What Changes would you make to R ship in a major drydock refit

Since someone suggested a new thread on this subject. The question is if the R ships go into drydock for a major refit what changes would you make to them??

OK here is my wish list as I like the R ships but there are some changes I would make.

1) Showers on the A to D cabins. Has to be a better design. Too small plus that shower curtain has to go.

2) Tubs on the PH - suites. Either go to a walk in show or a newer style tub with walk in access. The PH tubs are dangerous with the 1/2 glass and no safety holds. Makes getting in an out a hazard and I am fully mobile.

3) Move the TVs. Best place is across from the bed indented into the wall. No need for DVD players as they should put the system on a media system that allows these to be called up on demand.

4) While they fix the media system. Consider using an APP like press reader so that the currents, the menus and videos can be streamed or uploaded to a iPad like device.

5) Create a true Barista area. The Grand Bar was an afterthought. Would be nice if the resigned the underutilized lobby area where the shops are located to create a Square area where snacks, coffee etc can be obtained and acts as a hub of activities. Would draw more people here -- which would benefit the shops.

6) Casino space. Few use it, think this area could be better utilized, with another specialty restaurant like Jacques.

7) I think the Terrace service area could be better designed. The grill was added in quick retrofit. Having it in the center creates a bottleneck.

8) Polo. Like the concept, have always hated those leather seats. IMO very uncomfortable.

9) Do not do to the Tuscan steak Sirena concept on the others.

Just a few of my thoughts -- any others??

PaulMCO...all great suggestions. I particularly dislike the clingy shower curtains! TV and media ideas would be improvement too. Think they should keep the casino area however, as it seems to be used in evening. We like to do the slots occasionally. Some folks like the poker tournaments.

I would disagree with your #5 do not put the coffee bar near the shops people like to sit there & enjoy the quiet space

sounds like Azamara ideas ;)

Maybe if the Grand bar area was lightened up it would more appealing

we like the Barristas there

My wish list

lighten up the public areas a bit remove the dark carpet

the showers do not scare me so if they can do something OK if not OK

I agree on the chairs in Polo even for me they are a tight fit ;)

Washrooms outside Horizons so you do not need to go in search of them

otherwise I the the R ships as is

JMO

The optimal cost/benefit scenario is likely to show a complete retrofit resulting in less cabins but with more suites and better bathroom design. Moreover, they will introduce smarter use of tech throughout the ship (as you suggest).

The casino idea is tricky. It's a moneymaker for the cruise line.

Another SR? They will only do it, if the client base wants it.

If they fastback i.e. build/design, they could do the retrofit in 10-12 months.

I've always thought that an inexpensive option for getting outdoor seating for the Specialty Restaurants would be to open them up to the virtually unused decks to either side of the library.

If roofed in, those areas could be three season :hearteyes:

PaulMcO--

thanks for starting this. Thought perhaps it deserved its own thread.

1. would love a redesign of the shower and i'm not a big person.

2. in a further tweak of the bathroom I would love another shelf under the sink. There are lots of things i could store under there and the little waste box should be moved over against a wall instead of where it currently is to create even more usable space.

3. YES, MOVE THE TV...I'm the one who dislikes the current retrofit;i truly think it is dangerous in the night when the ship is bouncing and one is headed to the bathroom.

4. would love Baristas moved. Do you think it could be moved to Polo during the day and then perhaps moved back to its current location for any one wanting a night coffee? It's just that Polo already has the bar, has a lovely ambience early in the am, and sits empty until 6:30pm. People could be moved out at 5:00 to allow staff to prepare for the room for dinner.

5. when Terrace has a special menu like "Mexican" could we please have the food prep area replicated on both sides of Terrace counter? As is, people line up to have their burrito made to order and the line gets crazy long.

6. please ask all musicians & performers who come to Horizons at 5-5:30 for a production or simply to play music, to TURN DOWN THE VOLUME. Especially when the house band plays, one can barely hear their partner sitting next to them. We come to have a beverage and enjoy one of the greatest views one can have on board. I love the music; I just don't want it to be so obvious.

7. also not a fan of the dark carpets, drapes....i love light!

JimandStan--

brilliant idea!!!

Larger bathrooms for sure. More room for the toilet and a larger shower.

I'd be okay with a more modern décor throughout the ship.

First time I've seen people talk about those chairs in Polo. I thought it was just me. I slide right out. Very poorly designed chairs.

Maybe take some space from Canyon Ranch and add another specialty restaurant.

Very personal view change the decor from “Disney does Downton” to something lighter and more modern.

All very good ideas.

I would love to see Jacques as that is my favorite of all SRs,but..

It would need a kitchen and I don't see an extra kitchen in addition to a restaurant at either the casino or spa area (and both of those are money makers).

I would also like to see larger BRs but it would have to be at the expense of the cabin size - and there is no room for that . Unless the whole ship is "re-invented" with new Marina-like cabins. Not a likely scenario.

they could put Barristas in the library it would keep people from napping there

Unless the whole ship is "re-invented" with new Marina-like cabins. Not a likely scenario.

