Carnival Long Lines for Everything

[pzsdd6]

17 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

 

Have you read the "Carnival Stock Below $10" thread?
They are in bad shape. I don't think they can afford to sail less than full capacity at this point, even risking making people angry. 

Yes I have, as well as many other threads pointing out the gloom and doom for Carnival.

 First let me say again so there is no misunderstanding, my statements are my opinion, not law nor restatements of other facts, just my opinion. It is my experience after many years of cruising coupled with as many years in executive positions with large international businesses, that ignoring or not placing customer experience and service as a top priority, will put any company on a downward spiral towards failure. Given today’s culture of blame and accountability, it is even more important.

[mz-s]

I do worry that Carnival is doing immense damage to their brand on several fronts. But realistically I'm not sure they have any choice.

[Hoosierpop]

I understand why people are disappointed in long lines. I haven’t experienced too long of lines for what I want to do but I get we are all different.

 

But to say that Carnival is hurting their brand because of long lines is projecting your own thoughts a little too much. I have yet to talk to anyone who has cruised who has said they won’t cruise again because of long lines. If people don’t cruise Carnival because pizza at 11:00 took an hour, mkay.

 

Again, that’s not to say long lines aren’t annoying. But hurting their brand? Just don’t see it. Other than in the cruise critic bubble.

[KarmaCruisers]

I think it’s ship to ship..and maybe even itinerary to itinerary..we were on a four day miracle cruise to Ensenada back in October 21’..it was crowded, but not TOO bad. Then we were on a 7 day to Mexican riveira on the Panorama..it was HORRIBLY packed! I attribute this to it being the week following the “Sailabration” as well as poor ship design for the Vista class (same size ship, just MORE staterooms so smaller everywhere ELSE). It was also at 100% capacity

we just got off a 10 day miracle cruise to Alaska and it was also 100% capacity, and it didn’t feel crowded AT ALL. We literally never had to wait in any lines.

[vicky3vicky]

I agree mz-s. Our cruise [first since covid] is this coming November. Carnival is doing what they need to do to [hopefully] survive. It saddens me that so any people are grousing and complaining about the long lines [and other post covid experiences] but I am glad that there are people who realize the reallity of the long lines with acceptance. I am thankful to those who see that this is a problem that will probably persist for several years and just roll with it. 

 

Because of having that knowledge we will probably eat breakfast and lunch at tradtionally slower times, be less demanding, and take advantage of being able  to get to know more fellow cruisers while waiting in those long lines.

 

And I will proudly accept my role as "Carnival cheerleader."  We have retired and have a disabled adult son whose treatment, outside of western medicine, has cost us hundreds of thousands [maybe over a million] of dollars. Because of that we have chosen to live a frugal lifestyle WITHOUT giving up our every year and a half or two year cruise. 

 

I am thankful for the extra fee dining, the Havana area, the overpriced shore excursions, the high priced alcoholic beverages because if they did not exist we could not afford to cruise. One thing I NEVER skimp on is tips, we tip VERY well.

 

Rather than exchange birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Valentine day gifts or going out to eat once a month we put that money towards our cruise that we all-including my disabled son and a grandchild or two- absolutely love.

 

With all the cutbacks, long-lines, etc. I am sure that I will still feel spoiled for a week in November. 

[lazydayz]

14 minutes ago, vicky3vicky said:

Rather than exchange birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Valentine day gifts or going out to eat once a month we put that money towards our cruise that we all-including my disabled son and a grandchild or two- absolutely love.

 

With all the cutbacks, long-lines, etc. I am sure that I will still feel spoiled for a week in November. 

 

Kudo's to you and your family.  And I agree, you will be spoiled and enjoy it.  Attitude is everything! 

[MississippiMom]

I did not read all of the replies, so my apologies if my response repeats something above.  

 

It isn't just Carnival.  There have been lots of reports about the cruise industry struggling to get staffed back up, while still trying to fill up their ships as much as possible.   I can definitely understand why the companies need the passenger revenue, but I do wish they would have gone just a little slower in ramping up capacity.

 

Last month, we experienced our first RCCL cruise.  Did I have a nice time with my family?  Yes!  Was I thankful to enjoy vacationing again?  Yes!  But did the service impress me to the point that I am looking at another RCCL cruise?  No!  It was pretty evident that they needed more staff in many, many places.   There were lines EVERYWHERE and that included on their very hyped-up private island.

 

I just hope that Summer 2023 brings back the cruising experience that many of us had become accustomed to.

[mz-s]

28 minutes ago, Hoosierpop said:

I understand why people are disappointed in long lines. I haven’t experienced too long of lines for what I want to do but I get we are all different.

 

But to say that Carnival is hurting their brand because of long lines is projecting your own thoughts a little too much. I have yet to talk to anyone who has cruised who has said they won’t cruise again because of long lines. If people don’t cruise Carnival because pizza at 11:00 took an hour, mkay.

 

Again, that’s not to say long lines aren’t annoying. But hurting their brand? Just don’t see it. Other than in the cruise critic bubble.

 

Far more than long lines. The long lines are just part of the ways Carnival is devaluing their brand. They are becoming more and more the "Dollar General" of cruising. Everyone knows the reputation that Dollar General has these days with dirty stores that are out of everything, overworked and too few employees, etc.

 

Carnival's attitude of "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead" is doing damage to their brand.

 

They do not have enough crew to adequately support every ship at full capacity. Damn the torpedoes, overwork the staff we do have until they are near their breaking point. Full speed ahead, let our paying guests wait in long lines for a hamburger and close the few late night food options we do have, leaving only pizza open.

 

They do not have enough vaccinated people willing to cruise to fill all their ships at sustainable prices. Damn the torpedoes, sell the rooms at cut-rate prices to fill the ships. Full speed ahead, we'll worry about the fact that we've devalued our brand when and if we ever see profitability again.

 

These cut rate prices are filling ships with people who fight and smoke pot. Damn the torpedoes, we'll cut rates more to fill the ships hoping their onboard spend makes up the difference. Full speed ahead, we'll ignore the fighting and pot smoking until it gets so bad that a ship has to have a Coast Guard escort back into port.

[Hoosierpop]

1 minute ago, mz-s said:

 

Far more than long lines. The long lines are just part of the ways Carnival is devaluing their brand. They are becoming more and more the "Dollar General" of cruising. Everyone knows the reputation that Dollar General has these days with dirty stores that are out of everything, overworked and too few employees, etc.

 

Carnival's attitude of "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead" is doing damage to their brand.

 

They do not have enough crew to adequately support every ship at full capacity. Damn the torpedoes, overwork the staff we do have until they are near their breaking point. Full speed ahead, let our paying guests wait in long lines for a hamburger and close the few late night food options we do have, leaving only pizza open.

 

They do not have enough vaccinated people willing to cruise to fill all their ships at sustainable prices. Damn the torpedoes, sell the rooms at cut-rate prices to fill the ships. Full speed ahead, we'll worry about the fact that we've devalued our brand when and if we ever see profitability again.

 

These cut rate prices are filling ships with people who fight and smoke pot. Damn the torpedoes, we'll cut rates more to fill the ships hoping their onboard spend makes up the difference. Full speed ahead, we'll ignore the fighting and pot smoking until it gets so bad that a ship has to have a Coast Guard escort back into port.

The difference between people I know who cruise (and living in a 55+ community, it’s a lot) and Facebook groups and what some here on cruise critic are saying is vast. 

 

I don’t know anyone who has said they are not going to cruise with Carnival because of service issues. I do know people who won’t cruise because of testing but that’s not just a Carnival thing.

 

If people don’t want to cruise Carnival because they don’t like the service level, that’s fine. I’m not going to judge. But those people are in a very small minority.

[mz-s]

2 minutes ago, Hoosierpop said:

The difference between people I know who cruise (and living in a 55+ community, it’s a lot) and Facebook groups and what some here on cruise critic are saying is vast. 

 

I don’t know anyone who has said they are not going to cruise with Carnival because of service issues. I do know people who won’t cruise because of testing but that’s not just a Carnival thing.

 

If people don’t want to cruise Carnival because they don’t like the service level, that’s fine. I’m not going to judge. But those people are in a very small minority.

 

It's so much more than the service issues, if you would have read my post and understood it.

[lazydayz]

2 minutes ago, Hoosierpop said:

The difference between people I know who cruise (and living in a 55+ community, it’s a lot) and Facebook groups and what some here on cruise critic are saying is vast. 

 

I don’t know anyone who has said they are not going to cruise with Carnival because of service issues. I do know people who won’t cruise because of testing but that’s not just a Carnival thing.

 

If people don’t want to cruise Carnival because they don’t like the service level, that’s fine. I’m not going to judge. But those people are in a very small minority.

 

I agree.  While we experienced some long lines, the cruise was a ton of fun and good value for the money.  We talked to our cabin steward, who had 38 rooms to clean every day.  He had an assistant for part of the morning only, so our grands took it upon themselves to reach out to him and say he could clean their cabin in the morning, after they initially chose evening service.  And they even picked up their mess and put all of the used towels in a pile in the bathroom for him.  Made me very proud of them that they would do this of their own accord.  

[Hoosierpop]

6 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

It's so much more than the service issues, if you would have read my post and understood it.

You can choose not cruise on Carnival. You can come here and complain all you want. But the market is not agreeing with your assessment. Just because your opinion of the Carnival “brand” is down, it doesn’t mean that others feel the same way. I thought  my last two Carnival cruises were awesome.

 

Carnival has always been an entry level cruise line. It’s been known as the Walmart of cruise lines since I can remember. There are higher end cruise lines people can take.

 

Again, you can feel that way all you want. I’m sure Carnival brass is sitting there with baited breath for your pearls of wisdom as to how they can improve their cruise line.

Edited July 5, 2022 by Hoosierpop

[pzsdd6]

I agree that most people will not go so far as not cruising on Carnival again because of the long lines and service issues, however, it’s just another slight that negatively taints the cruise experience, something that is entirely avoidable. The issues of long lines and service problems are the result of management choices. Those choices of rushing to get all ships back in service instead of fully and adequately staffing and “supplying” the ships that they can, have resulted in the increasing shortages of beverages, food, etc. shortages in staffing, cutbacks in service. 
Again, all if not most could be avoided. IMO

[mz-s]

3 minutes ago, Hoosierpop said:

You can choose not cruise on Carnival. You can come here and complain all you want. But the market is not agreeing with your assessment. Just because your opinion of the Carnival “brand” is down, it doesn’t mean that others feel the same way. I thought  my last two Carnival cruises were awesome.

 

Carnival has always been an entry level cruise line. It’s been known as the Walmart of cruise lines since I can remember. There are higher end cruise lines people can take.

 

Again, you can feel that way all you want. I’m sure Carnival brass is sitting there with baited breath for your pearls of wisdom as to how they can improve their cruise line.

 

I think it's worthwhile for us to discuss what Carnival is doing poorly as well as what they are doing well. That is how things improve. Just throwing up your hands and saying "well if you're not 100% satisfied then leave and never come back" as you seem to be, is not productive.

[JP350]

31 minutes ago, MississippiMom said:

I did not read all of the replies, so my apologies if my response repeats something above.  

 

It isn't just Carnival.  There have been lots of reports about the cruise industry struggling to get staffed back up, while still trying to fill up their ships as much as possible.   I can definitely understand why the companies need the passenger revenue, but I do wish they would have gone just a little slower in ramping up capacity.

 

Last month, we experienced our first RCCL cruise.  Did I have a nice time with my family?  Yes!  Was I thankful to enjoy vacationing again?  Yes!  But did the service impress me to the point that I am looking at another RCCL cruise?  No!  It was pretty evident that they needed more staff in many, many places.   There were lines EVERYWHERE and that included on their very hyped-up private island.

 

I just hope that Summer 2023 brings back the cruising experience that many of us had become accustomed to.

What rccl cruise did you go on? I’m back on RC next week and I cruised them in June as well and didn’t see any lines. I asked guest services what our capacity was and they said that it was limited to 82 percent bc of staffing issues, and I admit that their island is sort of a gimmick it’s still the best cruise line island out there.

[JP350]

56 minutes ago, vicky3vicky said:

I agree mz-s. Our cruise [first since covid] is this coming November. Carnival is doing what they need to do to [hopefully] survive. It saddens me that so any people are grousing and complaining about the long lines [and other post covid experiences] but I am glad that there are people who realize the reallity of the long lines with acceptance. I am thankful to those who see that this is a problem that will probably persist for several years and just roll with it. 

 

Because of having that knowledge we will probably eat breakfast and lunch at tradtionally slower times, be less demanding, and take advantage of being able  to get to know more fellow cruisers while waiting in those long lines.

 

And I will proudly accept my role as "Carnival cheerleader."  We have retired and have a disabled adult son whose treatment, outside of western medicine, has cost us hundreds of thousands [maybe over a million] of dollars. Because of that we have chosen to live a frugal lifestyle WITHOUT giving up our every year and a half or two year cruise. 

 

I am thankful for the extra fee dining, the Havana area, the overpriced shore excursions, the high priced alcoholic beverages because if they did not exist we could not afford to cruise. One thing I NEVER skimp on is tips, we tip VERY well.

 

Rather than exchange birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Valentine day gifts or going out to eat once a month we put that money towards our cruise that we all-including my disabled son and a grandchild or two- absolutely love.

 

With all the cutbacks, long-lines, etc. I am sure that I will still feel spoiled for a week in November. 

I’m really sorry to hear about your son, but have you guys thought about trying other cruise lines or land based vacations at the same price point bc with lines and overcrowding those might be able to give you a better experience 

[JP350]

30 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

Far more than long lines. The long lines are just part of the ways Carnival is devaluing their brand. They are becoming more and more the "Dollar General" of cruising. Everyone knows the reputation that Dollar General has these days with dirty stores that are out of everything, overworked and too few employees, etc.

 

Carnival's attitude of "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead" is doing damage to their brand.

 

They do not have enough crew to adequately support every ship at full capacity. Damn the torpedoes, overwork the staff we do have until they are near their breaking point. Full speed ahead, let our paying guests wait in long lines for a hamburger and close the few late night food options we do have, leaving only pizza open.

 

They do not have enough vaccinated people willing to cruise to fill all their ships at sustainable prices. Damn the torpedoes, sell the rooms at cut-rate prices to fill the ships. Full speed ahead, we'll worry about the fact that we've devalued our brand when and if we ever see profitability again.

 

These cut rate prices are filling ships with people who fight and smoke pot. Damn the torpedoes, we'll cut rates more to fill the ships hoping their onboard spend makes up the difference. Full speed ahead, we'll ignore the fighting and pot smoking until it gets so bad that a ship has to have a Coast Guard escort back into port.

I know I’m under the impression that it would be better to sell rooms at higher rates, but limit capacity. Look at the airlines and rental cars their rates are up over 200 percent post pandemic and people are still traveling at record numbers. It would still contribute to the bottom line, and the guests would have a more enjoyable experience.

[pzsdd6]

3 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

I think it's worthwhile for us to discuss what Carnival is doing poorly as well as what they are doing well. That is how things improve. Just throwing up your hands and saying "well if you're not 100% satisfied then leave and never come back" as you seem to be, is not productive.

I’m with you on the positive aspects as well. However, I believe that the current management at Carnival is completely out of touch with it customer base. I say this because of trying to work to improve their operation, they are instead focusing on how to add more things that they can charge for or get a cut of the fees. Just read the posts, Carnival is focusing on gaming and betting on its ships, not customers. In the past month I have been solicited by Carnival to participate in surveys. What were the surveys all about…..new credit cards! That tell me where they really value their customers. 
 I’m all for change, new products, and improvements to the bottom line…….ONLY, after you have done your best to provide the best customer experience you can. Right now, they are not providing what they are selling……….period.

[mz-s]

"Yes I got a horrible splinter and cut my arm on the rusty window sills, I need a tetanus booster but I was on a CRUISE! A CRUISE PEOPLE!"

 

"Yes my burger was ice cold after waiting 30 minutes for it, but I make the best of being on a CRUISE!"

 

"My retirement is in jeopardy because I bought a lot of $CCL and it's in the crapper but I get $50 every time I go on a CRUISE!"

 

"Yes Carnival doesn't give me my shareholder benefits anymore because I get discounted rates but I AM ON A CRUISE!"

 

"No bacon anymore, but that's OK I don't want to risk botulism when I am ON A CRUISE!"

 

"The guests down the hall from me beat the crap out of each other last night and our ship had to be escorted into port by the Coast Guard. But that's OK, I am on a CRUISE! MAKE THE BEST OF BEING ON A CRUISE!"

[JP350]

18 minutes ago, Hoosierpop said:

You can choose not cruise on Carnival. You can come here and complain all you want. But the market is not agreeing with your assessment. Just because your opinion of the Carnival “brand” is down, it doesn’t mean that others feel the same way. I thought  my last two Carnival cruises were awesome.

 

Carnival has always been an entry level cruise line. It’s been known as the Walmart of cruise lines since I can remember. There are higher end cruise lines people can take.

 

Again, you can feel that way all you want. I’m sure Carnival brass is sitting there with baited breath for your pearls of wisdom as to how they can improve their cruise line.

I’ve already chosen not to cruise on carnival, and I agree with others on this thread and their market assment. You can agree that the people who are not cruising carnival is in the small minority, and people will continue to cruise with them, but as others have noted their stock price says otherwise. As for carnival executives I’m sure they’re packing their bags just like Arnold Donald because belock a 10 dollar stock price with debt doesn’t cut it for a board

 

[pzsdd6]

1 minute ago, mz-s said:

"Yes I got a horrible splinter and cut my arm on the rusty window sills, I need a tetanus booster but I was on a CRUISE! A CRUISE PEOPLE!"

 

"Yes my burger was ice cold after waiting 30 minutes for it, but I make the best of being on a CRUISE!"

 

"My retirement is in jeopardy because I bought a lot of $CCL and it's in the crapper but I get $50 every time I go on a CRUISE!"

 

"Yes Carnival doesn't give me my shareholder benefits anymore because I get discounted rates but I AM ON A CRUISE!"

 

"No bacon anymore, but that's OK I don't want to risk botulism when I am ON A CRUISE!"

 

"The guests down the hall from me beat the crap out of each other last night and our ship had to be escorted into port by the Coast Guard. But that's OK, I am on a CRUISE! MAKE THE BEST OF BEING ON A CRUISE!"

LOL…..can I borrow your rose colored glasses! Seriously though, it’s that exact thought that keeps myself, and I will bet, quite a few others, cruising.

[JP350]

3 minutes ago, mz-s said:

"Yes I got a horrible splinter and cut my arm on the rusty window sills, I need a tetanus booster but I was on a CRUISE! A CRUISE PEOPLE!"

 

"Yes my burger was ice cold after waiting 30 minutes for it, but I make the best of being on a CRUISE!"

 

"My retirement is in jeopardy because I bought a lot of $CCL and it's in the crapper but I get $50 every time I go on a CRUISE!"

 

"Yes Carnival doesn't give me my shareholder benefits anymore because I get discounted rates but I AM ON A CRUISE!"

 

"No bacon anymore, but that's OK I don't want to risk botulism when I am ON A CRUISE!"

 

"The guests down the hall from me beat the crap out of each other last night and our ship had to be escorted into port by the Coast Guard. But that's OK, I am on a CRUISE! MAKE THE BEST OF BEING ON A CRUISE!"

THANK YOU at what point does it stop being a vacation and it become as waste of your hard earned money

[BoozinCroozin]

Pictures and videos are far better than words. Throw that stuff up in pictures and let us see those lines. I want to see what a 1-hour line looks like for Guy's Burger. It would wrap around the Lido deck, through the Marketplace, and all over. I don't buy it. Until I can see a video of it, timestamped, I will never believe it.

[JP350]

2 minutes ago, BoozinCroozin said:

Pictures and videos are far better than words. Throw that stuff up in pictures and let us see those lines. I want to see what a 1-hour line looks like for Guy's Burger. It would wrap around the Lido deck, through the Marketplace, and all over. I don't buy it. Until I can see a video of it, timestamped, I will never believe it.

If I tools videos we would post them, but taking videos for cruise critic is the last thing I would have thought about during my cruise. If you don’t believe it when you take ur next carnival cruise and see it you’ll be in for a rude awakening 

[Hoosierpop]

6 minutes ago, JP350 said:

I’ve already chosen not to cruise on carnival, and I agree with others on this thread and their market assment. You can agree that the people who are not cruising carnival is in the small minority, and people will continue to cruise with them, but as others have noted their stock price says otherwise. As for carnival executives I’m sure they’re packing their bags just like Arnold Donald because belock a 10 dollar stock price with debt doesn’t cut it for a board

 

The stock price says otherwise? Man, there are so many financial experts in these forums. It’s awe-inspiring. 
 

Let’s keep this simple. My opinion is the number of people who are not cruising on Carnival because they are not happy with the cruise experience is small and is not the reason why Carnival’s stock price is down. And my reason for that opinion is the full ships and talking to people who are continuing to cruise. 
 

Some people here are almost offended that others are having great times on these cruises. It’s OK that you didn’t have a good time and others are.