We will always be loyal to royal, but what is happening????

[Bootman4U]

To the OP and with the very greatest of respect: you have, unfortunately, not been "loyal to Royal" quite long enough.

 

Our first RCCL cruise was back in 1981 on the Nordic Prince, one of the original three company vessels and I suppose you could say that things have been "changing" or disintegrating or eroding or whatever term you prefer ever since.

 

Gone, LONG gone, are

 

only two seatings

no buffet except the nightly midnight version

dressing in a tux or a dark suit at the very least on the several formal nights

one, I say again, ONE "retail" opportunity: the gift shop on board

teakwood decks

bingo with wooden balls being rotated in a wire cage

radio music in staterooms (since there was no TV)

lifeboat drills at the actual lifeboat

ships registered in Norway

no "loyalty" program at all

 

Are things better now or worse?

[alfaeric]

You’re missing out not trying other lines, at least have some new experiences. Unwavering loyalty will not lead to product improvement. Nothing major but little straws on the camels back

 

Or you are not, because the other lines are generally either exactly the same or considerably more expensive (or both).

 

Every time someone points out something cut, someone ALWAYS points out that other lines are doing the exact same thing. People lament that there's less live music on RCI ships, but what I read, there's considerably less on Carnival and Norwegian. People lament over the deposits that that they will leave because of it- but what line does NOT have a non-refundable deposit option? etc...

 

If I'm going to get a lessening product, I'm going to do it saving the money I save with the loyalty. Which is pretty considerable when you add up the room discount and the drinks discounts (counting both the wine I get in my cabin and the cocktails I can have anywhere).

 

It's not loyalty for loyalty's sake, it's loyalty to get the best deal from a whole.

[njm5378]

To the OP and with the very greatest of respect: you have, unfortunately, not been "loyal to Royal" quite long enough.

 

Our first RCCL cruise was back in 1981 on the Nordic Prince, one of the original three company vessels and I suppose you could say that things have been "changing" or disintegrating or eroding or whatever term you prefer ever since.

 

Gone, LONG gone, are

 

only two seatings

no buffet except the nightly midnight version

dressing in a tux or a dark suit at the very least on the several formal nights

one, I say again, ONE "retail" opportunity: the gift shop on board

teakwood decks

bingo with wooden balls being rotated in a wire cage

radio music in staterooms (since there was no TV)

lifeboat drills at the actual lifeboat

ships registered in Norway

no "loyalty" program at all

 

Are things better now or worse?

 

Now add in that if you paid $1400 per couple in 1981, with inflation that would equate to roughly $4200 today. I can go on Royal's website right now and find the comparable interior or ocean view cabin on a 7 night Caribbean cruise for a fraction of that amount. In fact I might even get a suite for that price.Back to the interior or oceanview, that fraction of cost will also include many more on board opportunities, such as water slides, multiple pools, rock climbing, ice skating, bumper cars, a multitude of dining options. Now add in the ability to save on a per beverage price with a package and add in the opportunity to shop duty free on board on many items. Has there been a reduction in quality? In many areas there has been. Has the price of a cruise increased parallel to inflation to maintain the upper class experience offered historically? Not even close. The current paring down of offerings on cruises is simply a correction to balance out the deficit of cruise fare compared to inflation, in my mind. I think we, as passengers, are still farther ahead.

 

If anyone would be happy with $2,000 per person for an interior on deck 2 for a 7 night Caribbean cruise, I might be willing to become a travel agent for you!

[LMaxwell]

Or you are not, because the other lines are generally either exactly the same or considerably more expensive (or both).

 

Every time someone points out something cut, someone ALWAYS points out that other lines are doing the exact same thing. People lament that there's less live music on RCI ships, but what I read, there's considerably less on Carnival and Norwegian. People lament over the deposits that that they will leave because of it- but what line does NOT have a non-refundable deposit option? etc...

 

If I'm going to get a lessening product, I'm going to do it saving the money I save with the loyalty. Which is pretty considerable when you add up the room discount and the drinks discounts (counting both the wine I get in my cabin and the cocktails I can have anywhere).