I'm fairly sure that we just heard that they are ripping the R ships down to the studs, one by one, starting with Insignia.

Have only been on Marina but will be trying Insignia this fall so can’t comment on much but the thing I think I will miss is having only 2 specialty restaurants. If a reconfiguration could add a 3rd (agree with Paulchili about Jacques) that would be great. Additionally, and slightly off topic, I have been looking for a cruise line that does just the small Greek islands (see Greece10best.com for examples but to add a few, Kythera & Hallidiki). Some of the Islands on the list are included in some itineraries-but most are not. The R ships should be small enough to go to these places, though I can’t say I have checked to see if they can handle any size Ocean cruise ship. It seems from looking at itineraries for the past few years they are just repeated year after year with slight changes.

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I'm fairly sure that we just heard that they are ripping the R ships down to the studs, one by one, starting with Insignia.

I missed that.

Is this a fact or a rumor? When will they start?

 

 

 

I'm fairly sure that we just heard that they are ripping the R ships down to the studs, one by one, starting with Insignia.

When is that taking place?

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I'm fairly sure that we just heard that they are ripping the R ships down to the studs, one by one, starting with Insignia.

I think Jancruz mentioned that. However the two weeks it is scheduled for drydock does not allow for a real major change.

i cast a 'no' vote for putting Baristas in the library. I love the library on the R ships and would not like that lovely quiet place to become the 'in' place.

the 1st place we go to after boarding and dumping our stuff in the cabin is the library.

We ended up in a handicapped accessible inside cabin on deck 4. That tub is a nightmare and I am very mobile and agile. Very high and scary to get in and out of even with the safety bars. Plus the tub is sloped so if you try to shower in it, you have to be very careful where you put your feet. We had notified the concierge that we were willing to move if someone really needed the space. They really need to redesign this entire space with more modern ideas of what a mobility impaired person really needs.

Mary

We are big fans of the R ships and their lovely decor but they need some changes. I definitely think the PH bathtubs should be changed to walk-in showers like on Sirena! Much safer! I am also fit but have slipped getting into that tub and hurt my knee in the process. I would NOT copy the Sirena as far as the SR with Jacques in the dining room at lunch. We've been on her and felt Tuscan Steak was just ok (it could be if they worked on the menu a bit) but perhaps Jacques could be put where the library is now (and share the kitchen with the other SR), moving the library somewhere else on the ship, decreasing the size at the same time. Also, another laundry room should be added. I was surprised that they didn't do that on the Sirena when she was retrofitted.

Thanks for starting this thread, Paul. Good idea!

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I usually lurk, but this is a great topic and I feel the urge to comment. I've been on Marina once and Riviera twice. We did the Baltic on Nautica and I wasn't a fan of the ship. In fact, I would never sail an R ship again.

The comments and ideas here have hit the nail on the head. Nautica didn't feel special to me like the O ships. The decor is old fashioned and I missed Jacques and Red Ginger. The bathroom module in the cabin really sealed the thumbs down fate for me. I'm a large guy and actually found the tiny shower to be more manageable than the shower cubicles on the O ships (I have to use the bathtub/shower). However, the overall size of the bathrooms on the R ships is down-market and the 1960's Rubbermaid look brought me back to reality every time I stepped in. Seems like a small thing but the O ships just make me feel like I'm outside my normal reality - something I look for while I'm on holiday.

So, yes, I agree with the upgraded bathrooms even if it results in fewer cabins. And let's update the carpets and art - maybe not as contemporary as the Azamara ships, but lighter and certainly more modern.

My wishlist:

#1...larger shower and bathroom with shower door. No excuse for those dreadful little bathrooms on such a nice ship.

#2...put a much larger TV on the wall across from the bed and enable it to swivel.

#3....make the shipboard accts available on the TV.

#4....allow the slot machines to accept the cruise card and automatically deduct obc from your account without a fee.

#5....put Baristas on deck 4 where the lonely concierge desk is currently. Make it similar to Princess' International Cafe with the Barista area plus some yummy light food and snacks. The concierge can go over by the excursion desk (or anywhere else). ;)

JimandStan.. great idea about expanding outdoor seating in specialities. Really like the style and function of roof.

I'm fairly sure that we just heard that they are ripping the R ships down to the studs, one by one, starting with Insignia.

Jan's post on the subject

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=55731538&postcount=30

I think it would take more than 2 wks so not sure if there is a gap in the itineraries to do it ???

She did say décor, maybe I think of studs as a different thing.

I don't think anyone has asked for an Executive or Concierge lounge, La Reserve or Culinary Center, or Artist loft.

I can take them or leave them. But I'm that way about a lot of things, including pools and hot tubs, no wait, I'll leave those. I don't want anything to do with them. So if they built the ship for me they could do away with those. Fortunately for those that like that it will never happen.

I think Jancruz mentioned that. However the two weeks it is scheduled for drydock does not allow for a real major change.

Maybe they'll take a page from NCL's playbook and get an early start on it. :eek: