Royal Caribbean Charges for Room Service, Revamps Menu

[ladyj_46]

I am ok with the charge now that I see the updated menu. Fried eggs is great and more lunch dinner food. The old menu left a lot to be desired

 

I agree with you that the service charge is fair. What I don't think is fair, and have written to M. Beyley the CEO, is that this was rolled out with no advance notice for those of us that are sailing in the next 90 days or so, and have already made our final payment. I will go further and say that it's my belief that there should no be any discretionary changes after the cruise opens for booking.

 

It's the principle, not the amount of money.

[caribill]

There's usually a service charge at hotels when one orders room service so I'm not surprised Royal decided to add one. We only used room service once in the last 4 cruises. We ordered cereal and the milk was room temperature so we were unable to eat the cereal. It will be interesting to see if guests use room service less with the new charge.

 

And in a hotel you pay every time you eat in a dining room. Except for some breakfasts, you pay for every meal eaten in a hotel.

 

Your cruise fare covers all meals in the main restaurant and, up to now, basic room service food.

[JamesEM]

With all the cut backs and fees looks like it is time for me to try an AI vacation.

[ONECRUISER]

I agree with you that the service charge is fair. What I don't think is fair, and have written to M. Beyley the CEO, is that this was rolled out with no advance notice for those of us that are sailing in the next 90 days or so, and have already made our final payment. I will go further and say that it's my belief that there should no be any discretionary changes after the cruise opens for booking.

 

It's the principle, not the amount of money.

This is nothing new. Royal and NCL both made changes like this on a cruise I took in the past after final payment. Nothing you can do & nothing will change it...

[bamelin]

For reference, here is Princess 24 hour room service menu. Complimentary. Their breakfast menu is weak but also complimentary:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46979193&postcount=14

 

 

 

Celebrity also complimentary room service although they do charge $4.95 late night 11 - 6.

 

Holland America room service is complimentary but some menu items are for charge.

 

My personal opinion about RCCL charging for room service is that this is a bad idea and will push people to "upgrade" to Premium lines. One of the biggest "perks" my clients (who sail with) always say about RCCL is "the free room service and great room service hot breakfast".

[AdrenalineRush]

With all the cut backs and fees looks like it is time for me to try an AI vacation.

 

 

Always a good idea to try various forms of travel. I like to do a day pass at a resort during a port stop to check out the facilities.

[minnie00]

I agree with you that the service charge is fair. What I don't think is fair, and have written to M. Beyley the CEO, is that this was rolled out with no advance notice for those of us that are sailing in the next 90 days or so, and have already made our final payment. I will go further and say that it's my belief that there should no be any discretionary changes after the cruise opens for booking.

 

It's the principle, not the amount of money.

 

We sail on April 1sr....I agree with you on timing

[Collierln]

**Mouth wide open** This has been my staple selling point in trying to get family and friends to cruise with my husband and I. I love being greedy and having room service on days we are at sea. Oh well another use for onboard credit which I can never seem to spend it all.

[Pellaz]

For reference, here is Princess 24 hour room service menu. Complimentary. Their breakfast menu is weak but also complimentary:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46979193&postcount=14

 

 

 

Celebrity also complimentary room service although they do charge $4.95 late night 11 - 6.

 

Holland America room service is complimentary but some menu items are for charge.

 

For reference, Carnival's room service is also complimentary at all times, and some menu items are upcharged, similar to HAL. We've never had to delve into the upcharged items; we found that the standard offerings were quite good.

 

I'll be on the Indy next February 1st (just as soon as they open the charter for bookings :) ) and this new charge for room-service will be a disappointment to many.

[bamelin]

For reference, Carnival's room service is also complimentary at all times, and some menu items are upcharged, similar to HAL. We've never had to delve into the upcharged items; we found that the standard offerings were quite good.

 

I'll be on the Indy next February 1st (just as soon as they open the charter for bookings :) ) and this new charge for room-service will be a disappointment to many.

 

I actually agree with you Pellaz re Carnival, For the dollar Carnival offers a great product. My experience on Carnival Magic (Dream Class) I liked the cabin, it was huge. Loved the bed, quality of linens, bedding, nice toiletries, etc., great spa,buffet while massively crowded had ok selection, MDR service was great, decent complimentary room service.

 

The main thing I disliked on Carnival was the crowding everywhere I went on the ship (except the spa), the noise, the understaffing, and substandard (IMHO) entertainment.

 

BUT I felt overall the product wasn't bad at all considering CRAZY low price paid (balcony for $500 USD per person, 7 day Caribbean cruise). A casino rate I admit, but still Carnival regular rates consistently comes in the cheapest of the Contemporary lines most of the time.

Edited March 19, 2017 by bamelin