Mariner leaving :( West Coast is sad

[sassyredhat]

I am majorly disappointed. I can't fly for medical reasons.

 

Like cruzer, I have asked for a refund. HAL is our line of choice anyway, but I wanted to try that Mariner !

 

Pat

[JonV]

I hate to see Mariner of the Seas leave as Royal has a good product but I guess it was not making enough money for them.

 

We have several choices out of LA and the competition is tough but I was really looking forward to trying my first Voyager Class ship.

 

Quite often the West Coast cruises can have a few chilly days and I thought the voyager class fit in well with being a destination upon itself.

 

Not everyone can tolerate the hot weather cruises and my best friend is one of the. Too bad we won't be travelling on this winter.

 

I know it has been a few years since I have been on a Royal Caribbean ship but I have really been looking forward to returning.

[steponboard]

Love how people know what people are worth and will happily set salaries.

 

Pretty much reflects the doo doo we are in.

 

JC :(

If you're referring to my post the bonus' were posted in the annual shareholders report I received.as well as their salaries. Richard fain's salary for 2009 was 1 million dollars (page 26) and he gets 5 times his salary for 2009 stock ownership which is 5 million dollars (page 30). If they can pay him 6 million and cry "revenue" needs aren't met and he's only one of 5 directors then this is comparable to the other corporations that needed bailout money for the wrong reasons. Who the heck needs to make 6 million a year if the company they direct has money problems? Maybe this is why they have money problems :D

[tonit964]

My Dh and I just booked the Mariner this morning for Thanksgiving after I read about this on CC yesterday. We have been really wanting to go on this ship but figured we had lots of time, I guess not.

 

We just got back from the Radiance and only booked that one because she was leaving as well.

 

I forgot about Disney coming to the west coast so I wonder if that is the reason like another poster mentioned earlier.

 

Too bad because while I like Carnival, they and Princess will be the only show in town for a while and you know the prices will go up. My DH said he read testerday the NCL Star is leaving the west coast too!

Toni

[Canadian Tyler]

On a Mariner cruise last year I had a chance to speak with the Captain. He said that one issue with having Mariner on the WC is that there isn't a commercial dry dock that can handle the ship.

Last week, Captain Johnny said they were scratching their heads on that one, but it would probably be Victoria, BC. Guess not anymore.

 

Not terribly surprised. A large percentage of cruisers on our sailing seemed to be from California, and were frequent cruisers because it was so cheap. So maybe they didn't spend as much if they go frequently. Just a theory.

We weren't overly thrilled with the itinerary, but glad we got to see that side of Mexico when we had the chance!

[xpcdoojk]

Can you express that figure as a percentage of their total operating budget?

 

This kind of class envy is pure evil.

 

jc:(

[toonye]

I'm SO sad Mariner is leaving LA... it's a shame..

 

I was dying to go to the Mexican Riviera (coming from France, it really sounded like an adventure for us!) and hoped to sail in October

 

I even had a courtesy held on a cabin and got a great deal on the air from our TA BUT DH was not tempted by Mexico and was afraid of the long flight (more than 12 hours) - flying coach is a torture for him as he's tall

 

so, we've JUST booked the Splendour from Venice instead

DH told me I could go on the Mariner with my daughter next automn :mad:

 

and now, I know it won't be possible...so sad

 

But you got it right :

I guess it was not making enough money for them.

 

I don't know how the fares are in the US (they're different in each country) but here, I could book an inside on the Mariner in October for about 550 $

 

Now, compare to the European cruises which they sell for at least 1120$/inside, lowest category, this being the lowest price (means : you're hardly ever find it)

 

This is how my cruise from Venice on the Splendour won't cost me much less than any cruise on the Mariner or Voyager, air fare included :eek:

 

Then, you have to figure out that the cruise market is booming in Europe, each year, more and more europeans discover cruising, the increase is tremendous

 

plus, cruising in Europe was meant to be something for the "retired" in the past and it still has a "luxury" image, a bit for the "elite" and absolutely not mass market (which they are however!)

 

so this explains why the cruise lines are able to sell cruises at a premium in Europe

 

they just couldn't miss this opportunity, it's business after all...

 

even if it's VERY sad for us...

 

God, I really could cry

 

Enjoy your week-end though

Toonye

[foxgoodrich]

A sense of loss to what is undoubtably a business decision to move the Mariner is understandable.....but I'd just like to point out that there are thousands of people (like us) who have to fly or drive long distances to board ANY cruise. We are Diamond, working our way up to D+, so obviously we've flown to ports many times, or driven 500 miles to Galveston or 700+ miles to New Orleans on a couple of occasions. (Our next RCL cruise is in August, and we'll be flying to Florida.)

 

We are also pretty loyal to Royal, but our loyalty has never depended on the location of the ships. There are other factors that we deem more important when we choose a cruise or a cruise line. If the departure port is the most important criteria for choosing your cruise, then you should book your cruises on whatever cruise line has a departure port that meets your needs. Or do what many of us do - shop for your airfare along with your cruise. We've found bargains, and you will too. Be happy for the time you had with a convenient departure port with an RCL ship and move on.

[lappy22]

The two obvious reasons that RCCL is leaving SoCal is the sour economy here and the problems in Mexico.

 

But what amazes me is that RCCL can't compete with Carnival on the West Coast. They have tried large ships(Mariner), midsize(Vision, Radiance, and Monarch) and small(Viking Serenade). It seems none of them has had as much of a succesfsul run as Carnival has with their ships. We don't see too many Celebrity ships out this way as well. Carnival has two, year round ships out of Long Beach and one in the winter out of San Diego. NCL, Princess, and HAL have all kept Mexican routes in the winter for years now. Disney sees an opportunity here. Why doesn't RCCL work here on the West Coast?

[pscruzinboyz]

The two obvious reasons that RCCL is leaving SoCal is the sour economy here and the problems in Mexico.

 

But what amazes me is that RCCL can't compete with Carnival on the West Coast. They have tried large ships(Mariner), midsize(Vision, Radiance, and Monarch) and small(Viking Serenade). It seems none of them has had as much of a succesfsul run as Carnival has with their ships. We don't see too many Celebrity ships out this way as well. Carnival has two, year round ships out of Long Beach and one in the winter out of San Diego. NCL, Princess, and HAL have all kept Mexican routes in the winter for years now. Disney sees an opportunity here. Why doesn't RCCL work here on the West Coast?

 

It does....But RCL is in a business to make as much money as possible....they have 2 new ships to pay for.....REMEMBER....and looks like the Europeans are willing to fork out more money. Somebody mention the crew and tips....I have been to Europe three times and the Europeans do not tip...but boy howdy...when they see the Americans the hands come out.

Sad and Mad for RCL to leave.....They just said to all of us West Coast Cruisers........Go To..........we do not need you!

 

Thanks Adam....

 

By the way, I see the stock price has hit a new 52 week high.....I guess you got what you wanted! :)

 

Mike

[Cuizer2]

Last week, Captain Johnny said they were scratching their heads on that one, but it would probably be Victoria, BC. Guess not anymore.

 

I wonder where the nut that keep riding me about how if the Mariner comes to the West Coast someone will build a dry dock for it. Well it came, but the dry dock didn't. And now its gone.

[Piepkorn]

This is very disappointing news, first the Monarch then the Diamond benefits. Now there is no ship on the West Coast :confused: I am glad I cruised 4 times on the Monarch, on the Vision twice, the Mariner 3 times and the Radiance most recently. We love going to Mexico, the PNW last year was great, we've been loyal to Royal including purchasing stock. Of course they took that perk away too when they changed the combinability of benefits. Flying across the country to cruise we can't afford more than once a year. It looks like I will need to switch lines or join Cruiseaholics Anonymous to get over my addiction to RC...

 

Couldn't agree more. We were on the last Monarch weekend trip from LA, and the Captain proceeded to tell us that Monarch was going to be "just a short flight away"....and she got booed. Our April 3rd trip is now cancelled so we have had enough and just booked our 1st Carnival trip. 8 days from San Diego to Acapulco, March 4, 2011. After all the support we have shown RCCL, they stab us in the back. We are pretty much done with RCCL now.

 

Dave

[land lover]

I hate to see Mariner of the Seas leave as Royal has a good product but I guess it was not making enough money for them.

 

We have several choices out of LA and the competition is tough but I was really looking forward to trying my first Voyager Class ship.

 

Quite often the West Coast cruises can have a few chilly days and I thought the voyager class fit in well with being a destination upon itself.

Not everyone can tolerate the hot weather cruises and my best friend is one of the. Too bad we won't be travelling on this winter.

 

I know it has been a few years since I have been on a Royal Caribbean ship but I have really been looking forward to returning.

 

 

So true...but unfortunately the economy,swine flu and Mexican drug wars have really had a effect.

[Cuizer2]

Couldn't agree more. We were on the last Monarch weekend trip from LA, and the Captain proceeded to tell us that Monarch was going to be "just a short flight away"....and she got booed. Our April 3rd trip is now cancelled so we have had enough and just booked our 1st Carnival trip. 8 days from San Diego to Acapulco, March 4, 2011. After all the support we have shown RCCL, they stab us in the back. We are pretty much done with RCCL now.

 

Dave

 

I'll be on the Carnival Spirit in November doing the same itinerary.

[Cruising89143]

It's good business sense today but short sighted. If and when they come back they will have a harder time attracting customers who have built up loyalty in other ships loyalty programs. I'm also a Princess cruiser, I enjoy their perks more then RCL's but I still made it to D+ on RCL. Now I'm unlikely to come back to RCL if I've moved up the loyalty ladder of another brand. Alcohol is the number one revenue of a ship and RCL was lienient in enforcing it's policy of not bringing liquor on board. The smugglers had a hand in bring this about. Also I read here on these boards how people save for years for a cruise or can't afford a cruise but go anyway and don't spend enough to keep the cruise operating profitably. BUT the real reason RCL may be hurting is their own fault, they overbuilt! They can't fill 50,000 berths every night but they could have filled 25,000. They took on too much debt with their mamoth sized white elephants.

 

Then I guess RCI needs to stay out of the west coast.;)

 

If you don't want to cruise with RCI any more then move on. It's that simple. You were also one of the ones mad about not getting invited to the PI on the Oasis. Some are always looking around with their hand out.:rolleyes:

[Cruising89143]

Can you express that figure as a percentage of their total operating budget?

 

This kind of class envy is pure evil.

 

jc:(

 

JC, consider the source. That's all I have to say.;)

[kruzerci]

Looking at prices, this really was inevitable. Prices on Mariner's peak weeks this summer are nearly half of the same cruise on Freedom. Off season deals are unbelieveable.

[sml3]

I'm confused. Why would it still let me book this cruise on the RC website if it's no longer offered? I was looking at January 2011.

[land lover]

I'm confused. Why would it still let me book this cruise on the RC website if it's no longer offered? I was looking at January 2011.

 

Because 2 dates in January are still available...I just booked January 2, Jan. 9 is the last sailing going to the MR.

[Katink]

So I read about this on CC last night and because I hadn't yet been contacted by the on-line travel agency, I was hoping it was all a big mistake. Not so. I got an e-mail this morning informing me my March 2011 cruise was no more.

 

I am so disappointed. :(:( This was going to be my first time on Mariner, my first aft balcony, and my first solo cruise. I mean, I only made my reservation a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't even had time to update my signature and now, poof, not only is my cruise gone but the ship and RCI from the west coast. CRAP!

 

Katink

[Aquahound]

BUT the real reason RCL may be hurting is their own fault, they overbuilt! They can't fill 50,000 berths every night but they could have filled 25,000. They took on too much debt with their mamoth sized white elephants.

 

No, it is not because of berths. The demand is there. It's the placement of the ships that can result in a loss and, apparently, the placement of a very large and what was a very popular ship in LA was a mistake.

[wolfganghowell]

As other Texans have noted, we feel for you on the West Coast. Many of the same sentiments were expressed when we lost Rhapsody after 7 years and got Voyager for about 4 months a year.

 

Money talks though. Of 16 cruises, our Mariner cruise last fall was one of the best prices ever. And I know rates fell steeply and were sharply discounted - it was a major topic onboard of how little people paid and I think a large majority booked last minute. I can also state from MY experience on that one sailing - that onboard revenue was miniscule. Generally, we're night owls. We'll visit various bars/lounges and the casino. Not only was this ship a ghost ship every single night by 10:30 pm, but even pre-dinner the lounges were pretty empty. Contrast this with our experiences on Voyager, Rhapsody and several Celebrity ships - where the energy is vibrant and most bars and lounges are hopping, it's easy to see that something was missing. I hope you get another ship soon, even if it's seasonal like us here in Texas. As a shareholder I understand the decision. And if other Mariner sailings were as quiet and financially draining as ours appeared to be, it's a solid business decision.

 

hi jc - I see you are being the voice of reason again. :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have to admit I too am a bit upset to see yet another ship leave the West Coast. Originally it was going to be the battle between the Splendor and the Mariner sadly it looks like Mariner is calling it quits and leaving. From what I can tell the ship is always selling out so that is not the problem and while the pricing is not nearly as high as they tried to be when she first came to the West Coast it is still quite high. The problem is the the low on board revenue/spending. That is where all the Mass Market cruise lines make their money. The west coast spending is just not as good. I honestly feel it has nothing to do with any problems in Mexico because ships are still calling on Cozumel on the East Coast. It is all in the hands of the Bean Counters and the West Coasters are not doing nearly as much on board spending.

The West Coast will be losing the CCL Elation from San Diego in a few weeks, that leaves only the CCL Paradise on the West Coast doing 3 and 4 day cruises. Talk about a monopoly :rolleyes: Those prices are rising daily. Then NCL has annouced they are pulling out the NCL Star so there will be no NCL ships on the West Coast. For 7 day runs that leaves only the Splendor (year round), HAL Oosterdam in San Diego (Oct to April) and Sapphire Princess LA (Oct. to April) The HAL Oosterdam also will not be doing that many 7 day runs and will be mixing it up with a lot of 10 day sailings which makes it hard for the working class to take those extra day :o Also not likely you will see me on another PCL sailing so it looks like I better find a way to get on the Mariner yet this year.

I really feel like the West Coast is the Red Headed Step Child :(

[mohavemommy]

So... Thinking out loud here....

 

*I began cruising with Carnival several years ago. After three cruises with them I...

 

*Started sailing with Royal Caribbean and never went on Carnival again.... then...

 

*Royal Caribbean moved out of the 3/4 day market on the West coast. (The 4 day was my favorite so I could be home weekends for my son's sports)... then...

 

*Although upset, I decided to not cruise Carnival since I liked the RCL ships more... all the while having friends locally begging me to sail Carnival with them... but...

 

*I decided on 4 different sailings with RCL within a 12 month period recently totaling 26 days at sea... however...

 

*My loyalty (and that of so many others) is being disregarded by RCL by offering no sailings from the West coast which are so convenient for us.

 

Guess it is back to Carnival for me for now.

[Desert Cruizers]

I called my local TA a couple days ago, as we had booked our April Cruise thru another TA for our Calif Group Mex Cruise, and she hadn't heard the news yet. She called me back after speaking with her RCL Rep and thanked me so much for being her eyes and ears so to speak, not realizing CC would get the news so quickly when RCL hadn't officially notified the news. Now she has the terrible task of notifying everyone booked with her after Jan 9th.