What the heck! Charging for coffee??

[mringenoldus]

It seems that some ships have been charging a dollar for regular coffee at the Patisserie. I understand some additional charges are expected - but this seems a bit cheap for Princess standards.

 

I don't hold out much hope for a successful campaign against this change since we have all been complaining about the "coffee syrup" coffee for years and nothing has happened. But I figured it can't hurt either!

 

I've avoided carrying a little coffee maker all this time - this just kind of annoys me. Anyone else??

[Druke I]

Maureen

 

I saw that also - and am wondering.

 

Regular coffees were still free at the Patisserie, Regal Princess, 3-9/22-06, when we were on her, 'round the Horn, Buenos Aires to Valparaiso.

 

As expected, specialty coffees were extra.

[mringenoldus]

Hi Michael

We're coming over your way again on Thursday for the Coral. There has been great weather over that way all week but it seems we might see some rain as we head up north. I'm hoping we have a nice day for Victoria. We're bringing the young people along this time and I want them to see how pretty that city is.

 

Darn Princess...who do they think they are ...Carnival?? :)

[lkmamom]

I really understand what you are both saying. When we were on the Sapphire over Easter I saw the specialty coffees and actually tried one just to see. It was very good. I admit, I am lazy and one of my favorite things about cruises is sitting on the balcony in the morning enjoying a "good" cup of coffee. Not sure that I would walk down to get the good cup every morning :rolleyes: so....I take my Brookstone one cup coffee maker. I used to take a four cup but my DH likes hot water for his "foo foo" instant coffee and our son occasionally likes hot chocolate, so everyone can have what they want and the coffeemaker does not take up as much room in the suitcase as the original 4-cup. I used to leave the 4-cup for the steward, but now we take this one home with us.

Take a look, it really is a nice one and not a pain to transport.

Linda

[lucky951]

I must say this really disappoints me. When what used to be an inclusive vacation now doesn't even include coffee, when will they start charging for all meals?

[saltysam]

I think the ultimate goal is to be able to charge passengers for all the extras on board. They don't want to raise prices so they will charge you for all incidentals. I expect a day when they will just offer the minimum food service and charge for what they deem special menu items, even in the standard dining rooms. They will include one show in the cost of the cruise, and charge for anything above that. Their pretense will be better quality performers demanding higher wages. Room Service will be billed as an extra food expense and free ice cream in the afternoon will be eliminated. They will start a pay per view channel on your TV and they could even charge you two dollars a day for a reserved lounge chair in the pool area. I bet they will monitor chair saving then. As the cost of living increases so will the automatic tip charges. It's all just a matter of time. As the saying goes, "For it to shall pass". And so will inclusive services on the cruise lines.

[mringenoldus]

I'm going to the mall tonight and they have a Brookstone. i'm going to see if they have a coffeemaker in stock - thanks!

[bstrauss3]

If you want to see this taken to the n'th degreee, check out easyCruise. You can choose when/if to have the room steward make up your room or clean your bath or both (different prices)...

 

-----Burton

[Margate Cruiser]

That is i call room service in the morning or ask for coffe to be delivered to my cabin at 7Am I would be charged?

[Toto2Kansas]

That is i call room service in the morning or ask for coffe to be delivered to my cabin at 7Am I would be charged?

 

No, there is no charge for room service coffee (if you can call that stuff coffee). What is being discussed is the fresh brewed regular coffee served at the Patisserie, which has always been free for regular.

[sppunk]

I must say this really disappoints me. When what used to be an inclusive vacation now doesn't even include coffee, when will they start charging for all meals?

NCL says hello!!!

[Murphey]

Can someone actually confirm that they are doing this??? Or is it a rumor that they intent to start charging? I would be very disappointed. I know that a buck isn't a big deal to me, but it's the principle of the thing. What every happened to the service and the "glamour" of cruising. I know, I know; we cruise now for less than we did 10 years ago, but enough is enough.

[cornellcindy]

We disembarked the Diamond on Sat, 5/13 and were told that beginning Sun all regular coffee served in the bars would be charged $1.25 per cup but refills would be FREE!!!!:D :D :D Note: This is NOT the specialty coffee.

[Brian Raine]

That and putting wooden stirrers in the buffet areas .It is called "rationalisation" by the company , penny pinching is what I call it

[MHS4]

On Coral 4/23 regular coffee at Patisserie was charged for. Only dining room, buffet & room service offer free coffee. No speciality coffee free anywhere anytime.

[MikeDeA]

The coffee at my job is also bad, so occassionally I will mix 1/2 hot chocolate with 1/2 coffee for a 'mocha' type drink, which may work on Princess if you bring you own packages of hot choc.

[Minybear]

If they are charging for coffee then the coffee better be good!! When we were on DCL they served Nescafe and that was BAD but free.

[Pam in CA]

As I understand it, you can get free coffee in the dining rooms and buffet. This coffee is made from syrup and IMHO, is perfectly fine. If you want a specialty coffee, such as cappuchino or the coffee in the Patisserie made from coffee grinds, there's a charge. After all, the grinds have to be disposed of which is why most cruiseline coffee is made from syrup.

 

That's fine with me -- I drink the regular coffee and have no desire to pay for the specialty coffee.

[blastofftosj]

Just off the Sapphire Princess 5/13 and yes they did charge $1.00 +15% tip at the Patisserie and the Lobby Bar, the coffee in the buffet is awful and the room service coffee is luke warm if that.

[Strawberry]

Anyone know if they are also planning to charge for tea at the Patisserie? Cruising is getting less INCLUSIVE all the time!

[PrincessMelody]

We are just off the CB, and they were charging $1.00 + tip for coffee at the Lobby bar, and the casino too!!:mad: Which really p*ssed me off, considering the fact that I was cramming twenties into the slot machines when they informed me of this...:eek: How cheap!!!

[mmyorkston]

We just got off the Sun yesterday, and yes, they ARE charging $1.00 for coffee and tea at all the bars around the ship. I took a couple of my own tea bags and didn't have to pay for the hot water! LOL. I asked first, though.

[Laurab23]

I think the ultimate goal is to be able to charge passengers for all the extras on board. They don't want to raise prices so they will charge you for all incidentals. I expect a day when they will just offer the minimum food service and charge for what they deem special menu items, even in the standard dining rooms. They will include one show in the cost of the cruise, and charge for anything above that. Their pretense will be better quality performers demanding higher wages. Room Service will be billed as an extra food expense and free ice cream in the afternoon will be eliminated. They will start a pay per view channel on your TV and they could even charge you two dollars a day for a reserved lounge chair in the pool area. I bet they will monitor chair saving then. As the cost of living increases so will the automatic tip charges. It's all just a matter of time. As the saying goes, "For it to shall pass". And so will inclusive services on the cruise lines.

I think when that happens,it will be time for me to quit cruising!

 

Laura

[iancal]

Let's not give Princess any ideas by commenting on how much everyone likes the sea air.

 

Coffee is terrible, agreed. On our NCL cruise in Feb. they had excellent coffee AND latte's/caps were gratis in the dining room. Taking our drip/beans on our Dec. Star cruise. Really says something when you pay all that money only to have to make yourself a coffee in the morning before leaving the stateroom. Princess has the ability to fix this.....if they want to. Clearly they do not.

[pamwinn]

I hope I am not charged a filterage fee for brewing my own.