Concerts At Sea-beginning of paying for Entertainment

[res2cue]

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.

 

 

So what has changed from a cruise without these concerts, or one with a concert? What have you had taken away from you to give you lesser value? The solution is simple, book a cruise without the concert. They aren't on all ships or itineraries.

I'm not sure why people are upset. You're still getting the same things you always have on any cruise, they just added another option. Unfortunately these bands won't play for peanuts so the money has to come from somewhere. I'd be more upset if it cost me money and I have no interest in seeing it. But like I asked, how has this effected you negatively in any way?

 

 

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[Evangaline]

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.

 

But it does effect me. And you. And everyone else who cruises. If people are just thinking its just this one concert series, it might be wiser to look at the big picture. If this works, then soon you may find that all quality entertainment comes with a price tag or a cover charge. This is how marketing works: you start with something that seems acceptable, by pitching it as a shore excursion, for instance. But seriously, this is not a shore excursion. Don't be surprised to see where this is going- just saying.

[Phlybice]

But it does effect me. And you. And everyone else who cruises. If people are just thinking its just this one concert series, it might be wiser to look at the big picture. If this works, then soon you may find that all quality entertainment comes with a price tag or a cover charge. This is how marketing works: you start with something that seems acceptable, by pitching it as a shore excursion, for instance. But seriously, this is not a shore excursion. Don't be surprised to see where this is going- just saying.

 

Exactly.

[res2cue]

But it does effect me. And you. And everyone else who cruises. If people are just thinking its just this one concert series, it might be wiser to look at the big picture. If this works, then soon you may find that all quality entertainment comes with a price tag or a cover charge. This is how marketing works: you start with something that seems acceptable, by pitching it as a shore excursion, for instance. But seriously, this is not a shore excursion. Don't be surprised to see where this is going- just saying.

 

 

By that logic there would no longer be a free dining option or free room service or free kids programs. Seriously, if all entertainment became paid for you don't think it would destroy the cruise industry? I think it comes down more to some people are just cheap and want everything for free and have no problem saying that.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

But it does effect me. And you. And everyone else who cruises. If people are just thinking its just this one concert series, it might be wiser to look at the big picture. If this works, then soon you may find that all quality entertainment comes with a price tag or a cover charge. This is how marketing works: you start with something that seems acceptable, by pitching it as a shore excursion, for instance. But seriously, this is not a shore excursion. Don't be surprised to see where this is going- just saying.

Disagree. While I understand how you can view it that way, I view it as added value and benefit to the cruiseline (revenue from both event and hopefuly increased sales). It is an excursion, they are not pitching that way then pulling the rug out and say - sorry we will now charge for all entertainment - or even our best entertainment. Totally different.

[Phlybice]

By that logic there would no longer be a free dining option or free room service or free kids programs. Seriously, if all entertainment became paid for you don't think it would destroy the cruise industry? I think it comes down more to some people are just cheap and want everything for free and have no problem saying that.

 

 

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Free? You are now able to board a ship for free?

[snc_cam]

I was going to post something very similar to res2cue about the added costs. So, when they added the steakhouse and other specialty restaurants, will this eventually charge for sitting in the MDR or buffet? If so, I see it as many years out since the specialty restaurants have been on cruise ships for many years already. Again, if you don't like it, don't go. But don't assume others won't want the opportunity and be willing to pay a little more for it.

[Phlybice]

Disagree. While I understand how you can view it that way, I view it as added value and benefit to the cruiseline (revenue from both event and hopefuly increased sales). It is an excursion, they are not pitching that way then pulling the rug out and say - sorry we will now charge for all entertainment - or even our best entertainment. Totally different.

 

You're not following the money.

 

Start removing the good food, course, and choices off the included menu little by little.

 

THEN OFFER IT as a buy up in a separate venue.

 

Start removing th good entertainment from the show rooms little by little.

 

THEN OFFER IT as a buy up in the SAME venue.

Edited January 27, 2014 by Phlybice

[jimbo5544]

You're not following the money.

 

Start removing the good food, course, and choices off the included menu little by little.

 

THEN OFFER IT as a buy up in a separate venue.

 

Start removing th good entertainment from the show rooms little by little.

 

THEN OFFER IT as a buy up in the SAME venue.

What I am not following is your logic. It is one nights entertainment. If you (or me) don't like it, or the juggling show, or hasbro, or playlist productions....don't go. Sold as an excursion makes that so much simpler.

 

Do cruise lines remove good food when they add steakhouse(s)? Of course not. Has added pay meal venues changed the MDR? no.

[Thommy_Boy]

So what has changed from a cruise without these concerts, or one with a concert? What have you had taken away from you to give you lesser value? The solution is simple, book a cruise without the concert. They aren't on all ships or itineraries.

I'm not sure why people are upset. You're still getting the same things you always have on any cruise, they just added another option. Unfortunately these bands won't play for peanuts so the money has to come from somewhere. I'd be more upset if it cost me money and I have no interest in seeing it. But like I asked, how has this effected you negatively in any way?

 

 

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That is not quite right. We ate not getting the same thing. There was free entertainment in the main show room that is no longer there. That is a take away. They also will not be opening the casino while on port except for possibly Nassau. That is a take away.

 

If people book the cruise knowing it is a concert one. Too bad. But if it changed to a concert one after booking, they have a reason to complain.

 

People are always complaining about the decline of quality food in the MDR. Could that be caused by the pay restaurants? I think it could be. Not sure since my first cruise was in 2010 and I didn't get a chance to try out the MDR before the pay restaurants came about.

 

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[jimbo5544]

That is not quite right. We ate not getting the same thing. There was free entertainment in the main show room that is no longer there. That is a take away. They also will not be opening the casino while on port except for possibly Nassau. That is a take away.

 

If people book the cruise knowing it is a concert one. Too bad. But if it changed to a concert one after booking, they have a reason to complain.

 

People are always complaining about the decline of quality food in the MDR. Could that be caused by the pay restaurants? I think it could be. Not sure since my first cruise was in 2010 and I didn't get a chance to try out the MDR before the pay restaurants came about.

 

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First and foremost I love your nickname. One of my favorite movies. To your points, can I understand that there is an entertainment on a night that was not there before? sure. I would also have to balance that with it is significantly better entertainment and it comes with a cost. I think for the most part (it is more or less a trial in action before they roll out phase 2) I consider it an excursion that I pay for (or don't). If it replaced a "free" entertainment option is really inmaterial. It is the option for that night, I (or you) can either go or not go. Casino is a different discussion. I have read several things and I am really unsure what they are going to do.

[Phlybice]

 

Do cruise lines remove good food when they add steakhouse(s)? Of course not. Has added pay meal venues changed the MDR? no.

 

Are you kidding? You haven't watched the evolution of food in the MDR from the early 00's to now?

[snc_cam]

To Jimbo5544 and Res2Cue, thank you... :)

 

To the others... I just came back from a cruise, and one new thing I tried was the chateaubriand. In fact, I had two. :) My wife and I have been cruising for 5+ years now and the food in the MDR is very good to our tastes. Though, we may not have the "discriminating palates" as others. I for one hope that Carnival keeps offering new items. If they don't work out, they will cancel them. Folks, they are a for-profit business.

[irishnyc]

Calling your stance a boycott is akin to choosing not to snorkel, or not to eat at the steakhouse, or not to purchase Cheers an calling it a boycott.:rolleyes:

Edited January 27, 2014 by irishnyc

[jimbo5544]

Are you kidding? You haven't watched the evolution of food in the MDR from the early 00's to now?

I have lived it. Whatever they serve in the MDR is in no way tied to whether they have a steakhouse or italian restaurant.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

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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The fee for the concerts aren't bad and I'd pay to see a concert if it was one I was interested in.

 

That being said how can you say nothing free was taken away?

 

Is there still going to be a show in the showroom the night of the concert? How is it a bonus to stay in Nassau later into the wee hours of the night?

 

If you don't go to the concerts what other options are there for entertainment if the casino isn't open. Most concerts are on Fantasy class ships which don't have Seaside theaters.

 

JH said the comedians would be performing that night but that doesn't hold many people.

 

Personally it's no big deal to me because if I wasn't interested in the concert I just wouldn't book that cruise. problem solved.

 

I'm just thinking about pax that already were booked on these cruises.

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

To Jimbo5544 and Res2Cue, thank you... :)

 

To the others... I just came back from a cruise, and one new thing I tried was the chateaubriand. In fact, I had two. :) My wife and I have been cruising for 5+ years now and the food in the MDR is very good to our tastes. Though, we may not have the "discriminating palates" as others. I for one hope that Carnival keeps offering new items. If they don't work out, they will cancel them. Folks, they are a for-profit business.

 

Your welcome, we love Carnival and the Carnival product. If that were not the case, we might have moved elsewhere (even though we do reach out from time to time -see my signature on sailing the Oasis next). Have there been some cutbacks, yes. They all have to do what they have to do. We still believe that Carnival offers a very good product and at a very good price. In our eyes they are the value leader (and I am don't get paid to say these things, unlike some other boards in the past).

 

They are working very hard to continue to make the product the best that they can. I think the latest announcement and enhancements support that statement.

[jimbo5544]

The fee for the concerts aren't bad and I'd pay to see a concert if it was one I was interested in.

 

That being said how can you say nothing free was taken away?

 

Is there still going to be a show in the showroom the night of the concert? How is it a bonus to stay in Nassau later into the wee hours of the night?

 

If you don't go to the concerts what other options are there for entertainment if the casino isn't open. Most concerts are on Fantasy class ships which don't have Seaside theaters.

 

JH said the comedians would be performing that night but that doesn't hold many people.

 

Personally it's no big deal to me because if I wasn't interested in the concert I just wouldn't book that cruise. problem solved.

 

I'm just thinking about pax that already were booked on these cruises.

 

Bill

If you are asking if now (on these crusies - not all by the way) the entertainment for one evening is an excursion that you have to pay for and the cruise after that where it is not an option - hypothetically speaking - the entertainment is free that night then yes I would agree. I guess I look at it differently in that the entertainment for that night is a paid excursion not a juggler of something else. We were on the Splendor in August and swung by the theater one night looking for somebody in our group during the "show". My guess is that there was about 300 people in there and I would estimate 30 were employees (all sitting together with nametags. From my vantage point the concert seems a much better deal for all involved.

[Thommy_Boy]

First and foremost I love your nickname. One of my favorite movies. To your points, can I understand that there is an entertainment on a night that was not there before? sure. I would also have to balance that with it is significantly better entertainment and it comes with a cost. I think for the most part (it is more or less a trial in action before they roll out phase 2) I consider it an excursion that I pay for (or don't). If it replaced a "free" entertainment option is really inmaterial. It is the option for that night, I (or you) can either go or not go. Casino is a different discussion. I have read several things and I am really unsure what they are going to do.

 

Whether it is significantly better entertainment is a matter of opinion. If it is not an act you like. The other free entertainment that used to be offered would be better.

 

I am not saying I don't like the change. I am just saying I could understand why some would not. I can also see where this could lead to more charge for entertainment items.

 

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[jimbo5544]

Whether it is significantly better entertainment is a matter of opinion. If it is not an act you like. The other free entertainment that used to be offered would be better.

 

I am not saying I don't like the change. I am just saying I could understand why some would not. I can also see where this could lead to more charge for entertainment items.

 

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I hope you are wrong in terms of the more charge comment. We will see how this all works out.

[Thommy_Boy]

I hope you are wrong in terms of the more charge comment. We will see how this all works out.

 

I hope I am wrong also. You never know, this might turn out to be a great change. Only time will tell.

 

I know if they went to a pay venue for the comedians, I would pay to go every night. That is my personal favorite entertainment on the ship.

 

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[bigbny1]

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.[/QUO

 

Very well said, I don't understand people that spend time complaining about going on vacation!! The extra things are usually not that expensive with regards to the experience i.e. the steakhouse or the thrill rides, spa,excursions...Just try to enjoy it........Brian

[Phlybice]

I know if they went to a pay venue for the comedians, I would pay to go every night. That is my personal favorite entertainment on the ship.

 

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I see that happening down the road at some point. Makes sense being they gave it its own venue. They just need to come up with a reason.

 

Tonight, David Brenner Fee: $20

 

 

Thursday, Brett Butler Fee $5

 

Edited January 27, 2014 by Phlybice

[S.S.Oceanlover]

If you are asking if now (on these crusies - not all by the way) the entertainment for one evening is an excursion that you have to pay for and the cruise after that where it is not an option - hypothetically speaking - the entertainment is free that night then yes I would agree. I guess I look at it differently in that the entertainment for that night is a paid excursion not a juggler of something else. We were on the Splendor in August and swung by the theater one night looking for somebody in our group during the "show". My guess is that there was about 300 people in there and I would estimate 30 were employees (all sitting together with nametags. From my vantage point the concert seems a much better deal for all involved.

 

Each of us has the right to put their own take on things.

 

As for the Splendor theater only having 300 people in it, I guess that confirms what a lot of people are saying about the entertainment. It has gone way down.

 

I will wait and see what options are available on the ships that have the concerts before passing judgement.

 

The fee for concerts are fine with me if they have other options for entertainment that night.

 

And as others have mentioned I would just book a different cruise if I wasn't interested in the concert.:)

 

Bill

[walty]

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.

 

Yes, you go, Girl! Boycott a sold out show. That will show them!

 

The reality is people are paying huge money for music cruises with big profits going to the middle man. This simply makes it affordable for fans to see their favorite artist at sea. It's really a smart play if they don't screw up simple concert promotion and venue management.

 

Obviously, you are not the target market for this promotion, so your absence will not be noticed.

Edited January 27, 2014 by walty