Carnival Cruise Line Tweaks 'Faster to the Fun' Pricing

Can you point out where Carnival has stated it will reduce the number of 'paid line cutters'. Not sure I understand how raising the price would reduce the FTTF slots. If true that is great news for those that earned the perks.

 

I frankly don't care that they sell it, just was annoying and wrong when FTTF people go ahead of P&D. Long Beach was known for this but hopefully that has changed with the renovation.

Number of available FTTF spots are determined by the number of D's and P's on board. nothing else.

FTTF holders do not board ahead of P&D.

Depending on the number of D's and P's sitting in the area, D's, P's, and FTTF's may be called at the same time. No sense making 3 different calls if there are only a minimum number of people in these boarding ground.

Depending on the number of D's and P's sitting in the area, D's, P's, and FTTF's may be called at the same time. No sense making 3 different calls if there are only a minimum number of people in these boarding ground.

Only basing my comment on my own personal experience and with how Carnival explains the process.

Yes, it does happen in Florida. As they were leading us from the Captain's Lounge in Miami to the ship, a few FTTF stood up & joined our line. Nobody was stopping them.

Again speaking from my experience and I have witnessed the terminal workers stop people who shouldn't have been boarding in Miami, Everglades and Canaveral.

Anyone who would not cruise on Carnival because of this is just looking for a reason to stop cruising with them.

I after crusing Glory last month will be moving on to another line because Carnival just doesn’t cut it for me any longer . I certainly wouldn’t not cruise them because of upping the FTTF price.

We were on Glory by 12:30 with just regular check in

We were huge fans of FTTF--bought it for our first eight cruises. Then couldn't get it for the ninth cruise. We didn't miss it a bit. That was the end of our obsession.

Exactly. I will be a first timer on Carnival but newer ships aside, fares are generally lower than the other lines from my research. And I looooove to extensively research cruises across lines. It's fun.

 

I will say that when I look at our upcoming 8 day cruise (plus the cost of Cheers for two), it is about $2K more than our 7 day on the Escape last year, though. Same cabin type, etc. But perhaps its changed this year. Not sure.

 

I was on the NCL boards these past two years researching Escape stuff and witness to non-stop bickering about NCL nickel and diming you. That's funny because drink packages are pretty much included on most NCL sailings if you want to choose it as an option. That's a huuuuge bonus if you drink any sort of alcohol or specialty drinks. Even if just a few drinks a day.

 

People also complained about being charged for room service beyond a continental breakfast ($6.95 for entire cabin I think), but at least you could order a hot breakfast versus some other lines? I'll pay that spread out across 4 people to get eggs, bacon and hashbrowns on the balcony port days. The convenience alone is huuuuge. I intensely dislike Trump btw. lol

 

I personally would rather cruise lines charge "extra" for those things generally considered "extra." That way I don't have to pay for it if I don't want to. It's on demand. And my base cruise price stays low minus the expected annual increases to consider inflation, maintenance, etc.

 

But to each their own, we can make things free or lower priced and jack up everyone's cruise price if we want to.

By they way, no need to thread hijack with the comment about the President,

Mike

It’s amazing the marketing job that Carnival has done to essentially brainwash the weak minded lemmings that they absolutely MUST HAVE FTTF in order to have a good cruise. It’s remarkable, it really is. If you don’t like the price, don’t buy it!!!! It really is that simple, sheesh. Stop whining about greed and what is fair and not fair. You don’t have to have it. It’s ok, you will really still have a good time without it. Stop whining, dang!!!!

I don't consider myself a "weak minded lemming," but maybe that is because Carnival has "brainwashed" me.

When we researched our last cruise I was pleased to see FTTF and what it offered. We willingly paid the price charged and will likely pay the increased cost (although for our next cruise we got it just before the increase). We would certainly have a good cruise without it, but paying a fee for some privileges gave us a better cruise.

Some people gladly pay for Cheers, knowing that they would spend less if they purchased as they went, because it lets them relax since they know all their costs up front. Other passengers enjoy a dinner or two at a specialty restaurant, even though adequate food is included in the booking - because it enhances their cruise. Many "donate" to the casino while there are lots of no fee entertainment options elsewhere.

I don't get the hate for FTTF and those who chose to purchase it, or on a larger scale the disdain for passengers who make different choices than they do in any area.

