Just off 3rd trip the Oasis. Total lack of wow

[Aboat1]

Sadly, it appears to be a race to the bottom. Who knows, in ten more years, it may simply be a barge with 1000 cots and a vat of soup from which you can scoop your next meal. All for only $50 per person!

 

To me, the way to win Customers is to differentiate yourself from the competition. NOT a price war. While customers think they like low prices, a price war will not end good. Bankruptcy.

 

Simply provide quality goods and services, that's how you win Customers and sustain business. By exceeding expectations, you earn Customers that are worth keeping. Customers with money. Customers who care about quality goods and services.

 

Anyone can a provide low cost low frills vomit barge. That is not the market we should seek.

 

 

Also, like the boarding of aircraft with frequent flyer programs, virtually EVERYONE has been classified as the preferred status. When everyone has that status, it is the same as no one having that status.

 

The Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle groups are growing. That is a good sign of loyal Customers. However, if any service is perceived as being reduced to those Customers, bad things will happen.

 

Like....no LOVE!!!!:D

[Merion_Mom]

What was the upper level of VCL on Enchantment prior to being a DL

 

The DJ booth for the VCL.

 

:)

[Merion_Mom]

First of all, I think that most of the stuff on this thread is nonsense. Dueling examples back and forth prove nothing.

 

There are cheap older people and free-spending older people.

 

There are cheap younger people and free-spending younger people.

 

I can give you MULTIPLE examples of both, but until you or I or someone does an EXHAUSTIVE study of THOUSANDS of Royal Caribbean cruisers, it's all anecdotal and pretty useless.

 

I know first time cruisers who spend NOTHING beyond what they paid the cruise line at final payment date. Some even ::gasp:: (to quote Meg) remove the required gratuities, because "I can only afford what I already paid."

 

I know long time cruisers who remove the gratuities "because they can."

 

I know Pinnacles and Diamond Plus who eat at specialty restaurants EVERY night of cruise after cruise after cruise.

 

I could go on, but I won't.

 

The fact is, if RC has "lost its wow" for you, buh bye. Don't let the screen door hit ya on the way out.

 

If I ever decide to stop cruising on Royal Caribbean, I am not going to come on Cruise Critic and try to start a pity party.

[setsail]

:DMom just spanked the monkey:D:p

[KansasK]

We finally made it to Diamond a few cruises back and seldom visit the Diamond Lounges because we cruise with people who cannot get in. The three free drinks on our card suits us fine and we go to less crowded bars with our friends.

 

We are not young anymore, but still don't expect doors to open for us or for there to be room for us wherever we want to go on the ship. The second week of our upcoming B2B cruise, it will just be the two of us and we thought about checking out the DL. We will try to pick a time that is not before dinner. ;)

 

I liked the Viking Crown Lounge, but I am moving on to other lounges since I can no longer walk into this lounge. The change happened after we booked these cruises, but we never thought of cancelling over this. There are too many other places to sit and enjoy a drink. I will find a new favorite bar. Any suggestions?

[JohnSnowGOT]

OP complained about drink prices (the prices being variable at different bars). This would have been to avoid had RCI published the drink prices. Instead, RCI made a conscious decision to remove drink prices and play games with guests. That is contempt for the guest.

 

And while all venues are basically first come, first server, RCI made a lot of noise about opening up a new DL and providing more options, space, and venues for loyalty guests and then just as quickly closing the new venue down and pushing all loyalty guests into a smaller venue than was cumulatively offered prior to dry dock. Yes, one can make use of the vouchers at other bars, but to do so they forgo other services provided in the loyalty lounges.

 

And whenever someone here has a criticism of changes in how RCI operates they are belittled, berated, told they are the ones who are wrong, and taunted by others. Many years ago this site got a bad rep for having paid RCI shills on here to defend them. I'm not sure that has ever been remedied. By some of the responses on here I would say it has not.

 

Isn't RCI all about providing a "Wow" experience? When they don't provide that, shouldn't they know so that they have the opportunity to course correct? Shouldn't other brand enthusiasts know in order to set their expectations correctly? Why should OP be shouted down about it?

 

Oh so true! Agreed:)

[xpcdoojk]

First of all, I think that most of the stuff on this thread is nonsense. Dueling examples back and forth prove nothing.

 

There are cheap older people and free-spending older people.

 

There are cheap younger people and free-spending younger people.

 

I can give you MULTIPLE examples of both, but until you or I or someone does an EXHAUSTIVE study of THOUSANDS of Royal Caribbean cruisers, it's all anecdotal and pretty useless.

 

I know first time cruisers who spend NOTHING beyond what they paid the cruise line at final payment date. Some even ::gasp:: (to quote Meg) remove the required gratuities, because "I can only afford what I already paid."

 

I know long time cruisers who remove the gratuities "because they can."

 

I know Pinnacles and Diamond Plus who eat at specialty restaurants EVERY night of cruise after cruise after cruise.

 

I could go on, but I won't.

 

The fact is, if RC has "lost its wow" for you, buh bye. Don't let the screen door hit ya on the way out.

 

If I ever decide to stop cruising on Royal Caribbean, I am not going to come on Cruise Critic and try to start a pity party.

 

I am going to hold you to that MM....:D

 

jc

[MadManOfBethesda]

Read my post again. I never said ALL older pax limit onboard spending. I simply gave an example in response to someone mentioning some people who brag about how little they spend on board.

 

Again, I simply gave an example in response to someone mentioning people bragging about their limited onboard spending. Although it did get tiring when they kept expressing shock that we ::gasp:: were going to skip the whatever C&A party or the C.L. that night and not get our FREE DRINKS!!! LOL

 

No, I don't need to read your post again, but apparently you do. Yes, you gave a specific example, but then you took that specific example and made quite a sweeping generalization by using that one example and specifically stating that although you realize that not all old people are tight (gee, thanks), you state that it is more common to them than to younger people. Hence, my comment about the general clientele for Rum Runners as well as the usual demographic of booze smugglers.

[waterbug123]

No, I don't need to read your post again, but apparently you do. Yes, you gave a specific example, but then you took that specific example and made quite a sweeping generalization by using that one example and specifically stating that although you realize that not all old people are tight (gee, thanks), you state that it is more common to them than to younger people. Hence, my comment about the general clientele for Rum Runners as well as the usual demographic of booze smugglers.

 

Wow. Ok. I gave one example, meant as a humorous anecdote in reply to a comment about older people spending less. But thinking someone would no doubt take that to mean that based on that one anecdote, I was claiming ALL older people spend less , I clarified that I was not saying that was true of ALL older people. (I can't count the times someone has given an anecdote and then been accused of using that ONE example to make a broad statement about an entire group of people.)

 

I still hold to that: I certainly do not think ALL older people are tightwads. (Although, in my personal experience, I have met more older people onboard boasting about how little they spend than I have younger folks. But that's just my experience, not a claim that that's absolute fact across the general cruise population.)

[cheers55]

Are you diamond and up? Did you know about the 3 free drinks that you can get at any bar on the ship. This is the reason that they eliminated the overflow lounge.

 

 

I did not know that. Is that per cruise or per day? I've been cramming in the diamond lounge. Your not talking about the coupons are you?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[connes1]

I did not know that. Is that per cruise or per day? I've been cramming in the diamond lounge. Your not talking about the coupons are you?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

You get 3 free drinks per night in most bars and lounges (not MDR) from approx. 5-8:30 each night per person.

[Big_G]

OP complained about drink prices (the prices being variable at different bars). This would have been to avoid had RCI published the drink prices. Instead, RCI made a conscious decision to remove drink prices and play games with guests. That is contempt for the guest.

 

 

How would publishing the drink prices prevented the price variation? The only reason they vary is because of the liquor used. After four different prices for the exact same drink, wouldn't you ask questions? Better yet after two different prices? I suggested that different liquors were used but apparently that was dismissed out of hand.

 

How is not publishing the price contempt for the cruiser? Royal can screw things up Royally but contempt for the cruiser? Not buying it.

[stewpapa]

I liked the Viking Crown Lounge, but I am moving on to other lounges since I can no longer walk into this lounge. The change happened after we booked these cruises, but we never thought of cancelling over this. There are too many other places to sit and enjoy a drink. I will find a new favorite bar. Any suggestions?

 

 

I missed something. Why can't you go to the Viking Crown Lounge?

[awhcruiser]

This....

First of all, I think that most of the stuff on this thread is nonsense. Dueling examples back and forth prove nothing.

There are cheap older people and free-spending older people.

 

There are cheap younger people and free-spending younger people.

 

I can give you MULTIPLE examples of both, but until you or I or someone does an EXHAUSTIVE study of THOUSANDS of Royal Caribbean cruisers, it's all anecdotal and pretty useless.

 

I know first time cruisers who spend NOTHING beyond what they paid the cruise line at final payment date. Some even ::gasp:: (to quote Meg) remove the required gratuities, because "I can only afford what I already paid."

 

I know long time cruisers who remove the gratuities "because they can."

 

I know Pinnacles and Diamond Plus who eat at specialty restaurants EVERY night of cruise after cruise after cruise.

 

I could go on, but I won't.

 

The fact is, if RC has "lost its wow" for you, buh bye. Don't let the screen door hit ya on the way out.

 

If I ever decide to stop cruising on Royal Caribbean, I am not going to come on Cruise Critic and try to start a pity party.

[LMaxwell]

How would publishing the drink prices prevented the price variation? The only reason they vary is because of the liquor used. After four different prices for the exact same drink, wouldn't you ask questions? Better yet after two different prices? I suggested that different liquors were used but apparently that was dismissed out of hand.

 

How is not publishing the price contempt for the cruiser? Royal can screw things up Royally but contempt for the cruiser? Not buying it.

When it was first reported that menus didn't have prices I emailed the company and was told it was a printing error and menus were being replaced. To find more menus on more ships without prices directly contradicts what I've been told. There is no benefit to me, as a guest, by not showing me a price. What was easy to dismiss as a screw up appears to be anything but.

 

Maybe banking on customer stupidity isn't contempt. Maybe it's brilliant???

 

Yeah I'd have been asking questions after 2 drinks with non matching prices. But if I ask for call/well/house brand liquor they should be consistently priced. Whenever I've wanted a "name" brand liquor I have had to specify the brand.

 

Long story short, it smells like a game. Simple transactions should be simple. it is off putting to me .

[wolfganghowell]

It's possible that the price variations are due to different size glassware being used. However, I have noticed that beers are priced differently - I remember Miller Lites being cheaper in the casino than other venues. Big deal.

 

We are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. You are a rare breed that consistently books a suite but most are one shot deals.

Maybe your clients are one shot deals but there are a LOT of us rare breeds out there.

 

I'm a travel agent and I see it. Most people doing a suite is a once in a lifetime deal or they go maybe every two or three years. Not every year or twice a year like alot of people do. My whole problem with the suite deal is Royal is taking space away from passengers that they have been allowed to use in the past and that is not right.

Well, that is YOUR experience. My experience in20+ cruises in 15 years in either a JS or more often a GS, is that MANY of the people we meet in suites are repeat cruisers and cruise often - many a LOT more than we do.

 

I guess as a D+ and regular suite dweller, I really need to practice more self hatred. That's why we stick to the CL and don't really stop in DL's. IN MY EXPERIENCE ONLY, each time I have ventured into a DL, it is crowded with seniors whose conversation is either bragging about their cruises or complaining and nitpicking about every little thing. And we get the weird stares of "DO YOU BELONG HERE?" Not sure why - we ain't that young! ;)

 

Change is hard. I'm not sure that many retirees really understand how much the business world has changed - just in the last 5 years. I don't like cutbacks either but since I live in the real world, I know why they are happening. And will continue to happen. We have never done Oasis and I know it will be a very different experience for us. Some things we may not like but we generally roll with the punches pretty well.

[KansasK]

I liked the Viking Crown Lounge, but I am moving on to other lounges since I can no longer walk into this lounge. The change happened after we booked these cruises, but we never thought of cancelling over this. There are too many other places to sit and enjoy a drink. I will find a new favorite bar. Any suggestions?

 

 

I missed something. Why can't you go to the Viking Crown Lounge?

 

 

They changed the Viking Crown Lounge into a lounge for only suite guests or Pinnacle C&A members. They also added a restaurant for half of the lounge that only the suite members and Pinnacle members can use. I read that you have to swipe your card to get in, and I don't qualify as a Diamond C&A member.

Edited February 13, 2015 by KansasK

[stewpapa]

Well that sucks [emoji107]

[Diver2014]

Well that sucks [emoji107]

 

Ditto on that.....:mad:

[dhill]

It's not just the free drinks, it's the overall experience.

 

Well maybe its time to move on.Maybe you have been cruising so much the whole experience has lost the wow factor.Or maybe you are expecting to much after all those cruises and becoming diamond or what ever.It always amazes me how people expect so much just for their repeat business.It is a business they are there to make money not to give everything away to someone who has sailed with them a thousand times. I understand why they would start targeting new cruises a least they are not expecting everything for free when they step on the ship.:rolleyes:

[mcatmcat]

If it's true that the company will take the best workers to the newest ship it is possible that service might be going down

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Sam.Seattle]

If it's true that the company will take the best workers to the newest ship it is possible that service might be going down

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Or maybe... they will hire excellent new employees?

[MichaelCMTX]

If it's true that the company will take the best workers to the newest ship it is possible that service might be going down

 

It keeps getting mentioned on here how RCL keeps chasing the almighty dollar over all else, yet knowingly, intentionally providing rotten service isn't going to be enough of a money-saver to chase those dollars. But I'll admit that with what was experienced with the Quantum's teething issues that maybe, maybe, maybe they're stacking the deck to avoid a repeat?

 

Well maybe its time to move on.Maybe you have been cruising so much the whole experience has lost the wow factor.Or maybe you are expecting to much after all those cruises and becoming diamond or what ever.It always amazes me how people expect so much just for their repeat business.It is a business they are there to make money not to give everything away to someone who has sailed with them a thousand times. I understand why they would start targeting new cruises a least they are not expecting everything for free when they step on the ship.:rolleyes:

 

My Dad racked up many an American Airlines frequent flyer mile, earned all the perks, took a bunch of free trips, got upgraded. Then he retired. He didn't keep amazing status with AA for years of loyalty helping them buy those shiny new 787's and taking flights in the 1990s-2000s, it's very much a "what have you done for me lately" thing, as are all the airlines. And he doesn't grind an axe about it because it makes logical sense. Would not at all be surprised to see Cruise lines go the same direction once one makes a move.

[Ocean Boy]

Why do people constantly compare cruise lines to airlines? People fly because they need to. Flying is not the primary reason for taking a trip. All the two industries really have in common is that they both operate very expensive pieces of machinery that move and they both want to make money.

[MichaelCMTX]

Why do people constantly compare cruise lines to airlines? People fly because they need to. Flying is not the primary reason for taking a trip. All the two industries really have in common is that they both operate very expensive pieces of machinery that move and they both want to make money.

 

1) They in fact do both have huge capital expenditure tied up in equipment for carrying passengers. All of which must be planned well in advance (can't just pick up something off the rack as Planes and Ships R Us), amortized over a number of years, periodically refurbished, and used as much as possible.

 

2) Those expensive pieces of machinery require a certain load factor for a profitable trip. If seats on a plane are available at the last minute, they're now more likely to have some sort of special deal to fill them than in older times.

 

3) Both offer multiple tiers of service. First Class comes with more perks at a price, main cabin has fewer frills but is a better deal.

 

4) Both offer loyalty programs specifically tied to the number, distance (days or miles) and booking type purchased.

 

5) Both can and do offer upgrades based on availability and company loyalty.

 

6) Not all people fly because they need to. Unless you define "Need" as "go too far to drive in a reasonable about of time." I define "Need" as "my job is making me." I don't "Need" to fly to Vegas in March, but it's more convenient than driving.

 

7) Mother nature can ruin the day for either one.

 

Could go on and on...

 

I wouldn't think you could take the CEO of an airline and hire them to be CEO of a Cruise Line without a learning curve, but my guess barring other factors is an airline CEO could do a far better job more quickly at a Cruise Line (or vice-versa) than the CEO of an Insurance Company, Retailer or Package Delivery Company.

Edited February 14, 2015 by MichaelCMTX