RCCL Controls Our Minds?

[brentconn]

Well, not really but an interesting read.

 

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-royal-caribbean-gets-customers-spend-more-money-2018-4

 

 

[Clarea]

I've not yet seen an alcoholic drink package for two that only costs $100 on a Royal 7-day cruise.

[awestover89]

If anybody uses an ad blocker, you can view the same article without having to disable your ad blocker at https://www.lmtonline.com/technology/businessinsider/article/The-world-s-biggest-cruise-line-uses-this-12822510.php

[brentconn]

1 hour ago, Host Clarea said:

I've not yet seen an alcoholic drink package for two that only costs $100 on a Royal 7-day cruise.

 

Could they have meant per day for 2? That is odd.

[Clarea]

16 minutes ago, brentconn said:

 

Could they have meant per day for 2? That is odd.

 

I don't remember the exact quote but it was something to the effect that once someone is paying $1500 for the cruise, adding a $100 drink package is not a  big deal.  If you add a drink package pre-cruise, you pay for the entire cruise.

[BlueSkySailing]

So, after reading this. I can buy the TV in my cabin in the pre cruise page for $700? Will there be any C&A discounts? 🙂

[travelplus]

Think of it like a Casino Hotel in Vegas. They lure you in with the great deals on the buffet, early morning Breakfast for $3.99 and inexpensive rooms in hopes you Gamble.  The consumer has to weigh the cost.

For me I know how to maximize a good deal. About the only thing I see valuable is the BOGO 2 Night Specialty Dining package and the  shore excursions when one can't find a better price independently.

 

I pre purchase everything online and don't bother with the drink package especially on a port intensive cruise on a 9 hour excursion you cannot use the package on land.

 

Its very interesting to note that people will purchase something they never use hence why  I stay in Interior or Ocean View Cabins. I find myself in public areas anyways till late hours.

 

Point in case  everyone values the money they put into the cruise on an individual basis.

 

Royal just like all companies is out there to make money but as the educated consumer I figure out that WIFI can be had in ports for free or very inexpensive. On purpose I disconnect on the ship and love it. The money saved I use for nice hotels, enjoy the local culture.

 

I use the ship as a  ferry to take me from port to port. If I had to do it  on my own in a car or train I would be spending more on hotels and other costs.  I love crossing the ocean to or from Europe as I can relax during the 7 or so sea days.  If I don't want to visit a port no problem I just stay on the ship.

 

Royal Caribbean needs to meet their quota somehow but the consumer is not forced to help them meet their quota other than paying the fare and tipping.

[Merion_Mom]

I am not impressed by a "respected business publication" that can't spell "buy".

[travelplus]

41 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

I am not impressed by a "respected business publication" that can't spell "buy".

Agreed!

[SRF]

16 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I don't remember the exact quote but it was something to the effect that once someone is paying $1500 for the cruise, adding a $100 drink package is not a  big deal.  If you add a drink package pre-cruise, you pay for the entire cruise.

 

Which always makes me pause.  

 

Our last cruise was a 12 nighter.  So around $1400 for the drink package for two, with one having wifi.

 

The per day price seems low, but lumping it all together, makes it seem HUGE to me.

 

And I disagree that pre-cruise spending leads to more onboard spending.  At least for me.  We booked all our excursions pre-cruise, along with the drink package.  The only on board spending was for a 3 night specialty dining package.   Not 50% more than spent pre-cruise.

Edited May 29, 2019 by SRF

[brillohead]

Doesn't say WHAT drink package....

I can get the Classic soda package for less than $100/week.  The Refreshment package is $100 or less for a 3-4-5 day cruise.  

[voyager70]

RCCL doesn't control my mind.  I do.

Perfectly capable of making my own decisions.

 

[alevyinroc]

17 hours ago, voyager70 said:

RCCL doesn't control my mind.  I do.

Perfectly capable of making my own decisions.

 

There's a lot of psychology used in developing their marketing materials and promotions to entice you to purchase various packages and upgrades. They may not be "controlling" your mind but they're exerting _some_ influence over your decisions.

Edited May 31, 2019 by alevyinroc

[twangster]

Every cruise when I listen to the C&A numbers it isn't unusual for half the ship to have no status, aka new-to-cruise.   Every cruise there are quite a few gold members, many of which are on their 2nd Royal cruise.  

 

Experienced cruisers are less likely to fall under Royal's "magic spells" and marketing tricks, less experienced cruisers more so. 

 

The same marketing is used at major retailers, appliance stores, electronics, etc.

 

I would have been more surprised if the article stated Royal didn't apply any well known marketing tricks.  

[Thorben-Hendrik]

On 5/29/2019 at 5:44 AM, travelplus said:

other than paying the fare and tipping. 

Tips are optional!👍