More RCI Cost Cutting?

[nelblu]

So if the coupon books aren't physical anymore, how do you know what the discounts are? Is there some physical documentation that lists what "coupons" are loaded on your SeaPass card?

 

Yes, we got a letter in our stateroom. The only problem was that there was no mention on how to utilize the free internet minutes. We found out that we needed access codes and no longer swipe your Seapass card.

[laseiber]

tineykgal, there was a paper (speaking as a Diamond Member) that listed all the discounts and events, and stuff for Diamond members that week. The listing was on the back of it. Also did anyone get the card in the mail for casino cash. It was 5 dollars per day up to 7 days for any cruise booked before Dec 31, 2013 and traveled before April 2014. I got one and they only honored it for one of my cruises. Pretty bummed as I had 4 booked before Dec 31 and will have taken 3 before April. I was told that I had to call quest services before taking the cruise for it to be honored. So I called and they said it was only good for one cruise.

[setsail]

Yes, we got a letter in our stateroom. The only problem was that there was no mention on how to utilize the free internet minutes. We found out that we needed access codes and no longer swipe your Seapass card.

 

Did you use rci's pc or your own? On legend we used the ships pc and all we had to do was swipe our seapass card, we used both cards and since the minutes are already loaded it worked perfectly.

[bouhunter]

This is all to do with becoming paperless and saving paper and the environment.

 

I don't mind the paperless coupons, but don't applaud or buy into thier "concern" for the environment as an excuse. I notice they still aren't shy about distributing lots of other paper during the week that can generage revenue and sales:rolleyes:

[galfromkazoo]

Did you use rci's pc or your own? On legend we used the ships pc and all we had to do was swipe our seapass card, we used both cards and since the minutes are already loaded it worked perfectly.

 

On Freedom last month we just swiped the card, picked the package, and the discount showed up on our statement.

[Clarea]

Yes, we got a letter in our stateroom. The only problem was that there was no mention on how to utilize the free internet minutes. We found out that we needed access codes and no longer swipe your Seapass card.

We go to Guest Services and have them combine our free internet minutes onto one folio. This way we have one pool of minutes to consume when using wireless.

[dfishner]

We were on Liberty of the seas this past November after being away from RCL for two years or so. Same great staff, same average food, great shows, very good to excellent service, loved the diamond lounge and appetizers. Was there cost cutting? I have no idea was to busy having a great time to notice. I think if you look for things you are going to find them I am on vacation and don't sweat the small stuff it will make you nuts.

 

We have been with RCL for awhile now seen all kinds of cuts over the years some bothered me some did not, the ones that did bothered me I voiced my opinion to directly to RCL. We also have seen some very nice enhancements as well.

 

I look at it this way if we have the same great on board experience we come to expect from RCL we are happy camper and over the years I can say there is not one cruise we have taken that RCL did not deliver that for us.

[bchalker]

I would also add Emerald coupon books - No more coupon books.

 

You must ask if you have a freebie or discount.

 

There is a list of your discounts buried among all the papers on embarkation day...But I am sure many guests miss that info...And never take advantage...More savings/cost cutting for that tricky cruise line...

 

It seems that there must be a crew committee who's job is to make everything inconvenient for the guest in order to save that tricky line cruise money.

 

oh the horror

[trev71]

No more coupon books for any tier level rolling over for some time now - the coupons are now being loaded on your SeaPass card and are readily available for use as before. Asking to have one applied is not a whole lot different than presenting a coupon when you want it.

 

The crew committee is likely. :rolleyes:

 

 

Most of the coupons were no good, the only ones we ever used was the buy one milkshake get one free and the buy one picture and get one 50% off. and the casino ones which are now no longer valid

[Mapleleafforever]

No logos on cocktail napkins I wouldn't ever notice.

 

I have personally used hotel ice buckets as a puke bucket and I know many others who have done the same (or worse) so I would never ever ever use them for drink ice.

 

Cabin stewards are already overworked, maybe he/she was having a bad day.

 

Donuts for breakfast is a recipe for diabetes, enjoy.

 

I'm no cheerleader but some of the complaints are pretty minor. If you have a big problem with them you can always vote with your pocketbook and cruise with another line.

[Mapleleafforever]

Easy one - had a pretty lazy CS years ago. Took everything out and put it into the sink. Let him know that the sink still needed to be cleaned - "you" put that stuff wherever you want - the chiller is "mine". The second day everything went away ;).

