Carnival Spirit Nouveau Supper Club
Addicted 2 Cruising
know) that you have to make a reservation to dine there.
How is this going to work?
When would you have to make the reservation?
Why is the thinking for going this way for a Dining room on a cruise ship???
Anyone have any idea, how and why this is going to work???
Tim Rubacky
of them require a reservation and small to moderate surcharge for the
"privilege" of dining there.
You would make your reservation once on board. Policies vary from line to
line; some only allow reservations the day of, or two days prior, some allow
reservations at any time during the cruise on a "first come first served'
basis. And some lines give preference to Suite Passengers.
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax
Addicted 2 Cruising <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Zemj5.1099$0t4.10514@news...
Addicted 2 Cruising
there during OUR cruise, not for $20 per meal, per person!!!
<Carnival Reply>
In regards to your query, at this time this is all the
information available. The Nouveau Supper Club, located on decks 10/11
is an intimate restaurant that accepts reservations for when guest
chooses to dine. This is an alternative to dining in the main dining
room or the Lido Deck Restaurant. There is a nominal fee of
approximately $20 per meal, per guest. If there is anything else I can
help you with, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for choosing
Carnival.
Wanda Flores
IMC Specialist
</Carnival Reply>
One of the big attractions for us about Cruising is the All Inclusiveness.
This is a bad direction Carnival is taking on, to start to charge for meals,
or anything else that traditionally has been "included".....
Time will tell, if it is a practice they expand or not...
Pinelands3
>approximately $20 per meal, per guest
Wow, that sounds awfully high. LeBistro on NCL only suggests a $5.00 pp tip.
I think Carnival is going to have to rethink this policy.
Addicted 2 Cruising
inclusive cruise, with 24 hour Room Service, Pizza and Formal Dining
available every night, and then pay an additional $40, just to eat at a
particular time, that you have to schedule in advance.
I just don't see much appeal for it??????????????????
Is anyone out there seeing an up side to this new kind of Dining for
Carnival???
Are we missing something here???
Pinelands3 <pinel...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20000807190530...@ng-fc1.aol.com...
Ray Goldenberg
>I think Carnival is going to have to rethink this policy.
Hi,
All of the major cruise lines are headed in this direction. It is an
unfortunate slippery slope.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Ray Goldenberg
<addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>Is anyone out there seeing an up side to this new kind of Dining for
>Carnival???
Hi,
NCL is going to announce a new pay as you cruise plan for most of
their restaurants on their ships that are being built. They are going
to retrofit the Norwegian Sky with these extra cost dining venues. If
you book a high enough ($) cabin, you will get credit on your account
that will allow you to eat in these restaurants at no additional
charge.
Tim Rubacky
of the meal. Celebrity charges $12 per person for the Olympic Restaurant on
the Millennium and United States on the Infinity, RCI charges (Is it $12 or
$15??) for Portofino and Chops Grille, Costa charges $18 per person for
Zeffrino's and Club Atlantica, Princess, NCL and Ren all charge nominal fees
for their alternative restaurants. And NCL will be expanding their
alternative dining venues and the charges; it is expected that the Horizon's
restaurant on the Sky will be turned into a gourmet Italian restaurant in
2002 after the space has been outfitted with it's own dedicated galley and
starting with the Sun next year, NCL will be possibly be expanding these
"pay as you go" venues. and Voyagers 4 and 5 will feature 6 to 9
alternative dining venues; all of which will charge a fee.
Considering that most cruises can now be had cheaper than ever, and that the
costs of cruising has actually declined versus 15 years ago, I dont find it
all that surprising. And considering that many folks dont think twice about
dropping $60-100 for a meal ashore at Planet Hollywood, Carlos & Charlies
or other mediocre establishments, IMO, $20 pp is not that great a sum...to
me.
What I would expect is that if a line is charging for an alternative dining
venue is that it offer a higher level of cuisine and service than the main
dining rooms; it should be an outstanding and unique experience.
I've never found Carnival's dining to be "outstanding", good but not great.
So I guess if the Nouveau Supper Club offers something TRULY different, I
would foot the tab.
--
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax
Addicted 2 Cruising <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:VlFj5.1214$0t4.11202@news...
Addicted 2 Cruising
It is the beginning of the end of "All Inclusive" as we know and love it
today!!!!!
Ray Goldenberg <r...@lighthousetravel.com> wrote in message
news:t6huos8kmi2pfkljf...@4ax.com...
> On 07 Aug 2000 23:05:30 GMT, pinel...@aol.com (Pinelands3) wrote:
>
> >I think Carnival is going to have to rethink this policy.
>
> Hi,
>
> All of the major cruise lines are headed in this direction. It is an
> unfortunate slippery slope.
>
Addicted 2 Cruising
It is the beginning of the end of "All Inclusive" as we know and love it
today!!!!!
Ray Goldenberg <r...@lighthousetravel.com> wrote in message
news:nbhuoss1i2rnvilhf...@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 07 Aug 2000 23:35:05 GMT, "Addicted 2 Cruising"
> <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >Is anyone out there seeing an up side to this new kind of Dining for
> >Carnival???
>
> Hi,
>
> NCL is going to announce a new pay as you cruise plan for most of
> their restaurants on their ships that are being built. They are going
> to retrofit the Norwegian Sky with these extra cost dining venues. If
> you book a high enough ($) cabin, you will get credit on your account
> that will allow you to eat in these restaurants at no additional
> charge.
>
Addicted 2 Cruising
It is the beginning of the end of "All Inclusive" as we know and love it
today!!!!!
We like the fact that if we can do with out Soda Pop, and we don't gamble,
then everything else we do on board *IS* INCLUDED!!!! We don't have to
worry about paying to eat, or to go to entertainment!!!
If this is the direction the Cruise Lines are going, I don't like that
direction at all!!!!
Tim Rubacky <T.Ru...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:cJHj5.8640$gW5.5...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
Charles
"Tim Rubacky" <T.Ru...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:cJHj5.8640$gW5.5...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> the Millennium and United States on the Infinity, RCI charges (Is it $12
or
> $15??) for Portofino and Chops Grille, Costa charges $18 per person for
Portifino's has a $6 charge.
Sue Whitfield
for the TIP for the alternative restaurant but $20? Well then I will be
down there adjusting my tip for the main dining room, I always give my
waiter more then what is requested but it seems that the service lately is
not as it should be for one and this is way out of line! people NEED TO
STICK together and start sending the message to the cruise Lines that your
not going to stand for this. The power is in your hands. Nip it in the bud
right now.
--
Susette Whitfield-ACC
www.cruiseoutlets.com - A Vacation.com agency
(800) 853-9515
Ray Goldenberg
<Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote:
>Uhh, Ren doe NOT (yet) charge for their alternative dining. They are
>GOING to (beginning 1-1-01 I believe).
Hi Everyone,
Ren did charge a nominal amount for alternative dining but they
cancelled it because of the negative feedback of passengers. I am
sure Chuck knows better than I whether they are reinstating next year.
Ray Goldenberg
<Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote:
>Then you'd know first hand what goes on onboard, without having
>to resort to press releases.
Hi Chuck,
It will probably surprise you to know that I have clients that have
sailed on Ren. No, they did not book with me. I sent them to Ren to
buy direct. No TA can sail on every cruise ship even though some of
us have been on many. They are now paying big commissions but have
not changed their onerous cancellation penalties, yet. They will
change their policies towards the public as well as they have changed
towards TAs. They want to survive as a company and I am very glad
they saw that they were headed towards a ruinous end without travel
professionals.
Ray Goldenberg
<Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote:
>I realize that the travel agents here actually believe that THEY are the
>reason Ren has changed it's policy from direct bookings to TA assisted
>bookings, but I honestly believe you are wrong in thinking so
Hi Chuck,
You may not agree with me but I am repeating what the present
management has said over and over since the board of directors fired
the founder from his job of running the cruise line. The present
board of directors knew that founder was wrong and told everyone that
would listen. Direct Marketing was a big mistake according to the
board. You should read what they say since you give me no
credibility.
Waxwing
credibility.
