Why is Carnival so Inexpensive?

[trinigal]

doodlefan: question...did you book through carnival or us ta for freedom...i'm interested in freedom and i thought i could book through carnival and they would charge me on cc in usd, and cc company would convert to cdn funds plus foreign 2.5% charge. just wondering. thanks.

[zydecocruiser]

Some cruise lines (like Princess) have much cheaper liquor prices than Carnival. Some offer similar or identical shore excursions for less money.

 

When comparing costs, you need to compare the total cruise cost, not just the cabin costs.

 

There are a lot fewer PA announcements on some other lines and there is a lot to be said for not having your peace and quiet disturbed every few minutes with yet another sales pitch.

[imlulu]

We cruise with our kids and Carnival is great for families. RCI is priced much higher for the weeks we are able to sail or we would love to try them. I have sailed Celebrity and it was wonderful. If you are sailing without kids, I would definitely recommend Celebrity.

If I could get the time to take a Med cruise and Carnival is cheaper than I would take it..no questions asked.:-)

[K.T.B.]

I'll go with my original comment which was not harsh at all. If you equate the cruise lines mentioned to the Hotel Industry I would say Carnival is more like a Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn, Princess is more like a Hilton and Celebrity is more like a Hyatt. And if you asked me about Crystal and Seabourn I would say they are more like a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons. I have stayed at all of these hotels and I think each one gives you value based on the cost. I don't think any of them are bad. I just think that you usually get what you pay for. Again, paying less is not bad. One needs to figure out their budget and based on that figure out which cruise line will fit within the budget.

 

Keith

 

Having stayed in all the hotels you've mentioned, except for the Ritz, I can easily say that Carnival is superior in some ways to the "high end" hotels. They have far better & faster room service. Having just recently returned from a cruise, I can safely say that Carnival's bedding is nice and plush and far better than what I've gotten at the Hyatt. And the service I've received from the Hilton is severely lacking in what I recently got from Carnival. Actually, I seem to always get better service, nicer people and those who genuinely want to help from "mid-range" hotels such as Embassy Suites or Marriott. And Carnival is exactly like that, IMO.

[futaba951]

My sister has experienced poor service on Celebrity, I have experienced excellent service on Carnival.

 

 

Have you read the X boards lately. Turmoil abounds. Captain fired for SWI. Cancelled cruises and a mutiny on board. So much for the hoity toity experience. At least McDonald's is still open. :)

[dan40]

So the Captian of the CELEBRITY VALDEZ was drunk. It would be funny if not so sad.

 

 

12 of my 46 cruises have been on Carnival. The rest run the gamut from very upscale to low scale and now defunkt. Its not a question of good service vs. bad service or good food vs. bad food. Lines like Seabourn, Crystal, Radisson have service that is beyond excellent and Carnival has excellent service. Nothing wrongt with that. Also with constant new ships by Carnival, they are always training new service people so that can cause a small understandable glitch. Upscale lines have service people of long standing that you couldn't dynamite out of there. They should be more smooth and professional. Carnival's food overall is good to very good to sometimes outstanding. The upscale lines food is normally very good and up. Doesn't mean Carnival is serving bad food. Celebrity is no more than very good mass market line IMHO and that is not in any way a knock on them but they are not an upscale line [or CCL would own them]:D

Another thought on Carnival's low price [which is temporary and artificial] is that because they pay for their new ships instead of borrowing money, they do not have the billion plus dollar debt to service that the other lines have. This can allow considerable loss leader pricing in a market Carnival wishes to penetrate or command.

 

Dan

[Cuizer2]

Some cruise lines (like Princess) have much cheaper liquor prices than Carnival. Some offer similar or identical shore excursions for less money.

 

When comparing costs, you need to compare the total cruise cost, not just the cabin costs.

 

There are a lot fewer PA announcements on some other lines and there is a lot to be said for not having your peace and quiet disturbed every few minutes with yet another sales pitch.

 

On my last two Carnival cruises I could not hear the PA announcements inside the cabin with the door closed. In St. Thomas, where I needed to hear the PA announcement, I had to leave my door open.

[zydecocruiser]

On my last two Carnival cruises I could not hear the PA announcements inside the cabin with the door closed. In St. Thomas, where I needed to hear the PA announcement, I had to leave my door open.

 

I've never had a problem hearing them in my cabin, even if I couldn't understand them. Or even just walking around the ship.

 

The announcements are also broadcast on one or more of the TV channels.

[doodlefan]

doodlefan: question...did you book through carnival or us ta for freedom...i'm interested in freedom and i thought i could book through carnival and they would charge me on cc in usd, and cc company would convert to cdn funds plus foreign 2.5% charge. just wondering. thanks.

 

Hello fellow Ontarian

 

For the Freedom cruise, I booked through a US TA and was billed in US and my CC company converts it at the going rate which as I'm sure you know if finally pretty good for us Canucks.:D

 

But I was just on Carnival Inspiration in April and we booked directly with Carnival and was also booked in US funds again using my CC. That's the only way I'll do it.

 

We have the new Crown Princess booked for Dec. and Princess wanted to book in CND with a 1.25 exchange, no thanks. I again used the same US TA that I booked the Freedom with.

 

We have a great group going on APril 19th and there is a few Canadians on it too. It's a great price, check out the roll call thread.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Doodlefan

[Andy99]

In my opinion you get what you pay for...

[Cuizer2]

In my opinion you get what you pay for...

Really? Lets see if the passengers on Celebrity (a premium line) agree with you. You can read their comments yourself if you click on the link below ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=346706

[K.T.B.]

Really? Lets see if the passengers on Celebrity (a premium line) agree with you. You can read their comments yourself if you click on the link below ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=346706

Heh. That made my day.... :cool:

[seamama1]

I have cruised Carnival since they only had one ship; the Mardi Gras (and had the well-earned reputation as a party boat) back when Carnival (and I) were much younger. I have also cruised many other ships, HAL, Celebrity (loved the food), Princess (OK, but not much to do after 10PM - outside the Caribbean, that is), the now defunct Premier, Chandris, Home Lines, Sitmar; Cunard and many others including several "River Cruises in Europe". For the past 5 years, I have cruised Carnival exclusively. Why? Well, I gotta tell ya, I shop the right side of the menu now.

 

Carnival is a great cruise experience, the food is really good (and getting better all the time), the ships are dazzling, entertainment better than many ships, moderately priced drinks, staterooms are large and well-appointed as well as comfortable. I like the mix of people on the cruises (could do with fewer kids - but - what the heck!). You see young, single folks, young marrieds, middle-aged vacationers and old coots like me - and we are, almost all of us, having a BALL! While I usually cruise alone (by choice, thank you very much), I do take my grandchild once a year. He has a GREAT time on board, meets lots of kids his age (15 this year) and loves the freedom of choice when it comes to activities. He and I were on the Miracle in January and we are going again in August on the Fascination. Carnival is a wonderful line. All I want is a comfortable stateroom (with a balcony - I have earned it!), all of my meals prepared and presented beautifully, someone to clean the place up and make the beds, and several places to watch that beautiful sea! Give me a little music in the evening, a card table in the casino, a Yellow Bird every half hour or so and I am truly content.

 

I think "newbies" should experience as many different cruise lines as they can. Then, find one that you can afford and offers what you are looking for and cruise on it as often as possible. Life is too short to worry about which cruise is the best....AFter all, isn't it all about the journey anyway!

 

Love this Board!

[K.T.B.]

I think anyone who wants to post a negative remark about ANY cruiseline should read this post.

I have cruised Carnival since they only had one ship; the Mardi Gras (and had the well-earned reputation as a party boat) back when Carnival (and I) were much younger. I have also cruised many other ships, HAL, Celebrity (loved the food), Princess (OK, but not much to do after 10PM - outside the Caribbean, that is), the now defunct Premier, Chandris, Home Lines, Sitmar; Cunard and many others including several "River Cruises in Europe". For the past 5 years, I have cruised Carnival exclusively. Why? Well, I gotta tell ya, I shop the right side of the menu now.

 

Carnival is a great cruise experience, the food is really good (and getting better all the time), the ships are dazzling, entertainment better than many ships, moderately priced drinks, staterooms are large and well-appointed as well as comfortable. I like the mix of people on the cruises (could do with fewer kids - but - what the heck!). You see young, single folks, young marrieds, middle-aged vacationers and old coots like me - and we are, almost all of us, having a BALL! While I usually cruise alone (by choice, thank you very much), I do take my grandchild once a year. He has a GREAT time on board, meets lots of kids his age (15 this year) and loves the freedom of choice when it comes to activities. He and I were on the Miracle in January and we are going again in August on the Fascination. Carnival is a wonderful line. All I want is a comfortable stateroom (with a balcony - I have earned it!), all of my meals prepared and presented beautifully, someone to clean the place up and make the beds, and several places to watch that beautiful sea! Give me a little music in the evening, a card table in the casino, a Yellow Bird every half hour or so and I am truly content.

 

I think "newbies" should experience as many different cruise lines as they can. Then, find one that you can afford and offers what you are looking for and cruise on it as often as possible. Life is too short to worry about which cruise is the best....AFter all, isn't it all about the journey anyway!

 

Love this Board!

BRAVA!

[caprcorn28]

If you equate the cruise lines mentioned to the Hotel Industry I would say Carnival is more like a Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn, Princess is more like a Hilton and Celebrity is more like a Hyatt. And if you asked me about Crystal and Seabourn I would say they are more like a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons. I have stayed at all of these hotels and I think each one gives you value based on the cost.

Well, we have stayed at many Holiday Inns, Hamptons, countless Hiltons (we have family connections - GM's), several Hyatts, one Four Seasons, yet to go to a Ritz. I have had STELLAR service at all, and poor experiences at all. I have had CLEAN and wonderful accommodations at all, and less than 'perfect' accommodations at all. But ONLY at the Hilton have I experienced FECES in the pool!

I kept hearing children go past where I was sitting in my poolside chair, saying "ewww, there's poop in the pool." I finally had to get up to look for myself. Indeed there it was.

I went to the pool towel building to report it, and I was told by the attendants, "Well, you do realize if we go and check it out, and it is, the pool will have to be closed?" Duh!! Hey - wasn't MY kid that pooped in it and I certainly didn't want my kids/myself/husband or OTHERS to get sick! She really didn't want to have to do the reporting/checking - afterall, it was a beautiful day at the pool!!! What kind of customer service is that, trying to persuade me to 'not report this officially'.....??

Yes, it was...guess what? Pool was closed for FIVE hours during the middle of the day!

If money/class etc has anything to do with one another, here is where it falls apart...the hotel staff found the offenders...and they didn't "KNOW" that you needed swim diapers and "WHAT" was the big deal? Scoop it out...:eek:

You can have fabulous experiences at all levels of "price" categories - like many people have said, it really has more to do with your cruise/hotel mates!!!

[momofmeg]

Why is Southwest less expensive than other airlines? If you don't feel comfortable on Carnival because of the price, then book on Celebrity or Princess. Celebrity is a premium line and Princess is owned by Carnival.

 

I have cruised with four different cruise lines, including Carnival. I have had a great time on all the cruises, including Carnival. For $1000 per person I would book Carnival.

 

However, if you want to eat at the buffet and you want someone to carry your food to your table for you, then you better book Celebrity.

 

I had friends that booked Air Tram to Miami for their cruise to save a few bucks. They HATED air Tram and said next time they would go Delta even if it is more pricy.

[*CruiseFan*]

"Hate to be crass and will get flamed for this" but Carnival is less expensive because they don't increase your cruise fare to pay for:

 

1. Cool towels portside

2. Champagne upon boarding

3. Extra crew

4. Ice cream by the pool

 

What you get is:

 

1. A bigger stateroom than the industry average

2. The most amazing beds and linens

3. Adequate staff for 99% of the pax

4. Good food (not gourmet, but still better than I can make)

5. Reasonably priced drinks (especially if you factor in the beverages I brought with!)

6. A boat-load of people who wouldn't drown if it started to rain, who are there to kick back and enjoy life.

 

I like to think of it as getting the most bang for my buck. Since I have not sailed Carnival in Europe, I cannot comment on the "quality" of passengers, but from reading the boards, every cruiseline has its flaws.

 

 

Very well put honestly. You did a fair comparison there :) Bravo!

[AlbertaCruisers]

Its interesting to see everyone's opinions.

We had only cruised Carnival before this March, so we decided to try a Princess Cruise because everyone says they are a step up from Carnival. We do not agree. We did a 10-day cruise on the Sun Princess and were disappointed. The ports were great but the ship, food, staff, entertainment, size of the rooms, etc. were all a let down compared to our prior Carnival cruises.

We found Carnival to be far superior in every way and it will take an incredibly good deal for us to ever travel on Princess again.

[NRWO]

What a load of dung in this thread. Go ahead and spend your extra $1000 pp, enjoy. And go check out the Freedom when it comes out and tell me if it's a "McDonalds" of crusiing. Such tripe in this thread.

[flynrph]

Pricing can be so variable. I was hunting all over the place for an Alaska cruise this summer. I surfed the cruise lines, travel agents, and online travel services for prices from most of the lines (Carnival, RC, Celebrity, HAL, NCL, & Princess). And I wanted comparable itinerys and room sizes. So, I was surprised when the best adaptation of room, itinery, and price for the time I wanted to sail was Princess. Beat Carnival by a heavy amount. Celebrity was highest with the rest smattered in between.

IMO, I'm thinking the pricing is working a lot on the supply and demand curve. Princess seemed to be running a lot of ships up to Alaska, compared to the other lines.

[Cuizer2]

What a load of dung in this thread. Go ahead and spend your extra $1000 pp, enjoy. And go check out the Freedom when it comes out and tell me if it's a "McDonalds" of crusiing. Such tripe in this thread.

 

Nothing like an objective, balanced, well thought out response, supported by clearly stated and verifiable facts.

[raider4251]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=351368

[Cuizer2]

Oops! Wrong thread.

[ziggy]

It is truely obvious to me and my family why Carnival is less expensive than the other lines that offer a "Finer Cruise Experience". You do get what you pay for. If you want a bargain cruise, like Carnival, don't expect too much and you'll have a great time. If you have grown acustom to the finer points in your travel experiences, look further than price when making your purchase.

 

Happy Travels!

[MrPete]

I always wonder why one would pay more elsewhere, when you get more on Carnival.

 

But, it's their money. We all know a fool and his money are soon parted. :rolleyes: