Concerts At Sea-beginning of paying for Entertainment

[Evangaline]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

[golfadj]

I understand. Have been disappointed in the Carnival entertainment for awhile now.

[snc_cam]

I understand your perspective in this since it seems not a day goes by where another fee is being levied on us to live.

 

But, one of the great things about living in a free-society is you get to choose what you want to do. So, if you don't want to do the concert-at-sea, don't. But for the people who do, let them enjoy it without having to bash them. If they choose to pay the extra money, it is not affecting you in any way. And if you don't like Carnival for having this option, there are other cruise companies to choose from.

[bigdog1958]

I look at this way, if carnival does not increase revenue with ideas such as this, then they will raise the price of my cruise. I am fine with people going to these concerts and helping Carnival increase revenue so my cruise price can stay low

[jimbo5544]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

I really think it depends how you look at it. I do not thionk it is headed in teh direction that you suggest. Are you paying for entertainment - yes. I view this as singular in nature as in a special opportunity. This type of entertainment is sindnificantly above what you would see on a cruise ship (other than a charter, which is a totally different type of situation). To take this to the next level as you are alluding to is a quantum leap in my view. To each their own tho....

[PCHENG]

People had the same concern when extra tariff restaurants were first introduced, but to date we still have free of charge dining venues we can go to when cruising. So I say let's wait a couple years before jumping to conclusions.

[Georgiagolfer]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

 

While I am not interested in attending a concert while on a cruise, I see nothing wrong with CCL trying something different. The concert is sold as an excursion, just like snorkeling, diving, any tour, etc. Book if you want or not. Give it a chance and see what else CCL improves in entertainment, as their announcement said other changes were coming.

[cruizinisthebest]

OP I get that this isn't something you like, but I wouldn't call your decision not to attend should you be on a Carnival Live cruise a boycott. You're just making a decision not to buy one ticket for one night of entertainment. There will still be other things to do onboard. Plus no rush to get back on the ship since it's docked longer. I think it's a great concept even though as of now there aren't any ships or any entertainers (besides one or two) that I would be interested in. At least give the idea a chance to get going before deeming it bad wholly.

Edited January 27, 2014 by cruizinisthebest

[hihosilvers]

I look at this way, if carnival does not increase revenue with ideas such as this, then they will raise the price of my cruise. I am fine with people going to these concerts and helping Carnival increase revenue so my cruise price can stay low

 

This is the answer.

[okgirl]

I wouldn't go to one of these concerts, I'm just not a concert kind of person. I am also disappointed that they are taking away yet another evening entertainment.

 

When I 1st started cruising there was a production show every evening with a full house band. They had early and late shows. Then they started pairing down the house band and eventually went to a single show per evening repeating it sometimes early, sometimes late so everyone had a chance to see it.

 

And now to make it even worse if the concert is in Cozumel, the casino and the shops won't be open so there really isn't much else to do. John says the piano bar and comedy club will be open but those are already very limited seating. I don't think I would feel comfortable being on shore after dark in Cozumel. I don't even like being in a taxi alone during the day.

 

Truly a disappointment.

[RuthlessBoss]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

 

Boycott? Good grief, just don't buy a ticket (if there's even a concert on your "tentative" booking).

Do you go the Steakhouse at $35 a head?

Do you go on the ship's tour?

Do you go on any excursions?

 

This concert is an optional excursion with a specific group performing. It has nothing to do with entertainment in general.

[beachbum53]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

 

What Carnival is doing is NOT a concert at sea. The proposed concerts would take place while the ship is docked at specific ports ( such as Nassau), and will not be offered on all ships or itineraries. It is a way to bring name entertainment on board for a day, for those who are interested. Whether or not you want to see the entertainer is up to each passenger, and would be at a reasonable cost. I think it's around $20.00 t0 $25.00 pp for a regular ticket, and higher for V.I.P tickets, which would include front row seats, a chance to go back stage and meet the performer, get an autograph, etc. That's actually better than raising cruise prices across the board for everyone, only to find out that you're paying for someone you have no interest in seeing. Not everyone likes hip-hop, or country & western, or rock & roll. It would be a way of attending a concert like you would back at home, but at a cheaper rate. The nice thing about it is, you don't have to pay all of the extra fees like Ticketmaster charges. So now, when you're docked at a port that you've been to many times and could care less about (such as Nassau), instead of paying for a shore excursion, you can pay for a concert if you like. Just another option that will be available to those that are interested.

Edited January 27, 2014 by beachbum53

[HappyAboard]

If the concerts are held in the main theater then there wouldn't be enough space for everyone booked on the ship to go to the concert anyway.

[beachbum53]

If the concerts are held in the main theater then there wouldn't be enough space for everyone booked on the ship to go to the concert anyway.

