Suite Guests....Oasis..... Heads Up...Royal in the wrong direction

[lori450]

I think there may be several reasons for this entire reservation system, which quite honestly, is likely un-ncessary. Whatever happened to the old days of the main show being performed twice? The showroom was large enough to hold roughly half of the pax onboard and would be shown twice. The first show would be for late-seating dinner, and the second showing would be for first-seating dinner. Obviously with MTD, that doesn't quite work out so easily, but the show times can be planned for.

 

As for the whole class thing like onboard the Titanic and other ocean liners, I don't really think that would apply in this case. Back in the day of the Titanic and the transatlantic liners, there were generally 3 classes - First, Second, and Third/Steerage. Yes, the First class passengers had their own dining rooms, own sun decks, own pools, etc. Same goes for second class. The difference here is that the different classes were kept separate from each other and did not inter-mingle. The steerage class passengers were never promised "Fine Dining," room service, broadway shows, buffets, etc. The second class may have had some entertainment, and better food, etc. The second class passengers did not use the same areas of the ship. Same goes for First Class.

 

In todays "single class" cruising, all passengers are promised "fine dining," 16 meals per day, "top-notch Broadway shows," free pizza, free room service, a beautiful dining room, 2 swimming pools, 10 jacuzzis full of kids, hockey puck burgers, etc....but the big difference is that we all use the same facilities onboard. The family on a budget in the broom-closet sized inside cabin uses the same dining rooms, lounges, pools, spas, etc as the money-is-no-object Presidential Suite guests. If you're expecting everyone to use the same common facilities, then all should play by the same rules.

 

I also cannot afford a suite, and it really doesn't matter to me that I can't use the Concierge Lounge, or other members-only facilities. What us commoners are irritated with is not the issue of suite guests having extra perks such as priority boarding, special lounges, canapes in their cabin, a concierge to do all of their work for them, etc. What we have an issue with is the notion that some suite guests feel they are "above the rules" when it comes to use of common areas that are intended for use by ALL. I am by no means a "snobby" person, and I could care less that I can't use a special meeting room or lounge, but if I can't attend a show that I am entitled to as part of my fare, because someone else is "above the rules" - that would get me upset!

 

Point taken :)

[isujim]

I think there may be several reasons for this entire reservation system, which quite honestly, is likely un-ncessary. Whatever happened to the old days of the main show being performed twice? The showroom was large enough to hold roughly half of the pax onboard and would be shown twice. The first show would be for late-seating dinner, and the second showing would be for first-seating dinner. Obviously with MTD, that doesn't quite work out so easily, but the show times can be planned for.

 

As for the whole class thing like onboard the Titanic and other ocean liners, I don't really think that would apply in this case. Back in the day of the Titanic and the transatlantic liners, there were generally 3 classes - First, Second, and Third/Steerage. Yes, the First class passengers had their own dining rooms, own sun decks, own pools, etc. Same goes for second class. The difference here is that the different classes were kept separate from each other and did not inter-mingle. The steerage class passengers were never promised "Fine Dining," room service, broadway shows, buffets, etc. The second class may have had some entertainment, and better food, etc. The second class passengers did not use the same areas of the ship. Same goes for First Class.

 

In todays "single class" cruising, all passengers are promised "fine dining," 16 meals per day, "top-notch Broadway shows," free pizza, free room service, a beautiful dining room, 2 swimming pools, 10 jacuzzis full of kids, hockey puck burgers, etc....but the big difference is that we all use the same facilities onboard. The family on a budget in the broom-closet sized inside cabin uses the same dining rooms, lounges, pools, spas, etc as the money-is-no-object Presidential Suite guests. If you're expecting everyone to use the same common facilities, then all should play by the same rules.

 

I also cannot afford a suite, and it really doesn't matter to me that I can't use the Concierge Lounge, or other members-only facilities. What us commoners are irritated with is not the issue of suite guests having extra perks such as priority boarding, special lounges, canapes in their cabin, a concierge to do all of their work for them, etc. What we have an issue with is the notion that some suite guests feel they are "above the rules" when it comes to use of common areas that are intended for use by ALL. I am by no means a "snobby" person, and I could care less that I can't use a special meeting room or lounge, but if I can't attend a show that I am entitled to as part of my fare, because someone else is "above the rules" - that would get me upset!