I don't think fttf should get on and off the ship the same time as Diamond. I've had them push their way past me to get on and off the ship before me, so rude. I paid a lot of money to become Diamond now I feel like I don't count for anything.

 

After 48 cruises with Carnival I will be sailing NCL next month for the first time. I do have two more Carnival cruises booked also. Now I will have something to compare.

48 Carnival cruises? No wonder your'e fed up.

This price increase doesn't affect me, but I am happy to see it. As so many have said if you don't feel it is worth the asking price, then don't purchase. I am happy to see the price increase because 1. I am a shareholder and 2. I felt like Carnival really cheapened the value of some of the Diamond and Platinum perks by selling them for $40. Now if FTTF cruisers cause embarkation and debarkation to be a little slower and they extend the D&P line at guest services at least they contributed more to Carnival's bottom line.

It's called greed because people keep buying it and they will squeeze you.

You know this is serious business when riclop is posting 13 word sentences...... :')

Wow I am shocked by some of the posts on here. It's "Optional"! Buy it, don't buy it, it's an option. Kind of like paying extra to eat in the Steakhouse, it's a personal choice. We do both and will continue to as long as it suits "us". Happy Sailing!

We have always bought FTTF when available, only one time have we not been able to get it. We got it for our first cruise, so it was all we knew. We felt it was well worth the 60 or whatever we paid for it. The cruise we did not have it, was completely fine. I didn't really miss not having it. But still bought it for every one after. Why? because for the small price, our entire cabin gets to board a few hours early and our room is ready. If that was the only perk, I would still buy it. We often travel with kids. Less waiting just starts the vacation off happier. :) We feel very fortunate to be able to cruise 1-2 times a year, but at that rate, our kids will be much more patient by the time we hit platinum. My gut reaction was that I wouldn't buy it at the higher price. But honestly, I'm sure that I will when it comes down to it. Maybe not if it is just DH and I, but when we have the kids, I will. We always drive to the port the day before, and rather than just sit around the hotel room, I'd rather go get on the boat. ;)

This has absolutely no effect on me as I am not Platinum and never even thought about putting money towards FTTF.

But from the outside looking in, I think it is a great way to lessen the amount of people purchasing FTTF while keeping the profit the same and also keeping loyal cruisers happy as less people invade on their precious perk.

The only real loser are the people who are spending money on FTTF but even those people at least have a decision of “is it worth it for us” to make.

 

The only real loser are the people who are spending money on FTTF but even those people at least have a decision of “is it worth it for us” to make.

I like having that choice, and the fact you consider me a loser has no bearing on my decision.

I like having that choice, and the fact you consider me a loser has no bearing on my decision.

Obviously (or maybe not you can never tell on here) when I used the term “loser” it was referencing people losing financially as the price for FTTF went up but those people still have a choice to pay that extra if that is what they want to do.

Obviously (or maybe not you can never tell on here) when I used the term “loser” it was referencing people losing financially as the price for FTTF went up but those people still have a choice to pay that extra if that is what they want to do.

That is a nice clarification. Thank you.

Obviously (or maybe not you can never tell on here) when I used the term “loser” it was referencing people losing financially as the price for FTTF went up but those people still have a choice to pay that extra if that is what they want to do.

Thank you for the clarification. When I first read your post I too found it a little harsh towards those who purchase FTTF. That's the hard thing with message boards - we lose all the nuances of non-verbal communication.

For myself, I try to post helpful information and if it ever comes across otherwise I apologize. I think if we assume good intentions from others - even if our reception of the delivery is off - it can make for a happier place:)

Remember these postings.they will all be repeated. 2 years from now when Carnival raises the fttf price to $129.

I can not believe the hate some of you guys have toward people who buy FTTF. Really! Its not your money. Go blow your money in the casino, steak house, chefs table or whatever. Whatever makes your vacation awesome. Some of these comments are so hateful. Really sad.

My wife and I have been on 6 Carnival cruises and wouldn't go without FTTF. We don't care if it would cost $100. We feel its a great bargain, no long lines or waiting. We spend on average $3500-4000 for the entire trip so those few extra bucks spent to enhance our satisfaction is not a huge deal. And, we are not rich, we just figure that expense at the beginning for our budget. But, we all have our opinions, and FTTF works for us!

well said