it amazes me how people pay for what used to be free

[MISSSNOOPYGIRL]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

Edited February 8, 2014 by MISSSNOOPYGIRL

[DaveRRT]

as a stockholder Im glad they are.:)

[pmang]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

It amazes me that you just don't get it.... NOTHING was ever "free"... It was included in your fare... Fares are lower or the same as they were 25 years ago yet all the costs have gone up cosiderably. Instead of rasing all the fares, the cruise lines have figured out a way to stay profitable with a low base fare by giving the guests..... CHOICES!! It can't be both ways. You want everything included, be prepared to have the fare go up around 50%. Some people aren't interested and just want the lowest price point for a vacation... Others want to spend more for an upgraded experience. Why should those who aren't interested in those things subsidize it for those who are? What is so hard to understand about that?

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit. This isn't a secret.... If you want everything included in your base fare, there are other upscale lines that do this. Of course, you don't pay $79 a day....

[Pine Bluff]

Agreed. As odd as wanting to help a business pay for things.

 

Look at an old brochure, and look at the things that are included. Now the list of what's not included ius longer, and people never think to add their fare, tips, taxes, and their sail and sign account to see what their total expense is. And then believe the quality of what Carnival offers is value.

 

The correct word is actually cheap.

[MISSSNOOPYGIRL]

It amazes me that you just don't get it.... NOTHING was ever "free"... It was included in your fare... Fares are lower or the same as they were 25 years ago yet all the costs have gone up cosiderably. Instead of rasing all the fares, the cruise lines have figured out a way to stay profitable with a low base fare by giving the guests..... CHOICES!! It can't be both ways. You want everything included, be prepared to have the fare go up around 50%. Some people aren't interested and just want the lowest price point for a vacation... Others want to spend more for an upgraded experience. Why should those who aren't interested in those things subsidize it for those who are? What is so hard to understand about that?

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit. This isn't a secret.... If you want everything included in your base fare, there are other upscale lines that do this. Of course, you don't pay $79 a day....

 

I'm not an economics major by any means but I know Carnival does A-OK! (One just has to look at my bar bill!) - or the price of pictures or excursions. What a markup!

[PAPERBKWRITER]

If you don't think something is worth the extra charge don't purchase it. Occasionally I also enjoyed a cappuccino but I can lice without it. I also liked an occasional glass of tomato juice while others enjoyed an adult beverage but since they no charge for that I skip it. Like you I'm not a cheap skate but there is so much available that's included I just find something else.

[mykiddiewinks]

We have been on 9 cruises and only dined in the steakhouse twice, not because of the cost but we like to eat as a family most nights and the steakhouse to me is somewhere I like to dine and have a nice evening with just me and my hubby.

 

FTTF, this next cruise will be our first buying this, and yes to us worth the $50, no to get on the ship quicker because we are usually among the first to board as we like to get to the port early but to be able to go and drop our carry ons off at our cabin and not have to carry them around with us all day will be really nice. Also for the few times each cruise that we use the customer service desk to not take away from our family time by waiting in line.

 

YES to us it will be worth it, if you don't feel it is worth it don't buy it or don't dine in the speciality restaurants - your choice.

[Tropicalis_Rex]

A Carnival cruise is cheaper than a land vacation for us. I personally feel like I'm getting 4-star treatment for the 2-star price. I don't mind if the cruise line wants to charge for some things, because we'll pick and choose what we're willing to pay for. We don't drink alcohol, but I may have a few specialty coffees. It isn't an everyday thing for us, we're on vacation! :D

 

Much like choosing whether to pay for a shore excursion or do what you want in a port, my thought is that there are options for everyone, and some want to scale it up while still having a reasonable base fare. For the most part, the base fare includes everything I could need or want.

 

We can't afford a vacation every year (in fact, our last was 7 years ago). The fares we're paying for this cruise are actually less than the last cruise we took, per day. So I need and like that the fares are low, and for that, I expect to have to pay for the little "extras", if I want them. That being said, the food in the MDR is awesome, I doubt we'll do any specialty venues at all, unless the caliber of the steakhouse is Ruths Chris lol.

 

We bought Faster to the Fun because we feel it will be worth it to us - perhaps it won't, I don't know until I try it. We had to wait 2 1/2 hours to get a tender in Grand Cayman the last time, and that's the port we booked the cruise for - my daughter loves sea turtles (I know the ports aren't guaranteed, we're prepared to enjoy life anyhow if it would get cancelled). So for me, not having to wait so long for the tender this time is worth $50. The added bonus of not having to schlep my luggage around with me until my room is ready later is awesome, too. I try to pack light but have realized it's essentially not going to happen with me --- not even my carry-on.

 

Basically? We rarely get to vacation, so I'm going to be "extravagant" with some stuff and forget the rest. Perhaps a lot has changed with Carnival in the past several years. I know that it is disconcerting to have to pay for what we once got included in the fare, but such is the way of life, unfortunately. When booking, I investigated other lines, which were all quite a bit more expensive for the dates we have to travel and, IMO, didn't include anything earth-shattering in their fare to make it worthwhile to us.