 

Great POST!! You obviously GET IT!! Would sail with you any day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts which are right on!

 

Would love for you to join us in Steerage Class:)

[fred20155]

Yes but the only change mentioned was making everyone have reservations. Those roped off seats will still be there and the same issue will still exist. I don't see RCI getting rid of the reserved suite seats.

 

That makes sense in a way, I can see the suite folks being allowed to get premium seats. It must have been some other reason then for the change in making everyone including suites make reservations.

[fred20155]

But they may be better at figuring out how many seats to rope off for a performance if they know who has reservations? Thereby opening up some of those seats? Not a guarantee that they will all be used but a better gauge with reservations.

 

That's a good point! It would seem like before without reservations they had no idea how many suite owners would show up for a particular show. Now they will have a more accurate number.

[fred20155]

The areas roped off are not that large. Also RCI does not go through the reservations to see how many suite guests are booked and I also doubt that changes either. They simply don't have the time.

 

For most of the show venues that is correct. But in my opinion for the Aqua Theater there was a high percentage of the better seats (separate chairs rather than the wooden benches) roped off. I didn't see it as a problem in any of the other places but in the Aqua Theater it didn't seem there was a good chance to get one of those seats unless you were either a suite guest or you got there really early. We got there early and were among the first people admitted but were pretty much discouraged from any of those seats (even ones not roped off) by staff members who stood in front of the non blocked off ones and directed us downward to the bench seats, for some reason.

[A2Mich]

Great POST!! You obviously GET IT!! Would sail with you any day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts which are right on!

 

Would love for you to join us in Steerage Class:)

 

Would love to. Was trying to find a link to either send you an email or private message. Have seen the Steerage Society avatar on several members siggies now.

[Dave85]

We got there early and were among the first people admitted but were pretty much discouraged from any of those seats (even ones not roped off) by staff members who stood in front of the non blocked off ones and directed us downward to the bench seats, for some reason.

 

I'd tell those staff members "thanks but no thanks" and sit down in a row of un-blocked off canvas seats of my choosing somewhere in the venue.

[isujim]

Would love to. Was trying to find a link to either send you an email or private message. Have seen the Steerage Society avatar on several members siggies now.

 

All you have to do is ask and you are in..........it's all inclusive as I was told. Just right click on the Steerage Society logo, copy and then go to your edit user cd and add it to your signature. Welcome to Steerage Class......:)

[A2Mich]

All you have to do is ask and you are in..........it's all inclusive as I was told. Just right click on the Steerage Society logo, copy and then go to your edit user cd and add it to your signature. Welcome to Steerage Class......:)

 

 

I was trying to message you, as I can't get it to appear in my signature. I keep getting 2 errors - one says that I am using a censored word, and the other states that signature is too long. Have tried adding as a signature pic, and also just a copy/paste - doesn't seem to work either way....will have to keep playing around with it. Well, guess I just now got it to work! Guess some things might be easier on a PC than on a Mac...

[justmeinflorida]

I think there may be several reasons for this entire reservation system, which quite honestly, is likely un-ncessary. Whatever happened to the old days of the main show being performed twice? The showroom was large enough to hold roughly half of the pax onboard and would be shown twice. The first show would be for late-seating dinner, and the second showing would be for first-seating dinner. Obviously with MTD, that doesn't quite work out so easily, but the show times can be planned for.

 

As for the whole class thing like onboard the Titanic and other ocean liners, I don't really think that would apply in this case. Back in the day of the Titanic and the transatlantic liners, there were generally 3 classes - First, Second, and Third/Steerage. Yes, the First class passengers had their own dining rooms, own sun decks, own pools, etc. Same goes for second class. The difference here is that the different classes were kept separate from each other and did not inter-mingle. The steerage class passengers were never promised "Fine Dining," room service, broadway shows, buffets, etc. The second class may have had some entertainment, and better food, etc. The second class passengers did not use the same areas of the ship. Same goes for First Class.

