Where would you like the Carnival Breeze's home port to be?

[kazbar]

Sorry, but I can't see any point in having another ship out of the USA

 

Carnival know that domestic flights are cheap enough that people will fly a few hours to get to a port that has a cruise ship leaving out of there.

 

What they need to do is increase their customer base so that means having ships leave from new places. Having more ships leaving from the same places just dilutes their customer base, not increase it.

 

There is a whole big world of people out there that aren't being affected by the GFC and who are looking to spend money. Carnival needs to attract them before the other cruise lines do.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

There is a whole big world of people out there that aren't being affected by the GFC and who are looking to spend money. Carnival needs to attract them before the other cruise lines do.

 

They are already pretty late getting out from the gate! We have sailed many times with Carnival, and several with other lines. I can tell you that lines with a significant presence in foreign countries attract MANY more foreign people for their cruises departing from the US than does Carnival. It was almost impossible to be on an elevator last week on the Epic and NOT hear someone speaking another language. That rarely happens on Carnival unless it's out of south Florida and it's Spanish you overhear.

 

Tom

[kazbar]

better late than never :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

better late than never :)

 

Without a doubt... and just look what they are sending your way - one of their BEST IN FLEET class of ships! :)

 

Tom

[DocF]

I know it will not happen, but I would love to see her (or another large Carnival ship) operating out of Savannah. The semi-derelict slip next to the hotel on Hutchinson Island could be cleaned up and be a great cruise port.

 

Doc

[nscruiser2005]

I am going to have to side with my fellow Canadians... sort of! I can't see sending the Breeze but one of the others that get bumped. Seasonal port of Halifax. Every year the cost of flying to the US gets more expensive, and it would be nice to see Carnival give us loyal Canadian cruisers a break!

[marie0157]

You know Carnival doesn't want to sail year round from New York. :rolleyes:

 

They should, RCCL and NCL sail all year out of NY. I have read they sail 99% full

[futaba951]

Sorry, but I can't see any point in having another ship out of the USA

 

Carnival know that domestic flights are cheap enough that people will fly a few hours to get to a port that has a cruise ship leaving out of there.

 

What they need to do is increase their customer base so that means having ships leave from new places. Having more ships leaving from the same places just dilutes their customer base, not increase it.

 

There is a whole big world of people out there that aren't being affected by the GFC and who are looking to spend money. Carnival needs to attract them before the other cruise lines do.

 

Carnival (the corp.) pretty much has their international bases covered with numerous other cruise lines that they own. I think that they are content to keep the CCL brand mostly domestic and unleash their other lines on the world.

[PittsburghGirlee]

The 3 Rivers!!!:D:D

 

With the cost of airfare rising along with everything else, it may be a while for our next cruise let alone vacation.

 

I may have to go back to Porchville or a Staycation:mad::mad:.

[scperk]

I am going to say San Juan.....and I am hearing rumors that this is correct.

I doubt San Juan as they have trouble filling the Victory now...It cost more than twice as much for me to fly to San Juan as it does Miami ...And I thought someone said it would not fit under thw Tampa Bay bridge so count them out...Dennis

[martini_guy]

I find it hard to believe that Carnival would be a year and abit away from launching a ship and not already know where they'd planned to be putting it, but I have to admit I have no knowledge about the politics behind negotiating home ports and things like that.

 

A year ago I would've bet on southern cali but not with the current feelings of many cruisers on visiting Mexico. My current first bet would be for it to take over the Freedom itinerary visiting Cozumel, Costa Rica and Panama (8 day) also maybe adding a 4th port in there somewhere, and then alternating with a 6 days itinerary or some sort. My second most likely bet would be to take over the unique itinerary from the Victory out of San Juan.

 

I'd just be happy for it to be either

 

A) Puerto Rico (many excellent potential itineraries that Carnival cruisers would love to try)

B) Any port easy/cheap to fly to within the US

[falkcor]

I find it hard to believe that Carnival would be a year and abit away from launching a ship and not already know where they'd planned to be putting it, but I have to admit I have no knowledge about the politics behind negotiating home ports and things like that.

 

i'm inclined to think that they make 'the decision' far in advance of when they publicly announce it.

 

in the meanwhile, they monitor revenue and bookings in the target markets. i'm certain they would have a 'plan b', c and d and perhaps more... if certain variables, most notably revenue and bookings, were to change, they would adjust their plans. and withold public announcement until the near term, so that they would not have to necessarily re-tool or rescind a deployment.

 

they need to evaluate facilities in the subject ports. for instance, to accomodate magic, galveston is going to (have to) upgrade its port facilities a bit to serve the new ship. further, i'm certain there's some negotiation in port fees, etc., which is in part tied to the former point - some capital investment costs are negotiated with the port, and in some cases, the cruise line may finance the same.

 

A year ago I would've bet on southern cali but not with the current feelings of many cruisers on visiting Mexico.

 

and this is a prime example - the west coast cruise market. it's been a very volatile situation, which has changed considerably in the course of the last year or so. first swine flu which tanked sailings for a bit, then the mexican drug violence issue - etc. there are many moving parts.

