Carnival rising prices

[caitmac1]

My experience is obviously really short, but it seemed like the price difference last summer was SIGNIFICANTLY bigger between Carnival and other lines vs when we booked our upcoming trip this fall. We priced cruises out of a number of different ports then and the Miracle ended up being the right balance between a place I could get a cheap plane ticket to and a cheapish cruise.

 

That said, the perks that some of the next-step-up lines offer as far as booking bonuses and drink coupons are very appealing, and we'd like to try another line next time. (Probably NCL, maybe Princess.) Factoring in the costs there and I'm fairly sure Carnival is not the cheapest by much!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Yet as he said Carnival will always be #1 and for good reason. In my opinion' date=' best vacation out there no matter what I pay. And you and your 5 other names can dream on, Carnival is not falling behind.[/quote']

 

Come on Sarge give the guy a break.

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

Example how crazy overpriced Carnival is getting. While researching cruise for Feb 2017. Carnival Vista balcony for 2 people. $2900 includes $125 OBC and all taxes ports fees etc. It is an 8 day cruise. On Celebrity. 7 day cruise. Balcony for 2 people. $2100 including all taxes and ports fees. PLUS it includes drink package for 2 PLUS $300 OBC. For 1 less day your talking almost $2000. That's more than a few extra bucks

 

 

While true, that is nota fair comparison, a brand new ship high in demand compared to a 3 year old ship. Using your logic, compare the Vista to Anthem,

[jimbo5544]

My experience is obviously really short, but it seemed like the price difference last summer was SIGNIFICANTLY bigger between Carnival and other lines vs when we booked our upcoming trip this fall. We priced cruises out of a number of different ports then and the Miracle ended up being the right balance between a place I could get a cheap plane ticket to and a cheapish cruise.

 

That said, the perks that some of the next-step-up lines offer as far as booking bonuses and drink coupons are very appealing, and we'd like to try another line next time. (Probably NCL, maybe Princess.) Factoring in the costs there and I'm fairly sure Carnival is not the cheapest by much!

 

 

Actually, comparing cruise fares, they are still the value proposition overall. Of course, there are always exceptions.

[winddawn]

I am a big fan of Carnival. Looking to book a cruise for Feb2017. But I have found the comparable prices across the different cruise lines Carnivals prices have been higher for the most part. Was comparing Vista balcony to an ocean view Balcony on RCI Harmony of the Seas both lines newest ship. And the Harmony was lower by several hundred dollars. Checked Celebrity and for the same price they included drink package for 2 plus a $300 on board credit. WOW no brainier there. I love Carnival but money talks. Now we just have to decide between Harmony of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection. No drink package on RCI but it does have $250 on board credit. Of Vista does have $125 OBC. But that still is weak compared to the others. We got a better deal on our Princess cruise in October too. Plus a $400 OBC. Are people not shopping around? Carnival has become outrageous price wise. Not sure when we will sail again after our April cruise. Too bad too we just turned platinum.

I totally agree. I've been loyal to Carnival in the past, but with Carnival's higher prices now my thinking is if I have to pay a premium price, I'm going to buy a premium product where the cabin thermostat actually cools my cabin and I can get premium room service choices included in my fare.

 

I've loved Carnival in the past for the value offered, but if that value goes away and I have to pay more to cruise, I will choose where I can continue to get the most bang for my buck. Carnival just doesn't offer the value-added promotions that other lines do today. Plus Celebrity doesn't allow smoking in their casino. :)

[Cruising89143]

Reflection

 

I have cruised twice on the Reflection. A great ship and the entertainment was very good. If you feel the price is good go for it plus it's fun to try other cruise lines.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

I will admit we don't book inside rooms. We love a balcony. Carnival inside rooms may be cheap but we don't book those.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

I totally agree. I've been loyal to Carnival in the past, but with Carnival's higher prices now my thinking is if I have to pay a premium price, I'm going to buy a premium product where the cabin thermostat actually cools my cabin and I can get premium room service choices included in my fare.

 

I've loved Carnival in the past for the value offered, but if that value goes away and I have to pay more to cruise, I will choose where I can continue to get the most bang for my buck. Carnival just doesn't offer the value-added promotions that other lines do today. Plus Celebrity doesn't allow smoking in their casino. :)

 

WOW. Celebrity has no smoking casinos? That's a plus!!

