franl24fan

I am one of those solos who had been "Loyal to Royal", as evidenced by my Diamond Plus status. However, now I must sadly look for other travel options since the value of RCL cruises is not acceptable to me (and lets not even get into how the service level and food quality has dropped in the past 6 months). I very seldom paid a 200% surcharge except for special ships or itineraries, and the 2 cruises I currently have booked are at about 1.6% (even the Quantum). Rather than the amount of the surcharge I look at the daily rate of a cruise and am willing to pay about $150/day for normal ships and routes, up to $225/day for a special cruise. With the new pricing, I am not willing to pay $275/day for a 4 day cruise on the Enchantment in an inside cabin. At this point I do not plan on booking any RCL cruises for 2015, unless one is offered at a good value.

I will be looking at other travel options, not just other cruise lines. I enjoy land tours, Elderhostel programs and even European river cruises are now a good value for solos. I believe RCL has made a huge marketing mistake, and as one poster noted they may not realize it until next year since many of us already have booked 2014 cruises before the new solo prices & will not cancel them. I don't think studio cabins are a solution, before all of this started the studio cabins on the NCL Epic were still a lot more than an RCL inside cabin.

At this point RCL is not listening to these boards, to comment cards, or even to feedback at marketing presentations. I think that arrogance will hit them hard. And if the service levels and food quality continue to decline, they will also lose other cruisers. Why pay more if there no difference with less expensive lines.

Royal Caribbean just changed its pricing for solos. They started out in early October with a big announcement that singles would now receive double points for their loyalty program levels, which was long overdue. Then about a month later RCL dropped the other shoe, assuming the solos would not notice, that pricing for solos would now be at the full 200% surcharge. I've been sailing RCL for almost 10 years, with single surcharges usually in the range of 1.6 surcharge, I paid the full double charge only for "special" ships or itineraries. Thankfully I already had 2 cruises booked because as of now I don't see me doing any cruises with RCL or the other major lines that have always charged 200%. I decide on travel by value for my travel dollar, on RCL I considered a daily rate of $150 reasonable for the usual 7 days Caribbean cruise, maybe as much as $200 a day for a deluxe ship or special ports of call. With the new pricing, a 4 day cruise on their oldest ship, in an inside cabin is at $225 per day. I will take my money to other options such as land tours and even European river cruises.

At some point , probably in a year after booked cruises are completed, RCL will suddenly notice the drop off in revenues and fewer bookings, especially among their most loyal prior clients. Then they will launch a big new advertising campaign to get us back. Speaking for myself, that might not happen.

I stated my opinion on another thread, but IMHO RCL is making changes based on marketing folks back in corporate that have no clue what is actually going on out in the "real world". We had a high level marketing rep give a presentation on the Legend Panama Canal cruise (which was a disaster) and when she opened herself up to questions(big mistake) it was obvious she thought all of the slick new WOW ads would bring in so much business they would be filling every ship. She did not know about the recent changes to pricing for solos, and now this issue of reducing a balcony discount if the reservation is changed, even for an increase. RCL also does not seem to be reading or responding to comment cards anymore. You used to get a call from RCL if you had negative comments for further info. Even comments from high tier C&A are not being acknowledged.

Has any one else noticed the increase in negative member reviews on cruise critic?? The common thread seems to be drop in service and worse food. Seems as if RCL has made cuts in personnel and substituted lower quality food. I guess they think building new ships is more important.

I wonder how long it will take them to realize their WOW ads are not offsetting the numbers of former 'Loyal to Royal" cruisers who are no longer booking with RCL, or any cruise line. I can now get much better value on land tours and even European river cruises.

I booked the Quantum for 12/1/14 in early June 2013, shortly after it opened for booking. I wanted to try the Category L inside with virtual balcony. I thought the rate was not bad for a new ship and as a solo I was only charged 1.6 surcharge, so I booked it. After thinking about sailing out of NJ the Monday after Thanksgiving I was going to cancel before final payment. However, I was just doodling around and the same cabin would now be about $1800 more for a solo, not only did the per person rate jump by $800, but the new solo pricing charges me a full double rate. So I am rethinking cancelling :-). With the new solo pricing this may be the last RCL cruise that will be a good value for me.

I've been pricing potential cruises and find that all of them are pricing out at 200% (per person rate times 2). For many cruises this is making an inside cabin come out to $225/day for a normal 7 day cruise on ships that are not Oasis/Allure/Quantum class (and not a special itinerary or over Christmas). Personally I don't find this a good value. so I have decided to look at other travel options. European river cruises have a very small single surcharge, many land tours have no single surcharge or a small one, so there are many options for my travel dollars.

I have 2 cruises I booked well before the new pricing. My Rhapsody cruise has a 1.54 surcharge, and even my Quantum was only 1.6 surcharge. Unfortunately I have 2 next cruise certificates I bought just before the changes, going to see if I can transfer them to someone else to use.

The only way I can see taking an RCL cruise in the future is if the per person rate is extremely low, so that at 200% the per day is lower than $125, or the itinerary or ship is something special.

Personally I don't accept the argument that because the other lines have been charging the same surcharge we should accept that RCL has gone to the same pricing. I sailed so much with RCL, because it was a better value.

Will be curious to see what happens, and if solo bookings drop off enough for RCL to notice.

I don't remember any issue with a pillar. I would sit in the window seat and be able to pretty much see in both directions and across. With the sheers pulled in the daytime I didn't see where anyone could see in. Of course at night the cabin steward pulled the heavy drape. It was funny how some folks walking below didn't seem to recognize that cabins were able to see them, amazing how many folks adjust their clothing and other things while walking across Central park :)

In early Nov I had cabin 9185, which is above the coach store. I usually book inside cabins, but there was a deal on this one so I jumped on it. Best cabin ever. Huge bay window with a seat, larger than usual cabin. I was concerned about noise from below but the window is well insulated so I heard nothing except one time a loud drunk was down there. It was magic having a tree outside the window on a cruise ship, and at night the twinkly lights were beautiful. Only negative, for me, was the very long hike to the dining room, but at least I got exercise. Would do it again. Not sure about other cabins, such as the ones above the restaurants.

My friends had decided to try a central park balcony, deck 10, and would not do it again, very noisy and no privacy, also no view of the ocean.

I would like to see RCL do a California/Oregon/Washington coast itinerary (definitely do not want to do Mexico), but based on my recent experience in San Diego boarding the Legend, that port is definitely not ready for regular port calls. The embark terminal was the worst I've ever had the displeasure of going thru. From the confusion outside with the porters, to the confusion about what line to get into, to the total lack of customer service from the reps working inside. They were uninformed, rude and incompetent. When my US passport wouldn't scan, the clerk yells down to a supervisor " I have a fake passport here", that got everyone's attention. The supervisor got it to scan the first time. Then I waited over 25 minutes for my sea pass card (which I later found out didn't work to open my cabin door). Instead of boarding by C&A level as most terminal do, this one handed out boarding group numbers, which ignored C&A level, resulting in a Pinnacle member receiving group 21 (she refused it and eventually got a group 1). We had to walk up an outside flight of stairs to the boarding ramp (or use a very small elevator). So yes, I'd like to see RCL on the west coast, but they probably have heard the complaints also.

Since someone asked I'll give my subjective opinion, which I'm sure others can and will disagree with. I sailed the Panama Canal 15 day last month I personally I would not sail on the Legend again. Service was not up to par and there were other issues in many areas (aside from the neuro outbreak that can happen to any ship). You can read recent reviews on cruise critic, and even there you'll see disagreement. I always take reviews with skepticism unless I know the person giving it. Not sure why there is such a difference of opinion for the Legend, that would concern me also since it might indicate a lack of consistency rather than an issue with the reviewer.

I was on the Legend recently and we had a presentation by a VP of Marketing out of Miami. She did her powerpoint and gushed about their new marketing plans and showed some new ads. She was also very excited about the RCL float in the Macy parade, which got a lot of laughs because we had a disastrous Thanksgiving day dinner on the Legend (ran out of turkey and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie was like a watered down mousse). Then she made the mistake of opening up for questions. It was obvious she had no clue as to what actually goes on in the "real world". Several solo gents brought up what they felt was deception by RCL, to give all of the publicity to the new point system, and then a few weeks later change the pricing for solos to more than double. The marketing rep was totally lost, had no idea what they were talking about. They asked her if RCL marketing plans intended to discourage solo travelers, which have been a large and loyal group of cruisers, or did RCL not realize what the impact would be, or think that solos would be so thrilled with extra points they'd be willing to pay any price. She had no answer, said she'd take the concern back to corporate. Uh huh.