 

if carnival had been able to anticipate as much (which they could not have) i doubt they would have even stationed splendor there. and the resultant business environment is reflected in the re-deployment of a large percentage of west coast ships across the lines...

 

A) Puerto Rico (many excellent potential itineraries that Carnival cruisers would love to try)

 

yes, but it would have similar problems as far as bookings and revenue are concerned as evidenced in victory. before that, destiny had similar problems out of PR. i'm always surprised at how inexpensive these cruises are, given what i consider to be a largely stellar itinerary. rising air costs also negate the viability of a deployment here to carnival's core demographic - north american cruisers.

 

B) Any port easy/cheap to fly to within the US

 

yes, this is more likely - though incredibly vague :)

 

but that's carnival's bread and butter so i would anticipate this to be so.

 

meanwhile, i expect there'll be a shuffle or two, deploying ships out of the current ports in consideration to new ports, when the breeze is to come in. i'd anticipate they would deploy her to a popular port with a lot of demand, ideally where they can command higher-than-average fares (such as is the case with deployment of magic to galveston).

 

i think a deployment to florida is likely, where they would then move a ship from the 'winning' port to subsequently increase volume out of another port.

 

it's very tricky :)

[John&John]

I find it hard to believe that Carnival would be a year and abit away from launching a ship and not already know where they'd planned to be putting it, but I have to admit I have no knowledge about the politics behind negotiating home ports and things like that.

 

 

I wouldn't be surprised if Carnival is purposely holding back Carnival Breeze in order to allow the Carnival Magic cruises to fill up more. I have to wonder that the demand may be less than expected since they keep extending the "Europe Sale".

[Aplmac]

Uhh...hello? NEW YORK!!:D

That would suit me just fine!:)

I'd overnight at Cosmopolitan Hotel, at 95 West Broadway and Chambers.

 

We've stayed here twice now: it's OK!

 

 

GO N.Y.!

.

[Aplmac]

I can tell you that lines with a significant presence in foreign countries

attract MANY more foreign people for their cruises departing from the US

than does Carnival.

My island of BARBADOS would make a great home port during the winter cruise season. ;)

 

Already we have a few UK ships home-porting out of here.

Planeloads of Brits arrive at our airport and are transitted directly to the Bridgetown Port for 2-week cruises.

 

Bridgetown Port, Barbados.

 

 

I'd absolutely love it if a Carnival ship was ported here,

in addition to Victory coming thru here every Wednesday when folks can board at Barbados if they want to

but it's the same old route to and from Puerto Rico. :cool:

 

Another Carnival ship operating out of here might do a seriously-Southern route

like Grenada, Tobago, Margarita, Aruba/Bonaire/Curacao....something like that..

.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

i'm inclined to think that they make 'the decision' far in advance of when they publicly announce it.

 

in the meanwhile, they monitor revenue and bookings in the target markets. i'm certain they would have a 'plan b', c and d and perhaps more... if certain variables, most notably revenue and bookings, were to change, they would adjust their plans. and withold public announcement until the near term, so that they would not have to necessarily re-tool or rescind a deployment.

 

they need to evaluate facilities in the subject ports. for instance, to accomodate magic, galveston is going to (have to) upgrade its port facilities a bit to serve the new ship. further, i'm certain there's some negotiation in port fees, etc., which is in part tied to the former point - some capital investment costs are negotiated with the port, and in some cases, the cruise line may finance the same.

 

 

 

and this is a prime example - the west coast cruise market. it's been a very volatile situation, which has changed considerably in the course of the last year or so. first swine flu which tanked sailings for a bit, then the mexican drug violence issue - etc. there are many moving parts.

 

if carnival had been able to anticipate as much (which they could not have) i doubt they would have even stationed splendor there. and the resultant business environment is reflected in the re-deployment of a large percentage of west coast ships across the lines...

 

 

 

yes, but it would have similar problems as far as bookings and revenue are concerned as evidenced in victory. before that, destiny had similar problems out of PR. i'm always surprised at how inexpensive these cruises are, given what i consider to be a largely stellar itinerary. rising air costs also negate the viability of a deployment here to carnival's core demographic - north american cruisers.

 

 

 

yes, this is more likely - though incredibly vague :)

 

but that's carnival's bread and butter so i would anticipate this to be so.

 

meanwhile, i expect there'll be a shuffle or two, deploying ships out of the current ports in consideration to new ports, when the breeze is to come in. i'd anticipate they would deploy her to a popular port with a lot of demand, ideally where they can command higher-than-average fares (such as is the case with deployment of magic to galveston).

 

i think a deployment to florida is likely, where they would then move a ship from the 'winning' port to subsequently increase volume out of another port.

 

it's very tricky :)

 

Good points.

 

Yep, it's tricky - we've seen this play out a few times (anticipation, guesswork, etc..). I must admit that I was REALLY looking forward to the Dream - following each release of info, photos, and video. I was really psyched up about this new class. Perhaps the eventual reality of the situation helps to explain my feelings towards the Dream class... it's hard to live up to that kind of hype!!

