RC China sailings

[brad_p]

I know there are quite a few differences between traditional RCI sailings and those out of China.

 

Anyone care to share some of the differences? The bits I've heard is that they nickle-and-dime their Chinese customers quite a lot.

[Cigar King]

We were on Quantum, as they were preparing her for Asia.  They were increasing the gambling and shopping areas.  They were also setting up for a more relaxed smoking policy.  I have not cruised from Asia myself, so I can't confirm if this is what happened.

 

[Ashland]

We have done the 8 night Exotic Asia cruise on Mariner...We were in the minority onboard but was surprised at how Americanized it actually was other than no liquor sold in the onboard shops...casino was always packed but we certainly had no trouble getting a pool side lounger.

 

Loved this itinerary that sailed out of Singapore and ended in Shanghai...a week post cruise made us return on land trips to Shanghai many times since our March 2018 cruise.

 

I believe most RCI Asia cruises are designated "Culturally Enriching" now, but ours did not have this notation.

Edited March 4, 2021 by Ashland

[Joseph2017China]

15 hours ago, brad_p said:

I know there are quite a few differences between traditional RCI sailings and those out of China.

 

Anyone care to share some of the differences? The bits I've heard is that they nickle-and-dime their Chinese customers quite a lot.

First, China does not have nickels or dimes.  Second, the ships, are run by Chinese rules, not USA rules.  So a Chinese agency, reviews the operations of the "international cruise company" vs the "domestic cruise company" and determine all aspects of the financial costs.  Example, you can't gamble in China, but you can drink.  So, drinking is allowed in port, but gambling is not.  Well, other parts of the ship, are determined that the agencies that must be excluded from the basic fare.  On top of that, the rooms are not booked or allowed to be booked by individuals but by a wholesaler who sells blocks to traval companies, or sell to groups.  Some changes have been made to allow individuals to buy, but I'm not sure of the current rules on it.  The companies have been pushing it.  So, the prices have remained more constant, and other parts have become add ons.  

 

If you plan on going to China, and are spending that kind of money, than a few extra dollars should not matter, it is just part of the price.  

 

You will be on a ship, leaving a country that is bigger than the USA.  Just like if you are in the USA, a shorter cruise will be filled 95% of USA citizens.  So, in China, the ship will be filled with 95% of Chinese citizens.  So the ship is going to be geared toward the market it serves.  

 

If you want specific questions, feel free to ask.

[Cruise Wonderland]

6 hours ago, Ashland said:

We have done the 8 night Exotic Asia cruise on Mariner

 

I believe most RCI Asia cruises are designated "Culturally Enriching" now, but ours did not have this notation.

 

The reposition cruises between Singapore and China are not regarded as "culturally enriching" (the RCI terminology). These cruises have a higher proportion of international passengers. The onboard programs and restaurant menus on reposition cruises are also different from those on China roundtrip sailings.

[The Scurvy Pirate]

Well that and you have to get a mandatory Covid test anally when entering China.  So, how bad do you really want to cruise?

 

https://nypost.com/2021/03/03/china-makes-covid-19-anal-swabs-mandatory-for-foreigners/

[RFerrington]

From what I have read, the suites structure is completely different for China sailings.  There is no Star Class designation on China sailings.

[jmhlin]

Just now, RFerrington said:

From what I have read, the suites structure is completely different for China sailings.  There is no Star Class designation on China sailings.

If you want to do China sailings, try to one way from Shanghai/Tianjin to Singapore or check out the Celebrity Cruise. RCL china sail especially the Shanghai roundtrip one is designed for Asian crowd. The culture different may make you not going to enjoy your vacation.

 

[Joseph2017China]

12 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

From what I have read, the suites structure is completely different for China sailings.  There is no Star Class designation on China sailings.

If you are traveling in a "golden suite" your experience will be golden.......It may be a different structure and words, but the end result is that you are treated much different on the ship.  So although it seems like you said a negative, but it really is a positive.

[Joseph2017China]

8 minutes ago, jmhlin said:

If you want to do China sailings, try to one way from Shanghai/Tianjin to Singapore or check out the Celebrity Cruise. RCL china sail especially the Shanghai roundtrip one is designed for Asian crowd. The culture different may make you not going to enjoy your vacation.

