Is Carnival Cruise Line Missing an Opportunity?
Every cruise line has its strengths and weaknesses, and every cruise line does something that outshines its competitors in some way. But how much do cruise lines learn from one another?
Of course, cruise lines are aware of most public policies from their competition, but the onboard experience can be a wonderful learning opportunity. That is an opportunity that Carnival Cruise Line might be missing out on.
One interested cruise guest asked John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, about such opportunities and whether or not the cruise line takes advantage of them – at least through Heald himself.
“Random thought, do you ever sail anything besides Carnival to see what others are doing?” the guest asked. “I’ve only ever sailed Carnival.”
The guest does not specify how long they have cruised with Carnival Cruise Line, nor how many ships or sailings they have experienced. It’s a great testament to the line, however, that they remain loyal just to Carnival.
Personally, I remained loyal just to Carnival Cruise Line for many years when I needed to fly to cruise homeports. The known fun aboard a Carnival ship was exactly what we wanted in our getaways, rather than risking a less-than-fun experience aboard a cruise line we didn’t know as well at that time.
As an employee of Carnival Cruise Line, Heald has obviously experienced just about everything across the Fun Ship Fleet, but what about other lines?
“Yes, I have done in the past within the corporation so cruise lines like Princess, etc.” Heald explained.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the parent company not only of Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, but also British-based line P&O Cruises, the German line AIDA Cruises, the Italian Costa Cruises, and more.
While each of the corporation’s different cruise lines do have different policies and offer different experiences for their guests, it makes sense that Heald would have traveled with other lines on occasion.
But what about cruise lines from completely different companies and corporations? That is a step Heald has never felt inclined to take.
“Honestly, I’ve never had the desire to cruise on Royal Caribbean or NCL etc.,” he said. “I know they do a wonderful job and yet I am just concentrating on what we do and trying to help as many people as I can [here].”
Could Carnival Cruise Line be missing out? Firsthand experience could show exactly what other cruise lines are doing that Carnival might consider implementing, such as changes to dining operations, new entertainment features, or onboard features and activities.
Of course, as a very recognizable figure for Carnival Cruise Line, Heald might not be the best person to assign such a role.
What Heald Will – And Won’t – Do
As Brand Ambassador, Heald’s job is to serve as an intermediary contact for guests. He represents Carnival Cruise Line – not the other brands owned by Carnival Corporation & plc – and shares information, policies, and updates to keep guests informed.
One of the biggest parts of Heald’s job is to help guests with questions, concerns, and even complaints as needed. He is open to all comments through his popular Facebook page, with more than 610,000 followers.
Each week, he answers hundreds of questions about drink packages, itinerary changes, onboard parties, special holiday menus, and much more. He also assists guests with arranging to scatter ashes, requesting mattress toppers, or requesting private tables in the dining room.
Heald has answered questions about ketchup, clarified cruising duck policies, explained why larger ships don’t have laundry rooms, and put a stop to plenty of wild and crazy rumors.
But one thing he won’t do is denigrate other cruise lines. Despite Carnival being compared to other lines many times with requests – and demands – for policy changes, Heald does not comment negatively on any other cruise line.
Furthermore, he readily admits that he does not know all the specifics of other cruise line’s policies, nor is he privy to their decision making or other insider information.
Because of that, he will not answer comparisons to other lines, but always keeps the focus on all the FUN that Carnival Cruise Line offers.