 

... having said that though... I must admit that the cruise we just got off of on Saturday (NCL Epic) FULLY met all of my expectations. On that cruise we:

 

> Had a CC Meet-n-Greet attended by 8 senior officers (including the Captain)!

> Saw Blue Man Group

> Watched Legends in Concert (Neil Diamond, Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin)

> Bowled (6 lanes onboard - two places with 3 lanes each)... $5/game

> Second City Improv (adult show)

> Murder Mystery Lunch w/Second City ($20)

> Enjoyed THREE water slides

> Enjoyed an Ice Bar ($20 w/2 drinks included)

> Enjoyed Slam Allen in Fat Cat's (Jazz/Blues bar)

> Ate in a different restaurant each night:

...... Shanghai's - Chinese $15

...... Teppanyaki - Japanese Steakhouse $25

...... Moderno - Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) $18

...... Cagney's - Steakhouse $25

...... Le Bistro - French $20

...... Cirque Dreams (dinner and show) $20

> O' Sheehan's - FREE - Family Sports Bar and Grill... Wings, Fish& Chips, Tuna Melt, Meat Loaf, Chicken Pot Pie... and ON and ON! This was a great place AND it was open 24/7 !!!

 

I have never encountered as many people doing B2B's as I did on the Epic - and I can see why. It's difficult to take in all this "resort destination" has to offer in 7 short days. We missed Nassau, so that helped! :)

 

I am not putting down Carnival (by listing this on the Carnival board), but am rather trying to get some of you (even 1 lone soul) to give this AMAZING ship a try. At least those who wouldn't balk a spending a few bucks along the way for an extra special trip! (I don't consider this being nickel and dimed!!)

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

My island of BARBADOS would make a great home port during the winter cruise season. ;)

 

Already we have a few UK ships home-porting out of here.

Planeloads of Brits arrive at our airport and are transitted directly to the Bridgetown Port for 2-week cruises.

 

I'd absolutely love it if a Carnival ship was ported here,

in addition to Victory coming thru here every Wednesday when folks can board at Barbados if they want to

but it's the same old route to and from Puerto Rico. :cool:

 

Another Carnival ship operating out of here might do a seriously-Southern route

like Grenada, Tobago, Margarita, Aruba/Bonaire/Curacao....something like that..

.

 

I might go for that! I have avoided sailing out of Puerto Rico... having read enough to feel fully informed. With our recent sailing on the Miracle which included Aruba and Curacao - I would welcome a return there! :)

 

Tom

[Aplmac]

Thing is...

what I can't stand about Epic is this!

 

It's bloody ugly from the outside looking in! :D

 

and quite frankly looks dangerously top-heavy

like it might blow over in a violent breeze some day or night

-a favorite cruise-ship-doomsday scenario of mine ;)

 

 

Honestly, I don't think I'd ever book a cruise on that ship, sorry. :o

.

[tiggerman101]

nevermind

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thing is...

what I can't stand about Epic is this!

 

...

 

It's bloody ugly from the outside looking in! :D

 

and quite frankly looks dangerously top-heavy

like it might blow over in a violent breeze some day or night

-a favorite cruise-ship-doomsday scenario of mine ;)

 

 

Honestly, I don't think I'd ever book a cruise on that ship, sorry. :o

.

 

Beauty is only skin deep!

 

I too was turned off at first glance, and even agreed with "everyone" (well, on this board at least :)) that it was ugly and that we would not sail on it. That was until Don (DGP1111) decided to book it. Once he did, I started to do some in depth research about what all this ship had to offer. I decided to look beyond the Ugly Duckling exterior, and am VERY VERY happy that I did. We were on deck 17 - and there was one day with large swells and high winds. The motion issues were no worse than on other ships in similar conditions.

 

The crew on this ship were all obviously drinking the same kool-aid, as they were a very nice group. I have never had so many people call me by name.

 

Do yourself a favor, and look past the exterior - and any negative reviews you may have read (especially on the Carnival board) regarding NCL. Carnival has a bona fide competitor here.

 

Tom

[Aplmac]

John Heald: I think a whole new Carnival is right around the corner, honestly.

I think you are going to be very surprised at where we go - especially starting with Carnival Breeze.

Joe Farcus will have very limited involvement in Carnival Breeze as far as I know,

just the showroom and one other room, possibly the casino.

We have some great new people coming up; look at Jim Berra (new chief marketing officer)

and Ruben Rodriguez (new executive vice president of guest experiences).

Well well...Good News!

 

We look forward to this

especially less of Farcus' OTT color "schemes" on some of their vessels. :cool:

[4JustUs2]

Boston

[michelle1836]

somewhere on the east coast. Preferably mid east coast :)

[nomadron]

I would love to see her based in Charleston, SC!

[carnivalcruiser10]

I think in Nola? if these kept hurricane Katrina! I hope be fine in Nola or conquest can stay in Nola I'm think try it!