 

In todays "single class" cruising, all passengers are promised "fine dining," 16 meals per day, "top-notch Broadway shows," free pizza, free room service, a beautiful dining room, 2 swimming pools, 10 jacuzzis full of kids, hockey puck burgers, etc....but the big difference is that we all use the same facilities onboard. The family on a budget in the broom-closet sized inside cabin uses the same dining rooms, lounges, pools, spas, etc as the money-is-no-object Presidential Suite guests. If you're expecting everyone to use the same common facilities, then all should play by the same rules.

 

I also cannot afford a suite, and it really doesn't matter to me that I can't use the Concierge Lounge, or other members-only facilities. What us commoners are irritated with is not the issue of suite guests having extra perks such as priority boarding, special lounges, canapes in their cabin, a concierge to do all of their work for them, etc. What we have an issue with is the notion that some suite guests feel they are "above the rules" when it comes to use of common areas that are intended for use by ALL. I am by no means a "snobby" person, and I could care less that I can't use a special meeting room or lounge, but if I can't attend a show that I am entitled to as part of my fare, because someone else is "above the rules" - that would get me upset!

 

Wow, nicely written. It would be hard to argue against your logic.

 

I'm still learning the ropes around here, so, I'm trying to stay out of these more argumentative threads. But, I couldn't resist commenting.

 

You wrote it exactly the way I see this issue.

[shareen3]

:D I agree!

 

Heaven forbid a suite guest would have to stand in line like a mere commoner :eek:.

 

Prices for a cruise vary according to the cabin and are determined by location, size, balcony, amenities, butler, piano, hot tub, etc. With the exception of a few perks, it is the cabin that is the difference in cost-not the food, entertainment, etc-those are standard for all on board.

 

There is no reason someone in a suite should get any priority for shows any more than they should be able to bump others in a line for ice cream or waffles.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE Baby :D:D Bob and Phyl

[shareen3]

Well stated!

 

I think there may be several reasons for this entire reservation system, which quite honestly, is likely un-ncessary. Whatever happened to the old days of the main show being performed twice? The showroom was large enough to hold roughly half of the pax onboard and would be shown twice. The first show would be for late-seating dinner, and the second showing would be for first-seating dinner. Obviously with MTD, that doesn't quite work out so easily, but the show times can be planned for.

 

As for the whole class thing like onboard the Titanic and other ocean liners, I don't really think that would apply in this case. Back in the day of the Titanic and the transatlantic liners, there were generally 3 classes - First, Second, and Third/Steerage. Yes, the First class passengers had their own dining rooms, own sun decks, own pools, etc. Same goes for second class. The difference here is that the different classes were kept separate from each other and did not inter-mingle. The steerage class passengers were never promised "Fine Dining," room service, broadway shows, buffets, etc. The second class may have had some entertainment, and better food, etc. The second class passengers did not use the same areas of the ship. Same goes for First Class.

 

In todays "single class" cruising, all passengers are promised "fine dining," 16 meals per day, "top-notch Broadway shows," free pizza, free room service, a beautiful dining room, 2 swimming pools, 10 jacuzzis full of kids, hockey puck burgers, etc....but the big difference is that we all use the same facilities onboard. The family on a budget in the broom-closet sized inside cabin uses the same dining rooms, lounges, pools, spas, etc as the money-is-no-object Presidential Suite guests. If you're expecting everyone to use the same common facilities, then all should play by the same rules.

 

I also cannot afford a suite, and it really doesn't matter to me that I can't use the Concierge Lounge, or other members-only facilities. What us commoners are irritated with is not the issue of suite guests having extra perks such as priority boarding, special lounges, canapes in their cabin, a concierge to do all of their work for them, etc. What we have an issue with is the notion that some suite guests feel they are "above the rules" when it comes to use of common areas that are intended for use by ALL. I am by no means a "snobby" person, and I could care less that I can't use a special meeting room or lounge, but if I can't attend a show that I am entitled to as part of my fare, because someone else is "above the rules" - that would get me upset!

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

No offense Dawg but offensive??? People who fly first class don't pay extra for that benefit where as the benefit is listed as one of the perks for suite guests. If you have a problem with that then take it out on RCI not the suite guest. You're condescending unwashed masses and God's Gift comment is substantially more offensive than anything the OP has said so far.:rolleyes:

 

That would be called sarcasm....

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

PDC......calm down. Seems to me there is a big chip on your shoulder. The original poster was just trying to inform others of the change in case they were counting on this "perk" once they were onboard. I really do not think the author intended anything but.....

 

Coming from someone who felt the need to put "Dr." in their screen name, imagine that. I have no chip, I sail in suites all the time, I just don't feel the need to pat myself on the back about it. Nor do I have a problem standing in line with everyone else.

[CruisinGerman]

I respectfully disagree with part of A2Mich's long description of the democratization of cruise ships.

 

For suite passengers there may be certain perks "advertised" outright by RCCL which they advertise as marketing in order to attract customers.

 

However, as a matter of common sense and discretion on the part of the staff, there are certain perks that are inherent to purchasing a suite, especially the high-end suites.

 

If I purchase and check into the Presidential Suite of a top New York City hotel, while I may have use of the same facilities throughout the hotel as everybody else (excepting, perhaps, if the suite is located on a key-access floor), I do not expect to wait on line at the front desk (the front desk would obviously attend to me privately), I do not expect to wait on line or have to make advance reservations at the hotel's high-end restaurant even if it is the rage of the moment of New York City and it takes months to get reservations, etc.

 

If I purchase the Royal Suite on an RCCL ship, I expect similar treatment. However, I also acknowledge that I do not want to offend fellow passengers and I would request these things quietly and discreetly, with the Concierge, the Guest Services Manager or the Hotel Director. I don't think I would just show up at the theatre, flash my gold card and expect to be admitted.

 

Nobody would purchase a Royal Suite on RCCL if they were not treated as I state above. This type of treatment is implicit to that type of purchase. However, there are two problems here. First, in order to promote and sell the high-end suites, RCCL has decided to publicize a series of "perks". Second, there are people who don't know how to take advantage of this type of top service discreetly without getting in the way of other passengers.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[A2Mich]

One last note on my previous post. BTW, thank you to those who feel the way I do.

 

I'm not trying to single out or pigeon-hole suite guests in general. From some of the comments I've read here, there are many suite guests who feel that all passengers are equal, and I think that's great. The irritation and aggravation comes from the select suite guests that feel the sense of entitlement - not the entitlement that "I paid for a suite and I want my exclusive lounge, etc." It's the sense of "I paid out the wazoo for this suite, and since I blew more $$$ on this trip, that I'm better than the "standard cabin folk," mentality that SOME, not all, seem to have. Just because someone paid more, that does not give them the right to infringe on the enjoyment or access to enjoyment by others. I believe we all put our pants on the same way, the rich snob is no better than the paycheck-to-paycheck plumber. We're all going on these cruises to enjoy our free time as best we can within our means. If your means allow you to book Grand Suites all the time, that's great for those people, but not all of us are in that position. But these same people have no right to treat others disrespectfully, which includes cutting in lines, not making required reservations, etc., just because they paid more, or are C&A Diamond + - BFD!

 

If the perks are so important, maybe the industry as a whole needs to go back to the multi-class system once again. At least that way, everyone knew what to expect or what they were "entitled" to. The First Class would get lobster and filet mignon every night, Second class could have Applebee's/Chili's type dinners, and Third/Steerage class would get the table scraps scraped off of the First and Second class plates.

 

Reality is that cruising today is a one-class vacation - out in public, we're all equal. If Suite guests have their own sequestered spa/pool areas, lounges, etc., that's all well and dandy. But to alienate others because certain guests feel they're more "special" is not the answer. Us commoners paid our fare to be on the cruise and are entitled to access all of the public areas on the ship. The suite guests can have their own private perks, but don't need to flaunt themselves in front of the common folk. Again, I am not directing anything at every suite guests, only the "special" ones....

