coordinator23

I do think it's a bit crap to allow charters after anyone has booked. They should book charter groups further out and not alter to a charter once it has been opened for bookings.

I know how hard it can be to schedule vacation time and get what is the perfect cabin for you and in general "get all your ducks in a row". I get your frustration. That being said, you might not be comfortable with the "group" that would fill up the rest of the cabins. As a newly minted senior, a group of red hat ladies wouldn't bother me too much, but might make my husband crazy (and definitely younger cruisers too). I was on a cruise once with a motorcycle group. Most were "well behaved" per say, but if I had a boat load, with several who where not, I wouldn't be happy. I don't think anyone from a swingers group would "hit" on me at my age (I'd be flattered if they did), but if they were getting carried away in the hot tubs or other public places, I'd be uncomfortable. Better yet, if you enjoy an occasional drink, what if it was an AA cruise where members paid extra to have no booze onboard all week, that might mean no wine at dinner for you. One solution might be to find out who the group is and see if you can join them on that cruise.

Being from the Chicago area, we looked into a cruise at the beginning of spring break that turned out to be a charter for another football team (Steelers, I think). My husband definitely wouldn't have been happy on that cruise. We found a similar one on another ship. Google ship name and date and you'll probably find out who has the charter.;)

Sailing on X to Alaska this summer. Now I wish I was on ROS. I love fresh seafood and would gladly pay to eat there (& I'm a "MDR" type person). I'm getting hungry just looking at it. Makes sense for this market. Alaska=Alaska food.

Sometimes the boat can't tender to Coco Cay. The blue lagoon has a fantastic beach (and I am not a beach person).

Tote bags were discontinued several years ago as a C & A gift onboard. Chicago recently passed a ban on plastic bags, so people will be carrying more tote bags around. I know other places are discontinuing plastic bags.

Logical idea - pass out the tote bags again. Every time cruisers went shopping with these RCI gets free advertising. Every time someone asks about the cruise you were on, RCI gets more free advertising.

Will it happen?? I doubt it. The "bean counters" in corporate (also known as Penny Wise and Pound Foolish) would rather save the money which would be spent on bags to spend on lavish commercials. (I think these were the same people who switched the ingredients on the Big Mac special sauce a few years back to save a few pennies a burger and lost a customer base who found tastier burgers elsewhere - or as my brother said, "my taste buds must have changed")

Common sense is what appears to be missing at RCI. Rap music by the pool on a TA? Look at the demographic. Remember New Coke and the scramble to bring back Classic Coke?? New direction for RCI - hope it works out for them. Princess and HAL looking better and better with the "new" direction RCI taking.

Had a RFS on Enchantment and on Freedom. Different layouts in both. I'm sure the one on Enchantment would have matched GOS before the fire, maybe still does. Loved the extra balcony space (aft) and had plenty of seating in the living room. 3 TV's and DVD player for movies we brought along. Downfall, had to unplug TV in 2nd bedroom to set up baby monitor. Two bathrooms and 3 rooms definite plus. We also had two sliders into balcony area. One was from the master bedroom. We also had the largest balcony on the ship (aft FRS only). Dining outside for breakfast was great. We also ordered room service, off of the MDR menu, for lunch once. Can eat dinner on balcony if baby is fussy and order off MDR menu. The table is made for 4 but can fit 5.

Place a notice on the web site that you are on vacation. ha ha ha ha You can have a sale and not lose any money. So much for looking at Australia this afternoon.

I've only read a few pages of this thread, so what I have to say may have already been discussed, but here goes:

I have cruised inside, balcony and suite levels. I have enjoyed all of these categories. However, suite people do pay considerably more. I think their reserved seats by the pool should be just that. Putting them up on the roof of the pool bar just doesn't cut it. If you have a Family Royal Suite, it would be nice if you could have a space set aside pool side that you can use (hard to supervise kids when perched way above them, so not exactly a perk that can be used). If the pool patrol was allowed to do their jobs, and kept track of all the "saved" chairs (and no one in the pool at 7:00am), there wouldn't be a problem getting a place to sun/shade for those who are truly going to use it.

The plastic shopping bags that used to be in the cabin were great for wet swim suits or even shopping. Talk about a cheap way to advertise and provide a service at the same time. Yes, I took mine home - with a wet suit inside - had have reused it, out in public, many times - much cheaper than a TV ad.

Which brings me to the subject of pens. Even the cheapest hotels provide one. We used to be able to write a note, on RCCL provided paper, with a pen also provided. Another form of cheap advertisement (when you lend it to someone or someone sees it and asks you about cruising). It also constantly reminds you of your last cruise and why you want to book again.

If I were to check into a hotel and find liquid soap attached to the wall, like RCI has done the past several years, I would check out. I do not want a YMCA experience at those prices. Suites used to have nicer soaps and toiletries, but many ships have replaced them with cheap, dollar store imitations from China. I was pleased to have high quality toiletries on Enchantment this past Spring.

Smoking is a touchy subject. Princess allows e-cigs just about anywhere. They are odorless (unless someone uses a flavor like cherry or butterscotch). I know a few people who have been able to quit smoking using them. Does it really hurt for these people to vape on their balconies? For that matter, even smoke. I can remember when we had a smokers lounge, for students, in my high school and people smoked in offices, restaurants, grocery stores, malls, etc. At least the balcony is open air "outside".

Food prep. has to be hard on the ships, but I remember when it was a bit more elegant. I think the portion sizes are much more reasonable now. I appreciate the shrimp cocktails being brought back.

Dress codes should be enforced. I heard one man "bitch out" a staff member who questioned a tank top and shorts at dinner time - HE was on vacation. I realize that dress is more relaxed now days, but is it asking too much for someone to wear a pair of pants and a button down shirt to dinner?? Many of the women I see dress appropriately, but even some of them look like they're going to the beach instead of out to dinner.

15 years ago, a cruise was much more "all inclusive". Now if you want that type of experience it is getting harder and harder. Do we really need so many "pay" options?

I have read a few posts about the "smaller" ships. I like the Radiance and Vision classes very much. I also like the little bigger Voyagers. I enjoyed Freedom, but mainly because the kids had a H2O zone. I have no desire to go on anything bigger (aka Monsters of the Seas). If I want an amusement park experience, I'll find one on land. If I want to go high up in the air, I'll go to the Willis Tower. I want an at sea experience that is rich in ports to explore.

I remember years ago, sitting at the computer surfing for my next cruise while slowly eating a piece of chocolate from my last cruise. I know that will never come back. The pens, plastic bags, gifts in the room (toiletry bags, tote bags, caps, etc) still put me in a cruising mood. But they aren't there anymore to remind people of their cruise once home or to advertise to those who might be interested.

I don't know if it matters that I am in my early 60's or am D+. Quite possibly I am not the demographic Royal is shooting for anymore, but I do know that I am the demographic that has more money to spend (empty nester, house paid for, no student loans) and has more time to cruise (retired). Keep the "smaller ships" around for us if nothing else.

Years ago, the upgrade fairy gave us an OS. It was great. You'll have a nice dining area off to the side of a large living room. You can easily eat meals (ordered off the dining room menu) in your room. There is more storage than you could possibly ever use. The bathroom is large, spacious and has both a large shower and whirlpool tub and two sinks, if I remember right. There is a large TV with a DVD player (see concierge for DVD's or bring own).

We entertained 6 more people in the room and weren't even close to being crowded. The downside is a small balcony, but you still have one. Enjoy it!!:D

Have a great trip

I also pack lysol wipes and hand gel. Had noro once (Pride of Aloha) and never want it again. I feel better if I sanitize the phone, channel changer. "button" for the toilet door handles, and anything else that doesn't look like it was wiped down. The small bottle of hand sanitizer is like a security blanket ( I use after handling the tongs in the buffet in the windjammer), Don't know if it is really necessary, but it does make me feel better doing all of this.

I also wash my hands often.

Over the years, we have gotten many gifts from Royal. We use the toiletry bags, tote bags, beach bags, hydration bottle, even the baseball caps. I like getting the little basket with cookies and dried fruits, and as hard as I try to save the "goodies" they always disappear into our tummies before the end of the cruise. I love getting the little plate with chocolate strawberries, etc, on formal night. If anything, I have the opposite complaint. When we were in the RFS last year, there were six of us trying to share everything (LOL) four of whom were Diamonds. Throw in an extra one for when we all share a cabin:D.

We are now Diamond+ and are looking forward to our gift basket on the next cruise. As said before, if you don't want the basket, bring it to the mingle - it will disappear.

If Royal is listening, please bring back the simple pen. You have no idea how much advertising you get for FREE when someone sees it and asks you if you have cruised on Royal and if you think they should give it a try. And it makes filling our customs forms so much easier;)

It would be cheaper to go right at the beginning of June, before the prices go up for summer break time (and less crowded).

You should get double points for a junior suite. You will have a Diamond lounge for specialty coffee and a before dinner cocktail party. I have not been on OTS, but this is fleet wide. On Freedom level and below, I know the JS has a tea kettle (and probably a coffee pot, but I don't remember) which I always make good use of when we sail this class. The Diamond concierge can also help you with excursions, spa appointments, etc. Enjoy your cruise.

I think I'd rather just order the filet in the MDR than go to Chops (if that is still an option). I liked the mushroom soup, shrimp cocktail, steak, baked potato, green bean, dessert option. DH liked a t-bone steak, etc. No real reason to pay $35 for the steak. Have been there twice. Once for DH birthday and once for Ann. dinner. Ist experience was very good and second was so-so. We live in the Chicago area and can get a great steak dinner (of choice) at this price point at several places.

I can remember when the filet was part of the "free" MDR menu nightly. Seen a lot of changes over the years. Some good, some bad. New Chops menu falls into the bad change column.

We have stayed at the Country Inn and Suites twice (and are making it a third time next month) You can get a cruise and park package from them if you spend the night. They have a nice pool and a good breakfast in the morning. They will shuttle you to port

We had a great time. We were in an AFT cabin, where you often get the sewage smell, but did not encounter it. The crew as great and we enjoyed the shows we went to. Hadn't realized we'd be sharing our cruise with the spring break crowd, (over half the cruisers were college age), but they were really well behaved. Food was good, but room service was slow and often backed up. I think the kids that stayed up late partying were ordering room service.

Coco Cay was wonderful, as always. We had assigned dining, which we like - same servers, etc., but I didn't hear any complaints about my time dining on this ship.

I will add that since we had such a good time, we are returning in June.

The only unpleasant smell I encountered was when Brilliance of the Seas (I believe) fired up her engines and the wind blew her exhaust into our air intake for about an hour. It took awhile for the exhaust smell to get out of our cabin. I dare say, my husband could have gone out on the balcony and smoked a carton of cigarettes and no one would have smelled it. This was in Nassau. Speaking of Nassau, I am not a "beach" person, but I really enjoyed the blue lagoon excursion. I think I'll do it again. Very relaxing vacation.

If your of an age to want to ride the flow-rider, use the boxing ring, use the kiddie water zone, etc. go with Independence. For me, 14 days on Adventure would be the way to go. You will have the promenade, ice show, and theater experience that would be the same/similar to Indie. The ship is not quite as long. We like an aft (rear) balcony, which is hard to get, but will give you a patio size balcony AND allow you to watch as you steam out of port (make sure it is on the very end, butt, of the ship). It is well worth it. I love to sit back there with a cup of tea and watch the world go by. Sunrise and sunset can be fantastic from your own balcony too (and you don't have to get dressed up to watch it). I think the pay to eat venues can be overpriced and the main dining room usually has something that I enjoy. I would go to Johnny Rockets only because I like their hamburgers and shakes. Chops is nice too, if you want to spend the money. Forgot to mention how heavenly breakfast is on the balcony while the ship pulls into port (room service is free). Sailed on both classes of ships. Did Adventure last Dec. and Freedom (sister ship to IOS) last May. At my age, early retirement:), I don't want/need some of the features offered on a Freedom class ship, so I lean toward the Voyager class (AOS). Either way you will have an enjoyable trip. (I have also traveled in inside cabins, and find the balcony is well worth the extra price. We spend a lot of time on the balcony and like the additional space. I don't really worry about the chair hogs on deck, because I have my own place to sun. If you get an aft balcony, you will have a couple of chairs, loungers and a small table - a piece of heaven) I usually don't mention our "rank";) but we are Diamond plus, experienced cruisers (and loved the Med. cruise on Voyager)

There is so much food on board that there really is no need to pack snacks. No problem bringing some cookies, etc. back from the windjammer or other venues if you want something to munch on in the middle of the night. If you're traveling with a child, you can always pick up a small box of cheerios in the windjammer at breakfast to stash away for later.

....still alive and kicking.

 

Reading these posts make it so clear that as a whole we are still so judgmental. It's like George Carlin used to say, "If you are on the freeway and you are going faster than ME, you are driving much too fast and should be pulled over--if you are driving slower than ME, you are nuisance and should be required to speed up." Also known as The World According to Garp Syndrome. We all suffer from it to one degree or another, and it came out in true form on this thread.

 

Where did ego come from? Very interesting. And if you spend 20 hours a day signed up for every activity offered from sun up to sun down, no one is bashing you saying you don't know how to relax. Why is it if you spend time in your cabin you are either watching paint dry or comotose....or worse, just inside admiring your own crib....really? Wow.

 

My DH doesn't drink alcohol, but for him, relaxing is lounging out on his personal balcony just watching nothing go by. I do a few things on ship, but my work is so hectic, I just really relax and read and don't plan much at all. We were in suites long before the cruise lines even had a CL.

 

We actually won a free cruise once. Inside cabin. We gave it to someone because we are not going in a small room just because it was free because our vacations are way too important to us. And we only take two a year so we make them as good as we can afford. And we've never been upgraded and always select our cabin. DH is very specific as to what side he wants to be on for sun exposure.

 

There is room for everyone and why anyone feels the need to stereotype someone that has a different position about accommodations or how many hours one spends doing activities around the ship is just telling how we are still so intolerant of others if they aren't just like us.

 

The ego comment is probably the true standout. No one even knows we travel in a suite....We really don't do much where anyone would even know (we're in suite watching paint dry).

 

Never go to the designated pool desk (DH is on balcony), attend a show or two, but have no problems getting better seats ourselves. Rarely go to MDR, mostly specialty restaurants and I suppose they know after we tell them our cabin, but they couldn't care less.

 

Maybe people in nonsuites think we tell everyone we meet we're in suite....or think we think we deserve better treatment? If that's the case (why else would someone really think it is ego related), I can assure you--that's just not us.

 

And now that there is a CL, we don't bother. In my limited experience, they serve bottom of the barrel cabernet and domestic beer. I would rather spend a few dollars and get a Bass. I'm not going to drink booze just because it is free.

 

:/

And because you're doing exactly what you want to do, you enjoy your vacation. I like the relaxation aspect (on the balcony) of the ship also.

Nice, now this is the WOW factor at work:D

agree:D True WoW factor

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, mid-January-mid-Feb. and May are usually cheaper times to cruise. Watch the web sites. We booked a Jr. Suite in June on Enchantment for less than a balcony (and still can't figure that one out) for a four day cruise. An aft balcony, if you can get one will give you more balcony space, so you will feel upgraded at the same price.

I have stayed in an owners suite once, thanks to the upgrade fairy. It was wonderful, but we really didn't need the space and the balcony felt small. We stayed with other family members in a Royal Family Suite on Freedom once, didn't feel like climbing to a totally sunny space located over the bar in the pool area for reserved seating by the pool, LOL. This was hardly a perk. It's nice to have reserved seating at the shows, but if you get there early, you can always get a good seat in any section you prefer to sit in. If you want concierge service, book a grand suite. If you want more space, book a Jr. Suite (and get double cruise points too). You will have a coffee maker/tea kettle in your room which I always enjoy. Look at the cheaper times to sail, find ports you want to visit, book a balcony and watch for price drops to upgrade, if possible, and you can't go wrong. Voyager/Freedom class ships are cheaper than Oasis and have a lot of the bells and whistles. I do like Vision and Radiance class ships which have a more intimate feel and usually are more port intensive. (I don't list past cruises, but I have sailed Royal quite a bit (D+) along with Princess and one NCL cruise) This is based on my experience over the past 10+ years. I'm dating myself, but, "Happy sails to you!"

I sure hope they do not hire Ron Johnson to fill Adam Goldstein's former position as President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.:eek:

 

Now that you mention it LuvBNatC, there's more to compare the Royal Caribbean changes to JCPenney. In addition to the boutiques (Dynamic Dining), they eliminated sales and coupons in favor of "Everyday Low Prices". C&A Savings Certificates have now been eliminated.

(My biggest problem with JCP under that CEO was that my size wasn't in stock. Now that he's gone and they reinstate the previous CEO, they have my size and I now continue to shop there.)

 

As for targeting a younger, hipper clientele with Dynamic Dining; it's a load of garbage. The real reason is to get people into eating at specialty restaurants, especially the extra $$$ ones. Other than Johnny Rockets for dinner on the first night of my first cruise, I do not eat at the extra $$$ restaurants for dinner. I enjoy the company of my tablemates at dinner in the MDR, and the menus elsewhere for an additional charge do not impress me. By taking away the MDR, Royal Caribbean is banking on more people eating at $$$ restaurants since choices are limited to 4 non-suite complimentary restaurants with limited niche menus that may not be appealing to some passengers. At least the MDR has a different menu each night of the cruise, along with classics to cater to most peoples' tastes.

I realize that RCI would like to attract a younger, hipper clientele - many of those who have children also (by offering flow riders, merry-go-round's, nice kids clubs, etc), but many of those cannot afford to take frequent cruises or are constrained by school calendars. My own children are in this bind. Day care/after school care eats up a lot of their paychecks, leaving little for cruising. ( 6 figure wages are quickly consumed by 25k child care, mortgage, either car payments or repairs on the older car, groceries, life in general). I've seen comments in the past about older cruisers on board. Often those 50+ have mortgages paid off, kids out of college, more vacation time, more flexibility to travel, and I could go on. In our first 25 years of marriage, we went on a few, brief land trips which is what we could afford. My parents have since treated us to a few cruises, and we have cruised on our own. It is much cheaper for the two of us to cruise than it would have been for our family to have cruised. RCI needs to take a look at who their "bread and butter" customers are. I too stopped shopping at JCP when I couldn't find what I was looking for (and I also had shopped there for grandkids who's sizes/brands disappeared) but have now come back - because they meet my needs. I am also reminded of the "New Coke" fiasco. For those of you too young to remember, Coke decided it wanted to include a younger perceived "Pepsi" generation so they switched up their formula. Didn't work out too well. Stories were even printed about young Amy Carter, in the White House, hoarding the real Coke. Coke had to bring back "Coke Classic". Haven't seen new Coke in years. To keep me coming back, you have to meet my needs. There are other choices out there. Some that are more attractive at times. While I mostly cruise Royal, it is not my exclusive line. Those who fail to learn from history (the history of others and their own), are doomed to repeat it (both mistake wise and not learning from "good" judgments of others) As an aside, I read through the QN's menus and they were a real turn off, so for that reason, I would not have cruised her (along with not needing all the "golly gee" bumper cars, etc)

Princess does not allow smoking everywhere, no smoking on balconies either.

Smoking is allowed in Casino on certain nights and in the cigar bar and one or 2 other smoking areas.

I was referring to vapping not actual smoking.

Is anyone going to mention the elephant in the room? Smoking was banned on balconies, beginning Jan. 1st and some smokers went "shopping" for a line that allows it. Those who "vape" either continue to do so covertly or have moved on also (Princess allows it everywhere but the theater and dining room). If you're trying to quite smoking, chances are you will not join them to "vape" and be around smoking and smokers. I'm sure that some of the revenue went to other lines.

I know we met on dock at about 8:00 and went to the island. We left and went back at 1:30. I believe we could have stayed until 4:30. It was a beautiful beach break. Warm, shallow water, beautiful, soft sand. float toys, hammocks, loungers, shade/sun, nice beach bar, good lunch, relaxing day. The ride to and from the island was nice too. IMHO well worth it (and I am not a "beach" person).

I am so glad somebody caught you trying to give Princess an unfair advantage over RC in the stateroom size.

 

Telling people the room is "about the same size" when it is clearly smaller.

 

That is just dishonest.

 

Thank god we have someone with statistics to prove you are wrong......

 

 

Been on many RCI cruises (Diamond+) and some Princess cruises. That being said, because of the "closet set up" the rooms do feel about the same size. We were mid Baja deck (one floor down from Aloha) and the room does feel about the same size. Same for Diamond Princess. On Diamond we had 4 cabins in a row opened up to each other and had a ball. Some RCI ships have balconies that can connect and, as it has been stated/complained about on these boards, sometimes you are not allowed to open them. I found the people working on the ship to be very personable, but then we had traditional dining and liked the piano bar area (bar), so that may have made a difference.