Royal Snobs?

[wattmhite]

I love RCI! I don't love every single thing, but for the most part I love the company, I love the ships, and I love the experiences I've had on board.

 

That being said, I'm a bit sick of seeing all the "Royal Caribbean you disappointed me" with regards to the new dining options announced yesterday.

 

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

This ship is going to be STUNNING, you're hesitant, fine... try it first then critique.

 

Lets talk about how excited we are about ALL OF THE NEW DINING CHOICES ON QUANTUM INSTEAD.

[kruzerci]

It's great that you feel that way but others are just as entitled to their opinions as you are.

[Dave85]

All view points are valid, but on some level we need to wait and see how the new program actually plays out before declaring it THE WORST THING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED IN THE CRUISING WORLD AHHH! It sure looks similar to NCL's Freestyle concept, but it's entirely possible that in practice there will be better food and shorter wait times than some NCL cruisers report and that the reservation systems will playcate to some extent those who wish to dine at the same time every night.

 

My $.02.

Edited March 27, 2014 by Dave85

[cruzsnooze]

I love RCI! I don't love every single thing, but for the most part I love the company, I love the ships, and I love the experiences I've had on board.

 

That being said, I'm a bit sick of seeing all the "Royal Caribbean you disappointed me" with regards to the new dining options announced yesterday.

 

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

This ship is going to be STUNNING, you're hesitant, fine... try it first then critique.

 

Lets talk about how excited we are about ALL OF THE NEW DINING CHOICES ON QUANTUM INSTEAD.

How do you know it's going to be absolutely amazing? I think it sounds awful and will avoid it. They are copy cats of NCL and must feel NCL is stealing some market share from them so they are trying to get that back. I also like no formals on NCL so I hope RCL follows suit on that too before my sailing on RCL later this year. I will look to see the reviews and perhaps change my mind but I wouldn't book it.

[LSSloves]

Get your head out of the clouds! Threads like this are obnoxious. You haven't tried it so you don't know that it's a good concept just like opposers don't know that it's a bad concept. If nobody expresses their feelings a company doesn't know how to improve. It just so happens this comes in the midst of making policy changes that pax are already annoyed about.

[wattmhite]

Thats exactly my point. No ones tried it yet, we have no reviews to read about people who've experienced it. Yet, everyone who has doubts blows up the forums all over the place with (The world is falling) posts.

In my opinion it looks amazing, but obviously no one will know until they actually get on the ship.

 

Thats my point here...

[TC1957]

I love RCI! I don't love every single thing, but for the most part I love the company, I love the ships, and I love the experiences I've had on board.

 

That being said, I'm a bit sick of seeing all the "Royal Caribbean you disappointed me" with regards to the new dining options announced yesterday.

 

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

This ship is going to be STUNNING, you're hesitant, fine... try it first then critique.

 

Lets talk about how excited we are about ALL OF THE NEW DINING CHOICES ON QUANTUM INSTEAD.

 

You are entitled to your opinion...others are as well.

 

As for the ship itself...I will probably never sail on one in this class. Not likely they are going to put it in the Caribbean exclusively and there are a lot of vacations on my bucket list ahead of European cruises.

 

My comment related to the "Dynamic Dining" is that if it goes fleet wide, they better cut the cost of the cabin to reflect the added expense I will incur by being forced to pay extra for my evening meal. If they don't I will never get above my Gold C&A status because I will either change lines or stop cruising.

 

But thats just me...YMMV.

[JasonV1]

I get what you are saying, but if you don't like seeing people complain you pretty much have no choice but to avoid every website that has forums and/or allows comments on stories/blog posts/etc.

 

Many on this board have strong opinions (I assume), but the difference is that they keep them to themselves.

 

The best thing to do is to avoid those threads, or even mute the posters when the website supports it (unfortunately this one does not).

[wattmhite]

I understand, I think I'm just a bit frustrated with the negativity of my fellow RC fans.

Everythings (not good enough) or (disappointing) or (doesn't excite me) and I'm thinking come on guys, heres a cruise line thats working hard to impress, taking chances that others aren't, and overall continuing to build new stunning ships that we all love.

