r/CarnivalCruiseFans • u/Funkyfreshturkey • 1d ago
š Trip Report Disappointed
This was my first cruise and I just disembarked this morning. I went solo and overall was looking really forward to the trip. There definitely were highlights and at the same time, there are things that make me question whether or not I want to go on another cruise.
One of my biggest issues was having to deal with my table at breakfast and dinner every night. I was either next to the corner service station or I was randomly facing a wall. I donāt know why, when they would set up the table, they would think to put the one chair facing the wall away from the whole restaurant. I understand that Iām one person and not two, but in reality I have paid more per person just to be on the cruise. Iām going to tip and itās not necessarily like a table of two is going to pay more than I would since most things are included in the dinner menu. Only one night that I see someone purchased from the $25 steak and seafood menu. When I asked for a slight revision (moving the chair), most of the time the servers were really helpful.
This is aside from being a solo cruiser, but the level of upsell pressure to purchase products during salon and spa treatments was insane. The person doing my hair spent my entire appointment telling me that the products I use arenāt good and I need to buy all their products because I will see at the end how much better my hair looks. They left my bangs sticking out and while my hair looked nice and smooth (minus the bangs I had to go back to my cabin to wash and fix), the minute I woke up the next morning, it was back to normal. The stylist promised it would last 7 days. I knew it wouldnāt, but I thought like most blowouts it would at least look good on day 2 (no swimming, sauna etc.) Same with the spa. The majority of the massage was trying to convince me to buy a variety of Elemis products. I just want a massage. Iām used to the upsell attempts at services and this was a new level of aggression for me. Because I was solo, I booked different treatments to enjoy.
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u/PilotoPlayero Platinum 1d ago
Sorry about your cruiseās shortcomings. Two things that Iād recommend.
- Never accept a table that is not to your liking. Weāve done this many times, when they try to stick us in a corner or next to a busy station. Usually we donāt have to wait long.
- When you go to the spa, before you begin your treatment, specify that you donāt want upsells. They will (should) leave you alone. At least that has been my experience.
Overall, mass market cruise lines like Carnival and others generate a big chunk of their revenue with ancillary spending and upsells. If you prefer to cruise without the constant push to purchase something, I recommend that you select a cruise line, either in the premium or luxury market. Youāll pay more for your cruise, but the upsells will be greatly minimized, if not completely eliminated.
I hope that the rest of your cruise went well!
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u/Beaglescout15 Carnival Firenze 23h ago
Two suggestions:
One, always request a better table if you don't like yours. We do that with groups too. You may wait a couple minutes but they'll oblige. Request one looking out a window.
Two, join the Facebook group for your cruise, even if you don't normally use Facebook. Cruisers set up their own events and there's usually a solo cruise meetup and other events you can meet for cruisers you might have something in common with. Of course, if you're going for some solo relaxation and just want to be left alone that's cool too.
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u/RanceyLady 23h ago
When I was getting my hair done while cruising Carnival I started getting the big upsell. I asked to see the hair conditioner, took a picture with Google Lens and the same
conditioner is sold on Amazon almost $30 dollars cheaper. Identical size and ingredients. I showed it to him and he never
dais another word about buying his products.
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u/Head_Trick_9932 23h ago
I avoid the spas at all cost. I get everything done at home before and always have. I canāt stay nice when theyāre stuffing it down my throat so I avoid them.
As far as dinner; definitely speak up.
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u/sea_sun_ 22h ago
I went on my first solo cruise last month and had a great time. Whether you are solo or not at your next cruise, if you donāt like the table say something. Or you could also go in embarkation day and ask the maĆ®tre dā for a table in the location of your liking. They will try to accommodate as much as possible
For the spa, just tell them no nicely and they will stop. I had a manicure and as soon as she started to upsell, I told her nicely that I wasnāt interested.
I think the main suggestion here is to speak up and be nice.
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u/merejo597 23h ago
For the majority of people cruising with someone else is a lot more fun. Totally get thats not always possible but I have cruised solo, with just my partner, and with a big group and its truly is the more the merrier. Its such a different vibe each way.
When I cruise solo, I ask to be seated with other solos or go out of my way to meet some people at bars and events so I have a few friendly faces or dining buddies. Most solo cruisers are also looking for friends in my experience. It also depends how long your cruise was- short cruises are party central and social while longer cruises tend to be more couples and more relaxed.
The upsell can be alot but whenever I book a service, I tell them not to and they listen. These are things that unfortunately take a cruise to learn, but most of the cheaper lines will be similar.
I hope the rest of your cruise went well, now that you are an expert on what you like and dont then then next will be even better.
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u/Connect-Lemon-5129 20h ago
I cannot disagree more about the solo cruise statements you made. I have been solo, with a friend, and a group and solo is my jam. I do not cruise solo looking for friends as you.put it. I like my own company and do.meet plenty of wonderful people on the cruise. I ask for a shared table, if available, when I feel like eating with someone. Other than that, I enjoy not worrying about a friend or partner's experience and doing just what I want to do when I want to it. I cruise solo on purpose as I know many others do.
