have paid the $200 and enjoyed their time. What Carnival gets out of that person is $480(if they purchase the cheers program), $35(steakhouse, hey its a free cruise why not splurge), $99 excursion(You gotta do something right?), $25 picture(oh the memories), countless dollars in the casino, and you are doing ALL of this on a Carnival ship(or Carnival owned ship, in the case of HAL) as oppose to playing the field. Carnival has then recouped the money for that cruise well over 100%. This is why casino offers are so prevalent and why suite guests may get the shaft. Why give a usual suite guest who spends minimal money while onboard a free room, when you can give it to the perpetual inside room guest who is stuck at the bar in the casino. It is good business sense. Sorry if that doesn't seem fair. C'est La Vie.

None of the free cruises I have received were a VIFP related benefit. I think this article in the Wall Street Journal explains a lot. Carnival is using data analytics to fill cabins with what it determines will be the most profitable passengers. It is not new--its been done in other industries for many years. I think it is fairly new to cruising though.

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2015/04/30/carnival-strategy-chief-bets-that-big-data-will-optimize-prices/?mod=yahoo_hs

If true, that Carnival is offering free cruises to those statistically more inclined to spend, then this is good business sense. A good business plan is both beneficial to the business as well as the consumer. If Carnival's already low rates are coupled with increase in revenue, those rates will trend lower.

This is not to be confused with supply and demand. If more cabins are booked prices will trend up because the demand is high and the supply will be on the low end.

So, continue to give free cruises to those high spenders and I will continue to book relatively conveniently priced vacations. If I get a free one in the process, GREAT! If not, no big deal.

Was on Glory a year ago. Had a BLAST, so I am going to follow only to relive those 7 days from last year. So far, so good.

Apparently I am in the minority, but I ddin't think Guy's was worth all the hype.

Sure they are better than McD's, but in the end they are still just hamburgers.;)

I am not one to hype any type of burger, I thought In and Out was only an average fast food burger. But Guy's was great, in my opinion. Maybe it was the fact I didn't dish out cash every time I wanted one. I now base my sailings on ships with Guys. I am reading that a lot of people find it greasy and very unhealthy. I am not reading a problem with this. We all understand it is a quick serve hamburger and not a gourmet kobe beef organic grass fed free range Portland raised humanely killed sushi-burger, right?

With all these people jumping ship(slight pun intended) does that mean my Sunshine cruise will be less packed? One can only hope.

0) Lots of folk have added the ballet or the Russian folklore show or other evening diversions. Most (all?) tour operators will only add an evening event if you've booked the day with them, they don't offer the evening as a stand-alone. On standard tours, those going to the ballet are taken back to the ship at the end of the day & collected an hour or two later - the start time for the ballet allows that window, & folk will want to dress more formally for the evening, it might also allow time for snacking in ship's buffet. For other events, the day may run into the evening perhaps with a quick bite in a local bar or restaurant - it all depends on what fits in with the timing. If you have booked all-private I guess you can choose between maximising your time ashore or zipping back to the ship between day & evening - for the ballet you'd want to zip back to change.

Missing the ship is something I've never heard of in St Pete's - local operators arrange their tours to visit sights handy to the ship at the end of the last day so that if there's been a hold-up those final sights can be curtailed.

 

1) We chose to pay in USD cash, which we bought in the UK before the cruise. This was because the price was quoted in USD, so it avoided any misunderstandings over exchange rates or complications with plastic. That's what we chose to do, others have chosen other ways.

 

2) The ship will not have a curfew, but I don't know whether immigration desks are open all-night - you do have to go thro immigration when you return to the ship. Certainly they're open late into the evening. Be guided by TJ on this one.

 

3) I think you have to have a visa to overnite off-the-ship in a hotel, but I may be wrong. Something very few cruisers will have done, so you may not get a definitive answer here. Again, check with TJ.

 

4) All subjective. As PNN's reply, the most popular sights are on tour operators' standard itineraries and seem to fit your needs. But there's probably a week's worth of other places.

 

JB :)

Thanks! That pretty much answered all my worries. I didn't even think of getting the cash while in the UK. Very much appreciated!

I'm not sure why you think any of us pay some way other than the way the company tells us to pay. Can you explain why you're asking this question?

Maybe you misunderstood my question, I am asking what was the most popular form of payment. Cash, credit card, etc. When I stated "Not what the company accepts" I meant I wasn't looking for a response like "Most companies accept all forms of credit cards, travelers checks, cash, etc." I am wondering what people who have already toured have found to be the most convenient way.

Thanks for the answers to the other questions as well.

Looks like already sent out a question on this thread. WOW, what a morning. need more coffee now! :o

So, I thought I'd post here instead of starting a new thread, and I know I have been active with all kinds of sporadic questions. This will be my first time outside of the U.S. with family(I have been to some nice and not so nice places on my own so having a bad time only affected me). I would really like to make this trip special and am having a hard time figuring out what to do in SPB.

