CruizAddct

Thanks so much for the information!!

So I guess we can infer from reading this, that the experience you had on Grandeur which initiated this thread, is but a long over memory that has been replaced by memories of a much better experience on another Royal ship. Glad to see that and hopefully your experience on your next Royal cruise will be as enjoyable.

Yes, I guess I would have to say so, at least this ship. Thanks...

I vowed not to come back to this thread after the horrible way people have accused me of being snobbish, etc, but someone followed me to the Allure thread and asked my opinion of this cruise I just got off. It was very nice. It amazed me how Not crowded I felt. The service was superb and I was told that the crew was hand-picked and that wouldn't surprise me. I would probably cruise her again given the opportunity. Thanks to all of you who read my original post in the manner it was written and treated me like a human being rather than someone to abuse. For those who chose otherwise, you can go hit a pillow and take out your frustrations there. :-)

Don't get me wrong. We love cruises and only go with Royal. But if it gets to where we nickel and dime every little thing that doesn't go our way, then perhaps we need to look for another vacation experience. A bad day on a ship beats work!

I agree and never said I'd rather be working NOR that I had any bad days, only that I thought things were really going down hill, particularly the food (ON THE GRANDEUR which I've been on before). Unless you had been there tasting the food, I don't think you really have a right to tell me that I'm "nickel and diming thing".

Enough said... I got everyone's comments and I very humbly thank each one of you (particularly Gina) for standing up for me as I have moved through the shark tank.

As Gregg so graciously put it when he said " Some times you need to just walk away from your computer when the dissection of your posting begins. You raised some valid points and there is no need to defend your comments. Some will agree, some will disagree, and some will just keep picking away because they just enjoy it. It's the nature of the beast on a public forum.

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Gregg

Thanks Gregg for reminding me that just because I'm invited to a fight, doesn't mean I have to participate. I'm closing from this thread because I think it is only re-hashing things over and over and the points have clearly been made by all. If you all want to re-hash any more, have at it. I'll sign off though.

Thanks again for the longest non-precruise thread I've ever started, I'd like to have said it was good chatting with you all, but I'll have to say, to some of you instead. Take care and may you ALL have wonderful cruising in the future...

With all do respect you opened up your self for some flames when you said you looked down on some cruise lines. People will defend what they like.

I'll give you that... sorry if I offended anyone. That's my 1980's cruising attitutde when RCI liked to brainwash into believing RCI was the ONLY cruiseline and Carnival was just for the partiers (which I've heard a lot of good things about Carnival lately that seems to show they are definitely improving).

Also D+ and IMHO I have just the opposite of my four cruises this year regarding your opinion of a "decline" in all areas. Have sailed, Navigator (B2B), Explorer, and Allure. Have found the food, crew, cleanliness and the Concierge and the bar staff in the CL all wonderful. Honestly zero complaints or issues.....K.O....:)

Did you go on the Grandeur lately, apparently NOT. THAT's the ship I was critiquing and therefore you don't have an equal opinion to compare to it. I would expect those larger ships to do a little better. I've NEVER complained about RCI food before. This is my FIRST time and I have to get wrapped up arguing with someone as sarcastic as you to question all of my statements, but I just read your recent posts and it seems that you do that a lot... sorry for you. Might I suggest you try to remove some of the negative sarcasm in dealing with others so that you don't get everyone else as upset as you have me! Have a "nice" day...

Again food is subjective, have sailed four times so far this year with RCL and have always found the MDR food to be more than adequate. Specialty dining, once a cruise....K.O.:)

Yes, everything is subjective, but do you have to be so critical of EVERYTHING anyone says? They have a right to their opinion. I talked to NOT ONE person on that ship that liked the food (and we were traveling with 6 people who all have cruised before who said the shrimp and lobster were like rubber, the food choices were very limited and repeated often (ie: turkey 2 nights instead of one and I'm NOT talking about the daily optional choices)). I'm glad you have had good food. I've had good food AND choices on many other RCI ships... this one, not so good. My opinion and I'm entitled to it.

Does seem strange and won't elaborate on why.....K.O.;)

I guess I'm referring to the times they only have one show where I had to run and stand (which I should have been more specific in my emal with). There were other times where I had to stand in the main seating assigned show where we got there 1/2 hour early and there were no seats. I think that's ridiculous and better planning can stop that from happening. Hope this clears up your curiousity.

