PAL_1

Just got back from a cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam where several of us had the elite package. It is tied to your room key. There were no stickers, but they did punch a small hole in the card, we think to alert them that we had a package. They have to swipe your card each and every time, which is annoying (on Celebrity you just flash your card, they never swipe) and they will double charge you if you order a drink and ask for the high end alcohol. But I never came close to the 15 drink limit so it wasn't an issue for me.

What do you mean when you say they will double charge you for high end alcohol? Isn't the point of the Elite Package to cover such drinks up to $15 each? Thanks.

^Absolutely, you don't know if you don't try. Towards the end of the cruise one of the bar staff asked if the rain and wind were spoiling our vacation. I told him absolutely not. If you can't enjoy a full week off, it's on you.

Of course we had a wonderful holiday. I say again, we had a great vacation. We made the best of our time despite the Allure's mechanical problems, which RCL was (in my opinion) unforgivably slow to acknowledge, causing us to scale back our excursion plans.

Four of us (wife and I, grown kids) booked late (June), which left us with connecting inside cabins on deck 10 forward.

Ultimately our big kids (17 and 22), didn't take advantage of the additional amenities (flowrider, rock wall, zipline, skating rink) that are so ballyhooed on the Oasis class. Much of that was due to inclement weather, but also to slow moving lines and inconsistent operating hours. The zipline was so short, they felt it was a waste of effort. They spent most of their time in venues found on most cruise ships: the library, card room, various lounges, the pool area. My son in particular loved the Living Room teen lounge.

Our show attendance record was dismal. I say that with more than a hint of humor. My family couldn't be bothered, although my wife and I enjoyed the live music in Jazz on Four and elsewhere. Oh, the comedy show was great, particularly Kivi, the second act. He killed.

A few notes that might be helpful to future cruisers. Shuttles to Miami are available at the Allure terminal on a walk-up basis for only $11 / person. That's about a third of RCL's rate, and they leave immediately whereas with RCL we had to wait (possibly hours) for ship clearance.

My wife and I have high standards when it comes to dining. We don't care much for mass produced food that sits around. The main dining room service and food was at best average to poor in our opinion, and the Windjammer couldn't match a buffet at a moderate Vegas resort. However, we thoroughly enjoyed many of the specialty dining venues. In particular I can recommend Chops, Vintages, Giovanni's and the Chef's Table.

150 Central Park was positioned as fine dining, but the menus were unsophisticated and the wine pairing a poor value ($40+$75), particularly when compared with the Chef's Table which included wine and a beautiful hardcover cookbook (was it $90 each?). The specialty dining service staff couldn't have been better. Top notch.

The best bet for fresh cooked breakfast including real eggs was ultimately Johnny Rockets. We ate there six mornings straight, which couldn't have been good for our waistlines but we very much enjoyed it. Friendly, happy service too.

The cabin steward was adequate (would you believe we found a previous cruiser's chocolate chip cookie under the desk on disembarkation day, and he kept topping off the shampoo dispenser with water?).

My wife and I bought the premium drink package on day 2. I tipped $1 a drink, usually cash. By the end of the cruise the bar staff was calling me by name almost throughout the ship. They brought us drinks to try, and took wonderful care of us that extended to my daughter, who only rarely drinks.

The port at Nassau was closed due to poor weather - the ship couldn't get in. As a result, we benefited from one extra hour in St Thomas (10-6:30, close to the original schedule). Our Power Raft Snorkel Trip with Capt Nautica was well operated, with top notch equipment, decent snorkel sites, not too crowded (they only take 20), and they didn't keep us on an excessively short leash. The other boats we saw crammed the cattle in.

I arranged my own private island tour on St Martin with a taxi driver who came well recommended (or I wouldn't have 'risked' it). We ate at a locals restaurant and appreciated the uncensored look at island life, hung out at Maho, visited Mullet Bay, a gorgeous and lovely beach with pillowy sand, and spent no more than ten minutes at jumping, touristy Orient Beach.

We found downtown Phillipsburg and St Thomas to be a waste of time, with identical mass-market touristy shops and no real local culture. I wouldn't bother again.

We're fairly well traveled, usually on the independent side, and I get to many rugged destinations for my work. We don't necessarily need or expect 4 or 5 star accommodations, and we certainly prefer authenticity.

This wasn't our first cruise, but our first on RCL. We will cruise again, but I doubt we will select another mega ship or this company. We loved our time in port (remember, we had only two days). Yes, the ship is magnificent. It wasn't enough for us. By the end of the week all of us were feeling like we were trapped in a mall. We'll stick to port intensive cruises from now on.

Finally, RCL's communication has tremendous room for improvement. This is endemic: from pre-cruise all the way to on-board. Staff shared incorrect information many times, or were in the dark themselves.