 

Perhaps I'm in the minority and I know I'm not a very experienced cruiser, but I can't buy the same experience on land for the same money. Has cruising lost some of its glamor? Certainly. Is it still a lot of fun at the right price? For us, most definitely.

[JohnSpo]

I think of it this way. I like the fact that Carnival's fares do offer great value and are relatively low for a great cruise. I also like that I can enhance my cruise experience by paying a nominal fee for things like the coffee bar, the steakhouse, FTTF and even the new upcoming live concerts. For me it is better to not have to pay for things I don't want to do that may be included in other cruise lines' higher fares.:cool:

[emtnmare2]

I'm not an economics major by any means but I know Carnival does A-OK! (One just has to look at my bar bill!) - or the price of pictures or excursions. What a markup!

 

 

Carnival is not doing OK if you look at my bar bill or money spent in the casino. I have not been on a cruise for 4 years so it will be interesting to see if I notice any major changes.

[glrounds]

It amazes me that you just don't get it.... NOTHING was ever "free"... It was included in your fare... Fares are lower or the same as they were 25 years ago yet all the costs have gone up cosiderably. Instead of rasing all the fares, the cruise lines have figured out a way to stay profitable with a low base fare by giving the guests..... CHOICES!! It can't be both ways. You want everything included, be prepared to have the fare go up around 50%. Some people aren't interested and just want the lowest price point for a vacation... Others want to spend more for an upgraded experience. Why should those who aren't interested in those things subsidize it for those who are? What is so hard to understand about that?

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit. This isn't a secret.... If you want everything included in your base fare, there are other upscale lines that do this. Of course, you don't pay $79 a day....

 

EXACTLY !

 

Inside cabin on the TROPICALE doing the Mexican Riviera at least 25 years ago -- $699 per person !

[tigereye]

Boy, you got the cheerleaders going. Good job. You're successful again.

[cccer]

It amazes me that you just don't get it.... NOTHING was ever "free"... It was included in your fare... Fares are lower or the same as they were 25 years ago yet all the costs have gone up cosiderably. Instead of rasing all the fares, the cruise lines have figured out a way to stay profitable with a low base fare by giving the guests..... CHOICES!! It can't be both ways. You want everything included, be prepared to have the fare go up around 50%. Some people aren't interested and just want the lowest price point for a vacation... Others want to spend more for an upgraded experience. Why should those who aren't interested in those things subsidize it for those who are? What is so hard to understand about that?

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit. This isn't a secret.... If you want everything included in your base fare, there are other upscale lines that do this. Of course, you don't pay $79 a day....

 

Well said. Yes there are some extra charges, but base fares have not gone up much.

[glrounds]

A Carnival cruise is cheaper than a land vacation for us. I personally feel like I'm getting 4-star treatment for the 2-star price. I don't mind if the cruise line wants to charge for some things, because we'll pick and choose what we're willing to pay for. We don't drink alcohol, but I may have a few specialty coffees. It isn't an everyday thing for us, we're on vacation! :D

 

Much like choosing whether to pay for a shore excursion or do what you want in a port, my thought is that there are options for everyone, and some want to scale it up while still having a reasonable base fare. For the most part, the base fare includes everything I could need or want.

 

We can't afford a vacation every year (in fact, our last was 7 years ago). The fares we're paying for this cruise are actually less than the last cruise we took, per day. So I need and like that the fares are low, and for that, I expect to have to pay for the little "extras", if I want them. That being said, the food in the MDR is awesome, I doubt we'll do any specialty venues at all, unless the caliber of the steakhouse is Ruths Chris lol.

 

We bought Faster to the Fun because we feel it will be worth it to us - perhaps it won't, I don't know until I try it. We had to wait 2 1/2 hours to get a tender in Grand Cayman the last time, and that's the port we booked the cruise for - my daughter loves sea turtles (I know the ports aren't guaranteed, we're prepared to enjoy life anyhow if it would get cancelled). So for me, not having to wait so long for the tender this time is worth $50. The added bonus of not having to schlep my luggage around with me until my room is ready later is awesome, too. I try to pack light but have realized it's essentially not going to happen with me --- not even my carry-on.

 

Basically? We rarely get to vacation, so I'm going to be "extravagant" with some stuff and forget the rest. Perhaps a lot has changed with Carnival in the past several years. I know that it is disconcerting to have to pay for what we once got included in the fare, but such is the way of life, unfortunately. When booking, I investigated other lines, which were all quite a bit more expensive for the dates we have to travel and, IMO, didn't include anything earth-shattering in their fare to make it worthwhile to us.

 

Perhaps I'm in the minority and I know I'm not a very experienced cruiser, but I can't buy the same experience on land for the same money. Has cruising lost some of its glamor? Certainly. Is it still a lot of fun at the right price? For us, most definitely.

 

Experienced cruiser or not, you just hit the nail on the head for me. This is exactly why I cruise. I have never done a ship excursion, don't do photos, I have several very nice cameras, only play poker, don't drink much anymore, just enjoy the sea, the people, the acceptable dining and Carnival's cheap/efficient cabin pricing. Leaving Monday again for the 3rd time this year. :D

(and it's only February !) :rolleyes:

[poison7fl]

crazy cc website

Edited February 8, 2014 by poison7fl

[loxley]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

i can walk on a cruise ship and point out 10 things that i would never pay money for, but i bet i could walk into your house and point out 10 things i would never pay money for also.

 

I like the idea that people have to pay more for non basics because basic fits me fine in most cases.

 

I don't like cappuccinos so why should I want to pay a higher fare to have them included? But, if I get a wild hair and decide I want one, then it is available for me to buy,

[poison7fl]

crazy cc website

Edited February 8, 2014 by poison7fl

[poison7fl]

I'm not an economics major by any means but I know Carnival does A-OK! (One just has to look at my bar bill!) - or the price of pictures or excursions. What a markup!

 

Clearly, you are not an economics major... and leave it at that.

 

Also, FTTF is kinda new, so that can't be factored in because it was never free. In my 20yrs of cruising, shakes and such were never free. Also, Dining is still included.. Specialty restaurants are just that.... specialty... meaning you don't have to go or pay anything beyond what you already have... there is still PLENTY of dining options...

 

Oh, and pics and excursions... been to Disney lately?

 

It's ALL about economics... these ships are not free to operate and your fare doesn't cover much... they depend on the extras to stay.. ahem.. afloat.

[tigereye]

Oh, shakes are included. I make several on every cruise. Also, a little ice cream in my coffee tastes pretty good.

[Aplmac]

Has the original poster

ever had to pay for a 1 gallon can of marine anti-fouling paint??

 

.

[Isa65]

I think of it this way. I like the fact that Carnival's fares do offer great value and are relatively low for a great cruise. I also like that I can enhance my cruise experience by paying a nominal fee for things like the coffee bar, the steakhouse, FTTF and even the new upcoming live concerts. For me it is better to not have to pay for things I don't want to do that may be included in other cruise lines' higher fares.:cool:

 

THIS is exactly how we feel, as well. I love that all these things are optional and I don't HAVE to pay for any of them if I choose not to enjoy them.

But I do love the FTTF and the steakhouse and will continue to gladly pay for them.

[Aplmac]

I'm just thankful I can board a decent American cruise ship

for the low prices we all enjoy in 2014

-and not some dumpy lil Euro-boat that bobs all over the ocean!

 

Count your lucky stars, people, that Carnival can provide you with optional extras

to help bump up their economy.

 

OK so it used to be All-Inclusive or nearly AI

but things are changing. :eek:

 

 

The key to handling change is to roll with the punches

and these optional extra costs are hardly punches...sheeeeesh!

 

 

Live a little. Spend your money.

 

.

[Mysticks1]

My examples are FTTF and specialty dining restaurants onboard. I even don't understand paying for the specialty shakes and desserts, or cappuccinos in the dining room. I'll just stick to regular coffee thanks, even though I previously enjoyed their (free) cappuccinos. I am not cheap by any means but I am savvy. I refuse to patronize specialty restaurants (the MDR food is wonderful enough, as it should be), and in my opinion first to the fun may only save you a half hour here and there. Are people that impatient? You're on a cruise, it's not like you have to get to work in a hurry! What's next, charging to have your luggage delivered to your stateroom? Where does it end? That's right, why WOULD the nickel and diming by Carnival end if everyone keeps shelling out?

 

I love that cruising is this way. The base price is still very affordable, especially in comparison to some other vacations. I don't really drink, don't gamble and have never paid for specialty dining or a specialty coffee. I would rather have those type things a la Carte so that the folks who what them can buy them but I don't have to pay for them unless I really want them. Most of the main cruise lines do the exact same thing in order to keep cruises affordable. I have purchased FTTF for my next cruise because I am that impatient and want to be onboard as soon as possible. I am paying for that day and don't want to be number 4,000 on the ship. I also want to go to my cabin as soon as I board and drop off my carry on things so I can really enjoy those first couple of hours onboard without lugging them around with me every where. Everyone is different and there are many different options for everyone to choose from.

[kona_wahine]

I like to hear from the people who won't buy FTTF. That means I have a better chance of getting it when I cruise! :D there is a reason why it's always sold out.

[winddawn]

I think of it this way. I like the fact that Carnival's fares do offer great value and are relatively low for a great cruise. I also like that I can enhance my cruise experience by paying a nominal fee for things like the coffee bar, the steakhouse, FTTF and even the new upcoming live concerts. For me it is better to not have to pay for things I don't want to do that may be included in other cruise lines' higher fares.:cool:

This makes perfect sense to me. I'd rather pay for the premium things that I want as opposed to paying a higher cruise fare for things that I may not use. To me, that is the better value for my dollar.

 

I consider the extra fees to be user fees. Much like the government charges a fee to visit a public park instead of raising everyone's taxes to support the park.

 

With user fees I have a choice to pay or not.