 

YMMV.

 

I hope you locked up your toothbrushes.

[PuterMonkey]

Have you seen more RCI cost cutting?

 

Here is what I saw on Explorer 2/9 to 2/16.

 

Drink/Cocktail napkins no longer have the RCI logo.

 

No ice bucket in the cabins - only on request.

 

Steward would not empty re fridge or remove Evian water from dresser.

Just plain refused - First time I heard a flat "NO" on RCI ...

 

Past Passenger event held @ 10:45 AM - on a day when you arrive in port @ 1PM - Saving drink alcohol drink costs?

 

"Top Tier Event" - Formal attire required to attend when casual is the MDR dress code.

Again - More alcohol savings?

 

What have you seen?

 

None of this bothers me at all lol. I'd much rather my money go towards service and food than logo'd napkins :p

[Paulette3028]

All companies re-evaluate their product and their offerings, all the time -- Royal is no different.

 

I ask for an ice bucket on day 1 and ask that it be kept filled and viola -- it happens.

 

Napkins don't make my cruise nor does a coupon book for the perks I have. As far as the perks, too many people look at them as 'entitlements' and the industry has created that mindset. I like the loyalty rewards that are provided, yet they just add to the great time I have, they don't define a great cruise.

 

To be clear, you do have 30 minutes of free internet, as well as a discount if you need to purchase an internet package on board.

 

Since cruise lines try to be environmentally friendly, I don't mind not having a coupon book (a lot of trees are saved) -- but it does put a little burden on the cruiser to know what their loyalty rewards are, for their C&A level.

 

 

The most serious change has occurred with food. I am not a foodie, nor difficult in restaurants. With the addition of specialty restaurants, top quality steaks and other types of food are less likely to be in the MDR, without an additional fee. It is clear that the cruise lines want you to feel so at home (on the ship) that you decide to 'go to a restaurant' for a dinner out, while with them. It is a choice cruisers have, but for the MDR guest, it leaves something out. This again does not RUIN my vacation, nor in any way raise my blood pressure.

 

Where the cruise line has cut expenses is in staff in the dining room and cabin stewards. I feel for the staff that now has more tables to serve and more rooms to handle than they did before. The additional tips from the extra tables and rooms probably doesn't make up for the extra work (and perhaps stress from the additional guests).

 

I am an easy cruiser. I am on vacation. I am not cooking, cleaning or working.....I am vacationing.

 

Here's a list of all the coupons:

 

Gold Members

 

• Beverage Discount (purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free).

• Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% Discount.

• Premium Brand Coffee - 25% discount on any coffee beverage.

• Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake

• Photo Discount - Buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.

• Internet Discount - $5.00 USD credit or 10% off any internet package purchase (whichever amount is greater).

• 1 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupon

• Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free Single Jackpot Bingo Card.

• Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.

• Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase

• Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.

• Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrush tattoo and receive a free gold color upgrade.....a $2.00 USD Savings.

• Pets At Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.

• RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.

• SPA Credit - 10% off any one spa or salon service.

• Britto Collectible - 10% off a Britto Tubed Poster

• C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit http://www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

 

Platinum Members

 

• Beverage Discount - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.

• Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% discount.

• Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.

• Premium Brand Coffee - buy any coffee beverage and get a second one free.

• Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.

• Photo discount - buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.

• Internet Discount - $7.50 USD internet credit or 15% off any internet package purchase (whichever amount is greater).

• Wash & Fold - $5.00 USD off a $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).

• Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USDor more.

• 2 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupon.

• Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive 1 free strip of three Jackpot Bingo Cards.

• Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.

• Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase

• Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.

• Airbrush Temporary Tattos - purchase any size temporary air brush tattoo and receive a free sparkling glitter upgrade - a $3.00 USD savings.

• Pets At Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.

• Tuxedo Rental Discount - 10% off any tuxedo rental package.

• RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.

• SPA Credit - 15% off any one spa or salon service.

• Britto Collectible - 10% off one Britto Collectible

• C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit http://www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

 

Emerald Members

 

• 2 Beverage Discount Coupons - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.

• Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% discount.

• Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.

• Premium Brand Coffee - buy any coffee beverage and get a second one free.

• Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.

• Photo discount - buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.

• Internet Discount - $10.00 USD internet credit or 15% off any internet package purchase (which ever amount is greater).

• Wash & Fold Coupon - $5.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ night sailings only).

• Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.

• 3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.

• Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.

• Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.

• Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase

• Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.

• Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrushed tattoo and receive a free sparkling glitter upgrade, a $3.00 USD Savings.

• Pets at Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea package which includes a pet and outfit.

• Tuxedo Rental Discount - 10% off any tuxedo rental package.

• RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.

• SPA Credit - 15% off any one spa or salon service.

• Britto Collectible - 10% off one Britto Collectible.

• C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit http://www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

 

Diamond Members

 

• Beverage Discount - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.

• Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 20% discount.

• Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.

• Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.

• Photo Discount - Get 10% off a Digital Photo package or a custom created PhotoBook.

• Complimentary Photo - Free any size photo of your choice from printed photograph selection on display (cannot be a reprint or special request).

• Free Internet Minutes - 30 minutes of free internet use.

• Internet Discount - 20% off any internet package purchase.

• Stateroom Phone Discount - $2.00 per minute stateroom phone rate (75% discount).

• Wash & Fold Coupons per book - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).

• Wash & Fold Coupons per book - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (8+ nights sailings only).

• Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.

• 3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.

• Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.

• Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 15% discount.

• Art Auctions - 20% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase

• Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 15% discount.

• Airbrush Tattoos - 10% off any temporary tattoo purchase.

• Pets At Sea Discount - 15% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.

• Tuxedo Rental Discount - 15% off any tuxedo rental package.

• RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.

• SPA Credit - 20% off any one spa or salon service.

• Britto Collectible - 15% off one Britto Collectible

• C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit http://www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

 

Diamond Plus & Pinnacle Club Members

 

• Specialty Restaurant First Night BUY ONE GET ONE FREE - (Offer includes Chops Grille, Portofino, 150 Central Park Avenue, Solarium Bistro, Giovanni's Table and Samba Grill. Valid for both pre-cruise and shipboard reservations, on ships with participating specialty restaurants. Only one guest needs to be D+ Subject to availability and valid to dine only on the first night of the cruise. You must redeem cerficate at the time of purchase. Photocopies not accepted).

• Beverage Discount - (purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.

• Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 25% discount.

• Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.

• Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.

• Photo Discount - Get 10% off a Digital Photo package or a custom created PhotoBook.

• Complimentary Photo - Free any size photo of your choice from printed photograph selection on display (cannot be a reprint or special request).

• Free Internet Minutes - 45 minutes of free internet use.

• Internet Discount - 25% off any internet package purchase.

• Stateroom Phone Discount - $2.00 per minute stateroom phone rate (75% discount).

• Wash & Fold Laundry Service - one free $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).

• Wash & Fold Coupon - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (8+ night sailings only).

• Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.

• 3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.

• Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.

• Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 15% discount.

• Art Auctions - 20% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase

• Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 15% discount.

• Airbrush Tattoos - 10% off any temporary tattoo purchase.

• Pets at Sea Discount - 15% off your Pets at Sea package which includes a pet and outfit.

• Tuxedo Rental Discount - 20% off any tuxedo rental package.

• RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.

• SPA Credit - 20% off any one spa or salon service.

• Spa Treatment - Book a Signature Spa Service while the ship is in port and receive a complimentary add on treatment from the following list.....Frangipani Scalp Massage, Relaxing Hand Massage or Sole Delight Foot Massage.

• Britto Collectible - 15% off one Britto Collectible

• C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit http://www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

Note that the $25 Wash and Fold laundry service is now $30.

Edited February 18, 2014 by Paulette3028

[impatientlywaiting]

Maybe it varies by cruise line. We had the same problem with the fridge contents until we were told (on Royal Caribbean) that we had to call room service to get the contents removed/changed. The regular room stewards have different duties and do not handle this type of request. .

 

We were on the Serenade during Christmas and asked our cabin steward to empty the frig. He put everything in a bag and stuck it under the bed. :)

[Honeymooner15]

 

They also now cut out the flower in the middle if the table and now there is barely any silverware on the table. Just two forks and two knives. Makes the tables look quite barren.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

Why on earth do people need more than one knife and fork? Ones a salad fork and ones for the entree correct? Well if you need one for each, why not another for any sides you may have? So useless.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Debde]

We had donuts every morning last month on our Indy cruise.

 

Hopefully it was a one time thing regarding the donuts as i liked the donuts and my son really liked them as well.

 

Just off Jewel not too long ago and not a donut to be found!:(

[reedl]

Have you seen more RCI cost cutting?

 

Here is what I saw on Explorer 2/9 to 2/16.

 

Drink/Cocktail napkins no longer have the RCI logo.

Maybe they ran out of the Logo napkins

No ice bucket in the cabins - only on request.

This has been this way for at least three years. But a simple request to the steward keeps ice flowing throughout the cruise.

 

Steward would not empty re fridge or remove Evian water from dresser.

Just plain refused - First time I heard a flat "NO" on RCI ...

I just put the stuff on top of the desk area cabinets. Real simple.

Past Passenger event held @ 10:45 AM - on a day when you arrive in port @ 1PM - Saving drink alcohol drink costs?

This one seems rather interesting to have a free alcohol event at 10:45 in the morning.

 

"Top Tier Event" - Formal attire required to attend when casual is the MDR dress code.

Again - More alcohol savings?

That is strange!

 

What have you seen?

I have seen some little things throughout the ship, but remember the base fare keeps going down, so they have to make money somewhere.

[reedl]

...snip...

I have personally used hotel ice buckets as a puke bucket and I know many others who have done the same (or worse) so I would never ever ever use them for drink ice. ...snip....

Makes mental note to completely wash and rinse the ice bucket next time.. :eek:

[nelblu]

So if the coupon books aren't physical anymore, how do you know what the discounts are? Is there some physical documentation that lists what "coupons" are loaded on your SeaPass card?

 

 

 

Yes, there should be a letter from C&A listing the perks associated with your tier. Only problem was that no documentation with regards to the free internet minutes. Found out I need to get access codes as you no longer need to swipe your Seapass card. Worked smoothly on the Allure.

[idamae3218]

To the OP, I agree RCI is cutting back. Yes, they are all doing it, but I don't think we should accept. Royal didn't lower their prices, but lowered the perks. There use to be coupons for freebies, like a 8x10 photo, free drink. Now it's either a discount or buy one get one. Royal is my favorite line, but I looked forward to the little things, like cookies and sandwiches at the promenade cafe. NCL didn't have a place like it BA. We missed having a late sweet (free) snack after a show. I hope our cruise next year on RCI still has that. The overall product quality is coming down. If it continues, what will distinguish them from other similarly priced cruises?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[LMaxwell]

Death by 1000 cuts. Little tiny changes designed to make loyalists and apologists look the other way and say that these don't matter. Happening on all lines unfortunately, so nowhere to run.

 

Cruiseline is more interested in selling you gravy, not a better piece of meat (It's a metaphor...)

 

I'll echo an early posted who said when spending this much for a vacation it would be nice to have (or even for a few dollars a day) more of the goodness "baked in" rather than paying more to have it "sprinkled on top" (never the same).

 

It's one thing to say if you agree or disagree or if you have noticed or even care, I don't get all the personal insults though when reading the responses. Is this how people talk to each other at work or in social settings or to people they aren't intimately familiar with?

[cle-guy]

I think the ice bucket removal has more to do with sanitation and Noro prevention than cost cutting.

 

Not everyone uses one, so it could gather dirt and dust and germs from multiple guests not using it. So take out of cabin, sanitize and properly store between each use and deliver when requested. And a bit less clutter in the cabin to boot.

 

I actually find the standard cabin bucket too small, so always calla and request a champagne bucket of ice then I can chill my large waters and couple cokes at the same time.

 

I can't see how pulling the ice-bukcets are cost cutting measure, almost seems more labor intensive to have to field the phone calls and delivery.

Edited February 18, 2014 by cle-guy

[LMaxwell]

I think the ice bucket removal has more to do with sanitation and Noro prevention than cost cutting.

 

Not everyone uses one, so it could gather dirt and dust and germs from multiple guests not using it. So take out of cabin, sanitize and properly store between each use and deliver when requested. And a bit less clutter in the cabin to boot.

 

I can't see how pulling the ice-bukcets are cost cutting measure, almost seems more labor intensive to have to field the phone calls and delivery.

 

That's a really great point. I had not thought of that. But do remember that labor intensity doesn't necessarily translate to more cost; the staff are paid salary.

[Debde]

The cruise line has to cutback to keep giving out all those free drinks and great balcony discounts. That costs them a pretty penny so if the logo on the napkin has to go-so be it!!;)

[LMaxwell]

Missing logo = not bothered

Cheaper napkins turning my drink into a paper mache project = a bit irritating.