Carnival shares festive message; angry passengers take umbrage at airlines

Carnival Cruise Line angered many passengers when it increased prices for Cheers beverage packages and WiFi service during the holidays without any advance notice.

At a time of year when people look forward to discounts and promotions, the cruise line immediately implemented price increases on these two popular cruise add-ons, while people who had already booked a cruise did not have the option of paying the old prices. Many passengers on the cruise line weren’t happy about this, and they weren’t shy about speaking out.

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Now, when Carnival President Christine Duffy tried to share the cruise line’s next steps for 2025 and wished passengers a Happy New Year, the reaction was probably not what she expected when she shared this optimistic message.

Are you ready?

Now, I’m sure you know what’s most important, and I bet you’re just as excited as we are. 2. Introduce Celebration Key. Yes, we will be opening our doors, cutting the ribbon and welcoming our guests to our brand new destination on Grand Bahama Island in July 2025. We can’t wait for you to see it.

On behalf of everyone at Carnival Cruise Line, let me wish you a happy, happy and healthy 2025, and look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Reaction to her message was mixed, as many used it as an opportunity to express their displeasure at rising prices during the holiday season.

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Carnival cruise passengers share their complaints

Some reviews express dissatisfaction with the presence of Celebration Key, a port that cruise ships generally do not force you to visit unless there are unexpected changes to your itinerary.

“I don’t care about Celebration Key. I don’t want to go on a cruise and just lie on the beach or pay for a water park. I want to go somewhere [to see] History, culture, food,” shares Jayme Pitroff.

However, Karen Smith Simonetti used the post to share a series of complaints about the cruise line.

“What you did was not exciting! You made sure AARP lowered the discount on gift cards to 5%. You added Cheers packages, specialty dining, and raised prices on everything. Now, you’re probably making it harder for people to reach High VIP level.

It’s unclear whether Carnival changed its relationship with AARP, forcing the price increase.

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Justin McVeis was equally angry.

“It’s too bad you keep screwing people over with price increases. Better remember the people who keep you afloat,” he shared.

While many seem to agree with this sentiment, there are also those who defend Carnival.

“Since 2020, we have been paying roughly the same rate on the same itinerary, at the same time and on the same ship. We would rather see rates stay lower while additional charges increase. We call it pay-as-you-go and we There is no additional cost, but if you want them pay,” Rich Alice Hill posted.

Shirley Moore Adams also spoke out on behalf of the cruise line.

“Justin M’vics and who should be absorbing most of Merc’s growth? They are a business and do have shareholders. They are still the cheapest on the market,” she wrote.

Others simply took the opportunity to complain about any problems the Carnival might have.

Brian Hinz posted: “Christine would love to talk with you about how to decorate brighter for Christmas, New Year’s and the 4th of July.”

“Carnival should respect the drink packages on their private islands! You pay for them. This is ridiculous. Shame on you, Carnival. Watch out for other cruise lines,” Rita Jo Hunter added.

(Royal Caribbean does honor its beverage packages on its private islands).

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“Rather than investing in a destination designed to keep guests on ‘corporate property,’ why not look at how to make off-the-beaten-path destinations more accessible?” added Theresa Walden McCammon.

(Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day” at CocoCay has always been the company’s highest-rated port stop, and “Celebration Key” is a clear nod to CocoCay).

However, Nasser Karrell tried to return to the spirit of the original message.

“Sounds like there are a lot of haters out there. Happy New Year to you and your staff, Christine. All the best in 2025,” he shared.

Afterward, many simply wished Duffy a happy new year.

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