More RCI Cost Cutting?

[leisuretraveler223]

I was in my own special way making light of the fact

 

That's so cute. You think you're brand of cynicism is "special". That's so nice for you!:rolleyes:

[Photofinish4]

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.

 

Thanks for posting the above info. We have a question and Crown and Anchor can't tell me. We are both D+ and want to take advantage of Giovanni's the 1st night. We would like to take our traveling companions with us . your info says you need to present coupons at time o purchase. How do you do that if you do not have a card or coupons yet? Do you book the four and get reimbursed for the 2 free or will they tell me that I'm SOL? We want to book early as it appears there is only one specialty restaurant on board and assume that it will fill fast.

[LMaxwell]

 

If I offended you please accept my sincere apology. To make it up to you I will gladly share my collection of swizzle sticks and cocktail napkins complete with logos with everyone.

 

 

I have coasters and cocktail glasses (and somewhere those after dinner shot glasses). So it sounds like we've got a party going. It's 5:00 somewhere, right? :cool:

 

BTW - I wasn't so offended really, just amused that my 12 year old Toyota suddenly became a Rolls Royce:D

 

For me it is not about amenities, it is about quality. Quality has to be baked in. Amenities are just sprinkling on top and tend to be of varying qualities.

[squadron]

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

 

Fighting obesity epidemic!

[fishbonz]

We just got off of the Adventure of the Seas 2 weeks ago and my 8 year old son was very upset that we only got a towel animal 2-3 nights of the cruise. May not be a big deal to adults but he loves the towel animals, he always wants to be the first to go into the cabin to see what towel animal we had so it is a big deal to him. LOL!!!

 

After our first cruise with them and after dinner we would make a bet to see who would be right on a guess to what will be made for that night. That went on for all our cruises,,And yes I do miss them.

There will be people who say it saves on laundry cost but just use a towel from the bathroom rack. Rember towel animals = better tips.

[Ourusualbeach]

 

Diamond members get 30 minutes of free internet. Not sure about the lower levels but Gold may get 15 minutes.

 

Not even that. It's about 6 minutes. A $5 credit which at .82 per minute basically grits you logged on.

[negc]

Thanks for posting the above info. We have a question and Crown and Anchor can't tell me. We are both D+ and want to take advantage of Giovanni's the 1st night. We would like to take our traveling companions with us . your info says you need to present coupons at time o purchase. How do you do that if you do not have a card or coupons yet? Do you book the four and get reimbursed for the 2 free or will they tell me that I'm SOL? We want to book early as it appears there is only one specialty restaurant on board and assume that it will fill fast.

 

They should reimburse you for the two free dinners. That has been our experience when we have been in that situation.:) When there has only been the two of us, they have honored our second coupon on another night.

[Debde]

Fighting obesity epidemic!

 

LOL

Trust me-no donuts was replaced with those nice rolled cake looking things so on still went the pounds!!:D

[Ocean Boy]

OP, sorry to hear you were disappointed but as stated, some of these things are not new. Ice has been "upon request" for some time now and even then, it's only a one-time request for the whole cruise, right? No biggie. Also, the cabin steward is NOT responsible for the fridge (cooler) items - that is now and has been for some time the responsibility of Bar Services. Your cabin steward had every right to decline your requests but perhaps s/he was rude about it, I don't know.

 

Can you explain the "Formal Wear required" comment concerning the top tier event?

 

I can somewhat relate to this. We were on one cruise where they had the past guest party right after departure from a port of call. The invitation requested no shorts or sandals. We didn't even have time to take showers after the ship sailed out of port before the party began. What, exactly, did they think most people would be wearing after returning from a port on a Caribbean sailing?

 

I didn't view it as cost cutting but more as thoughtless nonsense.

Edited February 18, 2014 by Ocean Boy

[PattyG12]

We just got off of the Adventure of the Seas 2 weeks ago and my 8 year old son was very upset that we only got a towel animal 2-3 nights of the cruise. May not be a big deal to adults but he loves the towel animals, he always wants to be the first to go into the cabin to see what towel animal we had so it is a big deal to him. LOL!!!

 

When we travel with our grandson (6) we just ask the room steward to make him a towel animal every night ... we've never had a problem after asking.

[garnetpalmetto]

After our first cruise with them and after dinner we would make a bet to see who would be right on a guess to what will be made for that night. That went on for all our cruises,,And yes I do miss them.

 

There will be people who say it saves on laundry cost but just use a towel from the bathroom rack. Rember towel animals = better tips.

 

I've never NOT heard of stewards doing towel animals. We got one every night on Serenade with the exception of the one night we accidentally left our Do Not Disturb out while the steward made up rooms.

 

I agree with this one. I'm trying to think of the last time I was in a nice restaurant that had flowers on the table and simply can't recall?

 

I always see flowers on a table and think of Grandma. I like them for holidays and special occasions, but can take or leave on an every day basis.

 

Exactly. I see flowers, especially artificial ones, in a restaurant on land and I think that I should carefully select what I order, because no one has dusted those tacky daisies in 15 years and god only knows when the last time the kitchen was cleaned. Real ones tend to make me think the restaurant is trying WAY too hard to be swanky by attempting to appeal to a tired standard whose day is long over. I did not miss the flowers one little bit!

[Dave4120]

And what haven't most of us cut at home to save costs? Should our friends, family and neighbors complain?

[ARCruisinNana]

 

Not even that. It's about 6 minutes. A $5 credit which at .82 per minute basically grits you logged on.

 

Yikes:eek: It's up to .82 per minute?? It was .65 in November. I'm glad Diamond and Diamond Plus/PC still have minutes and not $$ amount:)

[Ourusualbeach]

I've never NOT heard of stewards doing towel animals. We got one every night on Serenade with the exception of the one night we accidentally left our Do Not Disturb out while the steward made up rooms.

 

!

 

This started last year. Obviously not on all ships but on quite a few as it has been reported here by many. On our recent Liberty sailing we had 2 for a 5 day cruise. Certainly not a deal breaker but the kids do like them.

[garnetpalmetto]

This started last year. Obviously not on all ships but on quite a few as it has been reported here by many. On our recent Liberty sailing we had 2 for a 5 day cruise. Certainly not a deal breaker but the kids do like them.

 

Good to know! I'll be sure to ask our steward from now on. I'd hate to see the disappointment on the wife's face if we came into the stateroom after dinner to no towel animal.

[awhcruiser]

Do you have ideas about how to change things without raising prices?

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?

[awhcruiser]

This. Complain but have no suggestions.

I never hear anyone offer up solutions to these things.

 

I figure anyone who complains about losing amenities needs to come to the table with the suggestion on how to offset the cost/savings to bring them back.

Edited February 18, 2014 by awhcruiser

[Ocean Boy]

And what haven't most of us cut at home to save costs? Should our friends, family and neighbors complain?

 

Maybe for cost cutting they stopped inviting their friends, family, and neighbors over.;)

[LetsGetWet!]

Exactly. I see flowers, especially artificial ones, in a restaurant on land and I think that I should carefully select what I order, because no one has dusted those tacky daisies in 15 years and god only knows when the last time the kitchen was cleaned. Real ones tend to make me think the restaurant is trying WAY too hard to be swanky by attempting to appeal to a tired standard whose day is long over. I did not miss the flowers one little bit!

Here's a table setting at our favorite Italian restaurant in Dallas. Its not a flower, but some kind of modernistic live cutting in a modernistic glass container. Not even sure what it is, but kinda neat, and I bet it stays fresher by the end of the evening than a rose or a daisy or some other flower! :)

 

[LetsGetWet!]

And what haven't most of us cut at home to save costs? Should our friends, family and neighbors complain?

If they're paying to vacation at your home, maybe... :)

[ILUVCRUIZN]

When we travel with our grandson (6) we just ask the room steward to make him a towel animal every night ... we've never had a problem after asking.

 

We had not sailed on Royal since 2006 and I did not realize that this had changed. Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will make sure to ask our room steward to make him a towel animal at night if possible next time we sail with Royal. :)

Edited February 18, 2014 by ILUVCRUIZN

[bilyclub]

They should reimburse you for the two free dinners. That has been our experience when we have been in that situation.:) When there has only been the two of us, they have honored our second coupon on another night.

 

Not on the Allure last month. Was flat out told it had to be used on the first night.

[buck7]

Missing logo = not bothered

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

 

And you can use that paper mâché to make a tiny replica of the towel animal you didn't get.

A guest activity and a cost savings at the same time......Ingenious!!!:D:D

[garnetpalmetto]

Here's a table setting at our favorite Italian restaurant in Dallas. Its not a flower, but some kind of modernistic live cutting in a modernistic glass container. Not even sure what it is, but kinda neat, and I bet it stays fresher by the end of the evening than a rose or a daisy or some other flower! :)

 

 

Looks like a cut leek to me. Might be a different allium cultivar, but I'd wager on a leek. That's definitely a fun table setting!

[cle-guy]

For me it is not about amenities, it is about quality. Quality has to be baked in. Amenities are just sprinkling on top and tend to be of varying qualities.

 

 

DING DING DING DING! We have a winner.

 

If I have crap amenities and a helpful, caring staff where that care is engrained in the corporate culture, I'd never notice a missing pillow mint or pen.