Labadee....sounds like changes are a comming

[waterbug123]

reposting my reply because the quoted section didn't appear as a quote last time...

 

I do not mind at all if suite guests are given "extra" perks for the extra money they spend. Extra to me would mean something in addition to the regular fare such as free drinks, a free specialty dining visit, free spa treatment, etc. All of this would come from RCI (by way of compensating vendors as necessary).

 

On the other hand, denying access to facilities that were previously accessible to other paying guests is not really giving anything extra, it is just taking it away from everyone else. I am not just referring to Labadee here, also the roping off of pool areas, ejection of Diamond from the concierge lounge, etc. If true, he Labadee deal is just the latest and boldest.quote]

 

 

So part of the pool area may be roped off. Everyone still has access to the pool and deck chairs, just not that one section, so IMO that argument doesn't fly.

As for not being allowed in the CL, the attraction of the CL is the free drinks, free cappucino and so forth, which you already said you didn't have a problem with, so that argument doesn't seem to fly either.[/

[TXHappyCruiser]

I guess I am confused. I am wondering where all of these great deals for suites are that end up being less expensive than regular cabins. My family is cruising on Dec. 13th to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary. All of our cabins are based on double occupancy and work out to the following:

 

Owner's suite - $5098.00 or $2,549.00 per person

Grand suite - $3698.00 or $1,849.00 per person

Jr. Suite - $2898.00 or $1,449.00 per person

E2 balcony - $1690.00 or $845.00 per person

Outside - $1458.00 or $729.00 per person

Inside - $1198.00 or $599.00 per person

 

We could get 3 inside cabins for six people for what we are spending for the two of us to sail in a Grand Suite. In our group we have a mixture of cabins based on what everyone is able to afford. Trust me my family will not hold it against me that I am getting extra perks. We will be using the extra space to entertain them...

[DEIx15x8]

I guess I am confused. I am wondering where all of these great deals for suites are that end up being less expensive than regular cabins. My family is cruising on Dec. 13th to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary. All of our cabins are based on double occupancy and work out to the following:

 

Owner's suite - $5098.00 or $2,549.00 per person

Grand suite - $3698.00 or $1,849.00 per person

Jr. Suite - $2898.00 or $1,449.00 per person

E2 balcony - $1690.00 or $845.00 per person

Outside - $1458.00 or $729.00 per person

Inside - $1198.00 or $599.00 per person

 

We could get 3 inside cabins for six people for what we are spending for the two of us to sail in a Grand Suite. In our group we have a mixture of cabins based on what everyone is able to afford. Trust me my family will not hold it against me that I am getting extra perks. We will be using the extra space to entertain them...

 

It's not a single moment in time. It's when you have booked a suite on day 1 and then the prices across the board double or triple. Now suddenly Joe over here goes to book and he is paying more for his balcony than I paid for a grand suite. Now we get closer to sail date and suddenly people decide to start canceling and bookings decrease. Now the prices are down to just above when I booked so Jane decides she'll cruise and buys a grand suite for the same price Joe paid. Joe is not experienced though and is not aware that he can get a price drop since his cabin went down so he goes on his cruise completely unaware. He goes to the shows and tries to sit in the front but is told he can't because he did not pay extra to get a suite yet he did pay the same amount as Jane and more than me.

 

This happens all the time across the different room categories and this does not even include Jake who bought a balcony guarantee and got an upgrade to an owners suite. People often ask why are the interior cabins more than an ocean view (which is happening a lot right now for some reason) and the reason is that people do not know that they can get price drops. They also don't ever think that a high level room would cost less so they call RCCL planning to buy the cheapest room which they assume (and usually is) is an interior. RCCL happily books the room and they are completely unaware of what any other room would have cost. Happens all the time, people just think "a suite must cost a fortune so why even check the price I'll stick to what I always get" but there are times where through a series of events they are cheaper at a single moment and more commonly over the course of a booking.

[TXHappyCruiser]

I understand where you are coming from with pricing going up and down, but many posts act as though suites costing little more than a balcony or inside are pretty commonplace. I think most would agree that this is not generally the case, but more of an exception. I realize that upgrades happen, but the outside guarantee to an owner's suite is extremely rare. My family and friends have been cruising pretty frequently over the last 10 years and I don't know anyone this has actually happened to.