Not always. We've been on cruises where the early show is sometimes for early seating and the late show for late seating. They tend to mix it up, in my experience. One of the reasons we switched to MTD on the rare occasions that we eat in the MDR was that the waitstaff is now so trained to bring as many meals as possible to their stations that they often cannot accommodate requests for speedier service.

 

EXACTLY my point, we DID ask for speedier service and they didn't seem to be able to do any better.

 

Cruising is a lot less expensive for the consumer today than it was when we first sailed on Nordic Empress in 1995. We paid something like $500pp for an oceanview cabin for 4 nights, with dollars that bought a lot more than they do now. On many cruises, $500 will get you an OV for 7 nights or longer now. To me the problem is that cruising has gotten a lot LESS expensive as the market has exploded and the lines are building bigger and bigger ships that they need to fill. I'm sure that a crowded market and very high fuel costs are the two major reasons for all of the little cutbacks and some of the big ones as well. I am equally certain that CCers on the Regent, Silversea, Crystal and other higher end lines are also bemoaning the degradation of their product.

My point exactly, we still pay today what we did in 1983 (or eve less), so instead of keeping prices down or going lower to attract people to fill the ships, why not allow them to raise just a little to stay one up on everyone else. I am more than willing to pay an extra 100 pp to enjoy the "old" way of little niceties...

ATTENTION:

 

 

They were not mints. They were never mints. They were chocolates. Not chocolate mints. Chocolates. Waxy, tasteless chocolate, but that's my personal opinion. ;)

Not any of the ones I ever got, they were Andes Candies... Just saying...

I have sailed with Polly a couple times and will only say that I have seldom seen anyone who loves cruising and Royal Caribbean more than Polly. Her excitement about cruising is infectious. She is not a "whiney" person, so I was surprised to see this post. I think she is just pointing out that cruising on RCCL has changed, especially in the MDR, and not for the better. We all notice it, at least those who have sailed for a number of years. Some of us accept the changes as the price of keeping fares low. Some have chosen the option of the specialty restaurants. Some are looking to other lines. Some of us choose to take the effort to point it out to RCCL in hopes that they will stop the cutbacks and maybe even reverse some of the changes. I think that is where Polly is coming from.

 

For me the excellent service on the rest of the ship and the design of the ships keeps me coming back, but I must admit that the MDR food and staff cutbacks become more noticeable. Dining in the MDR Is no longer one of the highlights of the cruise like it once was.

 

We have taken the specialty restaurant option, choosing to eat there about half the evenings. The quality of food and service there is what we used to experience in the dining room year ago. On our cruise last June, on one of the evenings we ate in the dining room, I too found nothing that really appealed to me on the new menu, so I ordered the Chops filet (excellent). Would have never even thought of this in years past. Guess that's what RCCL wants us to do :o.

Well, I'm done ranting and whining again. I'll see you on our next cruise, Richard. I've learned not to share on these boards something that can become so controversial. It can take someone with thick skin and thin it really quick. I'm fine now and will continue enjoying our more fun, (getting ready for crusining) threads and stay of the main threads, I guess.

Thanks for the input everyone...

Maybe it's just me but I think I would be a little offended if after expressing my disappointment with the direction of the cruise line someone told me to just adapt. I'm sure no offense was intended. :)

Thanks so much to ALL of you who saw what I was seeing happening here. I have some pretty thick skin, but come on... It was an attack-fest by many (not all, by any means).

To anyone who is interested, here was my surpisingly quick response from RCI:

Thank you for your e-mail. We welcome the opportunity to further address any concerns. We realize when it comes to cruising you have many options. Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International.

The dining experience is a crucial part of a cruise and we work very hard to ensure we have excellent service, as well as enjoyable cuisine with a varied selection for our guests to choose from. Despite our best intentions and efforts, we realize this does not always occur on every sailing. I am sorry to hear of the disappointment you experienced with the dining onboard. It is important for us to be made aware of how we are performing in this area, as we are dedicated to satisfying the many varied tastes and preferences of our guests. We are sorry that we let you down regarding your dining enjoyment onboard. Your input is valuable in assisting us to determine where we need to improve to provide an excellent dining experience.

Our primary goal is for each guest to enjoy the best possible cruise and we regret that our efforts fell short of your expectations in regards to maintaining certain areas of the ship, especially your stateroom. We are committed to fully maintaining our ships and share your disappointment that the appearance of this area was below our standards. Your feedback is truly appreciated.

Additionally, we do our best to ensure that we fulfill our guests’ expectations. I am especially pleased you enjoyed the entertainment acts onboard. Thank you for sharing your positive impressions with us. They will be delighted to learn that they played an important part in creating a memorable experience.

We welcome the perspective you offer as a returning guest. Thank you for making us aware of your additional concerns, including the lack of special amenities for Crown and Anchor Society members, the stationery set and chocolates in the stateroom, and seating for the nightly entertainment. Additionally, I have noted your suggestion regarding the pricing concerns and the services that are covered by the cruise fare. Each point raised will be thoroughly documented and shared with our operations teams as this feedback is of great importance to us. We continually strive to improve our performance in order to assure our guests the most rewarding cruising experience. It is always our goal to provide you with a thoroughly enjoyable cruise vacation and we sincerely regret any disappointment you may have experienced..

We realize we must earn your business by providing the best possible service both on and off our ships. Again, it is my pleasure to be your personal contact. Please feel free to direct any additional questions or concerns to me and I will be happy to help. We sincerely appreciate your loyal patronage and look forward to welcoming you and your husband on the Legend of the Seas in March, 2015

It is hardly RCI's fault that you insisted on trying to attend shows intended for the other dinner seating. Since you are Diamond level, surely you have learned that the early show is for late seating, and the late show is for early seating. You made the choice to try and attend the incorrect show, and now you are complaining that you had to rush to get there in time? Seriously? If you had simply attended the correct show you would have had plenty of time. Perhaps My Time Dining would be a better fit for you?

 

If you had simply mentioned to your wait staff that you wanted to make the meals go faster they would have accommodated you no problem. They are not mind readers. The vast majority of the early seating guests had plenty of time to eat at a leisurely pace and attend the appropriate show time.

Had you read my post appropriately, you would have seen that I WAS trying to attend MY SEATING's show. Others were NOT or it was the MTD people or people choosing to do the Windjammer. I was NOT attending the other's showtime. It was marked as the show for "main seating".

Another thing to ALL of those that have chosen to nothing but criticize my post.

Really??????

I never asked for criticism nor did I asked to be criticized for my writing skills.

I asked if "anyone else might have felt the same way".

Now I see clearly why this website is called cruise critic - but I thought we were being critical of the cruiselines - NOT each other.

Thats all I want to say about that!

BTW, was that enough paragraphs for all of you english majors????

Polly, I sailed on the Oct '11 cruise with you too and darn, I'm sad that you weren't treated "Royally". :( Stinks when you look so forward to a cruise and then it not live up to your hopes/expectations. And oh my!:eek:It looks like a lot of English teachers on the boards today. :p

 

I think people sometimes just get board and change is necessary. I hope your next cruise with whatever cruise line is amazing and I hope you share the cruise line's reaction to your concern.

 

I guess my family is still pretty "new" to cruising and just do not expect as much or miss the little extras. Although as a chocoholic, I would really enjoy the nightly chocolates! I kind of look at cruising like I do my other choices in hotel/resturant choices. If I am willing/able to pay more, or if it is a special occasion we are celecrating, then I look at the upscale lines. If I am traveling with my family and budget plays a larger role, then I go with the best deal, tempering my expectations. I hope this continues to work for me, because ugh :rolleyes:, looking forward to vacation sometimes helps brighten my day.

Hi Britney, Good to hear from you too! Happy cruising!!!

Polly, we sailed with you on Freedom in October of 2011. I know how much you love this cruise line. For you to say these things it must be true. I hope we have a better experience on the jewel in March.

 

 

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So nice to hear from you. Hope you are enjoying cruising. Thanks for your kind words. As you know, I don't usually complain.

OP, just a question to clarify something.

You said you did early dining, that is usually around 6pm on most ships. Did you try to go the show that is scheduled for late dinner seating, which is around 7pm or 7:30. The later show is usually for early diners and is scheduled around 9pm. That is the only reason I can see that you would have to stand.

I have not really experienced such disappointment on a cruise so I can't relate. I hope your next cruise is better no matter which line you choose.

Dinner (main seating) was 5:30, but we never made it out of there before 7:20. There were times that we had a choice of a second show, but it would be like 10:00, which was later than us early risers wanted to do, but sometimes that was the only choice other than standing in the back.

Wow, sure looks like I'm in a minority with my opinion. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I was just stating my thoughts. You all have valid thoughts. I guess I should take a refresher course in english too :p:D.

Thanks for the quick replies...

Part of the problem with the finding seats is being some of the last to leave the dining room (slow wait staff), but I didn't want to get them in trouble because I know they work very hard for their money.