[SmittyCo]

As a solo traveler, Carnivals 200% supplement have pushed me to NCL, with their solo cabins and included Ultimate Beverage Package... I love Carnival, but paying $1,300 for an inside plus $400 more fore the Cheers package is out of my budget...

 

We are booked for spring break. I had priced an interior room for a friend of ours and her boyfriend, which was 1662. They broke up. I priced a single for her, 1448. Insane!:eek:

[soccersharon]

I do find prices have gone up. Between our Canadian dollar being in the toilet, and higher prices for airfare and cruise fare, our Vista cruise in November might be the last cruise we take for a while.

 

While we love cruising, AI's in Cuba, the DR, or Mexico offer more value, especially for a family of 4.

[PatLuv]

I can't say that I agree here.Decided to try NCL,western Caribbean 7 day cruise out of Tampa in Nov.Added the drink package and the dining package.Mini suite,then it was all added up,service charges are all added on for both plus the room price was higher.Their balcony was 200$ higher than Carnival,and we'll be on Sunshine.Saved over 2,000 by switching to Carnival.Those so called "deals" have hidden costs.You have to really do your homework to make sure its worth itJMHO.:eek:

[undertheradar]

I am a big fan of Carnival. Looking to book a cruise for Feb2017. But I have found the comparable prices across the different cruise lines Carnivals prices have been higher for the most part. Was comparing Vista balcony to an ocean view Balcony on RCI Harmony of the Seas both lines newest ship. And the Harmony was lower by several hundred dollars. Checked Celebrity and for the same price they included drink package for 2 plus a $300 on board credit. WOW no brainier there. I love Carnival but money talks. Now we just have to decide between Harmony of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection. No drink package on RCI but it does have $250 on board credit. Of Vista does have $125 OBC. But that still is weak compared to the others. We got a better deal on our Princess cruise in October too. Plus a $400 OBC. Are people not shopping around? Carnival has become outrageous price wise. Not sure when we will sail again after our April cruise. Too bad too we just turned platinum.

 

While true, that is nota fair comparison, a brand new ship high in demand compared to a 3 year old ship. Using your logic, compare the Vista to Anthem,

 

Maybe you failed to notice that OP also compared pricing with Harmony and still came out several hundred dollars ahead. I believe Harmony is even newer then Anthem. :rolleyes:

[jimbo5544]

Maybe you failed to notice that OP also compared pricing with Harmony and still came out several hundred dollars ahead. I believe Harmony is even newer then Anthem. :rolleyes:

 

 

I did notice that but thanks for pointing it out. Maybe you can then explain why Anthem is so much more and in so many more ways than just cruise fare. Actually, it is a rhetorical question, the answer is home port plays into pricing (supply and demand). The reason I chose to mention Anthem is she sails from the same area as Sunshine (New York and New Jersey, bought you get the point), so with significantly less ships, the price increases (and in the case of Anthem...dynamically) add in other factors (the nickel and dining RCCL does) and it makes my case even more so. Wink right back at you.....

[undertheradar]

I did notice that but thanks for pointing it out. Maybe you can then explain why Anthem is so much more and in so many more ways than just cruise fare. Actually, it is a rhetorical question, the answer is home port plays into pricing (supply and demand). The reason I chose to mention Anthem is she sails from the same area as Sunshine (New York and New Jersey, bought you get the point), so with significantly less ships, the price increases (and in the case of Anthem...dynamically) add in other factors (the nickel and dining RCCL does) and it makes my case even more so. Wink right back at you.....

 

i don't know why you're mentioning Sunshine and New York. OP is comparing Vista, Harmony and Reflection sailing out of Florida. And it is a eye roll not a wink.

[jimbo5544]

i don't know why you're mentioning Sunshine and New York. OP is comparing Vista, Harmony and Reflection sailing out of Florida. And it is a eye roll not a wink.

 

 

I thought the thread was on rising prices. Do need to restrict it to 3 ships? Was the Sunshine mentioned already? Cherry picking works both ways. Eye roll and a wink.....

Edited January 12, 2016 by jimbo5544

[undertheradar]

I thought the thread was on rising prices. Do need to restrict it to 3 ships? Was the Sunshine mentioned already? Cherry picking works both ways. Eye roll and a wink.....

 

You told the OP that comparing a 3 year old Celebrity ship with a new Carnival ship was not logical. Then proceeded to tell him he should be comparing the new Carnival ship that sails out of Florida with a new Royal ship that sails out of New York. I say your idea is not logical when the OP has already compared the new Carnival ship with an new Royal ship that both sail out of Florida.