I was responding to this, as well as other posts about the TIME in port not being enough and focusing on the TIME being shortened as a reason to demand compensation (on this and other threads). I never commented on the issues of WHEN or HOW people were informed about the shorter port day. :

 

"Clearly many if not most of you think the changed port times are neglible. What do you people do in port, sit on a nearby beach and walk around knick knack shopping? The change required me to cancel a private charter to St John. Some of us have a limited appetite for mass-market tourism. To my family, it is a big deal"

Nice use of selective quoting. I'm aware of the nature of the ship I booked. Do you understand the word "limited?" It means when in port, we prefer to get off the beaten path.

You "forgot" this part of my post, the root of RCL's blatant customer service failure:

But what really bothers me is RCL's weeks of denial. Passengers were only notified once aboard the ship, when it would be difficult to change independently arranged excursions. My TA's rep told her twice, weeks apart, that the issue had been repaired. This is disorganization or deliberately misleading.

Maybe you don't realize RCL (which still hasn't contacted me about next week's cruise) was going to cost me POTENTIALLY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS and PRECIOUS VACATION TIME had I not acted proactively.

I've come to see this is a bulletin board largely (not exclusively) for RCL superfans and apologists. If you dare criticize RCL, the prevailing attitude is judgmental.

You don't get to dictate what is important to my family and me. Spend your dollars however you wish - I will take my business to companies that deal with me fairly, efficiently, deliver what they promise, and own problems of their own making.

I think you may want to consider that cruising is not the right type of vacation for you.

No, I think Cruise Critic is not the place for me. My apologies to the nicer people here. I don't mean to paint with an overly broad brush.

I hope despite this issue you and your family are still able to enjoy your cruise.

Thanks! Of course we will. It helps a lot that I didn't wait on RCL to come clean. Had I only learned when boarding the ship, it would have put a damper on the first day or two and likely cost me money and precious vacation time.

Clearly many if not most of you think the changed port times are neglible. What do you people do in port, sit on a nearby beach and walk around knick knack shopping? The change required me to cancel a private charter to St John. Some of us have a limited appetite for mass-market tourism. To my family, it is a big deal.

But what really bothers me is RCL's weeks of denial. Passengers were only notified once aboard the ship, when it would be difficult to change independently arranged excursions. My TA's rep told her twice, weeks apart, that the issue had been repaired. This is disorganization or deliberately misleading.

A mechanical failure is on the ship operator. This isn't an act of nature or a medical emergency. The cruise contract that so many here love to swarmily mention might absolve RCL from compensation. It does nothing to improve my view. RCL's mega ships break down. When they do, tough luck. They certainly won't be quick to tell you about it.

My impression of RCL's customer service is decidedly negative before I've stepped aboard. They don't appear to respect their customers. They have my money this time. Earning my repeat business won't be easy.

^

A post just a few above yours showed them in 30 minutes late, just like the last several eastern Caribbean Allure itineraries.

A post from Truckswain:

We are in Nassau currently. Arrived at 7:30am and all on board by 12:30pm. No word on any time changes for arrival or departure in St. Thomas.

I'm sorry, I meant is 12:30 the same 'new' departure time (from Nassau) as the previous 2 Eastern itineraries.

That's how I read it. We don't know when the ship will arrive in Nassau, but I don't see any reason to believe it will be the originally scheduled time. It follows that St Thomas will likewise be affected.

You will not receive anything from that route. The cruise contract clearly states that they can change the itinerary, bring you to different ports, and even just leave you at the embarkation dock for the entire cruise, and you still have to pay.

You are missing my point. In my experience companies don't like disputed charges. It gets them to pay attention and acknowledge an issue - a courtesy RCL has yet to do in this situation.

Well you don't see why it is such a big deal because it didn't affect *your* plans or personal preferences as much as might affect others. In our case, one of our very favorite beach excursions happens to be Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau. And in that case the seemingly "slight" time change absolutely does impact that excursion, in that (unless Blue Lagoon Island decides to accommodate with earlier ferries back to the port) the first ferry back to the cruise port isn't until 1pm. So for us, the Nassau stop is not a joke, and we'd be particularly upset if we missed one of our favorite beach stops. I agree with you about St. Thomas, but as a whole I really wish that everyone would stop using blanket statements of how this isn't a big deal, when they should just be saying something more like "it wasn't a big deal in terms of our personal plans or preferences", and just leave it at that. Just like saying "the ship is the destination"...I mean honestly, would all of you be just as happy with the Allure cruising around at sea for 7 days instead of 3 port stops? Gimme a break here, lol.

^This.

Word is now spreading fast in the media. It's on an ASTA news service - travel agents world-wide are becoming aware of the issue. It has also hit two cruise law blogs. Those devote quite a bit of focus on RCL's slow acknowledgement of the problem.

Clarification: I'm calling my credit card company to share my concerns. Credit card companies can be effective advocates. Once when I was apparently swindled by a Walmart associate on a gift card purchase, my credit card company intervened and made it right.

I asked my travel agent why RCL won't fess up - she doesn't understand either. Her agency has yet to receive word from the company on the altered itineraries. I contacted her after the second consecutive eastern itinerary was cut short.