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

I hope all of you "Suite People" understand that in no way is RCCL a luxury cruise line, not even the highest category suite qualifies as such. So if you want luxury treatment, go pay luxury prices, but you won't be finding that anywhere on Royal.;)

[Cruising89143]

For most of the show venues that is correct. But in my opinion for the Aqua Theater there was a high percentage of the better seats (separate chairs rather than the wooden benches) roped off. I didn't see it as a problem in any of the other places but in the Aqua Theater it didn't seem there was a good chance to get one of those seats unless you were either a suite guest or you got there really early. We got there early and were among the first people admitted but were pretty much discouraged from any of those seats (even ones not roped off) by staff members who stood in front of the non blocked off ones and directed us downward to the bench seats, for some reason.

 

They block off three rows of seats for the suite guests in the Aqua Theater. Two rows have the seat back chairs and one row is the wooden bench seats. Yes they are prime seats and that is why they are a suite perk.

[SHICHIDAN]

I would like to say that we are Penthouse and Royal Suite level cruisers and have been since the early 90s, and I have never seen or heard of a special suite person that would elevate themselves above another cruiser or staff member and would be ashamed to meet one.

 

We treat others like family and get treated as such in return. As Gunter stated, there is a level of respect shown to the highest level traveler in any median as it should be and it is discretely delivered and accepted with no fanfare, as it should be.

[Aquahound]

IFor suite passengers there may be certain perks "advertised" outright by RCCL which they advertise as marketing in order to attract customers.

 

Being only a few out of 22 ships do show reservations, I have to wonder how many people book suites knowing this perk even exists.

 

Then again, what do I know. I'm stupid. I just drove 25 miles to help my wife who locked her keys in the trunk. It wasn't until I got home I remembered door unlock is a On Star perk, which I pay for. :rolleyes:

[ctcruiser1721]

I just re-read the OPs original post. I'm not seeing how it was offensive or condescending in any way to those cruisers who are not suite guests. I have read many very helpful posts OP has written going back to the Oasis Inaugural.

 

We all have opinions about which amenities should be included in our cruising experience. I have read threads many threads on this topic ranging from chocolates on pillows to one-ply bathroom tissue. (In case you are wondering, even the suite guests get the one-ply...)

 

Though everyone conducting business with another entity is deserving of the same level of respect and customer service, the practice of providing the "best" customers with the highest possible level of customer service and perks is practiced throughout many industries. Cruising is simply no different. And when a certain perk is promised and advertised on a website, the customer should have every reason to expect that the product will be delivered as promised.

 

OP did not say or imply that he was "better than" because he sails in a suite. He simply expressed his opinion with regard to his recent cruising experience.

 

When I started cruising I was an interior stateroom girl. Now I almost always stay in suites. And I do think it's fair to expect that guest who pay more will get more. Again, this is not a concept exclusive to cruising. And my expectation is that if an amenity or perk has been promised, I will receive it. That does not make me a snob. I have seen all types of guests behaving well and behaving badly. It's really not all dependent on room type or financial status.

[bajathree]

This just released today on Royal's Facebook Page and put on YouTube...it even mentions in the video of just going to one of the shows and showing your Gold Card and being shown to priority seating that's waiting for you........HHHHmmmmmmm:confused:but no mention if you needed to have a reservation or not.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suh-dYL5X1A

[CMurph]

Just watched the Facebook video on suite guests, it mentions priority seating, and it DOES mention assistance with booking show reservations.

[Gil T. Azell]

Being only a few out of 22 ships do show reservations, I have to wonder how many people book suites knowing this perk even exists.

 

Then again, what do I know. I'm stupid. I just drove 25 miles to help my wife who locked her keys in the trunk. It wasn't until I got home I remembered door unlock is a On Star perk, which I pay for. :rolleyes:

 

Now that's funny and something I could see myself doing possibly or not.;):p

[torpeedo]

Being only a few out of 22 ships do show reservations, I have to wonder how many people book suites knowing this perk even exists.

 

Then again, what do I know. I'm stupid. I just drove 25 miles to help my wife who locked her keys in the trunk. It wasn't until I got home I remembered door unlock is a On Star perk, which I pay for. :rolleyes:

 

I've done that in the parking lot of Total Wine:eek: ( I hadn't even opened a bottle yet) Had to call AAA. NOW I have a car that will not lock if you left the keys inside. I love it!