 

I would verture to say that majority of passangers sailing in a Grand Suite or higher are paying 2 - 3 times as much per person than most standard cabins. I have sailed in all types of cabins but will gladly take the extra perks when paying the extra money. I do however resent being labeled a snob, elitist, etc. for this.

[pete78]

In the end, this is the policy and people are just going to have to live with it.

 

I for one love these perks, and hope Royal continues to expand the program.

 

VIP pool seating, premium theater seats? Priceless!!

 

Eating breakfast at a window table in Portofino, instead of the zoo that is the windjammer? Equally priceless!!

 

Royal, please keep pumping out these benefits, and we will continue paying for the more expensive suites!

[luckyprincess]

In the end, this is the policy and people are just going to have to live with it.

 

I for one love these perks, and hope Royal continues to expand the program.

 

VIP pool seating, premium theater seats? Priceless!!

 

Eating breakfast at a window table in Portofino, instead of the zoo that is the windjammer? Equally priceless!!

 

Royal, please keep pumping out these benefits, and we will continue paying for the more expensive suites!

I agree that people will either live with it or move on to a different cruise line. I am glad you like your perks. I don't find the ones you listed as priceless but that's me I guess. I can't see how a lounge chair at the pool (I don't think it's actually next to the pool or in the most desirable spot, just so you know) and a seat for a show is worth (in someone's else's estimation) 2x the cruise fare though! And I eat breakfast on my balcony, with a view of the ocean, so I guess there's another perk that's useless for me, lol! I should be happy, I guess! I won't be wasting money on my cruise!

I want to say, though, that I've been investigating other lines's suite perks because of this thread and the perks that you seem to love are a LOT less than the other lines. I mean, a couple of rows of lounge chairs in a so-so section, some rows of seats for the shows, a chocolate on your pillow, free booze with a bunch of other people..... these are barely considered perks on the other lines for suite guests!:eek: You should check out suites on the other lines if you're interested in really getting a bang for your buck! I was suprised because I've only ever heard of the ones on RCCL and they aren't very good. I wonder why, though? Even Carnival seemed to have more perks and I think they are thought of as mass market on the level of RCCL.... Maybe this is just the beginning and they are going to start giving actual value related perks but it doesn't seem like it...:cool:

[Rala]

BRUIN STEVE.....

 

I always enjoy your posts as they are articulate and informative. This one is a gem adding humor to the mix. Well Done!

[glrounds]

Actually, I got my hands on an advance copy of the full release:

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Royal Caribbean Introduces The Next Generation Of The Labadee Experience

Royal Caribbean Evolves Private Beach Experiences With Amenities To Fit Your Cruising Category

 

Miami - September, 2009 - Launching in January 2010, Royal Caribbean will set the stage for Royal Caribbean International's new innovations in private destinations amenities. The world's most revolutionary cruise ship company will offer guests more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to distinct restricted areas of its Labadee, Haiti dedicated port, ranging from exclusive signature restaurant and spa for Suite category guests, to neighborhood-specific themed beach venues with lounges and even blow-up rafts for balcony guests to new twists on historic ship roles and traditions.

 

The new Labadee experience showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods of Labadee are designed to meet contemporary standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster curiosity, jealousy and class distinction.

 

As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, and the Labadee Experience will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

 

Upon arriving at Labadee, a new set of rules and reality will emerge. We have split up the Labadee property into four distinct "neighborhoods", each one corresponding to a different group of cabin categories. We've designed every one of our neighborhoods to be a comfortable, relaxing place completely appropriate to the category of cabin you've booked.

 

Suites/Deluxe Neighborhood

First, you will be transported to Labadee on luxury yachts commissioned especially for this purpose. Then, relax in luxury in our comfortable cabanas or at the neighborhood spa. The beach bar features plush lounge chairs and an air-conditioned lounge with large screen satellite TV with Sports Events from all over the world. A gourmet restaurant will serve crab, lobster and fine steaks. A dedicated staff of servants are available to cater to your every whim.