 

I guess people want new, but don't want too new, or too bold. Its like theres no pleasing them.

 

Second, instead of 1 complimentary main dining room, there are now 4 complimentary dining rooms. You won't be spending more money on food if you don't want to. Thats a choice you personally make, Royal isn't forcing anyone to spend more, in fact you are getting 3 more complimentary choices.

[John Reid]

By your own logic, how can you possibly know it is going to be "absolutely amazing." The deck plans are not even completely revealed. I have sailed and enjoyed several different classes of RCI ships. My next RCI cruise is August. Yet I can easily look at the vision of this ship and say, no, this is not what appeals to me. I'll stick with other RCI ships. Bumper cars? An observation globe to pay for what you can see standing at the edge of the top deck. A possibly diminished pool deck? A change in dining from what I like about cruising? It seems to be designed for families. My son is 36; we are past that phase.

 

Trade in my Seapass card if I don't want to get out there and try something new? Not "loyal" enough for your thinking so I should go to another line? Just accept it will be great because RCI created it and it's new?

 

I think not.

[cruzsnooze]

I'm thinking come on guys, heres a cruise line thats working hard to impress, taking chances that others aren't, and overall continuing to build new stunning ships that we all love.

 

 

 

.

I don't know where you got your info but I do not Love let alone like the new stunning ships. I haven't / and won't sail on a small city with 5000 pax. The largest RCL ship I've been on is the Vision class. I've been sailing on Princess lately because I like their ship size and the dining experience suits me.

Be careful not to make statements such as you made "that everybody" because it will never be "everybody"

[ryano]

Thats exactly my point. No ones tried it yet, we have no reviews to read about people who've experienced it. Yet, everyone who has doubts blows up the forums all over the place with (The world is falling) posts.

In my opinion it looks amazing, but obviously no one will know until they actually get on the ship.

 

Thats my point here...

 

It was the same way with Oasis. There was even a group formed here called NOOTS that meant something to the effect of Never On Oasis of The Seas. Im willing to bet 90% of those members have sailed an Oasis ship now and love them.

 

Some people just love to complain and some just arent good with change.

 

I love the new ideas and the new Quantum ships. I only hope they eventually homeport one in FL, preferably Pt Canaveral, so in a few years maybe the prices will lower some and I will get to experience one of these amazing ships.

 

Heck, Ive still got to go on an Oasis class first.

Edited March 27, 2014 by ryano

[wattmhite]

How do you know you're not going to like the observation globe? No ones tried it yet. Not sure if Negative Nancy would ever try it, but if you did, you might love it. Whole new perspective on the water and of the ship, its like the viking crown lounge view on steroids.

But already (nah thats not for me)

 

"OMG they shrunk the pool deck! NO!!!! Thats it, I'm never going on that ship."

 

"Hey they might have made the solarium bigger... I don't care I can't see past this observation globe that I know nothing about but already don't like."

[ryano]

By your own logic, how can you possibly know it is going to be "absolutely amazing."

 

Speaking only for myself, every ship RCI owns is "amazing" to me because cruising is "amazing" to me. Even the old Monarch that is now gone to Pulmantur.

 

maybe thats what the OP meant.

Edited March 27, 2014 by ryano

[wattmhite]

I totally agree Ryan, its like everyone complains, I hate this bumper car idea... and this stupid new dining. but then a bunch of people actually go on it, love it, then the first people give it a try, and love it, and its all for nothing.

 

So stupid

[wattmhite]

OMG they changed the egg recipe!!

 

Thats it, my longtime loyalty with Royal is over.

[ryano]

I totally agree Ryan, its like everyone complains, I hate this bumper car idea... and this stupid new dining. but then a bunch of people actually go on it, love it, then the first people give it a try, and love it, and its all for nothing.

 

So stupid

 

I have seen several complaints about the bumper cars being a waste of space and I dont get it at all. From my understanding, they are going to be used on a sports court that is already used for several other things. These will be a HUGE hit with kids and also adults just as the Flowrider is.

 

The good thing about RCI is that they have a LOT of ships with lots of variety and if someone doesnt like the "amusement park at sea" ships they arent being forced at gunpoint to go one. There is always Radiance class ships and others that are beautiful ships and still offer a true traditional cruise.

Edited March 27, 2014 by ryano

[Little Buddy's Mom]

Maybe, you haven't noticed but this website is called "Cruise Critic." Right now, people are basing their opinions on the same information you are. Frankly, I don't like the idea of making reservations, every night, on where I want to eat. :( I can imagine the buffet is going to be very busy.

Edited March 27, 2014 by Little Buddy's Mom

[Truckersar]

Like it or not the days of free or as RCI says complementary dining is on the way out. Within the next several years there will be no complementary options only for a fee option.

Yes this includes windjammer!

This will be fleet wide and the MDR will either disappear or will have a nightly charge!

Rember the outrage when the first specialty restraunts were announced!

Most recently rember that Johnny Rockets started as a complementary option!

Just something to think about!

Appears cruising is soon to be far more expensive.

Edited March 27, 2014 by Truckersar

[CRUISEBOY305]

yes, everyone is entitled to there opinion. I feel like this is a complete NCL rip off.

[ryano]

Like it or not the days of free or as RCI says complementary dining is on the way out. Within the next several years there will be no complementary options only for a fee option.

Yes this includes windjammer!

.

 

You want to wager some money on this? Im your huckleberry :)

[alane10]

I was at the event yesterday when they presented the concept, and I remember thinking "Ugh...freestyle cruising..."

 

However, once they let us walk around to try the food, I was sold. They only presented one new pay restaurant and everything else is included. The food they presented was quite stunning: Beautifully presented and delicious

 

There was something for everyone and choices to dress formal, casual, or in between. I feel with the partnership with well known chefs, they are trying to present this as cruising for foodies. I don't think it is an accident that the Quantum is out of NYC, which happens to be the foodie hot spot.

 

I understand the initial reaction, because I had the same reaction. However, I bet if you give it a try, most will be pleasantly surprised...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[TC1957]

Many of the things RCI is trying I like. The rock climbing wall, flow-rider, ice skating, bumper cars...those are things that give people something to do while on the ship. I may not want to do them all or may want to limit my time on them. What I really like about those is it takes people away from the pools...which is what we enjoy about a day just sailing.

 

However...very high on the list of what I really enjoy about a cruise is the traditional MDR set-up. We LOVE sitting at a large table and getting to know the people with whom we share evening meals. Based on what RCI has released, there is not REALLY five "included" dining options every night. One of them is reserved for suites or higher...one is formal every night (OK...maybe we go there one or two nights since they currently have "formal" nights). That leaves three...and one focused on "comfort food". When I think of comfort food I think of chains like Cracker Barrell, Black-eyed Pea, etc. (not exactly something to excite me on a cruise). Another focuses on Pan-Asian style food. It sounds like the menus will basically be the same every night in those places. So you see...for us it eliminates a very significant reason we like cruising. Therefore, this class will not be for us.

 

Like I said, if it goes fleet wide I am done with RCI. I am sure they could not care less. Besides, for every "seasoned loyal to Royal" they run off and replace with a new customer they save on C&A benefits.

[wmp.dll]

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

So wait, you're telling me if I don't like Royal's new dining concept I should sail with the line that pioneered the Freestyle cruise concept? Let's be honest here, Royal just introduced the exact same thing for Quantum class. I'm confused by your post to say the least.

[DrD]

It's possible to dislike the changes but still like RCCL. It's only 1 (2) ships so far.

 

Now if they go that way for the whole fleet they will lose me as a customer.

 

I'm not mad about it, I realize others like that kind of dining, and RCCL of course is free to cater to whatever demographic they wish.

 

But they're not catering to me. I go on cruises to have a different experience from land. A big part of that has always been the traditional dining. I am opened minded and have tried other types of dining, including NCL. I still prefer traditional, in fact that's a big reason we've sailed Royal more in the last few years.