Topic: Is Carnival bringing it's 'fun ships' to British waters?

Our second cruise was on Carnival Inspiration out of New Orleans. We enjoyed it but not as much as we had enjoyed our first RCI cruise. Our 3rd and subsequent cruises have all been with RCI. I'm not sure if we would give it a go. Depends on the ports of call and the price.

Not for us--we love Formal Nights,Afternoon Tea,Indian Night and interesting lectures.

The main problem with Carnival is that you need to wear your 'shades' permanently on board, to prevent eye strain:

QUOTE:

We may see a bit more of Carnival over the next few years -- Are you up for a fun cruise?



Chief Exec, Gerry Cahill, has revealed plans to move further into UK market.

Speaking from the line’s latest 'fun ship', Carnival Magic, he said said the company was “very attracted” to the UK market.

“We have a desire to source more people from the UK because of the common language we share,” he said.

“In 2008, we had Carnival Splendour in Dover, and were very pleased with how that sold.”

The 3,690-passenger Magic, due to be launched next month, will be based from Barcelona during the summer months, and has already attracted quite a few Brits. In fact, figures suggest that we'll be taking up half the ships passenger capacity in August [the other half being American, of course ].

Cahill revealed that new ship Carnival Breeze -- due for completion next year, has a chance of being based in the UK...

“The UK market is a key priority for us, but how we try to attract it will be decided at a later date,” he said.

“There are a lot of options, and basing a ship in the UK could be one of those options.”

Not sure what a Carnival ship is like? Take a look at this virtual tour of the new Carnival Magic...



Would you give Carnival a go? Have you tried it already? How was it for you?

Where's the food? All I saw were empty restaurants!

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Which in my language translates as: "We can charge the Brits far more than we can the Yanks"

7 nights Caribbean August 6th 2011, Carnival 4.5* ship: $629

7 nights Mediterranean August 7th 2011, Costa 4.5* ship: $1499

Oh yes - its seems they have it all worked out in their favour.

They are not in my good books at the moment over their so called Early Saver Fare with a questionable Price Promise Protection.

Done what I thought was the right thing - booked early on Early Saver Rate paid a very hefty £800 Deposit for 3 of us for the privilege, but safe in the knowledge (or so I thought) I was assured of their LOWEST RATE and a promise of honouring any lower rates by adjustng the fare accordingly. .................... or so it says....................

Saw a deal last night around £300 less than what we have paid for same grade of cabin but told we cant have a price drop because its for new bookings only - I just dont get it! So whats the point of the Price Promise in the first place

I couldn't swallow the introduction, so I haven't seen the video through....
Jo.

Sounds like a complete con to me. We all know that Celebrity / RCI keep their price drop promise; they are a caring sharing company, not honouring their price drop and charging over double for a compatible European cruise over a Caribbean Cruise

see you when we leave cork on the Eclipse

QUOTE:

Oh yes - its seems they have it all worked out in their favour.

They are not in my good books at the moment over their so called Early Saver Fare with a questionable Price Promise Protection.

Done what I thought was the right thing - booked early on Early Saver Rate paid a very hefty £800 Deposit for 3 of us for the privilege, but safe in the knowledge (or so I thought) I was assured of their LOWEST RATE and a promise of honouring any lower rates by adjustng the fare accordingly. .................... or so it says....................

Saw a deal last night around £300 less than what we have paid for same grade of cabin but told we cant have a price drop because its for new bookings only - I just dont get it! So whats the point of the Price Promise in the first place

QUOTE:

Oh yes - its seems they have it all worked out in their favour.

They are not in my good books at the moment over their so called Early Saver Fare with a questionable Price Promise Protection.

Done what I thought was the right thing - booked early on Early Saver Rate paid a very hefty £800 Deposit for 3 of us for the privilege, but safe in the knowledge (or so I thought) I was assured of their LOWEST RATE and a promise of honouring any lower rates by adjustng the fare accordingly. .................... or so it says....................

Saw a deal last night around £300 less than what we have paid for same grade of cabin but told we cant have a price drop because its for new bookings only - I just dont get it! So whats the point of the Price Promise in the first place

Sounds like a rip-off to me. Here is what their website (USD) says. Of course they can always claim the lowered prices are for new sales only, but if you can find the lower price online anywhere, same category room etc you should be able to get it. Where did you see the lower fare? Can you print it off and is there a disclaimer anywhere that says it's only for new reservations?
http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/spec...per-day-2.aspx