Potential evidence Princess has made too many cutbacks?

[SquishTheWhale]

Good luck to them trying MSC- I guess if nothing else it will give them something real to complain about.

 

If Princess is an 8 then MSC is a 2. The new ships are absolutely stunning but everything else- nope.

[OzKiwiJJ]

3 hours ago, Credit 00 said:

 

We also went on the Majestic, It's repositioning from Shanghai To Australia late last year.  At first the service was horrible though the crew got used to the western clients pretty quick. One of the crew members recognized us from the Emerald (LA to Santiago) from 2017 and said, "I'll look after you guys" and he really did. I asked him what the Majestic was like in China, He Basically said "They make twice the mess everywhere and don't spend a sent", a tad racist but he new what australia expected in terms of service. With that said the MDR was below average without doubt though the "Marketplace" AKA Horizon was exceptional. Being on the Sea Princess recently the MDR was great, Maybe it's a bit hit and miss. Is your 35 nighter 79 days away?

I didn't even like the Marketplace. I did like Harmony though.

 

Yes, it's the August 29th embarkation on Sea. Good to hear the MDR was great. Did you have Anytime dining? Up until the Majestic cruise we've had late traditional dining but have decided to try Anytime for that and the Hawaii/Tahiti cruise. Hopefully it was a good decision. I'll be looking out for a good wait team and if we find one will try to get in their section as often as possible. 

 

I've seen a few comments that some of the world cruisers are grumbling about the food on Sea at the moment. 

[SargassoPirate]

We cruise to enjoy the ocean and the ports of call.  We do not cruise to be on a floating county fair with upsell barkers at every turn.  We do not need to keep an alcohol buzz on all day or spend the day on the Melanoma deck with the chair hogs being blasted with too-loud music to have a good time.  A cup of coffee, a good book, and a deck chair on a real promenade deck does it for us.

 

My barometer for cruise food is compared to my long motorcycle trips where I eat MREs warmed up on the transmission for dinner after I set up my tent.  Small local diners serve as a breakfast stop, and lunch is a granola bar or two alongside the road somewhere.  Cruise food is a real luxury after that.

 

Regarding cutbacks, it's a science to how much you can cutback and cheapen your product without driving off your consumers.  Look at what airlines have been doing for years.  As long as the ships sail full and the upsells work, the cutbacks will continue.

[kywildcatfanone]

50 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said:

Regarding cutbacks, it's a science to how much you can cutback and cheapen your product without driving off your consumers.  Look at what airlines have been doing for years.  As long as the ships sail full and the upsells work, the cutbacks will continue.

Absolutely. And for loyal cruisers with loyalty benefits, they notice the cutbacks more quickly than others, and there are always people who have not experienced cutbacks who are new to cruising who will book that same cabin, so it's a no lose proposition for the cruise line, just like the airline.  Lose one customer, pick up another who pays the same and they are good.

[mreasier]

3 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

Absolutely. And for loyal cruisers with loyalty benefits, they notice the cutbacks more quickly than others, and there are always people who have not experienced cutbacks who are new to cruising who will book that same cabin, so it's a no lose proposition for the cruise line, just like the airline.  Lose one customer, pick up another who pays the same and they are good.

They come out ahead.  The new customer tends to spend much more on-board than the old one and has fewer loyalty credits.  On our last 14 day cruise my final bill was $134 and my wife's was less than $10.  On our prior 2 week cruise we both got about $50 refunds.  They will be glad to lose us (which they have).

[kywildcatfanone]

17 minutes ago, mreasier said:

They come out ahead.  The new customer tends to spend much more on-board than the old one and has fewer loyalty credits.  On our last 14 day cruise my final bill was $134 and my wife's was less than $10.  On our prior 2 week cruise we both got about $50 refunds.  They will be glad to lose us (which they have).

It's funny you say that.  I have made it kind of a goal to spend as little as possible to take my cruise, I look at it as a challenge.  Princess would likely be glad to lose us as customers because we don't spend a lot of money, and with the recent non alcoholic beverage change, I'm going to spend even less.

[PescadoAmarillo]

1 hour ago, SargassoPirate said:

We cruise to enjoy the ocean and the ports of call.  We do not cruise to be on a floating county fair with upsell barkers at every turn.  We do not need to keep an alcohol buzz on all day or spend the day on the Melanoma deck with the chair hogs being blasted with too-loud music to have a good time.  A cup of coffee, a good book, and a deck chair on a real promenade deck does it for us.

Darn, you’ve made me wish I was upon the sea today, instead of doing what I’m doing. A teak lounger on the wide Pacific Princess promenade is my idea of perfection. 

 

Melanoma Deck. Never heard it called that before but so true. 😮

[SargassoPirate]

Just now, PescadoAmarillo said:

 

 

Melanoma Deck. Never heard it called that before but so true. 😮

 I've been calling it that for years, and you are welcome to use it anytime. 👍

 

I also call the buffet the Foodjammer (Windjammer) when we cruise with Royal Caribbean.  She Who Must Be Obeyed just rolls her eyes and tolerates it.😁

 

 

[Steelers36]

14 hours ago, geoherb said:

The scrambled eggs are made from pasteurized eggs that come in a carton. Some folks have figured out a way to get scrambled eggs made fresh at the omelet station by asking for fried eggs then changing their minds after the cook has cracked the eggs in the pan.

We figured they have been from powdered eggs in recent years.  They certainly tasted almost chalky on Regal last week.  I guess I should have asked a Sous Chef what the situation was.

 

[geoherb]

On the other hand, happy loyal customers will be the ones that recommend Princess to new cruisers. If they make too many cutbacks, they end up with unhappy disloyal customers who will recommend other lines.

[LSGDRG]

I have been cruising on Princess since 2006.  I am not sure if they are cutting back or just shifting where they spend their $.  It seems that they are moving in the direction to attract younger cruisers and multi generational groups.  Princess is spending their  money on a new water park and Ocean Medallion.  

[voljeep]

18 minutes ago, LSGDRG said:

a new water park

the kiddie splash pool on CB is a water park ???

[Colo Cruiser]

25 minutes ago, LSGDRG said:

I have been cruising on Princess since 2006.  I am not sure if they are cutting back or just shifting where they spend their $.  It seems that they are moving in the direction to attract younger cruisers and multi generational groups.  Princess is spending their  money on a new water park and Ocean Medallion.  

Water park?  😂😂😂

Do you mean that tiny thing they added in the kids area on the Caribbean a few weeks ago in dry dock?

[LSGDRG]

3 minutes ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Water park?  😂😂😂

Do you mean that tiny thing they added in the kids area on the Caribbean a few weeks ago in dry dock?

Yup.  It is being advertised as a water park...not sure I agree with the description, but it might point to what type of demographic they are trying to attract.

[geocruiser]

2 hours ago, geoherb said:

On the other hand, happy loyal customers will be the ones that recommend Princess to new cruisers. If they make too many cutbacks, they end up with unhappy disloyal customers who will recommend other lines.

I agree.  Also longer cruises are mainly booked by loyal customers.  Very few round the world cruises are booked by first time PAX.  So. Princess does need the loyal base.

[OzKiwiJJ]

13 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

 I've been calling it that for years, and you are welcome to use it anytime. 👍

 

I also call the buffet the Foodjammer (Windjammer) when we cruise with Royal Caribbean.  She Who Must Be Obeyed just rolls her eyes and tolerates it.😁

 

 

I've heard the Horizon Court referred to as the Horrorzone. 🤣

[kendon]

11 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

I've heard the Horizon Court referred to as the Horrorzone. 🤣

The new Horizon Court on the Caribbean Princess...yeah, it's bad...real bad.

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

14 hours ago, mreasier said:

They come out ahead.  The new customer tends to spend much more on-board than the old one and has fewer loyalty credits.  On our last 14 day cruise my final bill was $134 and my wife's was less than $10.  On our prior 2 week cruise we both got about $50 refunds.  They will be glad to lose us (which they have).

And where did you get your financial data from?  There are plenty of us that actually spend plenty.  I spent far less when I was a new cruiser than we do now.  I'm sure princess is able to determine whether the program is profitable.  

[kendon]

21 hours ago, Scottygirl1 said:

We just sailed on Emerald Princess and while I can't fault the staff, the food at the World Fresh Marketplace was not a patch on other cruise lines buffet selections.  We have loved the buffet on Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Celebrity but really struggled to put together a nice meal at the World Fresh.  Sure there was lettuce leaves, sunflower seeds, chopped this and that but where were the delicious hot selections?  It was all bits and pieces, no delicious curries or asian dishes.  If you want a sandwich or salad (to make yourself) then great but it really put me off ever sailing Princess again.  

Agree 100%  We're done.

 

[karatemom2]

27 minutes ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

And where did you get your financial data from?  There are plenty of us that actually spend plenty.  I spent far less when I was a new cruiser than we do now.  I'm sure princess is able to determine whether the program is profitable.  

 

There was a gentleman who worked for Princess as well as a couple of other lines that used to post here every once and awhile. His screen name was Bruce Muzz. He was a wealth of information and always quick to offer a reality check here from someone who had real and accurate inside knowledge. He pointed out more than once that return cruisers contribute less to the bottom line than new cruisers. People who have been on 20 or more cruises are there for the cruise experience. They cruise frequently and look for ways to minimize cost and maximize days on the ship. This means they stop buying expensive excursions and pricey photo packages. No one needs 20 plus reflections cds. They don’t buy expensive drink packages and don’t drop a bundle in the stores or spa. And that is where the money is made. Returning cruisers gobble up the free laundry, enjoy the free wine tastings and reduced internet rates. We just aren’t spending what we did in the beginning. Now the Casino players - different story. Princess always wants them back - hence the special casino rates. But survival and profit depends on new cruisers who aren’t entitled and jaded like us veterans. They will drop money everywhere!! You may be the exception that spends more now but  you are not the norm. 

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

42 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

 

There was a gentleman who worked for Princess as well as a couple of other lines that used to post here every once and awhile. His screen name was Bruce Muzz. He was a wealth of information and always quick to offer a reality check here from someone who had real and accurate inside knowledge. He pointed out more than once that return cruisers contribute less to the bottom line than new cruisers. People who have been on 20 or more cruises are there for the cruise experience. They cruise frequently and look for ways to minimize cost and maximize days on the ship. This means they stop buying expensive excursions and pricey photo packages. No one needs 20 plus reflections cds. They don’t buy expensive drink packages and don’t drop a bundle in the stores or spa. And that is where the money is made. Returning cruisers gobble up the free laundry, enjoy the free wine tastings and reduced internet rates. We just aren’t spending what we did in the beginning. Now the Casino players - different story. Princess always wants them back - hence the special casino rates. But survival and profit depends on new cruisers who aren’t entitled and jaded like us veterans. They will drop money everywhere!! You may be the exception that spends more now but  you are not the norm. 

That's great.  I may not be the norm, but I spend quite a bit.  I do buy the add ons, and I buy excursions, and specialty dining, and ultimate ship tours, etc.  I also bring multiple people on board with us, and refer people constantly.  Maybe not the norm, but enough to support these loyalty programs!

[Lindaru]

1 hour ago, karatemom2 said:

 

There was a gentleman who worked for Princess as well as a couple of other lines that used to post here every once and awhile. His screen name was Bruce Muzz. He was a wealth of information and always quick to offer a reality check here from someone who had real and accurate inside knowledge. He pointed out more than once that return cruisers contribute less to the bottom line than new cruisers. People who have been on 20 or more cruises are there for the cruise experience. They cruise frequently and look for ways to minimize cost and maximize days on the ship. This means they stop buying expensive excursions and pricey photo packages. No one needs 20 plus reflections cds. They don’t buy expensive drink packages and don’t drop a bundle in the stores or spa. And that is where the money is made. Returning cruisers gobble up the free laundry, enjoy the free wine tastings and reduced internet rates. We just aren’t spending what we did in the beginning. Now the Casino players - different story. Princess always wants them back - hence the special casino rates. But survival and profit depends on new cruisers who aren’t entitled and jaded like us veterans. They will drop money everywhere!! You may be the exception that spends more now but  you are not the norm. 

We took our first cruise ever last month.

We did our own on foot tours of the Alaska ports.  Did not buy alcoholic drinks or photo packages.  We had $300 in on board credit which we used up in the seven days, only going over onto our credit card by $135.  Occasionally we would purchase a specialty shake, soda, bottled water or something from one of the restaurants that was not included.  I did pick up a couple of souvenirs in the Calypso Cove and hubby purchased some scenic prints, but over all, we were pretty much frugal while being able to enjoy ourselves and meet new people.

That is just the way we are, outlining what we want to spend our money on and sticking pretty close to the budget.

 

I guess we are not the norm either.

 

😉

 

[MissP22]

2 hours ago, karatemom2 said:

 

There was a gentleman who worked for Princess as well as a couple of other lines that used to post here every once and awhile. His screen name was Bruce Muzz. He was a wealth of information and always quick to offer a reality check here from someone who had real and accurate inside knowledge. He pointed out more than once that return cruisers contribute less to the bottom line than new cruisers. People who have been on 20 or more cruises are there for the cruise experience. They cruise frequently and look for ways to minimize cost and maximize days on the ship. This means they stop buying expensive excursions and pricey photo packages. No one needs 20 plus reflections cds. They don’t buy expensive drink packages and don’t drop a bundle in the stores or spa. And that is where the money is made. Returning cruisers gobble up the free laundry, enjoy the free wine tastings and reduced internet rates. We just aren’t spending what we did in the beginning. Now the Casino players - different story. Princess always wants them back - hence the special casino rates. But survival and profit depends on new cruisers who aren’t entitled and jaded like us veterans. They will drop money everywhere!! You may be the exception that spends more now but  you are not the norm. 

That describes us to a T.

Princess would never be in business if they had to depend on our spending on board. 

If it's not a BOGO or a terrific sale we can do without after numerous cruises.

[Skai]

12 hours ago, geoherb said:

On the other hand, happy loyal customers will be the ones that recommend Princess to new cruisers. If they make too many cutbacks, they end up with unhappy disloyal customers who will recommend other lines.

 

Correct.

 

We've cruised much more than our avg. age/location/demographic, and often get asked a lot about the ins and outs of cruising when among friends and acquaintances.  People are often shocked when they learn how many cruises that we've completed to-date.  Often, while on board, passengers ask if we're honeymooners, and if it's our 1st cruise.

 

A short 10 years ago, I had very limited reservations about recommending cruising (and specifically on Princess) when presenting the overall 'value' as a travel/vacation option in casual conversation.

 

These days, my advocacy is much more tempered.  When explaining perceived value, I often find myself presenting more negatives(mostly based on cutbacks over the years), along with the positives.

 

IMHO...The move towards an a la carte style of cruising (what some also refer to as nickle-and-diming), has cheapened the experience.   FWIW, we feel the same way about the airline industry of late. 

 

We consider ourselves frugal splurgers.  That is, we're frugal so that we can splurge.  We don't like to feel ripped-off with bait-and-switch tactics and additional hidden costs to acquire the same level of product/service that we've become familiar with -- The factor(s) that sold us on cruising again and again in the 1st place. 

 

We look at the cutbacks and increased up-selling on board as unintended additional costs.  

 

We've found ourselves to be doing a lot more land-based vacations of late, and when shopping for cruises, looking more and more to sail on ships with a pax capacity and quality of fare that more suits our tastes. 

 

Princess needs base fares to be competitive to be able to continue filling their ever growing fleet of mega-ships.  They went the wrong direction IYAM. 

[kywildcatfanone]

6 hours ago, MissP22 said:

That describes us to a T.

Princess would never be in business if they had to depend on our spending on board. 

If it's not a BOGO or a terrific sale we can do without after numerous cruises.

This is us.  We are still mainly taking 7 day Caribbean cruises, and my out of pocket for the cruise itself averages $1500, and I usually get $3-400 in OBC, so that covers the gratuities (if not free, and my next 3 they are free).  I'm no longer buying the soda packages because of the price increases, so they are losing that, so our extra OBC will likely be for shopping onboard only.