Is Carnival really going to….

[Joebucks]

1 hour ago, pc_load_letter said:

 

Yup! And if breakfast, get up and make a plate. Buffet only really gets busy around 9am.

 

I guess my wife and I don't understand the desire to be in your room. I am paying to be on a cruise. If I wanted to sit in a hotel room I could do that at home.

 

Us either. I guess if I had a balcony and they would bring me exactly what I wanted (breakfast burrito, steak and eggs, omelet) then maybe I'd enjoy it differently. The desire to eat bread or a sugary pastry is not what I am looking for. We also don't usually do a balcony. Each breakfast, we get exactly what we want, and guess what. There is plenty of view of the ocean. I am not stressed out because someone may be walking around me.

 

33 minutes ago, ShakyBeef said:

 

OK, here's my abbreviated version of what I was trying to make clear in that post:  different strokes for different folks.  Or, maybe, you prefer "opinions are like rectums, everyone has one"?

 

You cruise and think your way, I'll do mine.  Enjoy.  I know I will.

 

Those different strokes come with different costs. You like your balcony, fine. You like your room service, fine. You pay for those preferences. Between cruising losses and inflation, the cost of cruising has remained relatively reasonable. Some services should come at a premium. Not everyone should have to subsidize their vacation for something a dozen people find to be nice.

[ShakyBeef]

41 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

 

Us either. I guess if I had a balcony and they would bring me exactly what I wanted (breakfast burrito, steak and eggs, omelet) then maybe I'd enjoy it differently. The desire to eat bread or a sugary pastry is not what I am looking for. We also don't usually do a balcony. Each breakfast, we get exactly what we want, and guess what. There is plenty of view of the ocean. I am not stressed out because someone may be walking around me.

 

 

Those different strokes come with different costs. You like your balcony, fine. You like your room service, fine. You pay for those preferences. Between cruising losses and inflation, the cost of cruising has remained relatively reasonable. Some services should come at a premium. Not everyone should have to subsidize their vacation for something a dozen people find to be nice.

 

Of course I pay for my preferences.  And just where, pray tell, did I suggest that "everyone" (or even anyone, for that matter) should subsidize my choices?    In fact, I have said quite the opposite, in the other Room Service thread that was linked above.  In case you missed it, it went a little something like this:

 

(Post #41, September 9th)

"This may be one of the few contentious Carnival CC threads in which I for the most part agree with both camps.  Yes, this is a cutback.  Yes, Carnival is trying to cut costs and save money / make more money by turning included items into pay-for items.  Yes, Carnival desperately needs to save and make more money to put a dent in that debt and get closer to being in the black.  And every dollar counts.  And yes, there has indeed been a lot of waste of that "free" room service food by so many over so many years.  And yes, Carnival is putting a PR spin on the announcement. 

 

Y'all who know me from these boards know that I have bemoaned cutbacks many a time over the years.  But I'm not bothered by this one.  However, unlike some others' reason for not being bothered by it, I have indeed used Room Service frequently on every cruise.  So, for me, it's not a case of "I don't use it, so I won't miss it".  This logical move on Carnival's part will cost me more money.  But that is in line with what I have been wishing them to do to maintain their profit margin all along - instead of a cutback (shrinkflation) of the product I expect and enjoy from them, just raise the price as necessary and give me the same quality of product.  So it would make me quite the hypocrite if I were to bemoan this.  I would much prefer them to raise the cruisefares across the board than to shift to more of an a la carte model for onboard experiences, but I understand this way gets more inexperienced (and possibly, initially ignorant of the onboard charges) cruisers onto the ships.  But, whether I pay as part of my cruisefare or as part of my Sail & Sign account makes no real difference to me. 

 

I am pleased the option of Room Service will still be available to me.  This is not a cutback for which I could DIY a workaround if it were taken away.  I don't mind paying more for it, since I am not ignorant to the fact that everything costs more these days.  And I hope that food quality on the Room Service menu might go up a tiny bit with the added charges.  But I don't expect it will.

 

So, maybe incomprehensibly to some here, although definitely affected by it, I have absolutely no problem with this cutback and in a way, I appreciate it."

 

 

But, hey, way to make erroneous assumptions about others while sprinkling in a liberal dose of hyperbole and a few logic fallacies, for good measure.  You don't disappoint.

Edited September 15, 2022 by ShakyBeef
tpyo: # not 3

[ShakyBeef]

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

Those different strokes come with different costs. You like your balcony, fine. You like your room service, fine. You pay for those preferences. Between cruising losses and inflation, the cost of cruising has remained relatively reasonable. Some services should come at a premium. Not everyone should have to subsidize their vacation for something a dozen people find to be nice.

 

 

And another thing - with my booking of high-end cabins, paying the higher gratuities that come with them, somewhat lavish onboard spending, and purchasing many Carnival Shore Excursions and add-on experiences over the years, one might argue that I am subsidizing others' cruise experiences, not the other way around, as you implied that I expect.  You know the type, book the cheapest room possible (sometimes with deeply discounted fares), and brag about a zero balance S&S account.  Some even smuggle booze, cabin-swap, remove tips, and indulge in other deceitful practices to save a few bucks at the expense of the cruiseline and fellow PAX.  So who is subsidizing whom?

[Rob-Bob]

9 minutes ago, ShakyBeef said:

And another thing - with my booking of high-end cabins, paying the higher gratuities that come with them, somewhat lavish onboard spending, and purchasing many Carnival Shore Excursions and add-on experiences over the years, one might argue that I am subsidizing others' cruise experiences, not the other way around, as you implied that I expect.  You know the type, book the cheapest room possible (sometimes with deeply discounted fares), and brag about a zero balance S&S account.  Some even smuggle booze, cabin-swap, remove tips, and indulge in other deceitful practices to save a few bucks at the expense of the cruiseline and fellow PAX.  So who is subsidizing whom?

Wow.  

[WinstonL44]

We never really ordered room service anyway.  The kids used to just for the novelty of it when there was a group of them  but grew out of it.

[thunderingherd11]

8 hours ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

And I've been on 65 cruises and do use it from time to time.  So let's find the onboard amenity or activity that you like but I don't use/attend, then when it gets cut I'll call it a first world problem and insinuate you're petty for complaining🙄

Don't think he was criticizing you dude.  He asked am I the only one.  He knows it affects others.  And, no, he is not the only one.  Chilax.  lol

[Knights on the Beach]

10 hours ago, shof515 said:

ive been on over 20+ cruises on multiple cruise lines and i never used room service. any i the only odd one? this room service change will have no effect on me

 

8 hours ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

And I've been on 65 cruises and do use it from time to time.  So let's find the onboard amenity or activity that you like but I don't use/attend, then when it gets cut I'll call it a first world problem and insinuate you're petty for complaining🙄

 

I don't see where shof515 was insinuating anyone was being petty for complaining. My interpretation was they were asking if they are the only ones who don't use room service, not trying to poke a bear.

 

We've used room service on cruises only three or four times ever - the last time was probably 20 years ago so it likely won't have much impact on us. I know others who love getting room service. Me saying it won't impact US doesn't mean I don't empathize with those it may affect. 🤷‍♀️

[Crusin Karen]

I have never ordered food items from room service such as sandwiches, etc.  We have, however, on a number of cruises,  had an aft wrap balcony cabin for which we paid a premium price.  So we always enjoyed ordering room service pot of coffee and perhaps a danish in the morning so that we could start our day peacefully on the balcony we paid "extra" for.  Shaky Beef, have you taken the tray on a cruise?  I'm cruising 9/24 and have severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.  Just holding a cup is awkward and painful.  I'm thinking a tray would be a God send for me! 

[ShakyBeef]

5 minutes ago, Crusin Karen said:

I have never ordered food items from room service such as sandwiches, etc.  We have, however, on a number of cruises,  had an aft wrap balcony cabin for which we paid a premium price.  So we always enjoyed ordering room service pot of coffee and perhaps a danish in the morning so that we could start our day peacefully on the balcony we paid "extra" for.  Shaky Beef, have you taken the tray on a cruise?  I'm cruising 9/24 and have severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.  Just holding a cup is awkward and painful.  I'm thinking a tray would be a God send for me! 

 

Nope, not yet.  Just bought it online today.  My next cruise isn't until March.  So, I have no experience with this particular tray.  I was looking for something lightweight and sanitizable,  And I love "The Strawberry Thief", so I couldn't resist this particular model.🙂  If it helps, I'll let you know how it worked out for me after our March cruise.

 

ETA:  I'm so sorry to hear about your severe carpal tunnel.  I've had loved ones with this affliction and I know it can be misery.🙁

Edited September 15, 2022 by ShakyBeef

[ninjacat123]

2 minutes ago, ShakyBeef said:

 

Nope, not yet.  Just bought it online today.  My next cruise isn't until March.  So, I have no experience with this particular tray.  I was looking for something lightweight and sanitizable,  And I love "The Strawberry Thief", so I couldn't resist this particular model.🙂  If it helps, I'll let you know how it worked out for me after our March cruise.

What are the dimensions?  Would it fit in a carryon?

[ShakyBeef]

1 minute ago, ninjacat123 said:

What are the dimensions?  Would it fit in a carryon?

Morris and Co for Pimpernel Blue Melamine Handled Tray - 19.25 x 11.5 inch, so, yes, it would fit in a carryon.

 

I got it from Overstock dot com, for $30, through Carnival FPs MC RewardsBoost shopping portal.

[hard_eight]

Will miss the morning coffee and the wake up knock

[staceyglow]

18 minutes ago, hard_eight said:

Will miss the morning coffee and the wake up knock

Why?

 

That's still available.

[darinb1345]

I like room service.  I occasionally prefer to eat in my cabin enjoying the quiet or watching a movie.  I don't always want to sit in a crowded space with strangers.  Do I wish room service was still included? yep.  Will I order it anyway?  Maybe.  I may also go to a restaurant and want to bring it back to said room. 

 

People who think they should have an opinion about it amaze me.  I mean, argue all you want about whether Carnival should charge or not; or whether they should provide trays to make it easier to fetch your own meals and bring them back to the room.  Seems fair game.  Offering your opinion about how I spend my vacation or where I eat my food, and thinking it matters to me, is something else entirely.  

[ninjacat123]

3 minutes ago, darinb1345 said:

I like room service.  I occasionally prefer to eat in my cabin enjoying the quiet or watching a movie.  I don't always want to sit in a crowded space with strangers.  Do I wish room service was still included? yep.  Will I order it anyway?  Maybe.  I may also go to a restaurant and want to bring it back to said room. 

 

People who think they should have an opinion about it amaze me.  I mean, argue all you want about whether Carnival should charge or not; or whether they should provide trays to make it easier to fetch your own meals and bring them back to the room.  Seems fair game.  Offering your opinion about how I spend my vacation or where I eat my food, and thinking it matters to me, is something else entirely.  

Albany, Oregon??  I remember driving to U of O from Salem (my hometown) and seeing the stacks puffing out smoke/steam from I-5.  Nice to see you on the CC boards!

[darinb1345]

Just now, ninjacat123 said:

Albany, Oregon??  I remember driving to U of O from Salem (my hometown) and seeing the stacks puffing out smoke/steam from I-5.  Nice to see you on the CC boards!

Small world.  Salem was also my hometown.  

 

[Itried4498]

Room service is labor intensive.  Many, if not most, all-inclusive in Mexico/The Caribbean have either dropped the option or added a surcharge (either a flat or per item).  On Carnival, it's become increasingly popular.  On our last few cruises, we struggled to get ahold of room service, and then wait up to 2 hours for our food.

 

Definitely another cutback.

[WinstonL44]

4 minutes ago, Itried4498 said:

Room service is labor intensive.  Many, if not most, all-inclusive in Mexico/The Caribbean have either dropped the option or added a surcharge (either a flat or per item).  On Carnival, it's become increasingly popular.  On our last few cruises, we struggled to get ahold of room service, and then wait up to 2 hours for our food.

 

Definitely another cutback.

There’s always other cruiseline if room service is that important I guess.  We will forgo that for the rest of the experience.

[adonisr]

23 hours ago, TRAYSEE said:

take away the FREE room service and make every cost $$$ at a la cart prices (with the exception of continental breakers still being free? 

Sailed on Vista in March.  Only a few items on the free room service menu.

[ninjacat123]

3 hours ago, darinb1345 said:

Small world.  Salem was also my hometown.  

 

What HS did you attend?

[momof3cruisers]

14 hours ago, pc_load_letter said:

 

Meh, sitting in a room on a cruise is a waste, suite or not.

LOL….who knew that you were the only one with the correct opinion? I’ll be sure to check with you for any other choices I make on my vacation in the future. Too funny. 
 

I have enjoyed room service and will continue to do so. Would I prefer it to be free? Of course, but the paid items I have ordered have been quite good. I have also paid for the privilege of having them bring a pizza to me instead of standing in the very long line for it. I have health issues that can make standing difficult. It’s worth the $ to enjoy my vacation a bit more—while I eat my pizza…on my balcony. 😎🙀
 

And I have definitely seen a lot of wasted food on trays n the hallways. However, you see a lot of wasted food everywhere on cruises. 

[WKUTopperFan]

14 hours ago, ShakyBeef said:

 

Maybe it depends on the type of cabin you book?  I am also paying to be on a cruise.  A significant part of my cruise enjoyment comes from being able to escape the sometimes obnoxious crowds and retreat to the comfort and relative peace of my balcony, or even my bed with the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto my balcony.  My "hotel room" is a fairly spacious Suite, with a large balcony, a table at which to eat my Room Service food, and a jetted tub in which my DH loves to relax, eating his Room Service sandwich while drinking a beer.  And my "hotel room" moves along the Sea, providing me with a dynamic view and experience as I relax in its private comfort.  We enjoy the luxury and convenience of having food delivered to us in said "hotel room".  Also, I avoid buffets like the plague, so Room Service is an appealing onboard food option for us.

 

But, if my "hotel room" on the ship were an Interior (which it will never, ever be), I would not want to "sit in it".  There is no appeal to me to sitting in a dark little box with no view of the water.  So I can see your point for that type of cabin.

 

Different people enjoy their cruises in different ways.  And we can all be on the same ship, on the same cruise, having drastically different but very enjoyable cruises. 

Well said! I cruise exclusively in suites for the "luxury" of a larger bathroom and balcony.  My favorite part of the day is having breakfast on the balcony supplied by room service. I have been paying for hot breakfast items since they were introduced and have no issues with the nominal charge (the BEC English muffin is great but what is that weird sauce they serve with it... I've yet to figure that out). The removal of the door card annoyed me a bit on my cruise last month only mildly (I actually enjoyed getting back to the suite from the casino at 2AM and filling out my card for breakfast a few hours later)... that was solved by calling room service before going to bed to pre-order room service for the morning.

 

If all room service goes for a fee I will not mind. I love being able to get quick room service late at night as it's quick now because cheap folks don't want to pay the "late night " options. When food was free late at night room service could run 60 to 90 or minutes. Oh. And the waste was terrible with trays full of food in the hallway in the morning.  As long as the delivery times are acceptable,  I will gladly pay the fee. 

[BoozinCroozin]

If it was free, they are charging for it now above cruise fare. They have a mountain of debt to pay off.

[Drazil65]

People who think they should have an opinion about it amaze me.  I mean, argue all you want about whether Carnival should charge or not; or whether they should provide trays to make it easier to fetch your own meals and bring them back to the room.  Seems fair game.  Offering your opinion about how I spend my vacation or where I eat my food, and thinking it matters to me, is something else entirely.  

 

Agree, amazing that people that do not use room service have a very strong opinion on those that may use it.  We do and will still use room service for that 1st pot of coffee each morning (early risers) to enjoy our quiet balcony, sitting in our pjs, feet up and watching the sun rise (undistracted, quality time for DH and I).  We will continue to use it and will be happy to do so.  

 

Not only do we use room service early in the morning, we get a balcony or suite and also, gasp, we hold onto the tray that our room service came on.  We use it to bring food to the room such as snacks (pre dinner while getting dressed) or DS will use to get his breakfast later when he gets up (he loves to relax on the balcony before dealing with a lot of people for extended periods of of time).  

 

This is all part of our cruise experience and what we enjoy, some people enjoy getting the cheapest inside they can so they can buy cheers or a bunch of excursions (you do you).  Everyone enjoys and pays for their own experience and that is how it should be, its vacation not a contest!  

Edited September 16, 2022 by Drazil65

[jsglow]

21 hours ago, ShakyBeef said:

 

Maybe it depends on the type of cabin you book?  I am also paying to be on a cruise.  A significant part of my cruise enjoyment comes from being able to escape the sometimes obnoxious crowds and retreat to the comfort and relative peace of my balcony, or even my bed with the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto my balcony.  My "hotel room" is a fairly spacious Suite, with a large balcony, a table at which to eat my Room Service food, and a jetted tub in which my DH loves to relax, eating his Room Service sandwich while drinking a beer.  And my "hotel room" moves along the Sea, providing me with a dynamic view and experience as I relax in its private comfort.  We enjoy the luxury and convenience of having food delivered to us in said "hotel room".  Also, I avoid buffets like the plague, so Room Service is an appealing onboard food option for us.

 

But, if my "hotel room" on the ship were an Interior (which it will never, ever be), I would not want to "sit in it".  There is no appeal to me to sitting in a dark little box with no view of the water.  So I can see your point for that type of cabin.

 

Different people enjoy their cruises in different ways.  And we can all be on the same ship, on the same cruise, having drastically different but very enjoyable cruises. 

Another way to look at it Shaky is that different cruise lines provide differing levels of service.  There are lines and cabins where one has an actual butler.