 

Balcony Neighborhood

Your transport from the ship to Labadee will be on priority tenders. Once there, your section of beach contains the zipline or just take the tram to the top of the hill to take in the beautiful view. Food service includes a Barbecue with Chicken, Ribs and a full salad bar. Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks are available for a price. Waiters will provide various services. Chaise Lounges and air matresses are available.

 

Oceanview Neighborhood

After being transported to the island by barge, you'll enjoy a short walk over the hill and rough unpaved path to your beach. Remember to bring a towel. Food service available will be serve-yourself hot dogs, burgers and Fritos. Tap water available on request. Outhouses are provided for your comfort needs.

 

Interior Neighborhood

Transportation to the island will be provided on handmade wooden rafts. You will experience the tremendous adventure of paddling these rafts yourself as you make your exciting voyage to the island. Once on the island, your exciting traditional native Haitian experience continues with your neighborhood's food options. Choose from fishing the local waters with rudimentary nets and spears or pick from the abundant nuts and berries to be found among the neighborhoods wild plant vegetation. A nourishing meal can typically be gathered in 6 hours or less.

 

As opportunities arise to continue to refine our service and product, to add benefits worthy of our guests at all levels, we will continue to do so. Our aim is to continue to make Royal Caribbean your cruise line of choice--especially for you springing for the big bucks suite categories.

 

;) ;) ;)

 

Hilarious ! ! Excellent writer. :D

[Sunny AZ Girl]

What is confusing to me is the JS category......on my current cruises the JS is almost twice as expensive as our booked D1's, however, no suite perks except double cruise credits (which we all know aren't worth as much as they used to be worth). I have sailed in a JS several times now and have enjoyed the extra closet room and the full tub - otherwise I am happy with a D1. What is the advantage anymore of booking this category?:confused:

[waterbug123]

What is confusing to me is the JS category......on my current cruises the JS is almost twice as expensive as our booked D1's, however, no suite perks except double cruise credits (which we all know aren't worth as much as they used to be worth). I have sailed in a JS several times now and have enjoyed the extra closet room and the full tub - otherwise I am happy with a D1. What is the advantage anymore of booking this category?:confused:

 

On some ships, a JS is significantly bigger than a regular balcony cabin, and to some people that is important and worth paying more for. And while the double cruise credits may not be AS valuable as they once were, they still add extra value.

[temple1]

In the end, this is the policy and people are just going to have to live with it.

 

I for one love these perks, and hope Royal continues to expand the program.

 

VIP pool seating, premium theater seats? Priceless!!

 

Eating breakfast at a window table in Portofino, instead of the zoo that is the windjammer? Equally priceless!!

 

Royal, please keep pumping out these benefits, and we will continue paying for the more expensive suites!

 

The private dining room for your breakfast or lunch does not bother me at all - that is great, fewer folks in the WJ or other locations. That does not take anything away from what I am accustomed to receiving on the ships.

 

I don't know where the other ships have decided to locate their "special" suite guests pool lounges - it is laughable on Enchantment. The suite guests golden roped section is on the deck above the pool deck right under the area where the solarium roof slides open. :D

 

For some reason, that doesn't bother my libertarian soul.

[mjm1204]

Pete seems to be the one making the most sense here....

 

It's also apparent that people on here are talking about suite perks that they've never had....

 

When people, like myself, book a suite we are definitely expecting more than just a larger room...

 

If you buy first class tickets you get more than just a bigger seat.... you get more personal service, free alcohol, upgraded meal, free headphones, pillow/blankets, and lounge access....

 

If you book a suite at a resort hotel you also get more than just a bigger room.... the last one I stayed at I had a private elevator that takes you straight to the top floors, separate entrances to restaurants, private butler, lounge with food and drinks on my hotel floor, expanded room service menu, poolside cabanas, and much more....

 

I booked my cruise on the whim through my casino host and regret it. I have a presidential suite on the Liberty and took no time to research it. Take a look at NCL's suites and their amenities and tell me which you'd prefer...

 

 

CruisingGrandma, NEWSFLASH..... cruising isn't for the 55 and over anymore... they want fresh life with families that want to spend money... all this talk about how you save money... you talk how you go 8 times a year, but I bet you spend no money on the ship either...

 

You're still thinking with the same logic that cruise lines are what they were 15 years ago... everything on board is free.... it's not like that anymore...

 

Cruise lines are looking for passengers who are willing to spend above and beyond just their room fare.... ya know... buying drinks, pictures, extra activities, using internet, specialty dining, booking excursions.... somehow I doubt you fit their model of an ideal cruiser even with your 8 cruises a year...

 

Suite passengers have already shown they're willing to spend extra money by paying for their room so why not try attract and cater to them?

 

I'm done talking to you lowly people ;)

[FLCruiseGirl]

To MJM1204: Is this a joke? I assumed it was, but after reading it a second time, it appeared you might be serious.

[DHADEN]

................Suite passengers have already shown they're willing to spend extra money by paying for their room so why not try attract and cater to them?

 

I'm done talking to you lowly people ;)

 

To MJM1204: Is this a joke? I assumed it was, but after reading it a second time, it appeared you might be serious.

 

Come-On, CruiseGirl; That was great and hilarious!:D;)

And even though I'm sorry to admit it (because I don't have the extra $$$ to spend for the suite), everything he said is fact and oh-so-true.

[cruzendude]

Ding, Ding, We have a winner! It annoys me every time someone says, "I paid more so I should get more." You have paid nearly double and got a room that was over double in size. Sounds like RCCL already gave you more than you paid. Sometimes though (and by sometimes I do mean often, just not CC people) people in lower level rooms end up paying more than the guests in higher level rooms through the course of price drops. How is that fair if they paid more than you?

 

HUH???? That makes no sense.....when is the last time you saw a suite drop in price to lower than a balcony? I will tell you when....NEVER!

 

All of this drama over suite perks.....I KNOW its not true but you would think people here have NEVER seen a service industry give more perks to those who spend more......it used to be funny to read these but now its just tiresome and old.....bottom line is you get what you pay for.....when I want more perks I book a higher level, when I don't I book lower.....its called Capitalism 101!

 

I do like the poster above who pointed out the hipocritical Diamond's who LOVED all of their perks and who all thought they were so "special" and now are all bent out of shape because "others" are getting better perks..kettle meet pot! LMAO!!!!! :D

[temple1]

:DWhat some on here refuse to understand - those of us who choose - for whatever reason - to not book suites don't really care about what you have in your suite, on your balcony, check in perks, special items you get for flashing your suite card, that is all well and good.

 

The cruise line gives you a concierge lounge - nice and equivalent to what is available in land based hotels.

 

You can have lunch or breakfast in one of the specialty restaurants - great idea - they should have done that sooner.

 

But here is where we part company -

 

The cruiseline should not be taking away from the other 2000 - 3000 more or less passengers on the ship areas and amenities to honor your few dollars more.

 

Even on an airline, unless you book 2 seats you cannot have a seat in 1st class and a seat in coach. To allow that, the airline just took something away from a coach passenger to satisfy another passenger. Isn't that what they are doing with the golden ropes?

 

Of all the perks given to suite guests that is the only one that really snaps my garters. Except for the really awful area they were given on Enchantment.

[cruising grandma]

I booked my cruise on the whim through my casino host and regret it. I have a presidential suite on the Liberty and took no time to research it. Take a look at NCL's suites and their amenities and tell me which you'd prefer...

 

 

CruisingGrandma, NEWSFLASH..... cruising isn't for the 55 and over anymore... they want fresh life with families that want to spend money... all this talk about how you save money... you talk how you go 8 times a year, but I bet you spend no money on the ship either...

 

You're still thinking with the same logic that cruise lines are what they were 15 years ago... everything on board is free.... it's not like that anymore...

 

Cruise lines are looking for passengers who are willing to spend above and beyond just their room fare.... ya know... buying drinks, pictures, extra activities, using internet, specialty dining, booking excursions.... somehow I doubt you fit their model of an ideal cruiser even with your 8 cruises a year...

 

Suite passengers have already shown they're willing to spend extra money by paying for their room so why not try attract and cater to them?

 

I'm done talking to you lowly people ;)

 

Maybe you can cancel your mediocre cruise suite on Royal and book one with better perks on NCL. Since you didn't research before hand, how many cruises have you taken ......especially 15 years ago, since you seem to insinuate you know how things were then.

 

By the way, on two of the eight cruises we were on this year, different ships, we dined at the captain's table with the captain and all the other guests seated at one were over 55 and all but one couple at the other were. Actually, we have been seated at the captain's table on numerous cruiselines over the years, even at our "old ages of 55 years". (My DH has only been 55 just barely three years.) Yes, we do spend onboard for whatever we want.......including jewelry, excursions, specialty restaurants, photos, drinks, gifts for grandchildren, swimwear and coverups,donations for Make a Wish(wishes at sea), tips, etc. Fortunately, we now are given some onboard coupons(for Diamond + cruisers) for internet use, so we no longer must pay for as much of that. Perhaps, if you decide to cruise over 24 times on Royal, and they don't discontinue the Crown and Anchor program and perks, you too, might have these someday. Or, maybe you'll find better perks on NCL with their program for repeaters. Sometimes our onboard account is more than the cruise. And, yes, we began cruising 14 years ago, and remember spending money for photos, excursions, souvenirs, drinks, and jewelry, etc.........way back then in the "everything onboard free" years.

 

For your comment of suite guests paying more, so do the ones who cruise 24+ times over the years. We all spend lots of money, just some for suites and others for more cruises.

[cruising grandma]

I have a line of credit set up with the casino. It's not the same as shipboard credit. There is no 3%.

 

Everyone should join the players club. They're picking up my cruise for a week in the presidential family suite for my whole family (3 of us are big gamblers).

 

On a smaller scale, you can get free drinks in the casino if you ask the casino manager...

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruise

 

 

Gee...........you are the big spender of the Presidential suite.......sounds like you actually got the suite given to you as a perk, so you and you family will plop down lots of money at the casino.

[cruising grandma]

Also, MJM1204 has posted that he is in his 20's and his parents, whom are going with him, are in their 60's/70's. Too bad he thinks so lowly of 55+ people.........:rolleyes:

[boaterette]

Quite frankly I don't see what the problem is, if the suites have better perks. This happens everywhere. Football stadiums, airlines and hotels. If you wanted to be treated like everyone else may I suggest Cuba.Everyone gets the same amount of rations. Bacause with the mentality that some of you are showing we should all be driving Nissans. And by the way I can not afford a suite but certainly don't object to those who can getting special perks. It is the AMERICAN way. And yes I know they are not American ships. lol

[temple1]

Gee...........you are the big spender of the Presidential suite.......sounds like you actually got the suite given to you as a perk, so you and you family will plop down lots of money at the casino.

 

Also, MJM1204 has posted that he is in his 20's and his parents, whom are going with him, are in their 60's/70's. Too bad he thinks so lowly of 55+ people.........:rolleyes:

 

Yep, and on the message board I can be independently wealthy and choose to cruise in the cheapest OV cabin I can get on the short cruises because I like to see how the unwashed masses vacation.

 

Cruising Grandma - you are probably closer - Mom and Dad are paying or his fantasy. :rolleyes:

[temple1]

Quite frankly I don't see what the problem is, if the suites have better perks. This happens everywhere. Football stadiums, airlines and hotels. If you wanted to be treated like everyone else may I suggest Cuba.Everyone gets the same amount of rations. Bacause with the mentality that some of you are showing we should all be driving Nissans. And by the way I can not afford a suite but certainly don't object to those who can getting special perks. It is the AMERICAN way. And yes I know they are not American ships. lol

 

Geez, Boaterette - If you read what was posted you and a few others would see that the vast majority have no problems at all with suite guests receiving perks.

 

What is so blinking difficult for some of you people to understand that? Lord love them let them have wall to wall strawberries in their suite, let the concierge pour them Dom Perriengnon (sorry for butchering the name), let them have private dinners every night and free massages daily. I don't care. But there are freaking limits. :mad:

[CGuy]

I’ve read this thread about the so-called “Suite Life” and it’s perks and I must say my family and I have enjoyed suites during our last five cruises.