--
"Chuck.K" <Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote in
message news:398F8B85...@Bigfoot.com...
>
>
> Ray Goldenberg wrote:
> >
> > Hi Chuck,
> >
> > It will probably surprise you to know that I have
clients that have
> > sailed on Ren. No, they did not book with me. I
sent them to Ren to
> > buy direct. No TA can sail on every cruise ship
even though some of
> > us have been on many. They are now paying big
commissions but have
> > not changed their onerous cancellation penalties,
yet. They will
> > change their policies towards the public as well as
they have changed
> > towards TAs. They want to survive as a company and
I am very glad
> > they saw that they were headed towards a ruinous
end without travel
> > professionals.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Ray
>
>
> I realize that the travel agents here actually
believe that THEY are the
> reason Ren has changed it's policy from direct
bookings to TA assisted
> bookings, but I honestly believe you are wrong in
thinking so. Ren
> became what it IS today by delivering an extremely
high quality product
> for an extremely good price. It allowed them to
become the 5th largest
> cruise line in the world in such a short time.
>
> However, their recent large expansion, coupled with
the equally large
> expansions of many other mass market cruise lines,
has delivered a GLUT
> of available cabins and ships, and these cabins need
to be filled.
> There are only 2 ways to do this. PRICE and
marketing. Since fixed
> costs are such that cabin prices are already below
break even, one must
> market more effectively. Ren saw that there was no
way to effectively
> market directly in the quantities they needed to fill
all the new cabins
> available without dealing with travel agencies OTHER
then American
> Express (which they've always had marketing
agreements with).
>
> Still, direct booking is going to be the wave of the
future, with the
> advent if the internet. Travel agents working out of
storefronts are a
> dying breed. Within a very short time, we will see
the eventual end of
> the LARGE commission structures (10-18% and more) for
what is, a
> relatively small amount of actual work. It happened
with the airlines
> and it's only a matter of time till the cruiselines
wake up as well.
>
> That said, you are still no more qualified to be
commenting on what
> happens onboard a Ren vessel then I am to comment on
dinner at the White
> House. You haven't experienced it first hand, and
relating things told
> to you by customers is kind of like trying to explain
the opera to a
> deaf person. I'd be much more appreciative of a
travel agent who did
> more then just repost the daily press releases he
receives in order to
> post his company URL a dozen times a day if he
actually SAILED onboard
> the cruise lines he talks about. Or in your case, if
you actually broke
> down and SAILED on a Ren ship, so you could speak
about things from a
> first hand basis. As such, people who have ACTUALLY
been onboard a
> vessel are MUCH MORE LIKELY to have their OPINIONS
recognized as
> accurate. Certainly much more accurate then a travel
agent who seems to
> be nothing more then a PRESS FLACK for Carnival,
Princess NCI and NCL.
>
>
>
> Chuck
>
> to send mail, remove the nospam from :
Chuck....@Bigfoot.com
>
>
> OH NO, they've KILLED KENNY (those bastards)
Tim Rubacky
They're not forcing you to pay for meals in the main dining rooms or even
the causal dining in the Lido, what they are offering is an *option*. An
option that they feel many will enjoy and hopefully enhance the experience.
But sometimes there is a price att'd to options.
Then again, this experiment may flop and the Supper Club done away with.
--
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax
Addicted 2 Cruising <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n0Ij5.1224$0t4.11485@news...
> I don't like the sound of that!!!
>
> It is the beginning of the end of "All Inclusive" as we know and love it
> today!!!!!
>
> We like the fact that if we can do with out Soda Pop, and we don't gamble,
> then everything else we do on board *IS* INCLUDED!!!! We don't have to
> worry about paying to eat, or to go to entertainment!!!
>
> If this is the direction the Cruise Lines are going, I don't like that
> direction at all!!!!
>
>
>
>
> Tim Rubacky <T.Ru...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> news:cJHj5.8640$gW5.5...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> > I do admit that $20 per person *is* high, but that can depend on the
> quality
> > of the meal. Celebrity charges $12 per person for the Olympic Restaurant
> on
> > the Millennium and United States on the Infinity, RCI charges (Is it $12
> or
> > $15??) for Portofino and Chops Grille, Costa charges $18 per person for
Tim Rubacky
I knew that someone would know the exact amount!