 

It's not loyalty for loyalty's sake, it's loyalty to get the best deal from a whole.

 

In my experience each line offers variations on a theme; different entertainment, different parties, different menu options, etc. Try a different line, get a new experience. I didn't say better or worse, just different.

[George C]

In my experience each line offers variations on a theme; different entertainment, different parties, different menu options, etc. Try a different line, get a new experience. I didn't say better or worse, just different.

 

Totally agree , many other lines do somethings better than RCCL, what not try them , MSC and Celebrity will give you perks for your RCCL status.

[lv2cruisgrl]

We use to go on Royal most of the time but switched to Celebrity. We never usually go on holidays or when kids are out of school. We enjoy Celebrity much more. However they are even cutting back. Try Celebrity you might like it.

[Crazy planning mom]

And this is exactly why they do it, and why they get away with it :cool:

 

Loyalty to a friend or family can be a wonderful thing. Loyalty to your country can be patriotic. Loyalty to a corporation is just plain silly.

Agree

[Trekker954]

you got into the Concierge Lounge on BOS? Most ship have sent D+ back to the Diamond Lounge. Ever since they took away many of D+ perks, we have hnot hesitated to now go with lines that are more convenient to us rather than compromise with Royal sailings because we just feel let down as well. We really enjoyed the concierge lounge and always found the Diamond lounge way too crowded and now it is even worse. We do not have the priority seating or even boarding that we use to get with our D+ status.

 

We have started enjoying river cruising instead. Have booked NCL for the Baltic in June, comes with drink package and free internet. And God forbid, I'm sailing Carnival Vista next month. lol

[Merion_Mom]

you got into the Concierge Lounge on BOS? Most ship have sent D+ back to the Diamond Lounge. Ever since they took away many of D+ perks, we have hnot hesitated to now go with lines that are more convenient to us rather than compromise with Royal sailings because we just feel let down as well. We really enjoyed the concierge lounge and always found the Diamond lounge way too crowded and now it is even worse. We do not have the priority seating or even boarding that we use to get with our D+ status.

 

We have started enjoying river cruising instead. Have booked NCL for the Baltic in June, comes with drink package and free internet. And God forbid, I'm sailing Carnival Vista next month. lol

 

 

 

No no no. For the millionth time NO.

 

Diamond Plus can go into any CONCIERGE Lounge.

 

They simply can't go into a SUITE Lounge.

 

The ships with a Suite Lounge, not a Concierge Lounge, are:

 

Oasis

Allure

Harmony

Liberty

Soon, Symphony

Soon, Adventure

 

 

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[3red7s]

ahhh....this is why I love reading CC posts. everyone reads your posts, then sends back polite and understanding replies, filled with comments and suggestions. All of your replies made sense and they are greatly appreciated!!!:hearteyes:

[Tapi]

The day that I stopped being loyal to one cruise line was the best day of my cruising life.

 

Yes, I used to have the “I will always be loyal” mentality as well with another cruise line. I had attained their second highest past guest level, but (like you) I started noticing things that just weren’t the same. I didn’t want to give up my past guest perks, but I finally made the decision to branch out and try something else (interestingly, I jumped ship TO Royal Caribbean aboard the Allure).

 

Long story short, I had an absolutely fantastic time on that cruise. It was like taking a bite off the forbidden fruit. Everything felt brand new, and I once again experienced that state of wonder and amazement that first time cruisers feel.

 

But this cruise made me realize one thing, and it wasn’t that I now needed to be loyal to Royal Caribbean. It made me realize that what I now wanted was to try as many cruise lines as possible and to never repeat the same cruise line two times in a row. Since I made that decision, I’ve sailed on Disney, MSC, Princess, Holland America, Carnival, as well as a return cruise to Royal Caribbean. We are now booked on another MSC and another Princess cruise with my eyes set on Celebrity and NCL.

 

It has been, without a doubt, an absolutely fantastic decision. I’ve explored new ships and destinations, discovered new cuisine and forms of entertainment. And the best thing is that everything feels fresh and new every time that I set foot on a new ship or cruise line. I encourage you to do the same.

