Carnival is cutting back so much

[jimbo5544]

Whether the OP has a short memory, should've done her research or whatever other condescending remark this supportive group would like to throw out, the cutbacks are real and they are significant.

 

I have cruised with Carnival many times over the last 16 years and just got back today after cruising on the Magic.

 

That being said, the food quality has deteriorated a lot. Admit it people. I read other posts saying, "we never went hungry", "we could always find something." I would not return to a restaurant on land if those were the best things I could say about food quality and selection.

 

 

You can say that again. Our December 2014 cruise to Hawaii on the Miracle was a disaster. The food for the entire two weeks was nothing short of APPALLING. My old high school cafeteria served up better slop than that. I practically lived on Reubens/Rice for lunch. MDR food was nothing special either, very bland & with poor presentation. Out of 7 cruises, we liked the Miracle the least. It just seemed like an overall "depressing" ship to us, especially for such an exotic destination such as Hawaii...

 

 

All Cruise lines have had cutbacks. That said, from my perspective "deteriorating a lot " is a big overstatement. See my previous post for thoughts on our most recent cruise. When I see comments of unbeatable and absolutely appalling it totally discredits a post imho because I have never seen that in my life let alone on a cruise.

 

If you think things are really that bad, why are you sailing on Carnival?

 

 

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[Chathamite]

 

 

All Cruise lines have had cutbacks. That said, from my perspective "deteriorating a lot " is a big overstatement. See my previous post for thoughts on our most recent cruise. When I see comments of unbeatable and absolutely appalling it totally discredits a post imho because I have never seen that in my life let alone on a cruise.

 

If you think things are really that bad, why are you sailing on Carnival?

 

 

 

We have since switched to RC and our next will be on Princess. Started cruising in 2011. 5 have been with Carnival. The first was on the Victory. That was a very memorable cruise. Second was the Breeze in 2012, another good vacation, few complaints. The Ecstasy in 2014 is where we noticed things were on the decline, the Miracle to Hawaii in December of 2014 (which was by the far the worst), and finally the Legend to Alaska in July of last year which was the final straw. We went on RC's "Allure" this past February and our experience was a total 180 from Carnival...

Edited August 14, 2016 by Chathamite

[Pyrate13]

Personally, we are quite happy with Carnival and will continue to sail with them. Yes, we have sailed with others and still come back to CCL.

 

I don't get the people that come on here and call those of us that are happy or defend CCL, "cheerleaders", and tell us we should try NCL or RC, etc, because they are so much better. Aren't you then doing the same thing and just "Cheerleading" for those lines? It's all so simple, you don't like CCl or feel the changes are not for you, no problem, sail with someone else. I have yet to see anyone forced to sail CCL. But that being said, we have just as much right to "cheerlead" for our favorite as you do yours. Your b....ing on here won't change our minds.

 

For instance, I find Disney highly overpriced and overrated but if you like them, good on you, continue to sail with them and have fun. No skin off my back and I won't knock you for choosing them. The same goes for any other line. Have fun on your chosen line and leave the rest of us be. :)

[jimbo5544]

 

 

All Cruise lines have had cutbacks. That said, from my perspective "deteriorating a lot " is a big overstatement. See my previous post for thoughts on our most recent cruise. When I see comments of unbeatable and absolutely appalling it totally discredits a post imho because I have never seen that in my life let alone on a cruise.

 

If you think things are really that bad, why are you sailing on Carnival?

 

 

 

We have since switched to RC and our next will be on Princess. Started cruising in 2011. 5 have been with Carnival. The first was on the Victory. That was a very memorable cruise. Second was the Breeze in 2012, another good vacation, few complaints. The Ecstasy in 2014 is where we noticed things were on the decline, the Miracle to Hawaii in December of 2014 (which was by the far the worst), and finally the Legend to Alaska in July of last year which was the final straw. We went on RC's "Allure" this past February and our experience was a total 180 from Carnival...

 

 

Happy cruising. Our experience on Oasis was just ok. Care to elaborate on how significant the cutbacks are ?

 

 

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Edited August 14, 2016 by jimbo5544

[bigman01]

When I see comments of unbeatable and absolutely appalling it totally discredits a post imho because I have never seen that in my life let alone on a cruise.

 

So, because you've never seen it, it's not true? My first trip on the Magic was not appalling, but it was very unappealing. Encountered several downright unfriendly, if not rude, staff members. Had a waiter in the MDR literally argue with me about what I ordered (I'm diabetic, ordered sugar-free dessert. Waiter argued with me that I did not. I know what I ordered). I ended up not going back to the MDR the last 2-3 nights - it was that bad. After I got home, I swore I'd never sail Magic again. I gave her another shot and loved it.

 

When you discredit someone else's post because "I have never seen that", imho, that discredits your own post.

[jimbo5544]

So, because you've never seen it, it's not true? My first trip on the Magic was not appalling, but it was very unappealing. Encountered several downright unfriendly, if not rude, staff members. Had a waiter in the MDR literally argue with me about what I ordered (I'm diabetic, ordered sugar-free dessert. Waiter argued with me that I did not. I know what I ordered). I ended up not going back to the MDR the last 2-3 nights - it was that bad. After I got home, I swore I'd never sail Magic again. I gave her another shot and loved it.

 

When you discredit someone else's post because "I have never seen that", imho, that discredits your own post.

 

 

Thanks. I disagree, and you actually make my argument. How did you ever survive a discussion on whether you did or did not order a sugar free dessert. Was it really that important a discussion point? 35 cruises and never a rude waiter. Go figure. Glad you like the 2nd shot. Happy cruising.

 

 

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[bigman01]

Thanks. I disagree, and you actually make my argument. How did you ever survive a discussion on whether you did or did not order a sugar free dessert. Was it really that important a discussion point? 35 cruises and never a rude waiter. Go figure. Glad you like the 2nd shot. Happy cruising.

 

Once again, because you supposedly haven't experienced it, it's not true and didn't happen. 'Nuff said.

[teddybear231]

I miss the chocolate on the pillows, the amenities such as travel toothpaste or razor blades in the bathrooms, and I miss the video of the cruise, where they videotape all the events and play them on the TV.

[BoDidly]

Food and entertainment are major parts of the reason we cruise

 

I avoid the food on the Lido buffet ,just have no desire for it . Rarely eat in the MDR other than one night ,lobster night.

The wok and sandwiches are ok. Entertainment I always find up to par..

Edited August 14, 2016 by BoDidly

[gribb]

Didn't you remember this from your last cruise on Miracle in May 2015?

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2207161

 

 

 

nice catch LOL

[Micahs Grandad]

I avoid the food on the Lido buffet ,just have no desire for it . Rarely eat in the MDR other than one night ,lobster night.

The wok and sandwiches are ok. Entertainment I always find up to par..

 

Dinners in the DR are still ok, cuts of steak not as good as in the past but we still enjoy them.

 

We know whats to expect on lido and will still enjoy lunch. We find breakfast better in the DR.

 

For some reason toast is made a few hours before being put out on lido and often rather stale so we look for untoasted bread.

Edited August 14, 2016 by Micah's Grandad

[jimbo5544]

Once again, because you supposedly haven't experienced it, it's not true and didn't happen. 'Nuff said.

 

 

Not at all, but I sure does not support it. People post all types of things all the time here. Did you read my posts? What I said was saying absolutes like horrible I eatable etc discredit their remarks. Oh and I forgot once again also.

 

 

 

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Edited August 14, 2016 by jimbo5544

[maldenmusic]

Not all ships have the same amenities.

[jimbo5544]

Not all ships have the same amenities.

 

 

I am

Not sure what you are posting this in reference to.

 

 

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[rjrpar]

Cruising is NOT what it used to be 10 years ago...or even, 3 years ago! It's still a fun vacation, but don't expect to feel like "royalty", like in the "old" days!

 

 

Good post. Paying less per night than we did years ago; you get what you pay for. All the mass market cruise lines are cutting quality and the cost to move up to the luxury lines is very high, leaving no option to experience the cruising of 10 years ago.

[Rh2458]

Great find, Bookbug53!

 

For those that didn't click on the link the first time; please do. There are only 2 posts by OP and absolutely no followup posts.....

 

For those that posted you should do your research before your cruise, you are right. Don't mean to be critical; but OP has set herself up with this one.

 

She did the same ship LAST YEAR. She didn't do her research for THAT cruise. The complaints were very similar to the ones this year. How can you forget so much about a ship you were just on?

 

There was also a complaint last year about the change from Past Guest Party only being for Platinum and above. Further proof she didn't research last year.

 

It seems like someone trying to stir the pot to me.

 

With all the responses this year - it seems to be working. LOL

 

OMG, this is seriously hysterical. I can think of no other reason for the original post but to stir the pot. :::::shaking my head:::: and LOL

[Thorncroft]

I am

Not sure what you are posting this in reference to.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

Pretty sure the post means what it says. Not every ship has the same amenities as other ships. Some have 2.0, some don't. Some have EOF, some don't. Not every ship has what some of the other ships have.

 

I don't think it was posted to be as nefarious as I'm sure you're taking it. Furthermore, I assume it was directed to the OP. LOL

[Rh2458]

I avoid the food on the Lido buffet ,just have no desire for it . Rarely eat in the MDR other than one night ,lobster night.

The wok and sandwiches are ok. Entertainment I always find up to par..

 

I've reread your statement a few times. Where exactly is it you actually do it? You've seemed to exclude every place. What am I missing?

[Sh1035]

The budgeted amount for the average mass market cruise line for food it $13 bucks per day. I've only been to Denny's a couple of times but think an omelette, sides and a drink will cost you about 13. Keep in mind the budget expects an average passenger to pay $1800 pp for cruise and onboard spending. Anything less then that and obviously your food budget decreases.

 

I know many of cruisers who book the cheapest inside, never hit the casino and spa, and them complain about their $5 buck dinner.....that they ordered 3 of.

 

If your not happy try one of the luxury lines it's that easy to fix. But complaining your filet stunk at golden coral is pointless.

 

http://www.cruisemarketwatch.com/home/financial-breakdown-of-typical-cruiser/

[tidecat]

Sh1035, that was an interesting article - I guess Carnival won't make any money off of me when I come on board. Even though I booked as a a solo, I don't drink alcohol or gamble, so that will wipe out most of the onboard spending. I've been using the discounted Carnival gift cards to pay for the cruise and shore excursions (minimum 10% discount), and on top of that, I just invoked the best price guarantee on one of the shore excursions I booked, so technically Carnival is giving me OBC for money I never spent due to using discounted gift cards.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Pretty sure the post means what it says. Not every ship has the same amenities as other ships. Some have 2.0, some don't. Some have EOF, some don't. Not every ship has what some of the other ships have.

 

 

 

I don't think it was posted to be as nefarious as I'm sure you're taking it. Furthermore, I assume it was directed to the OP. LOL

 

 

I did not take it in reference to me, just was trying to clarify what the poster meant. I usually don't have troubles picking out when someone has issue with my posts.......

[Sh1035]

Sh1035, that was an interesting article - I guess Carnival won't make any money off of me when I come on board. Even though I booked as a a solo, I don't drink alcohol or gamble, so that will wipe out most of the onboard spending. I've been using the discounted Carnival gift cards to pay for the cruise and shore excursions (minimum 10% discount), and on top of that, I just invoked the best price guarantee on one of the shore excursions I booked, so technically Carnival is giving me OBC for money I never spent due to using discounted gift cards.

 

 

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Trust me tidecat they make it up from people like me that also travel solo, drink, gamble and sometimes Book a solo suite. But life's to short to $itch about what you don't have......while your on a cruise??? Short from being stranded in the middle of the ocean for 6 months I can't complain? Do they charge gratuities then?

[morgan1929]

It is really pretty simple, the cuts will continue until ships start leaving with empty cabins. The bean counters are going to push it until they see a negative effect on the bottom line.

[BoDidly]

I've reread your statement a few times. Where exactly is it you actually do it? You've seemed to exclude every place. What am I missing?

 

Do It ? Any where I don't get caught, wife willing . :eek:

[Rh2458]

Do It ? Any where I don't get caught, wife willing . :eek:

 

haha, EAT. Still want to know where it is you eat. You've excluded everyplace I can think of.