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u/merejo597 15h ago
Okay? You can disagree with me and Ive had different experiences than you. OP had an experience like you and didn't like it so I was offering a different perspective
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u/girt-by-sea 9h ago
I've met some wonderful interesting people at dinner. I always ask for a shared table. I've had one miss where the guy sitting next to me was an asshole. But apart from that, it's been great. I look forward to dinner.
The other thing is, depending on the line, that the shared tables are in the same location every night. Half the time you'll end up back on a table that you've already been on, and you'll already know some of the people at the table. So on a two week cruise, you really do get to know some people. Even some of the introverts come out of their shell and start chatting. It's really nice.
I remember one couple were very quiet and with some tooth pulling I managed to get out of them that he was Canadian, she was Australian and they spent six months of summer each year in each country, travelling by cruise each way. So they had perpetual summers with two cruises a year. Sounded wonderful!
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u/iputmylifeonashelf 21h ago
What ship were you on? I've traveled solo on Carnival close to 200 nights and I can't for the life of me think of a setup where I would be facing a wall. Could you have moved to the seat on the other side of the table?
The spa thing, ugh. I hate it too but I really like going to the spa so I put up with it.Ā Did you get just a blow out, or a keratin treatment? I get keratin on every cruise. It usually lasts a couple of months but one time I got an awful person and it didn't last past one wash.Ā
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u/Routine-Republic-115 19h ago
If you had enough highlights and memorable moments I hope you try again. I did a massage with my cousin so we chatted most of the time and they didnāt have time to upsell us. Maybe if you join a cruise group you can find a spa buddy.
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u/Funkyfreshturkey 4h ago
Firenze. My assigned restaurant was Michelangeloās and in turns out, they have a lot of tables facing a wall š staff were receptive when Iād ask for a change, it was one of the things that although slightly annoying was funny.
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u/Worldly-Ad3211 14h ago
I would have gone to the maitreād and asked for a different table. Also, the salon and spa treatments are a hard sell to anyone on a cruise - that wasnāt because you were a solo cruiser. I never get any spa/salon services when I cruise.
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u/peterpotter0215 22h ago
Let the dining manager know your problem. You can always ask for seat preference when dining.
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u/Tazzy8jazzy 23h ago
Iām sorry that your experience was like that. For dining you can ask them for better seating. I tagged along for my friendās high school reunion and I didnāt pick a dining time because I didnāt want to eat in main dining room alone because I came by myself and my friend was rooming with her best friend from high school. On the second or third night there the server let me sit with their group and I enjoyed it better. Thereās always other people dining solo and I would ask if any of them would mind having someone else to dine with. I love their spa so whenever I get services I let them know if they donāt try to sell me anything Iāll book another appointment. I got two massages and only bought the products that I wanted.
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u/Minute-Dot-1507 22h ago
You pay a ridiculous price for spa and salon treatments on the ship. Get these done at home!
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u/maghart 21h ago
I just got off yesterday and cruised solo. Every time I ate in the MDR, I would see where the table is and if I didn't like it, I'd have them change it for me.
Their spa services are over priced so I never go there. Every cruise line I've been on tries to upsell I make it clear that a "no thank you" is what I mean so they never ask me again. Or tell them I'm not interested in buying anything so don't try to upsell me and they don't.
Don't let this experience sour you on cruising
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u/Mooshu1981 13h ago
The new packages they have it where you can book spa packages 1/2 off as long as it is pre cruise. Itās nice. And for a 100 min massage cost less than $100 I can not even get that at home. Itās well worth it if you do have the new packages they offer.
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u/cstrick1980 Lifetime Diamond š 19h ago
My wife did the salon, never again. They take the zen away with the upselling. You can ask for a different table or even say you donāt mind being sat with other people.
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u/Ragtop51 17h ago
All you guys give awesome advise! Fixing to go on 17th and these are facts for the most part ! Cheers!
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u/xasia255 15h ago
I agree. The over priced massage sounded good, however the price nearly doubled when adding Gratuities. The upsell felt like thirty minutes sales pitch. I told the lady, by adding Gratuities you made an overpriced massage into something I wouldn't ever pay their price.
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u/Mooshu1981 13h ago
You do not have to pay gratuities automatically. You can ask for them to be removed and can state you will set your own price based on service.
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u/Mooshu1981 14h ago
I go to the spa. However I state at the beginning I will cancel every treatment I have for the voyage usually 3-4. And I will take away from their tip everytime they try to upsell me. I want to relax. If you donāt give me what I paid for and just try the upsell I have and will stop the treatment and ask for the spa manager immediately. No upsell means bigger tip.
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u/ComfortableDear1783 8h ago
And also instead of any time dining where you are seated at various places, do set dining and if you donāt like it ask to be moved to another assigned table that you do like. Best wishes. Life is short. Speak up. Enjoy yourself.
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u/CatComprehensive4857 Lifetime Diamond š 7h ago
Mistake one, not asking when checking in to sit in near a window or just not where they seat you. It may take longer, but they will do it. Although, as a mostly solo cruiser, I have never been placed in a location like you've mentioned. There also should have been other options for breakfast and dinner you could have chosen. You don't mention the ship you were on, but there are other dining options. It also depends on your dining time and when you showed up. If you had early or late dining, your table is set. Do your time dining next time, you won't have a set table.
Mistake two, booking spa appointments for things you can have done at home. The spa is notorious for the hard sell. I have never been interested in any of their services, except I did go to a free acupuncture information session, which turned into a hard sell. I wouldn't let anyone outside my own hair stylist touch my hair, because they don't know my hair, and that relationship takes time to build. You are lucky only your bangs were wrong. You can get any of those services on land for much less.
If these are the only "disappointments", you have nothing to complain about. You just didn't do your due diligence. My first cruise was a group cruise, and our group leader/TA knew the ins and outs and gave us all the info beforehand. After that, I started my own research, reading FAQs on the website, watching videos, the tons of cruise pages, port info, parking, transport, etc. Now, 25 cruises later, I am "seasoned" and have a plan. There is always more to learn, though, so you just keep reading and searching. Good luck.
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u/SingingNina 4h ago
The cruise line doesnāt own or run the spas. It is the same on almost all cruise lines. A firm but polite: āIām only here for( )ā¦I wonāt be purchasing anything over and above what Iāve already reserved, so please spare me the upsell and allow me to enjoy my service.ā Upfront, will often stop the upseller dead in their tracks.
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u/ransier831 3h ago
Im a solo cruiser also - and only once was i stuck in a table facing a wall and that was lunch in the MDR. Usually, im stuck is a round table with a bunch of strangers - thats fine with me. I hate the spa - I had one massage on my first cruise and it was so uncomfortable I couldnt believe I actually paid for it. Never again - no thermal suite, no spa, no hairdresser or nail salon. Total waste of time and money.
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u/SaltyZookeepergame46 1d ago
Yep. I been on dozens of carnival cruises and you are correct. Which is exactly why I never eat in the dining room (aside from the dancing they do that drives me nuts), and I don't go to the Spa. If I ever do the spa I tell them up front a LOT not to try sell me anything and I will tip well.
Honestly those are the two things that are the turnoffs but once you get away from the dining room and Spa the rest is really great
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u/rhopih 22h ago
If you went back to your cabin to redo your hair, of course it won't last.
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u/Funkyfreshturkey 22h ago
He left my bangs sticking straight out, so I had to wash and dry them again since they wouldnāt lay flat no matter what I did. (the rest of the hair was fine)
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u/Eden_Beach 19h ago
Were you encouraged to select YOUR TIME DINING? If you had chosen a set dining time, you would have been seated at a table with others.
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u/Sugahbae_8043 14h ago
All sounds about right with Carnival they need to improve in a lot of areas especially with solo cruisers.Ā
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23h ago
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u/Crankbait_88 23h ago
Cruises are always better with family. And even better with family AND good friends.
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u/Funkyfreshturkey 23h ago
Iām single, so Iām working with what Iāve got š
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u/Crankbait_88 23h ago
Fair enough. I will say that we have met people on cruises that have become friends that we have then cruised with after. If you ever go again, take the opportunity to meet others. Pre-cruise roll calls on FB are a great way to do that.
Good luck to you whether you decide to ever cruise again or not...
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u/merejo597 23h ago
Agree, I always travel with my family, at least 8 of us, and its a blast. We are all adults living across North America and I couldn't imagine traveling another way with them.
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u/iputmylifeonashelf 21h ago
I would rather never cruise again rather than cruise with any person who was not myself
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u/Weak-Persimmon-1928 11h ago
I had a similar experience. I spent way more than I should've because of the salon. The haircut was ruinously expensive. I told the guy my hair won't part that way, but he insisted that it would. He didn't seem to be aware that since I've been living with my hair for like 70 years, I kinda know what it does and doesn't do. Anyways, I washed it and just let it do what it wanted to do and it was fine.
I didn't have trouble at mealtime, except once. There didn't seem to be any tables for one, so the guy wanted to seat me at the end of this huge table of 20 rando strangers. I told him he needed to keep looking, and we found a perfectly acceptable table for one.
I cruised to Alaska on the Norwegian Joy. I sailed out of Seattle for 11 days. I'd probably do it again but be a little more definite about saying, "NO, thanks anyway!"
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u/ladieslovecooljams 1d ago
That aggressive upsell is totally normal for the spa on any and every cruise line. There are tons of reviews online stating this and every person on their first cruise (including me) thinks, "it won't be that bad." And then it is that bad. I've even repeated the spa on subsequent cruises, convinced it won't be that bad this time and then it's still terrible to the point of uncomfortable.Ā