At my request, my TA checked with a fellow agent who was on the ship as well as her agency's company rep. They told her a few days ago that the problem would be corrected by the Nov 3 sailing. Truthful, eh? If it's all good now, why hasn't RCL said as much?

Once the news hit USA Today, my TA advised me to cancel my shore excursions. RCL is still telling her all is unchanged. If I hadn't found out about the shortened itinerary until I'd boarded, it would have caused me quite a headache. At least this way I have some time to adjust our plans.

I've been looking for substitute shore excursions, but can't find anything that compares with the St John private charter I will have to cancel. I'm about to call my credit card company to dispute RCL's charges. As I've already said, I consider the change a significant one. This isn't an act of nature or a medical emergency. I consider an on-going mechanical issue RCL's responsibility, but the company has instead chosen to deceive its customers.

Given the cruise contract I may not 'win,' but I hope to help put pressure on RCL to treat their customers with respect. They've made such a poor impression with me, I can't imagine I'll ever sail with them again. I'm going to get this behind me now, so I can make the best of my paid-for cruise. Believe me, if I hadn't been paid in full, I'd already have cancelled.

Wow - I have been flowing this closely and all indications is that even with the Izipod issue they have only had to leave Nassau 30 minutes early and 1 hour late into St. T. Love how people want to call in the lawyers. Yea - that’s the solution. I’ll just enjoy my week on the Allure next Sunday away from all this BS.

For the past few Eastern cruises, passengers reported they were in St Thomas from 11:30 to 6:30 instead of 10-7, a two hour difference.

Nassau was apparently changed from 7 am to 2 pm to 7:30 to noon, a two and a half hour difference. If RCL reported the times you mention, it would be much less of a hit. It wouldn't change my poor impression of RCL's customer service.

That poster may well find that she has a great experience. However, all she has to go by right now are her present experiences with RCI. And, apparently, RCI has not made such a good first impression.

Absolutely, RCL's refusal to admit the issue until pax are on their cruises is dishonest and disrespectful. I have no sense that if something goes wrong, they'll make it right. I dont care what the cruise contract says. A known and ongoing mechanical issue is on the cruise line.They have done nothing to earn my trust, only erode it.

I could have a wonderful time in spite of two of three port calls so shortened as to be a waste of time (I'm trying, and will likely succeed), but I won't forget RCL's deception. I wall chalk them up as another Carnival, and look elsewhere.

The only passengers who conceivably might be harmed by modest alterations in an itinerary are those who ignored the admonishments of the cruise line and its passenger contract, and booked non-refundable excursions with very tight times.

 

Given that the contract allows for itinerary alterations at any time, one wonders why anyone would expect some sort of payment.

Your modest is my significant. RCL is not earning my repeat business.

 

I don't understand how having RCCL admit there is a problem changes anything. We will still have shortened times in Nassau and St Thomas reguardless.

 

As I stated in an earlier post, after I saw that they had changed the times a second time, I called and changed my private excursions to be on the safe side.

 

Maybe I just don't get it. :confused:

I'm still trying to sort out rescheduling my port excursions. And I'm not too happy about it. The Allure's Eastern port calls are paltry when the ship follows its advertised schedule. I suspect I made a mistake. Minus the time to visit the ports, I could get everything the Allure offers and more in Las Vegas, at much less cost.

Another thing. There are what, 5400 passengers when the Allure is full? How many of them are aware of the changes? Probably not too many. RCL's reticence to inform their customers says a lot about how they see us.

 

As far as I know Royal Caribbean has been very direct and honest in answering the question "Has the itinerary been altered?" They have answered in the negative. But acknowledged that there is a mechanical issue with one Azipod. An issue that they do not expect to significantly affect itineraries.

 

Passengers on consecutive Eastern sailings reported shortened port calls at Nassau and St Thomas. Only if you use the most pedantic, rigid terms can RCL argue this isn't an itinerary alteration.

Acts of nature are one thing; mechanical issues are the responsibility of the operator.

If my cruise weren't three weeks out, I'd cancel.

we just got off Allure's sailing 20-27th. our itinerary was not effected.

Your cruise visited the western Caribbean ports, didn't it?

It was post #36. I assume this was posted by someone who is currently on the Eastern Route. I'm not certain they will continue with this same itinerary but that would be my impression:

 

Well, it's official. The Eastern itinerary has been changed for this week.

 

Nassau is from 7am until 12:30.

St. Thomas is 11:30 until 6:30.

 

No official word on why.

_____

My group is sailing the week of Nov 24. The RCL website still shows 10-7 for St Thomas. Is RCL keeping quiet, only announcing this rumored change when people have boarded the ship?

Like others have posted, reduced time at St Thomas would cause us to cancel our shore excursion, by far the highlight of our week.

Disappointing, but I'd rather know now when I can make alternate plans.There are a lot of ships in port that day.