The Grandeur was refurbished (which they were STILL fixing structural damage (beams) while we were on), but the whole ship was not refurbished.

The following is a letter I wrote to RCI after returning from recent cruise on the Grandeur and I wanted to share it to see if there are others that feel the same way as I do.

We boarded the Grandeur as a small group of 8 for a mini-family reunion. My husband and I have cruised ONLY RCI for all of our cruising since 1983 and just became diamonds, even though we have not retired yet. With this being an 8 day itinerary we were expecting things to be a little more "special" when it came to the dining experience (particularly the food choices). But we were quite disappointed in this, ANOTHER, new menu. It seems that every time a "new" menu comes out, its worse. There were at least 3 days where I could fine NOTHING on the entree menu that appealed to me, and I am not a picky person. That has never happened on any of my previous cruises. In fact, just the opposite, where I had 2 that I had a hard time to pick between. The food wasn't very good, in our opinion. That, and the shape of the ship was our biggest complaints. Instead of building new ships all of the time, why don't you take some of that money and keep the older ones in better shape, or sell them. I can remember RCI on my first trip... We couldn't get over the fact that almost everywhere we looked (behind the scenes, for the most part) there were crew members cleaning, painting, wiping something down all day long. We were in a junior suite and didn't enjoy the balcony for all of the salt built up on the banister and furniture. With paying extra for the JR suite, I would have thought that it would have been part of the every day clean up. The wood in the room was well worn and the bed was very uncomfortable (hard, and we could feel the crack where the bed comes together). We had to ASK for robes (even though we were Diamonds and in a JR suite) and for stationary (come on, really?). RCI seems to be slowly but surely taking away all that makes them the special company we've come to know and love. You took away the nice welcome back gifts, lowered the crown and anchor amenities, even took away the stationary, the mints on the pillows, and so much more. Those were all the things that made us "feel" like "royalty". I have brought SO MANY people to RCI cruising. Many first time cruisers have joined us, and we always recommend RCI when someone says they are thinking of cruising. But, its not like it used to be. NOW, with that in mind, it brings out our biggest point... WHY is RCI trying to keep their prices down so much and then it forces you to lose the great things that make her what she was always known to be? The prices havn't gone up with the economy. We've said it many times... Raise the price a little if you need to in order to pay for those little things that makes a person walk off that ship feeling like they were just treated so special that they can't wait to come back! I'm wanting to come back less and less, the more you cut things, truly... Keeping your prices a little more than the other cruise lines will make the people that don't care about the classiness take Carnival again. Instead, I'm hearing more and more good things about the ships I always looked down on. Sure, because Royal Caribbean is lowering its prices to fill all of these new ships and consequently having to cut costs - then its quality is no better. So "WHY NOT" try the other cruise lines??? I'm really disappointed, and from what I heard from other long time cruisers (in the diamond lounge), so are they. This is serious, RCI, you might want to re-think what you are doing here...

With all of that said, the entertainment was superb! But unfortunately, that leads me to another complaint. When we choose the Main dinner seating, we should be able to finish our meals and go to the show and not have to STAND to watch it! I don't know if its My Time Dining people filling it up or its all of the people choosing to go to the Windjammer (for the better food selections), but it is out of control. Please look better into this because this was NOT unique to this ship. Its been a problem for several cruises now. We shouldn't have to inhale our entree, skip our dessert and run to the other end of the ship to try to find a seat period, let alone 2 together!!!!

I'm not trying to get some onboard credits on my next cruise because I'm complaining... I'm trying to get RCI to look at these complaints seriously and reconsider all of these cuts in amenities instead of just letting your price be a little more than the other cruise lines, because you want people to FEEL like "Royal" Caribbean cruisers... If you do, I know we'll still pay extra to be on it, otherwise, we might as well lose our faithfulness to RCI and try the other cruise lines.

Britney, stopped in to read your review (since I saw your reference to it in your signature when you posted on our thread). You did a great job on it! I too feel bad that we didn't get to chat in person after all of the chatting we did on our roll call. I was overwhelmed at the M&M. There didn't seem like enough time to M&M and I didn't really get the chance to see you there and after reading your review, I see why we didn't get to see much of each other on the ship. You seemed to do opposite things than we did or at least at opposite times. Oh well, maybe theres a chance we'll meet up again on a future cruise and get a chance to chat face to face. Best to you and your family for a happy, healthy, New Year and many cruises in your future! Take care...

My favorite cabin..... EVER!