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

[Pesseh0729]

It seems that the more cruises a person has under their belt, the more of a whiner and complainer they become. When the wonder and amazement of the sea and cruising itself wears out and you focus on mints and "free" hors doeuvres on a ship where food is free for everyone, it's time to move on.

 

 

I agree

[Wilda]

To all you pom pom wavers.

Royal has been degrading the product for years now. I spoke to at least 50 people (in the elevators, sitting at the blackjack table, etc) that had varying degrees of disappointment with this recent cruise. Most seemed legitimate, some were off the wall. But there was a lot of "lack of wow" sentiment on this cruise.

.

 

I always avoid engaging in those types of conversations. They appear to be drumming up support from other passengers for their unhappiness...I don't want any part of that while on vacation or anywhere else.

 

That said, we have been on Oasis class 4 times and have the "been there, done that" attitude. No gripes about the service, ship, food, or shows...just a bit bored with the same old, same old. I might check out NCL, or just check out from cruising for a bit.

Edited February 10, 2015 by Wilda

[waterbug123]

The C&A perk says you get a lounge at D and above - it doesn't promise you what you will get in the lounge or the size of it. Complain all you want but that ship has sailed.

 

Ding, ding, ding... we have a winner! :D

[RailRider13]

.

All you that think their only market is going to be "families" I hope (and know) you are mistaken. What are they going to do when the kiddies are in school? Give me a Jr suite on a 4 night Liberty cruise for $324 pp. in December

But in your narrow minds you can't think it is about anything but you.

 

Might it be that prices drop when families are less likely to cruise? Which is why you were able to book a room at a low price? Pricing is not based on when longtime loyal C&A cruisers can go. Why do prices jump dramatically when a family is more likely to cruise? Just curious since they are not the key market for RCI. After all the weather is lovely in the Caribbean year round, except for the occasional tropical storm. Cruise lines are trying their best to skew the demographic younger, because that is where the population is growing.

 

Read this article that is based off of the 2014 CLIA State of the Industry and Interviews from Mr. Goldstein. Then tell me the long time loyal cruiser is who RCI and other lines is trying to please.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peterlauria/royal-caribbeans-newest-ship-represents-a-critical-test-for#.guk8KmL0dW

[rt1092]

You pom pom wavers talk about dynamic dining like it is something new.

NCL did it 12 years ago. And a lot of people don't like it. If they did ncl would be the number 1 cruise line.

And as far as demographics goes there are a lot of baby boomers out there that have planned for retirement and can afford to cruise.

Younger people have less discretionary income.

Edited February 10, 2015 by rt1092

[xpcdoojk]

When it was first reported that Royal removed drink prices from menus I emailed them and the response I got was it was a mistake from the printer and new menus with prices would be back onboard. What a load of bull. They must think their guests are stupid. :rolleyes:

 

After reading CC for a decade and a half, they may be onto something...:D;)

 

jc

[TubbyMrT]

It seems that the more cruises a person has under their belt, the more of a whiner and complainer they become. When the wonder and amazement of the sea and cruising itself wears out and you focus on mints and "free" hors doeuvres on a ship where food is free for everyone, it's time to move on.

 

The more cruises one has under their belt certainly makes them more of an expert than a rookie as to how cruising used to be. They are the only ones that can testify of the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years. To discredit them as whiners is really sad. Seek their wisdom.

 

It is obvious to all, that the younger generation lives in a world of low prices, poor service, cheap crap, and out of control government spending. And, the young ones are perfectly fine and happy with it. They are foolish and young and don't know any better. A fool and his money are soon parted. And fools are more than willing to give their hard earned money to a cruise line that is decreasing the quality of service. I also noticed that my Charmin bathroom tissue also got 1/4 inch narrower for the same price. Did you?

[xpcdoojk]

Just get me on the darned ship! I really don't care about drink prices or diamond whatever, I just want to go on the Oasis. In 2 weeks, I'll be basking in the sunshine and enjoying a cocktail on deck and playing in the waters of the Caribbean while enjoying all the Oasis has to offer. Too bad some 'seasoned' cruisers expect to be pampered just because they've been on RCI cruises before. I imagine you can get personal attention on Silversea or Crystal Cruises. All the whining on Cruise Critic forums really turn me off.

 

See you on board!

 

jc

[Natmom]

The more cruises one has under their belt certainly makes them more of an expert than a rookie as to how cruising used to be. They are the only ones that can testify of the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years. To discredit them as whiners is really sad. Seek their wisdom.

 

It is obvious to all, that the younger generation lives in a world of low prices, poor service, cheap crap, and out of control government spending. And, the young ones are perfectly fine and happy with it. They are foolish and young and don't know any better. A fool and his money are soon parted. And fools are more than willing to give their hard earned money to a cruise line that is decreasing the quality of service. I also noticed that my Charmin bathroom tissue also got 1/4 inch narrower for the same price. Did you?

 

I wouldn't say the younger generation is happier with poor service and cheap crap but what choice is there?? I think choosing to not sweat the small stuff and have a good vacation is the way to go. everything is throw away these days, I remember when appliances would last 30 years but now 15 years is as long as they last. what choice do we have though??

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Forums mobile app

[xpcdoojk]

To all you pom pom wavers.

Royal has been degrading the product for years now. I spoke to at least 50 people (in the elevators, sitting at the blackjack table, etc) that had varying degrees of disappointment with this recent cruise. Most seemed legitimate, some were off the wall. But there was a lot of "lack of wow" sentiment on this cruise.

I personally had a horrible experience at a blackjack table. And was told by the pit boss at the time, that "they make the rules, and they don't have to follow them". That was straightened out the next day by the casino manager, in my favor. But it should not have occurred in the first place.

As far as tipping goes if all the servers, wait staff, and room attendants get is the minimum that is automatically deducted. I'm sure all you pom pom wavers will be getting tired arms. Because the service will undoubtedly get worse.

Probably if you sit your cranky pants down next to me at a blackjack table and start whinging about your horrible experience, out of politeness I will probably nod in agreement. Then the next time I walk in and see you sitting at a table I will go find another.:D;)

 

Do you really expect someone you don't know to disagree with you?>:eek:

 

JMHO and YMMV

 

jc<---- thinks CC never changes... has been like this forever.

[xpcdoojk]

You pom pom wavers talk about dynamic dining like it is something new.

NCL did it 12 years ago. And a lot of people don't like it. If they did ncl would be the number 1 cruise line.

And as far as demographics goes there are a lot of baby boomers out there that have planned for retirement and can afford to cruise.

Younger people have less discretionary income.

 

You know I would have probably passed reading the 6 pages of posts here, if it was not for your flagrant use of Pom Poms and cheerleaders.

 

When you belittle at least half of the readers, then cry because they don't fall all over themselves to agree with you, seems to me to be a bit unrealistic.

 

You made your initial point, since then pretty much destroying your point. Nice work.:D

 

jc

[cruisingagentone]

RT1092

I've been reading all of this and decided I better jump in here.

I was on the same cruise and agree with you 100%. I ordered the same thing at every bar barcardi and diet and it was a different price I don't know how many times. One time my sister took my receipt to the bar because mine was a lower rate and the bartender gave some ridiculous answer I don't even remember what we are the same level.

Yes it does bother me that I can't get breakfast and lunch in the CL anymore.

I also was told that you only get 2 drinks now at the bars not 3 as previously discussed on here.

The crew was all very nice just inconsistent.

I'm really tired of the cruise line bowing to the suite guests yes they may pay more but trust me I have paid alot more with all the cruises I've had and the onboard spending and thats their bread and butter not the one time suite guest.

The people on here with their go with flow attitude yes most of the time thats what we do but somtimes you just have to speak up.

[slk230red]

Yes it does bother me that I can't get breakfast and lunch in the CL anymore.

 

I also was told that you only get 2 drinks now at the bars not 3 as previously discussed on here.

 

I'm really tired of the cruise line bowing to the suite guests yes they may pay more but trust me I have paid alot more with all the cruises I've had and the onboard spending and thats their bread and butter not the one time suite guest.

The people on here with their go with flow attitude yes most of the time thats what we do but somtimes you just have to speak up.

 

Yes, the removal of breakfast and lunch made to order is disappointing, but like the Concierge states, it was a courtesy, not a benefit.

 

No, you still get 3 drinks loaded on your seapass card. When this first started, I was hesitant. But now this is my preference, don't need a private lounge. Yes, we have enjoyed talking to fellow cruisers in the DL and CL in the past, but there's more going on in other venues. We search for a bar and server we like on the first night and repeat throughout the cruise. We were on the Quantum in Nov, the Oasis and Allure in Dec, and just got off of an 11 night Legend cruise, the overall experience really varies between ships.

 

We thought the R Bar on the Legend was great, live music nightly and great drinks and service. Tip the first time and continue tipping....makes a huge difference. You won't have to order drinks for the rest of the cruise, your favorite bar tenders will see you coming....just nod your head.;)

 

Suites? They deserve everything they get and more. For those crazy prices, suite guest should have their own private lounge with top shelf liquors and made to order breakfast and lunch on every ship.

[dz9yvr]

Do you really expect someone you don't know to disagree with you?>:eek:

 

JMHO and YMMV

 

jc<---- thinks CC never changes... has been like this forever.

 

 

Yes !!! I don't know you and I diasgree with you. ;) RCL has been going downhill for years and the only way to change it is to go to another cruise line.

 

Hello Princess :D

[Cindy]

RT1092

 

I'm really tired of the cruise line bowing to the suite guests yes they may pay more but trust me I have paid alot more with all the cruises I've had and the onboard spending and thats their bread and butter not the one time suite guest.

 

I'm kind of tired of people complaining about what the suite guests get. There are MANY of us who aren't one time cruisers. For the cost of the per diem in a suite they need to be providing a different level of service, and this is an area where RCI falls short of other lines. I thought the inclusion of a dedicated suite lounge and restaurant on the Oasis was a huge step in the right direction of providing service and amenities that are commensurate with the fare.

 

I'm both a loyalty member and a suite guest, and as such I do have expectations. My expectations for the free loyalty program are lower than my expectations for service and amenities that I pay for in my cruise fare. I feel the same way about flying...I know the loyalty program can (and has) change at any time. I also have much higher expectations when I'm sitting in the front of the plane.

 

I know this isn't a popular view, but nevertheless it's the way I feel.

Edited February 10, 2015 by Cindy

[xpcdoojk]

Yes !!! I don't know you and I diasgree with you. ;) RCL has been going downhill for years and the only way to change it is to go to another cruise line.

 

Hello Princess :D

 

Enjoy Princess. We did it a few years ago and it was fine.

 

Why did you take my post out of context? The example was someone sitting next to someone at a blackjack table. Everybody on the internet is super quick to disagree with everyone, that is what this thread proves. Doing so in person from 2 foot away is a whole different experience.

 

The Wow on Princess was pretty low. We had the fancy dinner in our cabin's balcony with two waiters and a upper level manager for our anniversary. The steak was cooked to medium well (ordered medium rare) and the courses were generally nothing special. Dining every night was a nightmare because they had 4 different (sort of dynamic dining) set up. That said, if Princess was going to a place I wanted to go I would go with them with no hesitation.

 

I own CCL stock, my DW owns RCI stock. If the market is any indication RCI is kicking CCL's bottom. My stock was worth more when I bought it now it is significantly less. She has actually made money on hers, and I have lost money.

 

just sayin

 

jc

[cruisingagentone]

Cindy

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.

 

This is reference to something someone else said, the bartender at the pool bar we had a couple years ago and he remembered us and he was the one who told us you only receive 2 drinks now. So again inconsistence.

[griffy116]

We've ordered the same drink at different bars and paid different prices. It would be nice (and would fix this problem) if they had the prices of the drinks listed on a menu.

[Ocean Boy]

Cindy

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.

 

This is reference to something someone else said, the bartender at the pool bar we had a couple years ago and he remembered us and he was the one who told us you only receive 2 drinks now. So again inconsistence.

 

I wonder what the welcome letter, that is supposedly located in your cabin upon your arrival, that is supposed to explain the program had to say about this issue.

[Ocean Boy]

We've ordered the same drink at different bars and paid different prices. It would be nice (and would fix this problem) if they had the prices of the drinks listed on a menu.

 

It doesn't matter. I have been charged prices different from what is listed on the menu anyway. Sometimes, when I'm on vacation at least, I'm not in the mood to argue a point. And then there are the times....:p

[Starry Eyes]

I wonder what the welcome letter, that is supposedly located in your cabin upon your arrival, that is supposed to explain the program had to say about this issue.

 

The letters in our cabins on our recent NOS cruises said three. Probably a higher chance of a misunderstanding arising from a reported conversation with one bartender than an error in the letters.

[Ocean Boy]

The letters in our cabins on our recent NOS cruises said three. Probably a higher chance of a misunderstanding arising from a reported conversation with one bartender than an error in the letters.

 

I agree completely. Can you imaginge the line of people at guest services waving their letters if the bar tenders tried to limit the drinks to two?:eek: Maybe I should print out the e-mail that I got from RCI about our upcoming cruise that explains the program and specifies three. That way I'll have something to wave at guest services. :D

Edited February 10, 2015 by Ocean Boy

[nbsjcruiser]

Just off today. Lack of any WOW except for Carmella our stateroom attendant.

Seems like the rumors that royal isn't catering to repeat customers is true.

 

This was our 4th trip on this class, and our last unless they come up with an almost free cruise. And if royal continues their race to the bottom. Our royal days will be over. With the prices royal is getting with their bogoho "sales" you would expect better than ncl or carnival.

 

Sadly, I think we're going to be going away as well. We have the Indy booked in

a couple of weeks and the NOS in November. Based on what I'm seeing, the NOS will

probably be the last for a while for us, and that's a shame. A number of years

ago we switched from RCI and tried a few different lines but we came back. I remember thinking it was like going home again.

 

2014 has been a year that's made me wonder what the heck they're up to. From WOW sales that put the price up first to 30% OBC offers for Chops after the price has gone up by 30% to sky high increases in price when the price of oil should be putting pressure on prices in a downward direction. Its all smoke and mirrors and hocus pocus. It doesn't fool the long time cruiser of course and makes me wonder (like you) if they aren't taking a page out of Carnival, i.e. appeal to the first time cruiser.

 

Its a shame really. Carnival isn't exactly the poster boy for doing things right but it sure looks like RCL is headed down the bean counter road.

[LMaxwell]

Sadly, I think we're going to be going away as well. We have the Indy booked in

a couple of weeks and the NOS in November. Based on what I'm seeing, the NOS will

probably be the last for a while for us, and that's a shame. A number of years

ago we switched from RCI and tried a few different lines but we came back. I remember thinking it was like going home again.

 

2014 has been a year that's made me wonder what the heck they're up to. From WOW sales that put the price up first to 30% OBC offers for Chops after the price has gone up by 30% to sky high increases in price when the price of oil should be putting pressure on prices in a downward direction. Its all smoke and mirrors and hocus pocus. It doesn't fool the long time cruiser of course and makes me wonder (like you) if they aren't taking a page out of Carnival, i.e. appeal to the first time cruiser.

 

Its a shame really. Carnival isn't exactly the poster boy for doing things right but it sure looks like RCL is headed down the bean counter road.

Dropping oil prices will never, ever result in a discount on a discretionary luxury purchase.

 

 

The rest I agree with

Edited February 10, 2015 by LMaxwell

[waterbug123]

dynamic dining like it is something new.

NCL did it 12 years ago. And a lot of people don't like it. If they did ncl would be the number 1 cruise line.

 

Obviously a lot of people DO like it because Norwegian is still in business, and still building big, new ships. ;)

 

RT1092

 

I'm really tired of the cruise line bowing to the suite guests yes they may pay more but trust me I have paid alot more with all the cruises I've had and the onboard spending and thats their bread and butter not the one time suite guest.

 

Wow, you seem so sure of yourself. How do you know the suite guests are one time guests? And goody for you, you've spend a lot over the years, but it's logical for a company to be looking harder at the guest who is spending more NOW.