--
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax
Charles <fo...@his.com.remove_invalid> wrote in message
news:398f5...@vienna7.his.com...
>
> "Tim Rubacky" <T.Ru...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> news:cJHj5.8640$gW5.5...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>
> > the Millennium and United States on the Infinity, RCI charges (Is it $12
> or
> > $15??) for Portofino and Chops Grille, Costa charges $18 per person for
>
Addicted 2 Cruising
What's next, charging extra for the shows too???
Adam Frix <af...@takethisout.mailandnews.com> wrote in message
news:200008080020.UAA14160@cmh-dial...
> In article <JIHj5.1221$0t4.11435@news>, "Addicted 2 Cruising"
> <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > We agree, We don't think this is going to fly for long. Why go on an
all
> > inclusive cruise,
>
> Just WHEN did you get the idea that cruising was "all-inclusive"? It's
> NEVER been all inclusive. And as you see, what's included is getting less
> and less every day.
>
> Go ahead, just ask Ray Goldenberg or George Leppla about how cruises are
> supposed to be all-inclusive.
>
Chuck.K
Tim Rubacky wrote:
>
> Princess, NCL and Ren all charge nominal fees
> for their alternative restaurants.
> Tim Rubacky
> Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
Uhh, Ren doe NOT (yet) charge for their alternative dining. They are
GOING to (beginning 1-1-01 I believe).
PARNAMI
Princess' charge for ice cream?! AND, then, Johnny Rockets? We saw the
future, and, it sucked!
It's looking like I'll soon be looking for new ways to vacation! :,(
Cruising is like being awake, and dreaming!
BocaSJM
that they have been for years but with additional charges being tacked onto to
everything? do you think carnival will lower the price for your cruise if you
choose the noveau dining...I think night...if they start charging for shows i
will be ... ticked
Chuck.K
Ray Goldenberg wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Ren did charge a nominal amount for alternative dining but they
> cancelled it because of the negative feedback of passengers. I am
> sure Chuck knows better than I whether they are reinstating next year.
>
> Best regards,
> Ray
Stick to handing out press releases from the other lines Ray.
Ren SAID they were going to initiate charges (of $10.00pp) in the
alternative dining rooms, but the huge backlash by currently booked
consumers caused them to delay the implementation of same until next
year (if it happens at all).
Maybe you should consider actually CRUISING with them one of these
days. Then you'd know first hand what goes on onboard, without having
to resort to press releases.
Chuck
Chuck.K
Chuck
Tim Rubacky
I believe that Frank DelRio would take issue with your statement below. In
fact, he has implored his competitors to NOT pursue the direct booking path
and contends that any cruise line or tour operator that does is foolish.
--
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax
Chuck.K <Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:398F8B85...@Bigfoot.com...
Sue Whitfield
The Sullivans
seem a bit steep but if it offers more personal service AND gratuities
are included (which wasn't mentioned), we'll be giving it a try. We're
on the November 19, 2001 sailing so I think I'll have my birthday dinner
there.
Wh0dewh0
>> dining
>> > venue is that it offer a higher level of cuisine and service than the
>main
>> > dining rooms; it should be an outstanding and unique experience.
>> >
I fear that the quality of food offered in the main dining area will decline if
the Supper Club thing takes off.
Sheila<-------------thinks alot of the Carnival food is outstanding
Doug McDonald
>
>
> Is anyone out there seeing an up side to this new kind of Dining for
> Carnival???
>
> Are we missing something here???
>
No, you simply see the trend to additional on-board
profit centers. Next will probably be room service.
Doug McDonald
Binkey36
eat in the Noveau Room. I can only imagine that the view and the peace and
quiet of the dining room itself (since it is so small) will make dining there
(at least one time) worthwhile. I don't think we would dine there every night.
But since it is a new ship, I plan to attempt to experience everything it has
to offer.
http://members.tripod.com/~AlaniM/
OcnGypZ
Well, I can see an upside.. depending whether or not it is truly a "Supper
Club".
Remember the old "Supper Clubs" of the 30's and 40's. Intimate tables for
two... floor length tablecloths....entertainment.... dancing.....
Yes... something different... a different venue for those celebrating a special
occasion while on board.
I'd try it, if it were truly a "Supper Club".....
was born too late to enjoy the originals... and I guess I've just watched too
many old late night movies ...LOL
Ray Goldenberg
>
>I fear that the quality of food offered in the main dining area will decline if
>the Supper Club thing takes off.
Hi Sheila,
You and I are in agreement on this point. <:=(
Chuck.K
Tim Rubacky wrote:
>
> Chuck,
>
> I believe that Frank DelRio would take issue with your statement below. In
> fact, he has implored his competitors to NOT pursue the direct booking path
> and contends that any cruise line or tour operator that does is foolish.
>
> --
> Tim Rubacky
Frank DelRio is a businessman currently following the path of least
resistance. He has berths to fill and knows the ONLY way to fill them
in the current economy is to utilize traditional travel agents (in
addition to the direct bookings they continue to persue).
Peter Bugda
along that they could have provided a much higher quality of food and
service in the dining room...if they had wanted to. NOW, they will....at
a price.
que sera sera
tgayer
i'm for it if they really have table dancing
tomas
villa deauville
Of course they have table dancing.
SUNNY<.......will be on table 77 left as you enter.
Chuck Teaney
--
Chuck
change nospam to home to reply
10 days of fun and cruising and nothing but fun and cruising!! Come join
us!!
http://www.cruisestravel.com/ggc2001/index.shtml
***************************************
"villa deauville" <SUN...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8842-399...@storefull-132.iap.bryant.webtv.net...
villa deauville
Of course I shall be dancing on top o table 77.
SUNNY<......invites Linda to bring her tap shoes and glitzy outfit and I
in my tiara, long gown, silver shoes and feather boa
will give the folks at the Supper Club a show they will never forget
Tim Rubacky
If you think that any cruise line will be able to fill the majority of their
berths (Or even a significant number) via direct bookings, you are a fool.
It costs the cruise lines too much in time and manpower to handle direct
bookings. The average TA places three calls (sometimes none) to a cruise
line from the start of a transaction to finish.
Carnival, Princess, RCI/CCI and NCL have all stated that an average consumer
direct booking takes 13-14 phone calls.
And when the CEO of the worlds fifth largest cruise line proclaims that
their "book direct and save" business plan was fundamentally flawed;
financially, professionally and morally, that's a pretty damning indictment.
BocaSJM
>From: JL...@webtv.net (The Sullivans)
>Date: 8/8/00 7:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time
>Message-id: <28337-39...@storefull-113.iap.bryant.webtv.net>
Hmm sounds like these people haven;t been on cruises before...or are spoiled
rich...$20 p/p os good on an all-inclusive ship? WHat kind of nonsense is
that...pretty soon cruises will become the bastion of the rich :(
tgayer
doesn't that sound succulent
in the new dining room no less!
make a reservation for two (i'm a big guy) at your table
if u don't believe me take a look
at http://zing.com
search on keword bossier for our enchanted isle cruise fotos 140 last month
tomas
Linda Coffman
"varied choices"--its revenue enhancement plain and simple, IMHO.
I remember when NCL first introduced Le Bistro on the Norway and it was
EMPTY every night because they were charging something like $35/per person
to dine there! They also were tacking on $2 for room service back in 1990
and that was very unpopular and short-lived.
I don't mind the $5 gratuity, but $20/per person is a bit too much to
swallow... and I assume they expect a gratuity on top of that?!?
Linda
Making Waves~~~
http://pages.prodigy.net/lindacoffman/index.html
Sue Whitfield <cruise...@snip.net> wrote in message
news:soulj2...@corp.supernews.com...
> I for one think this is starting to get a bit out of hand I can see $5 or
$7
> for the TIP for the alternative restaurant but $20? Well then I will be
> down there adjusting my tip for the main dining room, I always give my
> waiter more then what is requested but it seems that the service lately
is
> not as it should be for one and this is way out of line! people NEED TO
> STICK together and start sending the message to the cruise Lines that your
> not going to stand for this. The power is in your hands. Nip it in the bud
> right now.
Linda Coffman
for some of the shows on their ships in Asia :(
Linda
Making Waves~~~
http://pages.prodigy.net/lindacoffman/index.html
Addicted 2 Cruising <addicted...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MDIj5.1227$0t4.11470@news...
Sue Whitfield
they can get away with this in the American market-
I was talking to the DSM today and was told they definitely are thinking
about doing this, and do not think it will really fly in America...
So yes this is something that is being talked about to put in place.
Freestyle is one thing but I think charging for Food is not in the best
interest of the cruise line.
Paul
All he has ever demonstrated is that he knows how to work the edit, copy,
paste buttons on his computer.
If you call copying the trade magazine articles, doctoring the content and
then forwarding them to this newsgroup as breaking news credibility, then I
guess he has a lot of it.
"Waxwing" <blu...@v-wave.com> wrote in message
news:8mo72h$nr5$1...@dagger.ab.videon.ca...
> Please take your squabbling offline - It destroys your
> credibility.
>
> --
>
> "Chuck.K" <Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote in
> message news:398F8B85...@Bigfoot.com...
> >
> >
> > Ray Goldenberg wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Chuck,
> > >
> > > It will probably surprise you to know that I have
> clients that have
> > > sailed on Ren. No, they did not book with me. I
> sent them to Ren to
> > > buy direct. No TA can sail on every cruise ship
> even though some of
> > > us have been on many. They are now paying big
> commissions but have
> > > not changed their onerous cancellation penalties,
> yet. They will
> > > change their policies towards the public as well as
> they have changed
> > > towards TAs. They want to survive as a company and
> I am very glad
> > > they saw that they were headed towards a ruinous
> end without travel
> > > professionals.
> > >
> > > Best regards,
> > > Ray
> >
> >
Lloyd Parsons
"Paul" <slin...@erols.com> wrote in message
news:8mspo9$4q6$1...@bob.news.rcn.net...
hellin...@webtv.net
just go out into the Atlantic. Is this true? Please let me know.
hellin...@webtv.net
Peace & Harmony
Ray Goldenberg
>I was told that there are 2 day cruises leaving New York Harbor that
>just go out into the Atlantic. Is this true? Please let me know.
Hi,
They do have these from time to time. Carnival has some this year
when the Carnival Victory is being delivered early. I believe they
all sold out within a day or 2 of being announced. You can see the
details on my web page under "News" on June 8.
Any more questions, just ask!
Chuck.K
Tim Rubacky wrote:
>
> Chuck,
>
> If you think that any cruise line will be able to fill the majority of their
> berths (Or even a significant number) via direct bookings, you are a fool.
> It costs the cruise lines too much in time and manpower to handle direct
> bookings. The average TA places three calls (sometimes none) to a cruise
> line from the start of a transaction to finish.
Gee whiz, isn't that the SAME thing that travel agents said when the
airline and hotel industries went direct? Funny, but the airlines and
hotels don't seem to have any problems doing their bookings and there is
a whole lot more of them to do daily then there are cruise bookings. As
it is, the cruiselines spend the LIONS share for advertising and finding
the customers. It's not a leap of faith for them to figure out they can
just as easily book then as well (or farm it out to companies equipped
to do so).
THANK YOU for showing that the "average TA" does very little in the way
of "actual work" to make a cruise booking (3 calls or less).
> Carnival, Princess, RCI/CCI and NCL have all stated that an average consumer
> direct booking takes 13-14 phone calls.
Perhaps they just need to streamline the procedures, or (GASP) consider
an ONLINE way of doing it. NAH! That will NEVER happen (I wonder if
the airlines and hotels used to think that?) Does anyone know how many
hotel and airline reservations are made DAILY? And how many are made
using a "travel professional"?
> And when the CEO of the worlds fifth largest cruise line proclaims that
> their "book direct and save" business plan was fundamentally flawed;
> financially, professionally and morally, that's a pretty damning indictment.
>
> --
> Tim Rubacky
He HAD TO! He had 5 new ships coming online to fill and a GLUT in the
industry to compete with! Don't for a SECOND think that it's going to
STAY that way (not only with Ren, but with every other mass market
line). It HAS to change! The airlines and hotels have shown that quite
convincingly. Fixed up-front COSTS have to be trimmed back, and paying
out 10-18% of your retail gross to someone who "makes 3 phone calls, or
NONE) is too incredible for even the cruise industry to overlook.
They are already cutting out the "middleman" (travel agents) with the
very LARGE proliferation of cruise auction sites, in order to move slow
moving or last minute cabins. My personal mail and e-mail shows that
ALL the major players are stepping up their "direct contact" promotions,
where one can bypass the TA (if one wants to). Not a day goes by
without multiple pieces of snail mail from Princess, RCL, RCI, HAL and
Ren, matched by an equal number in e-mail.
Sorry Tim, but the writing is on the wall. For the person who needs a
lot of 'hand holding', a travel agent is still pretty much a necessity
(although the proliferation of web access seems to be dropping that
number as more people figure out they can get the same or better
information off the web). It's only a matter of time until the
cruiselines figure out a way to profitably get rid of travel agents,
although it will probably be done by cutting back the commissions until
it's no longer so highly profitable for a TA.
CRUISECO
>consumer
>> direct booking takes 13-14 phone calls.
>THANK YOU for showing that the "average TA" does very little in the way
>of "actual work" to make a cruise booking (3 calls or less).
You're a little confused here. The average consumer is still making those 13-14
phone calls. They're just making them to their TA. The TA may only MAKE 3 -4
calls to the cruise line but is still TAKING those 13 - 14 calls from the
client.
Shifting the booking from the cruise line to a TA does not miraculously reduce
the number of questions the client is going to ask. It just redirects them.
Tim Rubacky
Chuck.K <Chuck.KH...@Bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>
> He HAD TO! He had 5 new ships coming online to fill and a GLUT in the
> industry to compete with
Thank you for making my point here Chuck. The industry will expand it's
number of berths by 54% in the next few years based on the current order
book. That doesn't take into account options or projects that are still on
the boards. And if you think for one nanosecond that direct bookings will
benefit the consumer, you're crazy.
--
Tim Rubacky
Consumer Affairs Editor, CruiseMates.Com
www.CruiseMates.com
201-847-9707-Voice
201-847-8521-Fax.
Chuck.K
Tim Rubacky wrote:
>
> Thank you for making my point here Chuck. The industry will expand it's
> number of berths by 54% in the next few years based on the current order
> book. That doesn't take into account options or projects that are still on
> the boards. And if you think for one nanosecond that direct bookings will
> benefit the consumer, you're crazy.
>
> --
> Tim Rubacky
The domestic cruise market won't be able to support those kinds of
numbers, since it can barely support the current number of ships and
cabins. Either the lines will be retiring some of the current older
vessels, or they will find themselves with far too capacity.
Once again, the SAME thing was said about the airline industry (and we
all know how LOW air fares have gone, currently cheaper in many markets
then riding the bus or train). The same thing can be said for the hotel
business.
What will really affect the cruise industry is the coming recession. As
long as our economy is positive, there is demand to fill the berths
(although that demand has slipped, which accounts for the DEEP discounts
being offered by every major cruiseline). ANY kind of slip in the US
economy and the cruise industry (along with the US tourism industry in
general) is going to take one HELL of a beating. We'll see what happens
within the next few years, but it won't be pretty (but will be BARGAIN
CITY for those who have the disposable income to spend).
Austin Profeta
a $ 5.00 cover charge ,you make reservation on board 24 hrs in advance
and you are limited to one visit to each restaurant. Near the end of the
cruise if space is available additional visits will be allowed, the
cover charge will again apply.
Austin Profeta
seating. You eat when you wish as long as you arrive within the posted
operating hours
marty
pay extra for a fancy sweet. Given that, IMHO, the dining room desserts
were tasteless, I was tempted. But, I found it disturbing that the free
ones were so bad and Carnival somehow expected people to cough up extra
$ for a decent one.
Marty