We will be enjoying the Royal suite during this one and again on the one already booked with RCCL cruise in the summer of 2010.

 

My first cruise was in 1972 at the age of fifteen with my parents and two brothers aboard “The Flavia” from Miami to Nassau.

I don’t even know if there were suites on this ship. I imagine there were larger accommodations than mine. The halls were painted steel and you stepped over the bulkheads on the way to the “Captains Ball”. This was long before balconies.

Over the years, I sailed on the “Flavia”, the “Emerald Seas” and others similar vessels several times and always somewhere just above or at the waterline. I always had a great time!

 

My first suite experience (age 42) was ten years ago on the Disney “Magic”. It was my wife, daughter and myself. We were celebrating my daughter’s fourth birthday.

 

The main reason we booked the one bedroom suite was because it had a living room with folded out bed (for her to sleep) and full dining room table. Disney will serve meals from any restaurant to your room if sailing in one of their suites. Not knowing how she (my daughter) would take to life on the high seas, we were concerned about my daughter’s behavior when tired and didn’t want to subject the other guests to any potential temper tantrums. My wife was again pregnant at the time and sometimes prone to her own temper tantrums.

 

It was four years between cruises and again on Disney “Magic” we booked the same room on a seven-day cruise for our son’s fourth birthday. I never went back to staterooms and my wife and kids have known nothing but suites. Because there are four of us the larger accommodations… well, are just more accommodating.

 

My wife has the relentless task of being a housewife, mother and trying to pacify my sometimes-childish demands. Because I work 70 to 80 hour workweeks every week,

I don’t have the convenience of time. Therefore when I do take off and travel, my wife who does all the planning, knows my vacation with my family is the most important thing to me. She knows I want and will pay for additional TLC from the staff. This does not make me a snob. I am never rude or unnecessarily demanding… I too deal with the public. Let me just say, “The public is very often rude, demanding and unreasonable”.

I just want what little family time we do have together to be the best it can.

 

My work affords us a very comfortable life. I wasn’t born with money and I never was given anything I didn’t earn. There are many people who think I’m crazy to sacrifice and work so hard... most of them my employees. There are many who are unwilling to put in the time and commitment to their job or their business that I do. Either way this is a choice. Paying for a suite is not about being an “Elitist”. It's a choice.

 

I do like and expect the perks in and outside the cabin. I do like the VIP check-in. (I hate waiting in line and when available will pay to avoid it.)

I do like that my wife has a limo waiting for us whenever I travel. (I hate to drive). I could careless about the pool chairs (I'll spend more time in our cabin than at the pool... you can have mine.) Dinner with the captain? (I can barely get my kids to talk to me: what are we going to talk about?). I may or may not hit the concierge lounge (I always buy a bottle of Jack Daniels for the room). Free drinks at the Casino? (I don’t drink while I’m gambling… I really can’t afford that!)

I could give a rat’s ear about Cabanas at the beach. (Though my wife and kids will enjoy them... if true) We pay for our own excursions. (Again I thank my wife: she has always finds something out of the ordinary)

 

RCCL Loyal patrons, I’m on your side. I do feel that Diamond and Diamond Plus members have paid their dues. You deserve all the perks RCCL can or will afford you. But from a cost point of view, it costs RCCL the same amount to feed and entertain the four of us as it does four people in two interior rooms. One big difference is there was, is, or was NO discount on our suites. We may never be a D+ anything but we enjoy for what we pay.

 

Footnote: After the kid’s get through school, my wife and I are planning to enjoy an around world cruise without the kids. We may see you in an interior stateroom!

[Bigtex1622]

Suites/Deluxe Neighborhood

First, you will be transported to Labadee on luxury yachts commissioned especially for this purpose.

 

Balcony Neighborhood

Your transport from the ship to Labadee will be on priority tenders.

 

Oceanview Neighborhood

After being transported to the island by barge,

 

Interior Neighborhood

Transportation to the island will be provided on handmade wooden rafts. You will experience the tremendous adventure of paddling these rafts yourself as you make your exciting voyage to the island.

;) ;) ;)

 

This is a joke right? If they make cutbacks,

then the inside will be swimming to the Island:eek: