$2000 more for same cruise next year?

[RedSox68]

Corporate jobs too. Depending on your position/group, getting your time off on the calendar first makes it more likely you will get that time off. Often, people put stuff on the calendar a couple of years in advance.

We are only allowed to ask for our vacation one year in advance -- and I make sure to be the first to get it in as once those weeks fill up, I won't be allowed to take two weeks in a row. So it can be difficult to get permission or fit it in. In my daughter's case, she doesn't get paid for more than 5 days vacation, so anything after that and she loses money.

 

[Ofinn]

A lot of factory jobs require you to schedule your vacation for the coming year. For example when I worked at an automobile manufacturing plant, in late March and early April, we would schedule our vacation for up to the end of March the next year. I would have to schedule a week and arrange the vacation around it.

There's also a lot of jobs where people can't schedule a year or so in advance so I'm sure it all evens out. PP had stated that you have to be retired to put plan a vacation 2 months out that is simple not true. I know a lot of people pick vacation weeks, but don't actually plan anything until a month or two out. The problem is when your tied to one cruise line or vacation destination you really limit yourself in what you can do.

 

[lbus42]

I did not hear anyone call for a boycott.

You didn't read post #57 then. They might not have used the word "boycott" but they were definitely calling for one. Here is part of the original post, " ...enough is enough....... and stop cruisin' with DCL till they start lowering the prices with in reason , are we all fools to give money away to them?"

 

[Ofinn]

You didn't read post #57 then. They might not have used the word "boycott" but they were definitely calling for one. Here is part of the original post, " ...enough is enough....... and stop cruisin' with DCL till they start lowering the prices with in reason , are we all fools to give money away to them?"

I think the poster was just venting a little. There is a lot of truth to what the poster said. A whole bunch of discounts just came out for April and May. If people stop booking at rack rate they would be forced lower their opening day prices or offer sales that aren't 60 days out or less. The funny thing is so many people book and then cancel because they find something better on another cruise line. It still drives up the prices though.

 

[RedSox68]

I think the poster was just venting a little. There is a lot of truth to what the poster said. A whole bunch of discounts just came out for April and May. If people stop booking at rack rate they would be forced lower their opening day prices or offer sales that aren't 60 days out or less. The funny thing is so many people book and then cancel because they find something better on another cruise line. It still drives up the prices though.

Well put.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

When I can book a 9 night cruise on a Celebrity ship out of Fort Lauderdale in February 2017 including a free drink package (soda, water, and specialty coffees plus basic alcohol) with enough OBC to cover gratuities for 3 people and 1 night of specialty dining, for the same cost as a 5 night DCL cruise (and yes, that's taking into consideration an OBB discount and OBC from both the OBB and my TA), it becomes a no brainer for me.

Unless I find a great deal on a Fall 2017 cruise, my OBB will go unused.

DCL has priced itself out of my Price VS Value comparison chart. Not that the product isn't good, it's just that compared to other cruise lines and ships, I'm not getting enough "extra" to validate paying the higher price.

I have mixed feelings about DCL - on one hand, if it wasn't for DCL I probably wouldn't have tried cruising, on the other hand, if I had put my 6 DCL cruises towards the other lines I would have a higher loyalty status on more of them.

 

[Hundredacre]

It's funny because I used to read these boards silently and a couple of years ago when I started seeing threads about people going to other cruise lines (mostly for price), I thought I'll never do that!! I used to have a real snobbery about dcl that I am realizing is partially do to disney marketing. I noticed on our last disney cruise a few weeks ago our cruise director put other cruise lines down twice. I am not sure if I have just never noticed disney do that before or if disney is starting to feel insecure.

But i never would have started looking at other cruise lines if I had not read what others were writing on disboards. I am with the previous poster. It has become a no brainer to me too.

 

[Ofinn]

Since were planning on cruising on the Carnival Vista later this year I have spent some time reading the Carnival forums. I know Carnival is like a four letter word on these boards, but the regular Carnival cruisers feel like they are getting a very good product for what they pay. Im sure its not as nice as Dcl, but is it 3/4 as good for 1/4 the price? I guess I will find out. One thing I know is there will be a lot more to do on the ship.

 

[RedSox68]

Since were planning on cruising on the Carnival Vista later this year I have spent some time reading the Carnival forums. I know Carnival is like a four letter word on these boards, but the regular Carnival cruisers feel like they are getting a very good product for what they pay. Im sure its not as nice as Dcl, but is it 3/4 as good for 1/4 the price? I guess I will find out. One thing I know is there will be a lot more to do on the ship.

We did Carnival for a short cruise a couple of years ago and loved it. It was on the Glory out of NYC and I thought the ship was beautiful. The food was pretty good too! And they had some great free food stands -- including Guy's burgers and a taco window. The rooms though were gorgeous -- and much bigger than DCL. We loved our time onboard and wouldn't hesitate to do another one.

 

[Ofinn]

We did Carnival for a short cruise a couple of years ago and loved it. It was on the Glory out of NYC and I thought the ship was beautiful. The food was pretty good too! And they had some great free food stands -- including Guy's burgers and a taco window. The rooms though were gorgeous -- and much bigger than DCL. We loved our time onboard and wouldn't hesitate to do another one.

This is a brand new ship, and Im really looking forward to all it has to offer.

 

[RedSox68]

Yes, and the prices are amazing compared to DCL -- so no budget guilt!

 

[cyclenut]

The Carnival product varies widely by ship and itinerary. I have sailed primarily the short cruises out of LA and those are known as the booze cruise itineraries. Lots of locals looking to get on the ship and get drunk and party the entire time. I didn't mind that part of it so much (and it was there), but the entertainment was sub-par and the ship itself was not well maintained. I actually found a rolled joint in the drawer of my stateroom on one cruise. OK ... So there was drugs on the cruise. Not a surprise, but the cabin steward didn't open the drawers and check? It was in plain site.

I've heard good things about the longer cruises and bigger ships, but I've also talked to some passengers on the same beach I was on and we compared notes. They weren't feeling any magic from the Carnival Magic. The Carnival ship in Alaska only goes part way into Tracy Arm and never gets to the Glacier. They have a separate excursion where a select few can (for a price) board a pontoon boat and head to the Glacier while the rest of the passengers an or along the sides. Stationary. Embarkation and Disembarkation is also a much different process that prolongs the experience, although the computers were down on the Fantasy of our last cruise and it was a horrible process. So, Disney is not immune.

I've decided that I'm not likely to sail Carnival unless it is at an incredible bargain and not expecting much more than just a cheap getaway.

 

[Ofinn]

The Carnival product varies widely by ship and itinerary. I have sailed primarily the short cruises out of LA and those are known as the booze cruise itineraries. Lots of locals looking to get on the ship and get drunk and party the entire time. I didn't mind that part of it so much (and it was there), but the entertainment was sub-par and the ship itself was not well maintained. I actually found a rolled joint in the drawer of my stateroom on one cruise. OK ... So there was drugs on the cruise. Not a surprise, but the cabin steward didn't open the drawers and check? It was in plain site.

I've heard good things about the longer cruises and bigger ships, but I've also talked to some passengers on the same beach I was on and we compared notes. They weren't feeling any magic from the Carnival Magic. The Carnival ship in Alaska only goes part way into Tracy Arm and never gets to the Glacier. They have a separate excursion where a select few can (for a price) board a pontoon boat and head to the Glacier while the rest of the passengers an or along the sides. Stationary. Embarkation and Disembarkation is also a much different process that prolongs the experience, although the computers were down on the Fantasy of our last cruise and it was a horrible process. So, Disney is not immune.

I've decided that I'm not likely to sail Carnival unless it is at an incredible bargain and not expecting much more than just a cheap getaway.

I don't think the fact that the short Carnival cruises are party cruises is a big "News Flash". I've been on one of those cruises, and yes it was a party ship. I paid 150.00 dollars for the cruise. I don't see anything wrong with people wanting a cheap weekend getaway to unwind, and let loose. Those are old ships and their cheap. What do you expect for that price? I'm always shocked that people think they're are going to get a Silver Seas experience for a 200.00 dollars. I'm sure the European cruises have a much different cliental. Same goes for the longer cruises on the new ships. Carnival goes to Glacier Bay in Alaska something DCL does not do. DCL does not always make it all the way to Tracy Arm(depends on the weather and how much ice there is), but most people say don't do Alaska unless it includes Glacier Bay. I've never cruised Carnival, but I've done enough research to know what to expect.

Honestly our last cruise, a short Wonder cruise, with at least a thousand kids under 5, and their stressed out parents was not a great atmosphere. I think longer cruises are just better for both lines.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I don't think the fact that the short Carnival cruises are party cruises is a big "News Flash". I've been on one of those cruises, and yes it was a party ship. I don't see anything wrong with people wanting a cheap weekend getaway to unwind, and let loose. I wouldn't take my kids on one of those cruises, and if you do then you're not well informed. I don't think you're going to find the same kind of atmosphere on a European cruise. The Caribbean cruises on the Vista are not that much less than DCL. I'm kind of shocked at how high the prices are. Carnival goes to Glacier Bay in Alaska something DCL does not do. DCL does not always make it all the way to Tracy Arm(depends on the weather and how much ice there is), but most people say don't do Alaska unless it includes Glacier Bay. I've never cruised Carnival, but I've done enough research to know what to expect.

We booked our Mediterranean Vista cruise about 13 months ago and there was recently a price drop. For my family of 4 in two connecting insides, we're doing an 8 day for $4020, that includes trip insurance and pre-paid gratuity. DCL wasn't remotely close to that, so it was a no brainier to book it. Also, and I'm not trying to start a debate on bringing on/buying cases of bottled water, but CCL does not allow water to be brought on board, but they sell in to have delivered to your cabin for $6 or $8 (can't remember which) per case. A lot cheaper than the $30 something I pay on DCL.

I too have spent a lot of time on the CCL side of cruise critic. People seem pretty nice and it seems there is a night and day difference between short and long cruises. My wife is a teacher and there are a 1/2 dozen teachers at her school who swear by Carnival, they take 2-3 cruises a year with them. LA is only a 6 hour drive from the Phoenix area so they do the short cruises during fall/spring breaks, and a longer Caribbean in the summer. Normally they get to do 3 cruises for what we pay for 1 Caribbean on the Fantasy.

I'm planning on doing a pretty thorough review when we get back in mid June, to post here and on cruise critic.

 

[Ofinn]

We booked our Mediterranean Vista cruise about 13 months ago and there was recently a price drop. For my family of 4 in two connecting insides, we're doing an 8 day for $4020, that includes trip insurance and pre-paid gratuity. DCL wasn't remotely close to that, so it was a no brainier to book it. Also, and I'm not trying to start a debate on bringing on/buying cases of bottled water, but CCL does not allow water to be brought on board, but they sell in to have delivered to your cabin for $6 or $8 (can't remember which) per case. A lot cheaper than the $30 something I pay on DCL.

I too have spent a lot of time on the CCL side of cruise critic. People seem pretty nice and it seems there is a night and day difference between short and long cruises. My wife is a teacher and there are a 1/2 dozen teachers at her school who swear by Carnival, they take 2-3 cruises a year with them. LA is only a 6 hour drive from the Phoenix area so they do the short cruises during fall/spring breaks.

I'm planning on doing a pretty thorough review when we get back in mid June, to post here and on cruise critic.

I did change my previous post a little since you quoted me LoL. My dh works in LA and a lot of his co-workers go on those cruises. They're super cheap and fun if your not with kids. We're not big drinkers or partiers, but I can appreciate the cruises for what they are.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

We booked our Mediterranean Vista cruise about 13 months ago and there was recently a price drop. For my family of 4 in two connecting insides, we're doing an 8 day for $4020, that includes trip insurance and pre-paid gratuity. DCL wasn't remotely close to that, so it was a no brainier to book it. Also, and I'm not trying to start a debate on bringing on/buying cases of bottled water, but CCL does not allow water to be brought on board, but they sell in to have delivered to your cabin for $6 or $8 (can't remember which) per case. A lot cheaper than the $30 something I pay on DCL.

I too have spent a lot of time on the CCL side of cruise critic. People seem pretty nice and it seems there is a night and day difference between short and long cruises. My wife is a teacher and there are a 1/2 dozen teachers at her school who swear by Carnival, they take 2-3 cruises a year with them. LA is only a 6 hour drive from the Phoenix area so they do the short cruises during fall/spring breaks, and a longer Caribbean in the summer. Normally they get to do 3 cruises for what we pay for 1 Caribbean on the Fantasy.

I'm planning on doing a pretty thorough review when we get back in mid June, to post here and on cruise critic.

Actually, it's $3.99 for a 12 pack of water on Carnival. And it was recently a scandal as they increased the price by a $1 from $2.99 per 12 pack.

I did a 21 night cruise on Carnival in January/February of this year and I loved every day of it. Good food, good service, lots to do and it does live up to the "Fun ship" name. I'm a carnival fan (in August I turn Platinum) but also occasionally sail Royal (3 times plus one coming up) and Celebrity (3 times plus one coming up) when I find good deals.

The new Carnival Vista looks like a great ship with lots of new and innovative features.

 

[RedSox68]

I don't think the fact that the short Carnival cruises are party cruises is a big "News Flash". I've been on one of those cruises, and yes it was a party ship. I paid 150.00 dollars for the cruise. I don't see anything wrong with people wanting a cheap weekend getaway to unwind, and let loose. Those are old ships and their cheap. What do you expect for that price? I'm always shocked that people think they're are going to get a Silver Seas experience for a 200.00 dollars. I'm sure the European cruises have a much different cliental. Same goes for the longer cruises on the new ships. Carnival goes to Glacier Bay in Alaska something DCL does not do. DCL does not always make it all the way to Tracy Arm(depends on the weather and how much ice there is), but most people say don't do Alaska unless it includes Glacier Bay. I've never cruised Carnival, but I've done enough research to know what to expect.

Honestly our last cruise, a short Wonder cruise, with at least a thousand kids under 5, and their stressed out parents was not a great atmosphere. I think longer cruises are just better for both lines.

We didn't experience this at all -- maybe because it was a different coast or the itinerary didn't appeal to partyers. But we did a 4-night out of NYC and we had mostly families trying to get that last weekend in before school started (Labor Day weekend). The only issue we ran into was that the placed the DJ in the lobby -- between guest services and the excursion desk. And he was ALWAYS there -- so anytime you went down to discuss your account or book an excursion, you had to shout. Odd placement, but otherwise we had a great time. I would book Carnival again -- but for a longer cruise to see different ports.

 

[jahber]

The Carnival product varies widely by ship and itinerary. I have sailed primarily the short cruises out of LA and those are known as the booze cruise itineraries. Lots of locals looking to get on the ship and get drunk and party the entire time. I didn't mind that part of it so much (and it was there), but the entertainment was sub-par and the ship itself was not well maintained. I actually found a rolled joint in the drawer of my stateroom on one cruise. OK ... So there was drugs on the cruise. Not a surprise, but the cabin steward didn't open the drawers and check? It was in plain site.

I've heard good things about the longer cruises and bigger ships, but I've also talked to some passengers on the same beach I was on and we compared notes. They weren't feeling any magic from the Carnival Magic. The Carnival ship in Alaska only goes part way into Tracy Arm and never gets to the Glacier. They have a separate excursion where a select few can (for a price) board a pontoon boat and head to the Glacier while the rest of the passengers an or along the sides. Stationary. Embarkation and Disembarkation is also a much different process that prolongs the experience, although the computers were down on the Fantasy of our last cruise and it was a horrible process. So, Disney is not immune.

I've decided that I'm not likely to sail Carnival unless it is at an incredible bargain and not expecting much more than just a cheap getaway.

It really does vary. We enjoyed our Carnival Dream cruise and LOVED our Breeze cruise. The ship was lovely and so well maintained--I'm talking Disney-level maintained. People scrubbing carpets, wiping down the bottom of the stairwell, touching up paint, and so on. And the crew was amazingly friendly. I never had to carry a tray in the buffet (I had a 6mo) and everyone we saw, it seemed, stopped to smile at my baby and talk to him. He was like a baby celebrity. It might have been because he was the only baby on board .
And don't get my husband started on the amazing food choices on Carnival vs the sad, sad Disney options (although nothing will ever be better than chicken fingers on the pool deck for me!). Oh, and kids' activities. The water park alone accounted for half my kids' time on ship, it seemed. And we sailed for 8 days for less than the screamin' 5-day Fl resident deal we found on the Wonder the week before. One of our best DCl deals and it was still almost twice Carnival, when you consider the length of the cruise. And not a better cruise!
That said, the smaller ships aren't for us when we sail with kids. It's just not the vibe we go for; and that's totally fine. I have so many friends who swear by Carnival--they can't be all bad!

 

[Ofinn]

It really does vary. We enjoyed our Carnival Dream cruise and LOVED our Breeze cruise. The ship was lovely and so well maintained--I'm talking Disney-level maintained. People scrubbing carpets, wiping down the bottom of the stairwell, touching up paint, and so on. And the crew was amazingly friendly. I never had to carry a tray in the buffet (I had a 6mo) and everyone we saw, it seemed, stopped to smile at my baby and talk to him. He was like a baby celebrity. It might have been because he was the only baby on board .
And don't get my husband started on the amazing food choices on Carnival vs the sad, sad Disney options (although nothing will ever be better than chicken fingers on the pool deck for me!). Oh, and kids' activities. The water park alone accounted for half my kids' time on ship, it seemed. And we sailed for 8 days for less than the screamin' 5-day Fl resident deal we found on the Wonder the week before. One of our best DCl deals and it was still almost twice Carnival, when you consider the length of the cruise. And not a better cruise!
That said, the smaller ships aren't for us when we sail with kids. It's just not the vibe we go for; and that's totally fine. I have so many friends who swear by Carnival--they can't be all bad!

That is good to know about the Breeze. I've considered switching to the Breeze out of Galveston it's about half the price as the Vista, and it goes to Belize a place I've never been. Good to know that is another option if I need to save some money.

 

[Hundredacre]

We also have considered the Breeze but been apprehensive. It is great to hear such a positive view of it. If you or anyone else has any other comments on the breeze, would love to hear about it.