Sticking to one cruise line..why?

[billco]

Unlike other lines Princess also allows you to combine OBC'S such as share holder, military, Princess visa, FCC obc, TA obc and Elite obc. Did I leave any out? Given all of that plus the Platinum and Elite perks why would you sail on another line?

Also, over 20 cruises OBCs. Actually, we did sail once on an NCL ship despite all the Princess perks. We were looking for a TA from Europe to take advantage of a round trip airfare. We really liked the itinerary on the Grand, but a similar cruise on the NCL Star was half the price. Only time we sailed on a non Princess ship.

[Iamcruzin]

Also, over 20 cruises OBCs. Actually, we did sail once on an NCL ship despite all the Princess perks. We were looking for a TA from Europe to take advantage of a round trip airfare. We really liked the itinerary on the Grand, but a similar cruise on the NCL Star was half the price. Only time we sailed on a non Princess ship.

I would sail on a raft if I could see Europe.

[jimbo5544]

Just wondering why doesn't Carnival go to Bermuda from NY?

Who knows, good question. My guess would be cost of staying in the port.

[tree.critter]

My only non Carnival cruise was not nearly as pleasant as all my CCL have been. Just as my clients return to me because they like the service and value they receive is the same reason I return to CCL.

[pe4all]

That's great you got a good deal on the Breakaway-! Yes the freestyle concept I am not a fan of, but I still do enjoy the entertainment on board NCL ships. I havent been on the Breakaway yet but going there in October. I'm trying to not let the negative reviews get to me. Hopefully it is a good time!.You will absolutely love Bermuda...it's expensive but such a beautiful island!

I haven't been to Bermuda in 29 years, and look forward to returning! I am also a fan of a set dining time with a set dining room staff. As far as the pay restaurants - we haven't even booked any. I will be fine with the pub, 3 dining rooms, buffet area and other "free" food areas. We are not foodies - so the not great reviews of the food doesn't bother us.:D

Just wondering why doesn't Carnival go to Bermuda from NY?

I think they got closed out of port time, for some reason. Also, I wouldn't doubt the high port charges stopped them from docking there. Less profit to be made.

[Casino Player]

I have seen a lot of people only stick to cruising on one cruise line and are very loyal to it. I'm just wondering why? Are the perks that great for repeat guests? I guess some say "If it's not broken, why fix it?"...but doesn't it get boring to see some of the same activities over and over again? The food must get boring after awhile as well. I guess I like variety and try what the different cruise lines have to offer. If the price is right, I'd be willing to go on any cruise line! =)

 

Howdy tx121: My guess is that some people like the way that one cruise line operates. If they have most of their vacation time invested in that one vacation then why risk it on something different? While most cruise lines have pretty much the same activities you are always welcome to do something different. I know I do. Some folks just like to relax. If they can do that then it is a worthwhile vactation.

[Socref124]

We have tried four different line and have enjoyed them all in one way or another. We keep coming back to Carnival because we enjoy them a little more. Don't get me wrong, we will do the other lines if they are going to a destination we like at the time of year we want to cruise if the price is right.

We just wish Carnival used the old menu and had live bands again. It was much better a few years ago, but still it's a good value.

[Captain Carnival]

You Wanted The Best

And You Got The Best

The Hottest Funships In The World

~CARNIVAL~

[Katoo]

My husband and I don't go to shows, don't live to eat, and for us, cruising is about relaxing. We get a balcony, read a lot of books, visit the ports (and it doesn't really matter where they are), and enjoy spending time together. It's not that were unadventurous, for adventure, we go on other types of vacation (like 5 days in Venice, a week in Cork, Ireland, etc.)

 

So for us, a nice large room with a balcony, the sound of the sea, and a few stops to stretch our legs and people watch, and a tiny bit of casino play is all we are looking for. I have yet to see a reason to pay more money when our needs are completely met by Carnival.

[Who Knew]

I sort of agree with Flamomo, though I am also close to becoming Elite, so I'm sort of focused on achieving that.

 

I really love the Princess product, so will always return, but I would also like to see what the other lines have to offer. That's going to come after I achieve Elite though. :D No reason other than I have that kind of personality...I want to stick with something until I reach a personal goal, then I try different things.

[PescadoAmarillo]

After 45 cruises on Princess, Princess still competes with every other cruise line every time we cruise. I would love to cruise again on Celebrity (we're also Elite there, with about 150 days), or RC (50 days), and I look at their cruises as much as Princess. But we're value cruisers, and it's the Princess value, more than the Elite benefits, that keep us coming back. As others have said, Princess allows stacking OBCs, and we get them all: TA, Military, CCL, CC, FCC. We save thousands every year by being able to do this, and the best part is that even a first time Princess cruiser can get TA, Military and CCL OBCs. Second time cruisers can add FCC OBCs to that.

 

We looked at Celebrity with its drink packages for this winter, but, regardless of how the cruise line values the drink packages, we know what they're worth to us, since we're not big drinkers. Again, Princess won out.

 

Price being equal, I would definitely choose to cruise around more. I don't think Princess is the only cruise line that can provide us with a very satisfying cruise experience. But Princess always seems to hold the advantage when it comes to price.

[Pam in CA]

I usually sail Princess because of itineraries and the people I cruise with. However, I'm also a 3-star Mariner on HAL, have cruised with RCCL several times and Celebrity once. The Elite benefits are nice but to me, they're not as important as itinerary and friends.

[lor74]

It is just a matter of personal preference. Of the cruises I have been on, I consider Princess to be "home". I like the layout of their ships, have always been generally happy with the food, entertainment, & staff. I have used the self serve laundry, and being Platinum use the free internet, and love the priority boarding. Celebrity was a close 2nd for me, but the last cruise on the Silhouette was a letdown. Given the choice, I would not sail on Carnival or NCL again.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I have had the best service, food, and prices on carnival. I tried RCL twice. the first time the service was bad, and food was terrible. second time was a BIT better, but not great and both RCL cruises I paid double than any carnival cruise I have taken. I just cant beat the carnival prices. As far as the activities, they are both pretty much the same. I found carnivals entertainment better. They were charging for filet mingon and lobster on rcl (I don't eat lobster, but I do eat that filet)I was REALLY disappointed with that. Carnival just works best for me

 

Royal Caribbeans entertainment must be pretty bad to be worse than Carnivals:confused:

 

Does RCI only have limited entertainment too? From what I am reading most seem to think RCI's entertainment blows Carnivals away.

 

I guess first I would need to know what you consider entertainment. Piano bar, singers at the bars, etc or showroom entertainment?

 

Bill

[Phlybice]

I have seen a lot of people only stick to cruising on one cruise line and are very loyal to it. I'm just wondering why? Are the perks that great for repeat guests? I guess some say "If it's not broken, why fix it?"...but doesn't it get boring to see some of the same activities over and over again? The food must get boring after awhile as well. I guess I like variety and try what the different cruise lines have to offer. If the price is right, I'd be willing to go on any cruise line! =)

 

Actually. I don't mind if someone sticks with one line.

 

It's when they post of say that one line is the BEST that has my eyes rolling.

[Cruiserkenn]

I have been a Princess loyalist to the tune of 17 cruises so far, with 2 more booked for later this year.

 

My reasons for choosing not to try another cruiseline ...

1) I like Princess' itineraries

2) I like the quality of Princess' service, both in my contacts with the CSAs precruise and with the crew members of all levels onboard Princess ships.

3) I like the casually elegant decor of Princess ships, and the accomodations, no matter what category of cabin I choose.

4) I like the food and the dining options offered on Princess ships

5) I have done many Princess excursions, and like the variety available to me.

6) I love the comfort level I have ..... the feeling of returning to a familiar and welcoming place every time I board a Princess ship. I know what to expect, and Princess has not disappointed me.

Elite perks are great, but they are not the reason I continue cruising with Princess.

I just like Princess' product.

 

ps. ** JMHO **

 

Yes, I definitely agree.

 

The Princess itineraries are the best for me.

 

I like the Princess staff. It is especially nice to be greeted by staff members who remember you from before, even long ago:)

 

I too like the dining options.

 

Love the Princess shore excursions! Some of the best ever were in Hawaii this year: Mauna Kea Summit, whale watching, and also Movies Made in Kauai. Wow!

 

Love the Princess aft facing suites, and also the covered balcony mini suites on Emerald Deck.

 

Since all of these things are so good, I have no inclination to go on other cruises. (I did try others, years and years ago.)

 

Bon voyage!

[Cruiserkenn]

And I should have mentioned the Princess medical staff. They are just the best, if and when needed:)

[Socref124]

Actually. I don't mind if someone sticks with one line.

 

It's when they post of say that one line is the BEST that has my eyes rolling.

 

Like ShotoJuku.... They have no idea that the other lines are better in some areas than Carnival since they have only been on Carnival. The Carnival of 2005 was a lot better than the Carnival of 2013, in my opinion.

For us:

NCL- Atmosphere/ambiance

RCI- Entertainment

RCI & Princess- Service

Princess- Food

Carnival-Fun, Comfort & Price

[jimbo5544]

Actually. I don't mind if someone sticks with one line.

 

It's when they post of say that one line is the BEST that has my eyes rolling.

Maybe it's best for them. Does that make the eyes continue to roll?;)

[kybluecruiser]

I have seen a lot of people only stick to cruising on one cruise line and are very loyal to it. I'm just wondering why? Are the perks that great for repeat guests? I guess some say "If it's not broken, why fix it?"...but doesn't it get boring to see some of the same activities over and over again? The food must get boring after awhile as well. I guess I like variety and try what the different cruise lines have to offer. If the price is right, I'd be willing to go on any cruise line! =)

 

I don't do it because of any perks. I do it because I enjoy and prefer carnival's product over other lines. I've sailed with ncl and rci. Rci was ok and I hated ncl. So I just stay with what I like.

[Pam in CA]

It's when they post of say that one line is the BEST that has my eyes rolling.

It's personal preferences, lifestyle, finances, interests, etc. There are MANY variables and perhaps one line is the "best" for one person but could be the "worst" for someone else. There are many cruise line choices and even within a cruise line, ship size and style choices, not to mention itineraries, past passenger programs, OBC offered, TA discounts available, and other options.

[mizLORInj]

I like variety so I sail various lines and ships. And they've all been good cruises.

[ducklite]

We've chosen the best cruise for us at that time. When our son was younger, DCL was ideal. Then we tried Royal with friends, but didn't care for it. We took a short DCL cruise because we had a non-refundable deposit that we were able to move to pay for most of the three day cruise. Then we sailed Europe on Windstar as part of a full ship charter and lvoed their product. We are part of a group to Tahiti next year, and face it, no one does Tahiti like the PG. I expect the following cruise will be back to Windstar, and then quite possibly either a river cruise or Regent.

 

We aren't terribly price sensitive, and so far we've never seen any sort of repeat guest perk that would keep up loyal to a specific line. We aren't impressed by a few glasses of cheap wine or a special reception--we skipped it on DCL.

[Mulege]

We used to sail Princess (we are Elite) as our first choice but decided to try Celebrity. We loved the experience and now have X as our first choice. So glad we ventured out to try another product. It helps to validate whether you are getting the best cruise experience that suits you.

[Cruisin' Chick]

My first six cruises were on Carnival, but basically:

 

1. My hubby (then bf) had been on his first cruise, on Carnival, the year before he met me, so he figured I would enjoy it.

2. A few times we were looking at RC as they were doing the same cruises we were considering, but they lost out because they were a) sold out for the sailing date we wanted, b) they were still allowing smoking in the dining room for another cruise we were considering.

 

Then one of my hubby's workers, knowing most of our vacations had a cruise connected to it, said he could get us a "friends and family" discount on a Princess cruise, so we took him up on it, especially as we were curious about Princess cruises. We really enjoyed that cruise so we started looking at Alaskan cruises, an itinerary we were interested in.

 

But since we wanted to do a roundtrip out of Seattle or Vancouver, that basically narrowed it down to Princess or HAL. We decided to go on Princess, again.

 

Since then, we have done only Princess cruises, because:

1) Princess tends to do longer cruises, at least the two week ones we're interested in doing (hubby now feels the 7-day ones are even too short).

 

2) We wanted to do the RT to Hawaii, which Princess does out of LA. Our last three cruises have been this one. I guess about five or so years ago, the cruise director on this itinerary decided to make it into a cultural experience, so he hired a musical duo named Elua, who worked with him to make this cruise unique. By this, I mean, if you are thrown on the Golden (this fall, it's the Star Princess) blindfolded without any knowledge ahead of time where you're going, you'll be able to tell from the activities that you are going to Hawaiian. I don't think you can truly say this about any other cruise on any cruiseline, as far as I know.

 

3) With our quest to do cruises longer than 7 days, we would like the availability of self-service laundries. Some cruiselines (Royal and Celebrity are examples) don't have them. Someone in our family is allergic to regular laundry detergent so we wouldn't be able to use the ship's service.

 

4) Things like rock climbing walls aren't important to us, but since we have a teen, we want her to be happy with activities. So the ships like Oceania, etc., won't appeal to us.

 

5) Not into "freestyle." We had anytime dining a couple of cruises ago as we had booked just weeks before the sailing date, and traditional dining was all booked up. We found a.d. very rushed and disorganized, and really, really missed traditional. A few weeks after the cruise, my hubby said that he found traditional special because it makes the sailing experience unique over a land vacation. So a pass on NCL.

 

6) We don't mind putting on a dress (suit for hubby), but not interested in the very formal Cunard.

 

So most likely, we're going to stick with Princess. As the slogan goes, it's where we "belong."