 

You have to purchase your tickets ahead of time. It would be the same as booking an excursion with limited capacity. Although, depending on who the entertainer is, I'm wondering if Carnival will have a "stand-by" list (in case there's a cancellation) if someone wants to see the concert but doesn't purchase their tickets before they're sold out. Do you suppose there'll be on board scalpers like you see at a regular concert?:eek:

[caribsun]

Carnival offers many 7 day cruises for under 500.00, I have a choice to ante up 30.00 for a live concert or 30.00 for the Steakhouse, etc. Where in the Caribbean can you go on vacation that includes hotel, meals and some non alcoholic drinks for 500.00. CCL needs to make a profit so spending a few extra bucks on entertainment or a specialty restaurant is not a issue for me.:)

Edited January 27, 2014 by caribsun

[res2cue]

When I can go see a concert for older bands for $20 and Leann Rimes or Lasy Antebellum for $40 I'll whine about having to pay on a cruise. I think it's a good added feature. That and the fact that if you decide not to go to get to stay longer in port is a bonus. It's treated just another excursion should you choose to buy it, they didn't take anything free away from anyone. Personally I think Carnival has hit a home run.

 

 

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[Rena921]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

 

Boycott? Seriously? If you feel that Boycotting Carnival is a worthwhile venture, then by all means, do it, more room for the rest of us. Personally, if you truly want to boycott or protest something, why not chose a more worthy cause? There are much bigger issues in the world than CarnivalLive! Carnival is not going to miss you cruising with them, there will be someone else willing to take your place.

 

I get that some are upset about the fess associated with these concerts, but it is an excursion. You have a choice not to go. I would much rather have a fee based concert generating revenue for Carnival than have my booking fees go up. I would also rather pay for a concert than deal with the recent bouts of Noro Virus like RCL is currently experiencing.

 

Many are not fortunate enough to go on a weekend vacation let alone a cruise...and yet people still complain about something as trivial as this? Be appreciative of the fact that you can chose to enjoy a vacation at all.

[Phlybice]

Not really crazy about this Concerts At Sea idea. Sounds like a way to start charging everyone for their entertainment on board. Pretty soon it will be a cover charge for any entertainment that is worthwhile. I have a tentative booking with Carnival and, if I go ahead, will definitely boycott the Concert at Sea. Really hope this does not spread to the other lines. Getting tired of the pay extra for everything.

 

I seem to remember NCL's attempt at this. They were going to charge for somethng called TONY AND TINA's WEDDING, and was going to be the evenings only production entertainment.

 

It was rejected pretty quickly on the internet and on board.

 

And disappeared just as quickly.

 

And NO ONE was telling loyal customers to choose another line if they didn't like it.

[Phlybice]

Carnival offers many 7 day cruises for under 500.00, I have a choice to ante up 30.00 for a live concert or 30.00 for the Steakhouse, etc. Where in the Caribbean can you go on vacation that includes hotel, meals and some non alcoholic drinks for 500.00. CCL needs to make a profit so spending a few extra bucks on entertainment or a specialty restaurant is not a issue for me.:)

 

When you add your fare, and your sail and sign charges together, that amount minimally doubles pretty quickly.

[res2cue]

When you add your fare, and your sail and sign charges together, that amount minimally doubles pretty quickly.

 

 

Only if you allow it to. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to spend anymore money than the cost of the cruise. If you choose to drink alcohol, eat at specialty restaurants make purchases or take excursions it's your choice. There are lots of free options and none of those have disappeared to make room for this added "excursion"

 

 

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[Phlybice]

Only if you allow it to. Nobody is holding a gun to your head to spend anymore money than the cost of the cruise. If you choose to drink alcohol, eat at specialty restaurants make purchases or take excursions it's your choice. There are lots of free options and none of those have disappeared to make room for this added "excursion"

 

 

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Sure. Generic cruises sound fun, eh. But right off the bat, add tip and taxes.

 

Add an excursion, a fine meal, a couple of drinks, a spa visit, now a concert.

 

Ir sit in you chair and watch the sea go by till the cruise is on. Nope. No guns there.

[jimbo5544]

I seem to remember NCL's attempt at this. They were going to charge for somethng called TONY AND TINA's WEDDING, and was going to be the evenings only production entertainment.

 

It was rejected pretty quickly on the internet and on board.

 

And disappeared just as quickly.

 

And NO ONE was telling loyal customers to choose another line if they didn't like it.

B-rated summer stock plays and viable concert shows are not even in the same consideration. I do get your point as it would be "the" entertainment of the night. That being said, it is the same as having a nightly entertainment that I choose not to go to, nothing more or less.

[jimbo5544]

Sure. Generic cruises sound fun, eh. But right off the bat, add tip and taxes.

 

Add an excursion, a fine meal, a couple of drinks, a spa visit, now a concert.

 

Ir sit in you chair and watch the sea go by till the cruise is on. Nope. No guns there.

It is just another excursion, no pressure, buy it or not. Crusing (with this) is still the best bet price wise and otherwise.

[Phlybice]

B-rated summer stock plays and viable concert shows are not even in the same consideration.

 

I take it you are not familiar with the show to make that statement.

[jimbo5544]

I take it you are not familiar with the show to make that statement.

Please inform me as to why it would matter?