Feeling nickled and dimed - Carnival Inspiration

[skierrob]

Just got off the Carnival Inspiration from the 3 day Ensenada weekend cruise. Several changes since the last time I sailed on Carnival really left me feeling nickled and dimed.... almost felt like I was on a budget low-cost airline like Spirit!

 

* When you buy the bottomless bubbles soda package and are in port, Carnival now charges $0.14 tax for each soda. No other cruise line has ever done this including Princess two weeks ago. In addition, Carnival now "swipes" your card with each soda and hands you a receipt to sign asking for an additional tip in addition to the tip you paid when you bought the soda card?

 

* Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Since when is that a normal practice on a cruise line? I'm fine with paying $25 for a special dining room like Palo on Disney, but to charge me extra for certain food items just feels like a surcharge to make "profit."

 

* The good old 6-5 blackjack at the $6 minimum table... not even with a single deck but with a continuous shuffle machine. The casino is making money hand over first on this one. Not to mention if you bet $6 you aren't getting even a 6-5 payout. You should be getting $7.20 for each Blackjack, but only get $7. Again, most ship casinos pay "normal" 3-2 payouts for Blackjack. This irritated me so much that Carnival didn't get my gambling money.

 

* Also charging a 3% fee to get casino chips at the table or cashier. Another thing that Princess didn't do on my cruise two weeks ago.

 

* Not an extra cost thing, but when did the food in the buffet get so bad??? I have experienced many cruise ship buffets and I've got to say this was the worst. Bland food, very little variety -- looked almost as bad as a buffet at Circus Circus in Las Vegas about 15 years ago.

 

Overall these felt like very negative changes. And as long as the competition isn't doing the same, my business will be with them (and yes, I know Carnival owns Princess).

 

Robert

[kelly11]

Swiping a card and signing for the BB program? This must be new, our last cruise the kids just had to show the card with the sticker to the bartender and they were given a soda.

[travler27]

Do they swipe it to see your pic and make sure it's your card?

 

Can't you just leave the tip blank and sign the ticket?

[facepirte]

they were supposed to be swiping your card before but didnt, now some are. The bartenders i frequented only swiped if they were slow but if they were busy it was pour and go.

 

The upcharge for steak or pork chops is for steakhouse food, you could still get the same MDR steak just like before.

[skierrob]

I believe the swipe your card for your free beverage is to print out a receipt that you have to sign after adding your optional tip?

[HawkIVette]

 

* When you buy the bottomless bubbles soda package and are in port, Carnival now charges $0.14 tax for each soda. No other cruise line has ever done this including Princess two weeks ago. In addition, Carnival now "swipes" your card with each soda and hands you a receipt to sign asking for an additional tip in addition to the tip you paid when you bought the soda card?

 

* Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Since when is that a normal practice on a cruise line? I'm fine with paying $25 for a special dining room like Palo on Disney, but to charge me extra for certain food items just feels like a surcharge to make "profit."

 

* The good old 6-5 blackjack at the $6 minimum table... not even with a single deck but with a continuous shuffle machine. The casino is making money hand over first on this one. Not to mention if you bet $6 you aren't getting even a 6-5 payout. You should be getting $7.20 for each Blackjack, but only get $7. Again, most ship casinos pay "normal" 3-2 payouts for Blackjack. This irritated me so much that Carnival didn't get my gambling money.

 

* Also charging a 3% fee to get casino chips at the table or cashier. Another thing that Princess didn't do on my cruise two weeks ago.

 

* Not an extra cost thing, but when did the food in the buffet get so bad??? I have experienced many cruise ship buffets and I've got to say this was the worst. Bland food, very little variety -- looked almost as bad as a buffet at Circus Circus in Las Vegas about 15 years ago.

 

 

Robert

 

I have heard that if you buy the bottomless bubbles after the ship has left US waters, you don't have to pay the tax. And you don't have to give an additional tip if you already got dinged for a tip.

 

Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Never heard of that in the MDR. Are you talking about the steakhouse?

 

Blackjack- I don't like it either, so I don't play it. Takes all the small edge a player can have of even beating the game. I play craps. I do buy in at the table, you get chips for that which is as good as cash. It goes on your sail&sign card, which is then transferred to my credit card. Credit card companies typically charge businesses (Carnival) a 2-3% transaction fee, so I am sure this is why they charge it. I am sure there are people who potentially could make money on their credit card "purchase' if they didn't do this. I have just decided to bring my own "fun" money.