 

IF you plan on going on an international trip, and don't want to be in a nation, or vacation that is international, than you might be looking at the wrong trip.  When you do China, you are in China.  But that is the same for the Chinese who go to the USA for a trip.  I have no idea why anyone would go to China, and than not like the culture difference......unless the person lives in lala land.  Chinese cruises are awesome, and spending a few extra days in Shanghai or Beijing is highly recommended to really enjoy your culturally enriching trip. 

[Joseph2017China]

55 minutes ago, The Scurvy Pirate said:

Well that and you have to get a mandatory Covid test anally when entering China.  So, how bad do you really want to cruise?

 

https://nypost.com/2021/03/03/china-makes-covid-19-anal-swabs-mandatory-for-foreigners/

It depends on who is swabbing me......

[Joseph2017China]

17 hours ago, Cigar King said:

We were on Quantum, as they were preparing her for Asia.  They were increasing the gambling and shopping areas.  They were also setting up for a more relaxed smoking policy.  I have not cruised from Asia myself, so I can't confirm if this is what happened.

 

1. Illegal to gamble in China, so they added a High rollers room, to bring in more profit for the ship.  

2. They changed shopping to reflect the market, but the shopping area, on a ship, is still limited.

3. Moved the one lounge to add the high rollers room.

4. The only change in smoking was to allow it in the whole casino.  It is not relaxed any place else.  This was driven by trying to get more revenue in the casino

 

[crzndeb]

One change I know about, is there is a fee for certain extras on Quantum class ships, like Northstar and Ifly. There is no fee in the US.

[Ashland]

3 hours ago, Cruise Wonderland said:

 

The reposition cruises between Singapore and China are not regarded as "culturally enriching" (the RCI terminology). These cruises have a higher proportion of international passengers. The onboard programs and restaurant menus on reposition cruises are also different from those on China roundtrip sailings.

I wish this itinerary would be offered again by RCI. As far as a higher proportion of international passengers our particular sailing had probably 80% Asian's...15% Aussies...5% other which included 

US passengers.

[Biker19]

Once the Chinese government gives its approval for international cruises, the market will bounce back strongly, Dr. Zinan Liu, chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia, told Cruise Industry News.

 

Meanwhile, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has given the company the green light to restart cruises to nowhere aboard the Spectrum of the Seas, sailing two-, three- and four-night cruises beginning in October. According to HKSAR policy, passengers 12 years or older must be fully vaccinated and also provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours of embarkation.

As for mainland China, Liu said: “We are communicating with our government in order to seek approval to operate cruises to nowhere from Shanghai and Tianjin.”

 

When does Liu expect to be able to resume regular cruises from mainland China? “It’s hard to tell when we can start, but we are looking forward to bringing back our extraordinary cruise vacations as soon as possible,” he answered. “But my expectations are for the first or second quarter of next year. That also depends on the policies, vaccination levels and the situation in other destination countries, like Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, for example.”

 

He added that most Asian governments are taking a more conservative approach than Europe or North America.

 

Japan, however, has allowed domestic cruises since last November, although with suspensions during temporary lockdowns. And Japan has a roadmap in place with a second step, allowing homeporting of international cruises, and a third step, allowing international cruises to call in Japan.

 

The second step has not been reached yet, however, as the infection level is still high, Liu noted.

 

Why Liu’s focus on Japan? Because that is where most of Royal Caribbean’s international cruises from China would call, as political tension still prevents calls in South Korea.

 

Among other regional markets in Asia, Taiwan has also been allowing domestic cruises, and Singapore has allowed cruises to nowhere since last year.

 

Said Liu: “Genting has been sailing from Singapore since last November and Royal Caribbean since December. Everything has been going well. Almost 200,000 passengers have sailed safely on more than 100 cruises.”

 

While his ships are not sailing from the mainland, Liu said Royal Caribbean was maintaining its profile and staying in touch with the market.

 

“We are the only company here that sells a significant portion of our inventory directly to the consumers,” he said. “Before the pandemic, we were talking about 30 percent.

 

“When we return to service, I expect our longer cruises to alternate itineraries between the east and west coasts of Japan, and go as far as Vladivostok.”

 

When Royal Caribbean gets approval to sail from the mainland, the Spectrum of the Seas will move to Shanghai.

 

Before the pandemic, Royal Caribbean’s annual passenger capacity in China was estimated at more than 500,000 for 2019, according to the 2021 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

 

Royal Caribbean Awaiting Approval for China Cruises - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News

[MJSailors]

On 3/4/2021 at 8:49 AM, The Scurvy Pirate said:

Well that and you have to get a mandatory Covid test anally when entering China.  So, how bad do you really want to cruise?

 

https://nypost.com/2021/03/03/china-makes-covid-19-anal-swabs-mandatory-for-foreigners/

        Is this policy still in effect ? Is China the only country that is requiring this kind  of Covid  test ?

        The question is, does such a test follow the science or is it a way for China to reduce  the amount of people wanting to come into the country ?

[Ashland]

I'll continue to always watch for the Singapore-Shanghai itinerary or the reverse...It was one of our favorites !!!!

[Aquahound]

On 3/3/2021 at 1:40 PM, brad_p said:

I know there are quite a few differences between traditional RCI sailings and those out of China.

 

Anyone care to share some of the differences? The bits I've heard is that they nickle-and-dime their Chinese customers quite a lot.

 

On Ovation, I asked the Diamond concierge why there were so many overhead cameras in the DL.  She said when the ship is in China, the DL is used for additional gambling tables.  Also, the wall is opened downstairs Music Hall behind the bar, and it becomes part of the casino.  

[zekekelso]

The section of the Windjammer normally labeled “Chinese Food” now just labeled “Food.”

[ONECRUISER]

1 hour ago, MJSailors said:

        Is this policy still in effect ? Is China the only country that is requiring this kind  of Covid  test ?

        The question is, does such a test follow the science or is it a way for China to reduce  the amount of people wanting to come into the country ?

Probably Optional for those that REALLY want it

[crazyank]

12 hours ago, Heymarco said:

This is really only true of Asian and Australian sailings, probably due to distance and cost from US. Most other sailings on Royal Caribbean have a majority passenger base of Americans. 

Nope,  sailings in the Med have a majority of Europeans

[kernow]

12 hours ago, Heymarco said:

This is really only true of Asian and Australian sailings, probably due to distance and cost from US. Most other sailings on Royal Caribbean have a majority passenger base of Americans. 

You've never sailed out of Southampton then? The vast majority of passengers tend to be British.

[Joseph2017China]

16 hours ago, Heymarco said:

This is really only true of Asian and Australian sailings, probably due to distance and cost from US. Most other sailings on Royal Caribbean have a majority passenger base of Americans. 

Costs?  If you are talking maybe an extra $200 per person for a flight but the cruise is cheaper, hotels are cheaper, food/restaurants are cheaper, than cost is definitely not an issue.  Med sailings were filled with Europeans and not very many from USA.  Percentage is different, but still, not a true statement.  The biggest reason, is fear, not cost. It is the fear of the unknown, going to a country, where English is not widely spoken, and the thought that the ship is some way different. 

[Joseph2017China]

2 hours ago, Heymarco said:

 

European is not a nationality. England may be the exception to what I said since it’s an English speaking country. My point was, you are not going to sail out of Spain and see 95% Spanish people onboard or out of Italy and see 95% Italian. Will you have more, certainly, sometimes even to warrant bilingual shows etc. However they will not represent majority of population as Joseph suggested.

I don't know.....I sailed of Amsterdam, and there were lots of Europeans on that ship......and since all the countries are pretty small, it makes sense it would be all the neighbors also.  I also sailed out of Dubai, and I was definitely a minority on that ship also.  

[Joseph2017China]

56 minutes ago, Heymarco said:

 

I don’t typically lump Europeans together. I’m guessing your cruise out of Amsterdam didn’t have the majority of people speaking Dutch (maybe a good number though). A better way to say it may be, there is not normally a single country/language represented onboard that out represents one of the native English speaking countries (UK, CA, AU, US). Having 95% of the population speaking a single language that is not English, such as the Chinese cruises you referenced, is very different than a typical Royal Carribean cruise leaving elsewhere.

you went from "Americans primary cruising" to "english speaking guests".  

 

I have been on several Asian cruises, and a typical RCCL cruise is in China.  All the game shows except quest happened.  All the entertainment happened, although some shows were actually better since they were just music, and Asian entertainment.  Food was the same, but had an Asian supplement on the menu.  Specialty restaurants the same.  These cruises are American vacations, without leaving Asia (China/Japan).  Of course there were changes to some items to follow either local laws, or local traditions.  

 

I once went on a cruise from San Juan, and the primary language ended up being Spanish, with English as a secondary announcement.  

 

I don't know why people think an Asian cruise is so much different.