 

When the list of things that you’re disappointed with is longer than the list of loyalty perks that your cruise line provides, it may be time to try something else.

 

 

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[ONECRUISER]

To the OP and with the very greatest of respect: you have, unfortunately, not been "loyal to Royal" quite long enough.

 

Our first RCCL cruise was back in 1981 on the Nordic Prince, one of the original three company vessels and I suppose you could say that things have been "changing" or disintegrating or eroding or whatever term you prefer ever since.

 

Gone, LONG gone, are

 

only two seatings

no buffet except the nightly midnight version

dressing in a tux or a dark suit at the very least on the several formal nights

one, I say again, ONE "retail" opportunity: the gift shop on board

teakwood decks

bingo with wooden balls being rotated in a wire cage

radio music in staterooms (since there was no TV)

lifeboat drills at the actual lifeboat

ships registered in Norway

no "loyalty" program at all

 

Are things better now or worse?

You forgot afternoon Tea Time and skeet shooting off the Fantail. I do have to say Cruising is cheaper now then 30 yrs ago. This not even taking inflation into it. I did a 2 bed/2 bath 12 nite for less then $2900 last Fall on Serenade BOS/FLL Repo. Though I know I got a good deal. Also paid $2400 for 11 nite on Serenade last week. This I've done last 4 yrs about same rate. In 1988 it was $3600 for the smallest port hole cabin on deck 2 on a 7 nite Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Sovereign. And ship didn't even have balcony cabins then. Changes some good some bad...

[Tapi]

People lament over the deposits that that they will leave because of it- but what line does NOT have a non-refundable deposit option? etc...

 

I can think of more than one. And even for those that do have a non-refundable option, some will make it refundable for past guests.

 

I currently have 3 cruises booked on other cruise lines. All of them with refundable deposits without having to pay extra for that privilege.

 

 

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[constable145]

We are D+ but this was our 1st time on the BOS. My spouse and I "make our own good time" but there are some scenarios that were odd to say the least.

*no robes provided' date=' as, I was told, "just not enough to go around

*Windjammer food was good, but cold. I think we shall stick with the specialty restaurants.

*A charge for room service? We used to enjoy our breakfast & coffee on the balcony

*We are both RC Club Royale members.

No more T-shirts to purchase with your points?

*Purchased 20 $5.00 scratch off with our points & did not win a single $$$

*Smoking and non-smoking casino portions are not monitored, hence, all the casino is "smoking"

*Concierge/Diamond Lounge...sweat pants, shorts, babies, cold food, no bartender one night? What is going on?

*spa services are back to the "hard sell"

purchased, the 1st day, 2 massages, with the idea that they would add an additional 15 minutes to the 50 minute massage. It turn out that the additional 15 minutes was a consultation with a hard sell of products. Up sell, should be on your nickel....and NOT mine!!! I should receive a full 65 minute massage, with sales at the front desk. Come on RC..you know better!!!

*Children in the concierge lounge & in the casino? Really....call them what you will....but , they are bars!!!

*People in the casino, leaning there chairs forward to "save" a machine. This is sooooo local casino and very dangerous!!

Once again, we are loyal to RC....we will not change, but they really need to look at what is happening to their product.......sorry...just had to rant!!! Love you all & Merry Christmas!!![/quote']

 

 

The change ito room service is not new. I actually like it.. the quality of the items is vastly improved and it cuts down on waist. Plus you can still get continental breakfast items at no additional charge.

 

With regards to the concierge lounge... as far as I am concerned if you pay those prices to take your kid on the cruise they more than welcome in the lounge.

[Merion_Mom]

 

When the list of things that you’re disappointed with is longer than the list of loyalty perks that your cruise line provides, it may be time to try something else.

 

 

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Words to live by.

 

:)

 

 

 

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[time4u2go]

"We will always be loyal to royal, but what is happening????"

 

Therein lies the problem.

[alfaeric]

In my experience each line offers variations on a theme; different entertainment, different parties, different menu options, etc. Try a different line, get a new experience. I didn't say better or worse, just different.