I have semi-decided on a private tour with TJ(any bad reviews from any CCers?) which would be a two day tour and I want to add an evening ballet(Has anyone done this?) but I am still weary of going with a private company. I have gone with a private excursion before where my only worry was that I might miss the ship, but now my worry is the following:

1.) How do most people pay for their private SPB excursions with TJ? Not what the company will accept but the most common way you guys have paid.

2.) Does the ship(Royal Caribbean) have a curfew that we must adhere to?

3.) Is there a way to spend the night in St Petersburg the first night and experience the nightlife?

4.) What are the 'must-see' locations and what should we steer clear from to gain more time at other locations?

A little background, we vacation for the history experience, so seeing a lot of artifacts and historic art/monuments are a must. We also love to experience local foods and drinks. Any help will be appreciated.

I am thinking of going with TJ and would like to know from anyone who has toured with them, how their visa process works. Not wanting to be stuck in customs during these magical days.

Does anyone know if the Baltic and Scandinavian cruises stay on ship time or if they change to port times? Need to make some plans and worried the time we are set to arrive will actually be Harwich time and not the time of the port.

Hopefully my final post (unless there are questions!!), so here are a few handy hints and tips...

 

Firstly, I read a whole heap here on CC and got some amazing advice. Most of it very useful. I did purchase one of those shoe holder things, but never used it as storage was not a problem. Pegs were helpful for the shower curtain and hanging wet swimsuits.

 

We used the pool only twice and my hair went like straw so bring good conditioner. I also got a sore throat and hubby the sniffles, so again we avoided.

 

A two in one shampoo dispenser is provided in the room along with two bars of soap. We used our own toiletries which is great because I still smell of holiday when I shower!!

 

Take a trip to the helipad, very quiet and you can do the tacky titanic pose (yes we did!!), it's closed at night though.

 

There is an outside area to the rear of the windjammer it's lovely and there weren't many people out there when we ate there.

 

Try something new at dinner, I tried escargot, I didn't like them but at least I tried!!

 

Don't feel that you have to go to each and every show... Be led by what you want to do, not what you feel you should do.

 

If you have children, please keep them supervised in the theatre.

 

I sent flowers to my Mum via a Harwich florist (rather than via RCL) they were delivered on time with no issue.

 

Pack layers, we expected it to be overcast and cold, but it was baking hot.

 

The casino was always smokey, I understand why, but it wasn't pleasant.

 

3, yes 3 formal nights... Day 2, Helsinki and day 10. People do dress for these, but you don't have to go super formal.

 

Whilst the. On-alcoholic cocktails are yummy, they are full of sugar!!

 

Book your excursions early. We wanted to go on the viking on in Visby but they only ran one coach so we couldn't go.

 

If they don't have the wine type you want, ask if they have a similar (eg merlot).

 

The walls can be thin, we packed earplugs which were useful! Although e black out curtains were amazing!

 

Do get off in Visby, even if your super tired!

 

Be extra nice to the Russian immigration, we think a few people were refused enters (but have no idea why)

 

Don't let others behaviour upset you. There was a fight (yes with fists!) at lunch in the solarium on the last day... It was funny, but not for the people involved - I assume over a sun lounger! Seriously, everyone's on holiday and wants to enjoy it. Let petty things go. We assume both parties (elderly gentlemen in their 70's) were confined to quarters (they were escorted away by security).

 

Most of all enjoy yourself.

 

 

For those going on Brilliance in the near future you should love it. Send my love to Mauree, Renante and Fransisco if you see them.

 

S

X

Do you remember if the ship stayed on ship time or if it changes at each port to reflect the time of the port? I want to make some reservations at different locations but am not sure if the quoted time on the itinerary is ship time(Harwich) or port time.

Thanks! You have answered all my questions. It looks like staying in London will be our best bet as we would like to take in some sightseeing.

Cruising out of Harwich this June on the Brilliance and will be arriving a day early. I was wondering if it is best to get a room in Central London or just travel and spend the night in Harwich.

A little info about me, will be traveling with 3 other family members(all adults) none of us have toured any European countries although I have traveled through France and Germany on business. I am not looking to spend more than $250 a room and am looking at getting 2 separate rooms.

A quick bump on this one, Can anyone direct me to the Compasses for the 12 day Baltic/Russia cruise Brilliance did this past summer? Very much appreciated.

June will be my first time traveling with RCCL, 7 day Baltic cruise on Serenade OTS in a Grand Suite, in the past I have cruised Carnival and have purchased their "15 drinks a day" package. I think it is a good deal and have saved money doing it. My question is, if you are in a suite and have access to the concierge lounge and other amenities on RCCL is the Ultimate pkg really worth it? Sorry if this has been asked before, if it was answered please direct me to the thread.

CHEERS!

Thanks for the input! I went with 2 Grand Suites on the Serenade of the Seas. Now only 202 days until sailing!

Went on the Glory this summer and it was fantastic. The ship did not 'WOW' me like the Dream did but amount of activities did. The ship is smaller but still HUGE and I found it easier to navigate than the Dream. I would def cruise the Glory again and so, long story short, my vote is on the Glory, but you can't go wrong with either.

Hey all, looking to go on my 3rd cruise and not sure which to go with. I could really use your help because I am looking to splurge and really wanted to know what would be best. Here are my options.

7 night Baltic cruise on RCL Serenade of the Seas

1 - owners suite for 4 people

2 - JR suites for 2 people each

2 Grand suites for 2 people each

9 night Baltic cruise with NCL STAR

1 - two bedroom for 4 people

1 - deluxe owners for 4 people

2 - mini suites for 2 people each

I have only been on Carnival, but I did enjoy it because it was affordable and a lot of fun. This time I would like to tone down the 'party' theme and just enjoy some luxuries that Carnival does not offer. Both cruises hit the same ports(with a few exclusions and/or additions) so what I am looking for is which ship is better, which rooms are better, which ship has better suite amenities, are the suite amenities worth the extra cost and having to fits 4 people into 1 stateroom, is it a hassle to have 4 adults in the same stateroom?

A little about us it will be myself, DW, and FIL and MIL(in early 60s). When cruising we like to drink and have a good time, not 'party' but we can throw down some drinks and sit and have a conversation. Not big into dancing or club things. We are a bunch of food snobs so the better food would go a long way in deciding. The issue is not really price, it is if the room/ amenities are worth it. Thanks in advance, you guys are always awesome.

Hit the gym then grab some coffee on the lido deck. I like being up that early, the lido is so quiet.

same here, gym, coffee, breakfast.....then off to the deck to watch a port entry.

thanks for all the responses, couldn't make it happen because it is a 4 person room and we have 3 people. Sounded strange since on the carnival site it was the only ocean view available and I could have booked it had I not been booked already. Just not meant to be. Regardless I am going to have a blast!

Your present cabin is just forward of amidship and the cabin your thinking about is all the way forward. To answer just one of your questions...yes, you will feel quite a bit of movement. The more you are toward the middle of the ship (and the lower you are) the less movement you'll have.

thank you

Looking to switch rooms from stateroom 1276, ocean view, to the ocean view 9199 which is forward lido deck. Is it worth it? No extra cost associated, but have guests that are in 1274 and they would not be moving. Is the view good? Do you feel the ship move more? Benefits and pitfalls please. THANKS in advance.

The non-alcoholic frozen drinks don't count towards the 15 do they?

 

I have been on a ship with the program and without. The last cruise was on the one without. I had the money to pay for the drinks, but since I had to pay individually I always had to ask, is it really worth $10? I didn't enjoy the cruise very much because I was constantly wondering what else I could spend that money on. I could do the same when I am using the Cheers Program, but it just seems to make the cruise more laid back. I know what to budget, and I know that I will not have to worry while I am ordering a drink.

 

I get tired of people worrying about who drinks 15 a day. Like someone else pointed out, it it the break even point you need to worry about. Some may try to hit that number every day, and honestly, so what if you do! I know I will not get sick off of 15. It is in a 24 hour period of time. I will have a mimosa with breakfast, misc. drinks during the day (while playing cards, etc), martini (chocolate!) at dinner, and some drinks in the comedy club. I also enjoy having the soda included. I hope that the smoothies are included and not counted towards the 15 as well. That would be wonderful!

You bring up a great point....if I purchase a cruise 6 months to a year in advance and tell myself 'I will need to set aside $800 for a drink program for two people" it is more relaxing once I get on the ship because that is no longer an additional cost to me. I have saved up in order to have that luxury. Whereas, if I tell myself, 'ok, I am going to save $800 in drink money for the cruise" and by the last day the two of us have averaged 10 $8 drinks/pp per day that is now $160 over budget in just 6 days and now I feel guilty.

With all that said, one really must understand themselves and what makes them happy and what is right for their situation.

I would brush off the pirate thing, it was all in good fun. If a friend had done the same thing and startled you, or someone you don't know that maybe might have mistaken you for someone else, you would most likely laugh it off and carry on(Although I don't know you and maybe you hold grudges). Point is, the guy was doing his job and 9 out of 10 times people enjoy it.

Now, as for the rep, if he was as rude as you say and sort of brushed off your comments(I have never had this happen when talking to customer service for carnival, but I am sure it happens) that would be more concerning and you should have written down his name and tried to get in touch with the reps supervisor.