One thing she said that was encouraging, in response to a question, she said RCL does read cruise critic and they are considering adding an official monitor authorized to respond and head off false info. We'll see.

We were on the turn around cruise from San Diego and this is what happened in San Diego (confirmed by my personal discussion with 4 affected passengers). The ship could not sail with the full complement of passengers & crew without the missing lifeboat, so RCL in its infinite wisdom, pulled about a 100 passengers out of line in the San Diego terminal and took them to a closed off area (not sure how they determined who, they were all levels of C&A and seemed to be from various muster stations). At first these folks thought they were getting some kind of special boarding privilege, but were then told their cruise was being cancelled, they would be reimbursed etc. Well, you can imagine the reaction. After about a half hour of chaos, (their luggage had already been taken by the porters) RCL decided instead to leave 100 crew members behind, obviously many of them from food service since the dining room service was horrendous until the crew came back onboard in Cabo (and for a few more days until they were back in sync). This was the start of several "interesting" events on the Legend C&A member cruise :-).

Although I was disappointed with the cruise and the ship for many other reasons, I did commend the crew for their response to the noro issue. We had no idea how widespread the "outbreak" was (ship officers would not respond to questions), but it was encouraging to see how quickly crew from all the ship departments were pulled into action to serve in the Windjammer and other areas. They closed non essential areas, such as the library. One evening there were over a dozen officers in dress blue uniforms helping out in the WJ. It was a little yucky to constantly have wet surfaces such as knobs and railings, but I guess that is better than the alternative. I'm sure determining the cause of upset tummies was complicated by folks such as myself who ate something ashore and had an issue, and the one sea day when many folks were feeling the motion of the ship. My only negative comment is that sometimes having the captain respond to rumors running around a ship would head off misinformation. There were several major issues on our cruise that really needed to be addressed by the Captain.

I will be boarding the Legend next Wednesday, heading back thru the Canal. Your info has been vary useful. Curious about the menus, they don't seem to be the usual "cycle" I've seen, even on the longer crossings. I'm not much into fancy food and no fish, so it seems I may be in the Windjammer many nights :-).

I was excited to hear about finally receiving the extra points for my solo bookings. Then I went on the Allure this past week, there was a group of travel agents attending an RCL seminar and they asked the question about the web site showing 200% fares for all sailings and the RCL rep said that would be the case, except perhaps a very limited number of special deals. Since I have only rarely paid a full 200%, this really changes my planning. I have paid 200% for a special sailing, but otherwise the percentage was about 1.7%. I wrote a rather long paragraph on my customer satisfaction survey that if that would be the new policy, I would definitely spend my travel dollars elsewhere. Fortunately I enjoy Road Scholar tours, land tours etc, so cruising is only one part of my travel. I would have no problem if they prorated the points to reflect the actual surcharge paid, but I am not going to pay 200% for something like a 4 day cruise (unless the per person rate is so low that even double it is a good deal).

Strongly suggest that if a solo cruiser finds that a sailing is charging 200% they notify RCL in writing why they are not booking that cruise. I don't believe RCL realizes that, in my opinion, for most solo cruisers price is more important than points. Guess we'll see what happens. I have my cruises booked for next year, so I will have time to find other travel options.

In my reservation accessed online I can't find where my amount paid is shown . Can someone please tell me where I can find it?

I am a single senior lady who was able to retire at age 60. I have been traveling extensively for 6 years, cruises, Elder Hostel programs and my own land trips. For me, the secret is research, I spend a lot of time looking at possible cruises or trips, know what is a good price, then jump on a deal when one pops up. I learned how to "work the system", use Priceline, rewards cards, early booking discounts etc. I use a travel agent only to actually book the trip, and that's because I get a member discount, and she has been amazed at what I've paid for my cruises and trips. My transatlantic on the Jewel was an example where I was active from time of booking on the cruise critic board for our sailing and was able to join in on the charter buses and private tours organized by our members. I saved well over $1500 on shore excursions and transportation, and had better tours than the ship offerings. Cruise critic forums often give great tips for savings.

I do splurge onboard in the casino, love my slots, but I don't drink or use the spa. I have a jar where I put money saved with coupons, or buying books at Goodwill for a $1, rebates etc. That is my slots fund :-).

I also am willing to sail in an inside cabin, as a trade off of not going at all, especially when I have to pay the single surcharge (but now we get double points yeah). I am thrilled that on the Allure I am going to have a Central Park View cabin, and on the Legend I have an outside cabin with a big window, both because of price drops and sales that made them very very reasonable. I have friends who insist on a balcony that they use for maybe half an hour a day, that is their choice. But I go on 3 cruises to their 1 cruise. I have to stay in decent hotels that are safe for a solo traveler, but there I use priceline, or stay at a chain hotel and collect rewards points for future stays.

I am looking at a river cruise for 2015, started my research. One way to save seems to be willing to sail with only 2 month notice, the rates are half of usual, and they include the airfare.

It is funny how the same people who have made snide comments about my frugal life style now want to know how I can travel so much. I just smile and say "Remember the smaller condo, the mid level car, the books from Goodwill, restaurant coupons etc that you made fun of? Well, that is why I am leaving for a cruise in a week."

Just don't settle for false economies that will ruin your trip. And once you go, enjoy yourself even if things don't go 100% perfect.

I am on the 11/27 Legend Panama Canal and in July and August there were many cancellations of shore excursions. For some ports when you looked on the website in August there would be 20 excursions, then the next day there would only be 4 or 5. I am really disappointed in what is left being offered. I had 3 booked and paid for excursions cancelled, got my credit within 10 days. Another tour has changed the times. I would have thought negotiations would have been finalized 3 months from cruise. And this is a member cruise,yet we still don't know if they are doing a free excursion or what it might be. Oh well, go with the flow, any cruise is better than staying home :-).

This was our experience as well. It was formal night so we dressed accordingly.

Special menu - great interesting conversation.

Met at the entrance to the dining room and was escorted to the table - no pre dinner cocktails.

In addition to the special photograph, we received a copy of the menu and an invite the next day to tour/visit the bridge.

It was an experience I would love to repeat.

I had the same experience on the Rhapsody with Captain Rick. At the time I was the lowest level of C&A, but my name was suggested by the LA because of my enthusiasm for the ship :-). I was nervous at first, but the Captain was so nice, and the table mates were all interesting. I got to sit next to the Captain, in his full dress uniform, and afterwards he escorted me to the C&A reception, that was a thrill for this single lady :-). I may never do it again, but it was an experience I will always treasure.

In my opinion this is the best casino afloat for these reasons :(1) it is 100% non smoking all the time (2) well lit and cheery (3) the most penny machines afloat, and they are current video slots with bonus rounds.

On most ships I can sneak in right at opening and have about half an hour before the smoke drives me out.

I tried to find a room at Doubletree or Crown Plaza and both show no availability on 12/5 (night before the cruise) on either of the web sites. So the priceline probably won;t work. Unless I try priceline for Thursday and Friday, then move somewhere else on Saturday.

Does anyone know if there is a hotel in long beach that has a shuttle to San Pedro pier, or if there is a shuttle service and how much it costs??

Thanks for any help.

Fran

I went to AAA and got a tour book yesterday and I agree there is plenty to do in San Pedro and Long Beach. Defintely want to do the Queen Mary and the Aquarium. San Pedro has an excellent web site with lots of info. I don't mind using a city bus, when I was in Anaheim a few years ago I took the city bus down to Malibu, another one to Long Beach, and had a blast. I am narrowing options down. Seems super shuttle from LAX to San Pedro, price line at Crown or DBT. The ship has a post cruise tour of LA that is only $46 and drops off at LAX, where I can get a shuttle to a local hotel and fly home the next day.

Have you taken the Cataline Express over to the island?? How rough is it?? Don't want to get sick before my cruise :).

Thanks for info.

Fran

I am just starting to plan my early dec trip. Based on other threads I believe I am going to fly into LAX, take Super Shuttle to San Pedro and stay at either Crown or Doubletree, depending on which one Priceline gives me. I also wanted to fly in a few days ahead, and I do not want to rent a car. I can't imagine there is not something like a Grayline Tour bus that would do major tourist sights. Will contact the hotel when I book to see what they know, and continue reading cruise critic (and trip advisor).

Thanks again for all the input. I try to help put folks that cruise out of Port Canaveral since I live closeby.

Fran