Why Can’t Carnival Crack Europe?

So I’m in the pub the other night with a few friends, one of whom is a huge cruise fan, specifically Carnival Cruise Lines, and we got to talking as to why there are not more Carnival ships sailing Europe and The Med.

It got me thinking about why there is not more of a presence made by Carnivals huge fleet this side of the pond?

OK, so they own P&O, Princess, Holland America, Costa etc etc so perhaps they don’t need too right?

But the growing market in Europe would I think benefit from a bit more a their ‘Fun Ship’ philosophy.

Granted it won’t be for everyone, but imagine a big family ship that sailed from say Liverpool or Southampton, that was able to sell at a cheaper price than sister brand P&O, and rival company Royal Caribbean?

The average price in August for a family of 4 is seen as very high, but it still remains popular, and the cruise ships still sail full. So clearly there is an opportunity there.

What’s more is that the Carnival brand itself has a totally different type of experience than say P&O. Much more guided toward the American style of cruise where everyone is happy and having a fun time. They even call their sea days ‘Fun Days at Sea’.

Cheesy yes, but that’s a good thing I think. To have that true American experience is something that British & European cruisers could probably do with. I mean, we fly to America and see its over the top cities like New York and Las Vegas. Why not have this attitude towards a cruise?

Yes there are a lot of American influences on the ships out here anyway, but I think a lot of it is suppressed by the cruise line so as not so unsettle our British stiff upper lip, or offend us by showing us they are trying to live the dream.

The Americans relentless optimism is something that over the years has bugged me a little, but I think on holidays it really works, particularly on a cruise where you are relaxed and should be up for a great time!

I remember a few years ago they totally pulled the plug on an entire European programme, presumably down to lack of sales, but I can’t understand it?

Granted for every one Carnival customer there are about 200 P&O bookers in this country, but if we are playing the ratios game, Carnival scores much higher for Customer satisfaction, and lets be fair we are talking about THE biggest and most successful cruise line of all time.

2016 sees the inclusion finally of Carnival sailing from Barcelona, and I genuinely want them to succeed. I think in years to come they could even turn us boring Brits and berth a ship in Southampton for a summer.

Don’t agree with me? I want to hear your reasons!

Take a look at the new Carnival Vista pictures, you cannot fail to be impressed.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments

Have a great week and as ever, until next time………………….