 

And the buffet- we too, have had good and bad. That's why we eat in the MDR every night. Food a little better, but always seems better when you get it served to you.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise, but I hear what you are saying. But you kind of get what you pay for, and you probably can't complain about the price.

Edited November 4, 2014 by HawkIVette

[skierrob]

If it was steakhouse service and quality maybe I could understand. But one of my table-mates paid $20 for lobster. They received a few pieces of lobster (still in the shell) and weren't even given a tool to crack open the shell. And then given a baked potato with no toppings even though they had requested sour cream, etc.

 

A far cry from somewhere like the Crown Grill on Princess where for $25 you get an open kitchen dining experience, they bring the lobster over on a separate plate, crack it open for you, place the meat on a separate plate, bring your sides and top things like potatoes for you, etc.

 

Maybe we just had a bad server, but it didn't seem "premium" to me.

 

And I never saw a MDR steak except for the premium filet??

 

they were supposed to be swiping your card before but didnt, now some are. The bartenders i frequented only swiped if they were slow but if they were busy it was pour and go.

 

The upcharge for steak or pork chops is for steakhouse food, you could still get the same MDR steak just like before.

[skierrob]

BTW - yes, the $20 extra is in the main dining room. The Carnival Inspiration doesn't have a steakhouse.

 

I have heard that if you buy the bottomless bubbles after the ship has left US waters, you don't have to pay the tax. And you don't have to give an additional tip if you already got dinged for a tip.

 

Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Never heard of that in the MDR. Are you talking about the steakhouse?

 

Blackjack- I don't like it either, so I don't play it. Takes all the small edge a player can have of even beating the game. I play craps. I do buy in at the table, you get chips for that which is as good as cash. It goes on your sail&sign card, which is then transferred to my credit card. Credit card companies typically charge businesses (Carnival) a 2-3% transaction fee, so I am sure this is why they charge it. I am sure there are people who potentially could make money on their credit card "purchase' if they didn't do this. I have just decided to bring my own "fun" money.

 

And the buffet- we too, have had good and bad. That's why we eat in the MDR every night. Food a little better, but always seems better when you get it served to you.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise, but I hear what you are saying. But you kind of get what you pay for, and you probably can't complain about the price.

[sanmarcosman]

 

Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Never heard of that in the MDR. Are you talking about the steakhouse?

 

Nope, not the steakhouse, the ship he sailed on doesn't even have a steakhouse. These up charges are on all the ships now.

[YorN]

U.S. Ports have been more strictly enforcing the port tax they collect on transactions before the ship either leaves the port or reaches international waters, especially those transactions covered by untaxed beverage programs.

 

If Princess isn't charging, either they will be soon enough or they are calculating it internally and paying it directly and not passing the tax onto the customer.

 

----

 

Many land based casinos are converting to 6/5 blackjack for low-limit tables.

Edited November 4, 2014 by YorN

[bonnie&clydecruzers]

Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Never heard of that in the MDR. Are you talking about the steakhouse?

.

 

Its a feature on the new American Table menus. They have some selections on the MDR menu for $20.

Edited November 4, 2014 by bonnie&clydecruzers

[YorN]

Nope, not the steakhouse, the ship he sailed on doesn't even have a steakhouse. These up charges are on all the ships now.

 

No, not on all ships.

[bury me at sea]

I can't address most of the issues you outlined but agree 100% with your comments on the buffet. We don't eat there anymore.

 

Still enjoy the MDR, both food and service.

[us2swingu]

See ya!!

[facepirte]

If it was steakhouse service and quality maybe I could understand. But one of my table-mates paid $20 for lobster. They received a few pieces of lobster (still in the shell) and weren't even given a tool to crack open the shell. And then given a baked potato with no toppings even though they had requested sour cream, etc.

 

A far cry from somewhere like the Crown Grill on Princess where for $25 you get an open kitchen dining experience, they bring the lobster over on a separate plate, crack it open for you, place the meat on a separate plate, bring your sides and top things like potatoes for you, etc.

 

Maybe we just had a bad server, but it didn't seem "premium" to me.

 

And I never saw a MDR steak except for the premium filet??

 

 

Flat iron is still available daily. My wife ordered the filet for $20 and it was great.

[jchris1230]

On freedom last week they had those $20 extra charges on the menu. We didn't pay extra, it's a rip off.

 

Sent from my HTC One using Forums mobile app

[KPfromCT]

Nope, not the steakhouse, the ship he sailed on doesn't even have a steakhouse. These up charges are on all the ships now.

 

NOT true. This is an OPTIONAL upcharge to get the Steakhouse quality steaks/lobster. Not mandatory:rolleyes:

[Writerfl]

Interesting report about the tax. I think this is actually a recent change *for the better*. Previously, if you purchased the Bottomless Bubbles package while in port you paid tax on the entire package. Conversely, purchasers of Cheers were charged tax on an "as you go" basis, only on drinks ordered while in US ports (except Texas sailings, where they operate under some very rapacious rules). It sounds like Bubbles and Cheers are now on the same footing, tax-wise. That saves a buck or two.

 

After eight cruises this year, I can tell you that the buffet quality varies from ship to ship and is a direct reflection of the Chef d'Cuisine on board. They manage their own budgets and can emphasize/de-emphasize items, economizing on the buffet to improve the MDR or vice versa. Their budgets have shrunk through corporate cost-cutting and its become a real balancing act that some are better at than others.

 

As far as the "Steakhouse Selections" in MDR, I think it's disgusting, reprehensible, venal and insulting (but tell us how you really feel, writerfl. LOL). To charge $20 for a $5 piece of meat you should should have served me in the first place as part of my cruise fare is adding insult to fiscal injury. It is my fervent hope that nobody ever orders these items AND begins to complain loudly about the poor quality of the "regular" menu items they are supposed to supplant.

 

One of the best meals I've EVER had on a Carnival ship was at Cucina Del Capitano on the Breeze. Can you tell me why that only costs $15 a person up charge for a complete, sumptuous meal served impeccably versus an extra $20 for a single hunk of beef served by the same people who were serving you anyways? Hah! Trick question.

[Sauer-kraut]

Some of the bars were indeed printing a receipt for the soda sticker drinks. Not 100% of the time, but I'd say about 90%. I just drew a line through the gratuity line and signed. It comes up as a Zero charge, and I think they do it for stocking control. It wasn't a big deal.

 

On the Breeze there were the upcharge meat cuts on the left side of the menu, but I never ordered them. I got the flat iron steak one night and that was the only option I chose all week from the static menu.

[sanmarcosman]

NOT true. This is an OPTIONAL upcharge to get the Steakhouse quality steaks/lobster. Not mandatory:rolleyes:

Yes, I know this is not mandatory.Where did I say it was not an option or that it is mandatory, you inferred what I did not say. yeesh

[vamartha]

* When you buy the bottomless bubbles soda package and are in port, Carnival now charges $0.14 tax for each soda. No other cruise line has ever done this including Princess two weeks ago. In addition, Carnival now "swipes" your card with each soda and hands you a receipt to sign asking for an additional tip in addition to the tip you paid when you bought the soda card? The swiping is for inventory purposes. Accounting and Purchasing Departments need to know how many were consumed (not necessarily sold, but consumed) for various reasons - budgeting, negotiating bulk buys, analizing their profit margin among others. The tip isn't mandatory and is probably seldom expected by the server from someone with bottomless bubbles - most children have them and I can imagine a few of the parents onboard wanting to keep tabs on how many are obtained by their kids, it all shows on your account.

 

* Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Since when is that a normal practice on a cruise line? I'm fine with paying $25 for a special dining room like Palo on Disney, but to charge me extra for certain food items just feels like a surcharge to make "profit." I'm personally excited to have this option. There are nights I will choose to use it, its my choice and you certainly don't have to choose to spend it! It's only an option, not the only option! :)

 

* The good old 6-5 blackjack at the $6 minimum table... not even with a single deck but with a continuous shuffle machine. The casino is making money hand over first on this one. Not to mention if you bet $6 you aren't getting even a 6-5 payout. You should be getting $7.20 for each Blackjack, but only get $7. Again, most ship casinos pay "normal" 3-2 payouts for Blackjack. This irritated me so much that Carnival didn't get my gambling money.

 

* Also charging a 3% fee to get casino chips at the table or cashier. Another thing that Princess didn't do on my cruise two weeks ago.

 

* Not an extra cost thing, but when did the food in the buffet get so bad??? I have experienced many cruise ship buffets and I've got to say this was the worst. Bland food, very little variety -- looked almost as bad as a buffet at Circus Circus in Las Vegas about 15 years ago. It isn't the worlds best buffet by any means, but like others have commented, I find it absolutely depends on the ship. The deli is always good, but it does take a minute more. And I agree with Writherlf, Cucina was great on the Breeze, DH would have eaten there every night if I'd have let him!

 

Overall these felt like very negative changes. And as long as the competition isn't doing the same, my business will be with them (and yes, I know Carnival owns Princess). For me it is the bottom line. And the ambiance. What am I paying dollar wise for another cruise line and what am I getting for my money versus what am I paying dollar wise for Carnival and what am I getting for my money? And I always know what atmosphere I am getting with Carnival and it is always one I am comfortable with.

 

A three day cruise on one of the Fantasy Class ships isn't going to compare in any way, shape or form to a six, seven or eight night cruise on the Breeze, Dream or Magic. Any of the larger ships or with 2.0 upgrades have so many more options that are free that you didn't get to experience. I'd recommend trying an East Coast or Gulf Coast cruise on a larger ship to get a real feel for Carnival. I've been on both - it does make a difference.

Robert

[bingo3]

Most of the cruise lines in the same price range are all doing the same things. Last I checked, Princess was considerably higher to cruise. Giving customers choices means the rest of us don't have to pay for what we don't want. I have no problem with it, just don't pay it!

 

I do agree food on all the lines is not what it used to be. What you now pay extra for in the pay restaurants is what we used to get in the MDR. I think those days are gone.....unless you pay more to cruise a higher end line.

debbie

[Cruise life]

When did the up-charge go into effect on the Breeze for steaks? We were on the Breeze in July and did not have that on our menu. OOH, when Bill hears about this I am pretty sure he will be ticked, although maybe not if he rationalizes it is the Steakhouse quality steak. The steaks in the MDR were nothing to write home about on the Breeze we both noted. The best piece of steak we had was the mini filet at the Sea Day Brunch. We have a college student that works at a major steakhouse chain, and their steaks are as good as the very high end Ruth's Chris steaks; of course, the experience comes no where close to Ruth's. I remember eating at the Castle at WDW and the staff called us King, Queen, and Princes, LOL. Now THAT'S service one remembers! Of course, I don't recall the food being memorable, or maybe it's been too long, but I do remember the service;)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[andy.capitan]

Just got off the Carnival Inspiration from the 3 day Ensenada weekend cruise. Several changes since the last time I sailed on Carnival really left me feeling nickled and dimed.... almost felt like I was on a budget low-cost airline like Spirit!

 

* When you buy the bottomless bubbles soda package and are in port, Carnival now charges $0.14 tax for each soda. No other cruise line has ever done this including Princess two weeks ago. In addition, Carnival now "swipes" your card with each soda and hands you a receipt to sign asking for an additional tip in addition to the tip you paid when you bought the soda card? Carnival is following the law. How much soda do you drink? You can bring a 12 pack on. For a 3 day cruise? More than 4 sodas a day? At the port in Ensenada you can buy a can or 6 for a buck apiece and bring back on the ship.

 

However, I seriously doubt the ship charged tax on sodas in Ensenada.

 

They don't ask you for an addition tip - they offer that option. They also do that on room service tickets. Saves many people from worrying about keeping cash on hand.

 

* Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Since when is that a normal practice on a cruise line? I'm fine with paying $25 for a special dining room like Palo on Disney, but to charge me extra for certain food items just feels like a surcharge to make "profit." The standard food is fine and what you cruise fare paid for. Steak is available every night at no extra charge. Nothing was removed from the standard menu to offer a new option, and the keyword is option, to those who like it. It is a new choice that most people who try, like.

 

* The good old 6-5 blackjack at the $6 minimum table... not even with a single deck but with a continuous shuffle machine. The casino is making money hand over first on this one. Not to mention if you bet $6 you aren't getting even a 6-5 payout. You should be getting $7.20 for each Blackjack, but only get $7. Again, most ship casinos pay "normal" 3-2 payouts for Blackjack. This irritated me so much that Carnival didn't get my gambling money. I'm still laughing at this one. Disney doesn't even have casinos. Most ship casinos still pay 3-2? Are you sure? Even if so, Carnival has been "giving" away more and more casino cruises. Ask those who get nearly free cruises what they think about it. Casinos at seas have always had lousy slot and video poker payouts. Las Vegas is a lot closer to you than most of America.

 

What was the payout at the $25 table?

 

* Also charging a 3% fee to get casino chips at the table or cashier. Another thing that Princess didn't do on my cruise two weeks ago.

This is not a new change. When was the last time you cruised on Carnival?

 

* Not an extra cost thing, but when did the food in the buffet get so bad??? I have experienced many cruise ship buffets and I've got to say this was the worst. Bland food, very little variety -- looked almost as bad as a buffet at Circus Circus in Las Vegas about 15 years ago.

Food is so subjective but is geared for the majority. If you want spicy there is no lack of salt, pepper, Tabasco, etc. Do you smoke?

 

Overall these felt like very negative changes. And as long as the competition isn't doing the same, my business will be with them (and yes, I know Carnival owns Princess).

Carnival Corp owns both Carnival and Princess. Carnival Cruise Lines does not own Princess.

 

Robert

 

How much did you pay for your Princess cruise versus Carnival? More?

 

I think we all know Disney is one of the highest priced mass market cruise lines.

 

Yes, it is possible to cherry pick cruises to show Carnival isn't always the lowest cost (they aren't), but overall they are.

[SadieN]

Just got off the Carnival Inspiration from the 3 day Ensenada weekend cruise. Several changes since the last time I sailed on Carnival really left me feeling nickled and dimed.... almost felt like I was on a budget low-cost airline like Spirit!

 

* When you buy the bottomless bubbles soda package and are in port, Carnival now charges $0.14 tax for each soda. No other cruise line has ever done this including Princess two weeks ago. In addition, Carnival now "swipes" your card with each soda and hands you a receipt to sign asking for an additional tip in addition to the tip you paid when you bought the soda card?

 

* Charging $20 extra to get steak or pork chops in the main dining room? Since when is that a normal practice on a cruise line? I'm fine with paying $25 for a special dining room like Palo on Disney, but to charge me extra for certain food items just feels like a surcharge to make "profit."

 

* The good old 6-5 blackjack at the $6 minimum table... not even with a single deck but with a continuous shuffle machine. The casino is making money hand over first on this one. Not to mention if you bet $6 you aren't getting even a 6-5 payout. You should be getting $7.20 for each Blackjack, but only get $7. Again, most ship casinos pay "normal" 3-2 payouts for Blackjack. This irritated me so much that Carnival didn't get my gambling money.

 

* Also charging a 3% fee to get casino chips at the table or cashier. Another thing that Princess didn't do on my cruise two weeks ago.

 

* Not an extra cost thing, but when did the food in the buffet get so bad??? I have experienced many cruise ship buffets and I've got to say this was the worst. Bland food, very little variety -- looked almost as bad as a buffet at Circus Circus in Las Vegas about 15 years ago.

 

Overall these felt like very negative changes. And as long as the competition isn't doing the same, my business will be with them (and yes, I know Carnival owns Princess).

 

Robert

 

Just off the Miracle. We watched you sail out of Ensenada.

 

Everyone's already discussed the taxes. Rather pay $0.14each for a few sodas rather than a tax on the whole package amount. The tip line is pre-programmed. Like getting take out at a restaurant, the tip line is still there. Fill it in or ignore it.

 

The steakhouse upcharge is something Carnival has toyed with in the past. We also had it on the Miracle. It's not for everyone. On our 15 day cruise on guy we met had the Lobster Tail or Surf n Turf every night in the MDR.

 

Casino--Carnival's tables, Carnival's rules. The BJ odds changed a few months ago. The odds are clearly stated. For as long as we've sailed on Carnival out of California (Paradise was our first ship) they've always charged 3% for chips/cash at the tables. It's the penalty you pay for stopping the play at the table. (Yes, it costs them money when this is done.) Could have used your Player's Bank at any slot machine and gotten chips at the Cage for no charge. Have heard many of the Pit Bosses inform table players of this.

 

I'll be on the Golden next week doing a B2B. I'll check out the Casino.

 

Buffet has always been hit and miss. Depends on the chef.

 

How was Halloween on the Inspiration? We had a blast on the Miracle.