Thread: Do Low Fares Attract the Wrong Crowd?

Originally Posted by bgsimp

A couple of years ago, a couple who we are good friends with were looking to do the Carnival Destiny out of San Juan cause they liked the itinerary. They usually go with us on Celebrity & Royal Caribbean.
The travel agent we all use said she wouldn't recommend that trip. She said because the cruise cost was so cheap, alot of locals filled it up. She said there was a big problem with bed bugs, etc. & not up to our standard of clean.

That's too bad that the travel agent wasn't so knowegeable about Carnival cruises. Big problem with bed bugs?! I don't think so!

Just because a ship sails out of a certain port doesn't mean the cruise line's cleaniness standards are any lower. All cruise ships have to meet the CDC requirements.

Did she say that when the Celebrity and RCI ships sailing out of San Juan lower their fares that their standards slipped, too?

Originally Posted by bgsimp

A couple of years ago, a couple who we are good friends with were looking to do the Carnival Destiny out of San Juan cause they liked the itinerary. They usually go with us on Celebrity & Royal Caribbean.
The travel agent we all use said she wouldn't recommend that trip. She said because the cruise cost was so cheap, alot of locals filled it up. She said there was a big problem with bed bugs, etc. & not up to our standard of clean.

It sounds like that TA does not understand that most cruise lines have lower fares our of San Juan to balance that additional cost to fly there. The TA probably does just does not know Carnival very well or does not like to book them.

Originally Posted by *Lars*

But Janice, do you think everyone is for the same ship or do you think there is a ship for everyone????

I don't think every cruise line is for everyone. Die hard Celebrity fans wouldn't be caught dead on a RCCL or Carnival ship. But RCCL and Carnival fans probably wouldn't have that good of a time on a more subdued cruise line either.

As for myself, I could be happy on any ship I am on. I feel a cruise is what you make it.

Originally Posted by bgsimp

A couple of years ago, a couple who we are good friends with were looking to do the Carnival Destiny out of San Juan cause they liked the itinerary. They usually go with us on Celebrity & Royal Caribbean.
The travel agent we all use said she wouldn't recommend that trip. She said because the cruise cost was so cheap, alot of locals filled it up. She said there was a big problem with bed bugs, etc. & not up to our standard of clean.

Did they go on the cruise anyway? I hope they did and really enjoyed the cruise (and tell the TA not to assume).

There are types of people, and just because someone has money or doesn't, doesn't necessarily determine how they would act.

I've seen the college spring breakers literally pouring down the beer down their throats. But didn't see them acting goofy in the hallways or throwing things over the side of the ship. But I have seen rich brats (unsupervised by their parents) causing tons of problems (fortunately just on one cruise).

By and large, I think it's great for the cruising world that there is a range of options (in price). If someone saves up and goes on a cruise, and ends up feeling it was a great value...they'll tell others.

Originally Posted by bgsimp

A couple of years ago, a couple who we are good friends with were looking to do the Carnival Destiny out of San Juan cause they liked the itinerary. They usually go with us on Celebrity & Royal Caribbean.
The travel agent we all use said she wouldn't recommend that trip. She said because the cruise cost was so cheap, alot of locals filled it up. She said there was a big problem with bed bugs, etc. & not up to our standard of clean.

I have cruised out of San Juan many times and never noticed a cleanleness problem. I have however had some of the staff tell me that the locals do not tip!

That is really sad Gene, when figuring out the cost of expenitures for the cruise tips should be on the top of the list.

Originally Posted by sue miller

That is really sad Gene, when figuring out the cost of expenitures for the cruise tips should be on the top of the list.

That is so true, Sue!

However, I think the bar bill gets top priority sometimes.

Originally Posted by Char

That is so true, Sue!

However, I think the bar bill gets top priority sometimes.

Maybe, but many of the staff have told me they DREAD sailing out of San Juan. They say NONE of the locals tip and actually mess up their state rooms much more than other cruisers. Might be why some of the cruise lines now have the tips added in the cost of the cruise.

I wish they would do that on all lines.