 

Was Sunshine mentioned in the thread? Yes, by one poster who said their Epic cruise was cheaper. I don't know what that has to do with the OP's comparison.

[AngAndBoys]

I noticed Carnival prices going up in the last year too. I've been looking at other lines, but haven't really found anything significantly cheaper for the dates/times I checked.

 

Word to the wise, those unlimited drink packages on NCL come with around $120 fee for 18% gratuity, which, according to their boards, is not actually going to the workers. I'm sorry I don't recall the exact amount of that fee, but the solo cabin on Escape with unlimited drinks and 4 nights free specialty dining in mid June came out to $1492 with prepaid gratuities at 13.50/day. Not so cheap, even for a no solo supplement, but I wanted to try the ship, so that's what I'm doing.

 

I didn't price compare on that one because I specifically wanted that ship and that time frame, but other times, lines, and ships that I've compared lately, Carnival has been some better in price, most of the time. I'm not adverse to trying others, but I keep getting casino rates that I can't refuse on Carnival, so I mostly stick with them.

 

I did notice on my researching that HAL has some killer deals on really long cruises, like more than 30 days, if anyone's in the market for those.

[NIATPAC29]

If you cant afford a real cruise take a three or four day !

[jimbo5544]

You told the OP that comparing a 3 year old Celebrity ship with a new Carnival ship was not logical. Then proceeded to tell him he should be comparing the new Carnival ship that sails out of Florida with a new Royal ship that sails out of New York. I say your idea is not logical when the OP has already compared the new Carnival ship with an new Royal ship that both sail out of Florida.

 

Was Sunshine mentioned in the thread? Yes, by one poster who said their Epic cruise was cheaper. I don't know what that has to do with the OP's comparison.

 

 

So we can only mention Carnival price increases for 3 ships that the op brings up is that right (and in Florida only) and only two lines.....I got confused, I thought the thread was on Carnival price increases in general and the only way to compare these is against other cruise lines (all). Which Carnival ship sailing out of Florida did I say?

[gfh77665]

. I also know that there is a lot more like me that's not looking elsewhere even with better deals on other cruise lines. Carnival gives me everything I looking for in a vacation.

 

Actually' date=' since you don't look around, it sounds like [i']you[/i] are giving Carnival everything they ask for, LOL.

[Podna's]

Actually, since you don't look around, it sounds like you are giving Carnival everything they ask for, LOL.

 

 

I did look around years ago and tried NCL and RC. Actually had a good time and have absolutely nothing bad to say about them. With that said, I much prefer Carnival's atmosphere enough to be my cruise line of choice. So as I said before, rising prices will not chase me away and it's obvious by very strong bookings I'm not alone.

[Who Cares?]

Yeah I think We are going to book Celebrity. The balcony price was $400 cheaper than the Vista PLUS it includes 2 drink packages and $300 OBC. How can I keep booking Carnival? Plus with the lame entertainment on Carnival ( which I was willing to let slide for a great price) but now I guess I'll take the better entertainment along with the better deal!

 

Big difference between booking the Vista and booking Carnival in general. You're comparing apples to oranges.

[rtap23]

I did look around years ago and tried NCL and RC. Actually had a good time and have absolutely nothing bad to say about them. With that said' date=' I much prefer Carnival's atmosphere enough to be my cruise line of choice. So as I said before, rising prices will not chase me away and it's obvious by very strong bookings I'm not alone.[/quote']

 

Your not alone...we have sailed on 4 other lines besides Carnival but for our family Carnival is our preferred cruise line. We just seem to have a better all around experience with them

[Palmetto Pilot]

Royal is still our line of preference, lately we've been a bit dissapointed with the perceived quality of RCCL that aside they are pricing themselves out of our budget.

Edited January 12, 2016 by Palmetto Pilot

[angiem0217]

I have priced 2 cruises for my upcoming anniversary. I have sailed on 7 carnival cruises and have never tried another line. I have enjoyed cruise with carnival but for our anniversary I am think of trying RCCL. I priced the allure of the seas in a Balcony going to Nassau, St Thomas and St marten for a price of $2386. I have also looked at carnival magic going to amber cove, Dominican Republic, st Thomas, San Juan and grand Turk. I like that itinerary better and it cheaper, Balcony is 2037. But I do like the idea of trying another line so I really don't know what to do.