If I’m going to duplicate a business model with the intent of being successful I certainly wouldn’t turn to the airline industry for guidance.

Alan Whitt

I’ve said it for years and I stand by it: The legacy airlines have to be one of the worst business models ever.

So the reasons why the world’s most popular cruise line would follow along that path escapes me.

Although airlines have collected a boatload of revenue from the proliferation of add-on fees they haven’t made many friends in the process.

And now Carnival Cruise Line appears to be pulling up to that same pier.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.rough that same canal.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.

Called Faster to the Fun, the program includes other benefits such as early access to staterooms, express luggage delivery, disembarkation choices and priority dining seating and tender boarding.

The price will be $49.95 per stateroom. The Faster to Fun program is free for Diamond and platinum members.

Of course, Carnival is spinning this as cruise line always do, saying that this is what passengers want. I don’t personally know anyone asking to shell out more money.

If you’re scheduled for either of these ship you can sign on for the Faster to fun benefits at the Carnival website.

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