Again, comparing cost vs what you get, the change would have to be better, not just different.

 

It's not worth net paying more for just different.

[CarolinaGirl2010]

We just got off of Oasis and did notice some changes not for the better. We weren't happy with the Windjammer either. But Carnival is doing the same thing. Charging more and giving less. Because they know we'll pay no matter what, just like at Disney.

[hmorrow]

You can have the robe from my cabin. I do wonder what percentage of cruisers wear them.

 

We do- I guess I'll have to pack them for our New Years Eve cruise on the Navigator.....

[bamelin]

My personal feeling is that if you want things to feel more like "the good ol days" service, food quality, space ratio's wise, you need to up your game going on Azamara, Oceania, Seabourne, Silverseas, Crystal or Regent.

 

Keeping in mind that these upgraded experiences will also be reflected in much higher per passenger prices that surprise surprise, are similar (after accounting for inflation) to what folks were paying 25 years ago on Royal Caribbean.

 

It's just the reality of the world, you get what you pay for. Mainstream/Contemporary/Premium Cruise lines are dirt cheap nowadays and still offer great value for the money. The cruises in these segments include:

 

RCCL, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, P&O and Costa -- Princess, Celebrity and HAL are the slightly upgraded experiences being adult oriented ships in the premium segment.

 

OP, if I might suggest, an alternate solution would be to try MSC's Yacht Club or Norwegian's Haven. They both offer a "luxury ship within a ship" product that might appeal to you while still allowing for that big mainstream ship experience. MSC's Yacht Club in particular I've heard nothing but amazing things.

 

Alternately it may be time for you to upgrade to Oceania or Azamara (Deluxe cruise category) to get that upgraded experience you are looking for.

[FloridaPalms]

You forgot afternoon Tea Time and skeet shooting off the Fantail. I do have to say Cruising is cheaper now then 30 yrs ago. This not even taking inflation into it. I did a 2 bed/2 bath 12 nite for less then $2900 last Fall on Serenade BOS/FLL Repo. Though I know I got a good deal. Also paid $2400 for 11 nite on Serenade last week. This I've done last 4 yrs about same rate. In 1988 it was $3600 for the smallest port hole cabin on deck 2 on a 7 nite Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Sovereign. And ship didn't even have balcony cabins then. Changes some good some bad...

 

And don't forget the "horse races" around THE pool - my first cruise had one single pool and it was smaller than the cantilevered hot tubs found on the Freedom and Oasis classes! :eek:

 

My first cruise was back in 1971 onboard Home Lines Oceanic. My husband seems to remember our tiny cabin costing $800 while I remember it as $1800. After seeing our initial cabin, we had paid to upgrade from an interior to one with a tiny porthole. Either way, it was a substantial sum back then compared to today's prices.

 

While the quality of the food has declined over the years, I feel it is more than compensated by the quality and quantity of venues, activities and entertainment on today's modern cruise ships. Even if you choose to opt for specialty restaurants and other upgrades, mainstream cruise are still cheaper than they were decades ago and offer a great value for the mass market demographics at which they are being aimed.

 

~ Judy

[LMaxwell]

It wouldn't change the cost of your cruise if they brought back horse racing...I just don't think it is in the repertoire of todays younger cruise directors who have never experienced or heard of it.

[Merion_Mom]

It wouldn't change the cost of your cruise if they brought back horse racing...I just don't think it is in the repertoire of todays younger cruise directors who have never experienced or heard of it.

 

I don't care about horse racing one way or the other, but..........

 

Cruise Directors learn what they are taught. If RC wanted to train the activities staff to conduct horse races, they would.

[JamesEM]

We use to go on Royal most of the time but switched to Celebrity. We never usually go on holidays or when kids are out of school. We enjoy Celebrity much more. However they are even cutting back. Try Celebrity you might like it.

You think they are cutting back, you should have sailed on celebrity before RCL bought them out, don't get me started on all of the cut backs.

[mcatmcat]

Princess

 

 

 

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Yeah, it’s a possibility I totally forgot to mention it but they run under Carnival’s umbrella [emoji53]

 

 

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