Back to the Class System

[babyher]

The Class system can attract some very classless people (JMHO not all so please don't take offense)...They can at times be the real entertainment on board..and separating them can make them easier to spot..... and create a better venue for watching...We have been very entertained by some of these in the CL..Sorry not everyone got to enjoy the show...but keep your eyes open now that they have more areas in which to show their talents....:eek: ;)

 

 

 

Very true

 

A good friend of my family's worked at a very big hotel casino in Las Vegas as "special guest relations director" or some such title .

 

She was in charge of taking care or the high rollers. Making sure they had whatever they wanted , keep them happy , keep them coming back, keep them spending those big bucks.

 

More than too many of them felt that becaue they could drop an attache case full of 100 dollar bills at the tables all day long, some how entitled them to treat everyone like crap.

[amybeth4]

We were in a suite but traveling with a bunch of friends who weren't, so we sat with them. Not by the pool, but on the upper deck in a group of 8. I sympathize with people who see this as us "double-claiming" a scarce resource, but in our position, what would you have done?

 

I would've absolutely done what you did and sat in the steerage section with my friends. Certainly suities can and should sit where they want, especially since the Liberty has 42 suite deck chairs. That covers, at MOST, only 21 cabins. It just stinks that there's a perk that's really going to waste. On the most crowded day on the Liberty, at one point (probably not even a full hour) I counted 12 of the 42 chairs in use.

 

And of course, people will continue to twist around what I'm saying, which they did above...I have NO PROBLEM with "getting what you pay for." I have a problem with deck chairs being taken away from me that are, for the most part, not being used. Enjoy the chocolates on your pillows, the free drinks in the CL and your robes. You certainly paid for them and you're probably using them (okay maybe not the chocolates, haha) a lot more than those empty deck chairs. :)

[Tranquil Waters]

The Class system can attract some very classless people (JMHO not all so please don't take offense)...They can at times be the real entertainment on board..and separating them can make them easier to spot..... and create a better venue for watching...We have been very entertained by some of these in the CL..Sorry not everyone got to enjoy the show...but keep your eyes open now that they have more areas in which to show their talents....:eek: ;)

 

I personally find a person consumed by the green eyed monster the most classless person of all.... :D Jealousy can be so unattractive.

[Mark_K]

Is it just me or does anyone else feel that RCI is reverting to the old class system of cruising?

 

When I first started cruising everyone was equal and entitled to use all areas of the ship, sit wherever you could find a seat and use all of the beach areas on "private islands". The only thing you got by paying a higher price than the next person was roomier accomodations and some perks in your suite.

 

Now the suite passengers are getting a special section in the theater, by the pool on some ships, a special area on Labadee that used to be open to all.

 

Next I guess those of us who don't want to pay big bucks for a suite will be relegated to certain deck, dining rooms, etc.

 

I'm not sure if I really like this trend of separation.

Where were you six months ago when this topic was discussed ad nauseum?

[amybeth4]

I personally find a person consumed by the green eyed monster the most classless person of all.... :D Jealousy can be so unattractive.

 

Hah, good point. Luckily for both of us, you wouldn't see my green eyes because I would never say anything to someone onboard (like the staff can do anything about it??) except the person I'm cruising with. Usually it goes like this, "I effing hate that we got these lousy seats under the overhang and can't even see the pool and all of those reserved seats are empty. So, where's the beer?"

 

:)

[Tranquil Waters]

Hah, good point. Luckily for both of us, you wouldn't see my green eyes because I would never say anything to someone onboard (like the staff can do anything about it??) except the person I'm cruising with. Usually it goes like this, "I effing hate that we got these lousy seats under the overhang and can't even see the pool and all of those reserved seats are empty. So, where's the beer?"

 

:)

 

:D. Actually, I wasn't referring to all the people that do not like the new suite perks.

 

I was referring to the poster that made the unnecessary remark about suite cruisers being classless - that was the one that smacked of the green eyed monster. We all know that there are good fellow cruisers booked into all levels of cabins. And bad fellow cruisers booked into all levels of cabins. :)

[kooljamming]

:D. Actually, I wasn't referring to all the people that do not like the new suite perks.

 

I was referring to the poster that made the unnecessary remark about suite cruisers being classless - that was the one that smacked of the green eyed monster. We all know that there are good fellow cruisers booked into all levels of cabins. And bad fellow cruisers booked into all levels of cabins. :)

 

I don't see this sysytem having a thing to do with class but cash.

Time and time again the two are confused on this board.

 

My friend is booking a suite on her next cruise. DH asked why can't we do a suite. I said she goes on one vacation every two to three years.

We go on two to three vacations every year. Who we are is where class comes in and that is not define by the seating or perks on any cruise line.

I can outshine just about anyone in my Walmart gown and inside cabin.....well humping it on next cruise. I am moving up the cabin chain but not the class line, because I am already there:D

[negc]

That is exactly right ... everything has been on a downward trend. (The worst is no free lemonade in the MDR according to my wife.) But with prices low few are willing to complain too loudly.

 

But those "taken away" things are not things they are then giving to suite guests. They get the same generic food now being served in the MDR as everyone else does -- unless they want to pay to go to Chops or Portifinio every night of the cruise. (Something I'm seriously considering for our next cruise with just the 2 of us.)

 

I also believe that the "special perks" is nothing new. It's just that you now have everyone talking it on CC so it becomes a big deal. The D++ have always been given the suite upgrades if they are empty at sailing and the D+ lounge has been around forever -- it's just that none of the rest knew it existed until people started talking about it. Now though it is being made obvious: the sign for the suite guest only chair sections, etc. It is those things which caused the feelings expressed by the OP. (Made worse when we all see the reserved seats empty or with only a couple used all day long and can not find a seat we want. Suite guests are down by the pool or in the Solarium!)

 

Actually the free lemonade is still free in the Windjammer(we had it on our last three Jewel cruises and on the Oasis only weeks ago, but never having ordered it in the MDR, I can't be sure whether or not it is now or ever has been offered there) and the concierge lounges haven't been around "forever" unless you think that Radiance class and Voyager class ships have been around that long.

Things have changed and not just because people started talking about it on CC. Whether these changes are for the better or are necessitated by the demands of the people newly introduced to cruising, is a matter for debate. The fact that these changes have occurred isn't a matter of opinion.

[Tranquil Waters]

I don't see this sysytem having a thing to do with class but cash.

Time and time again the two are confused on this board.

 

My friend is booking a suite on her next cruise. DH asked why can't we do a suite. I said she goes on one vacation every two to three years. We go on two to three vacations every year.

 

I agree. But another poster apparantly felt differently..... :D

[delboy1145]

Many agree. However, I was trying to point out that not that many years ago that premium treatment was provided only within the confines of the suites and that once guests were out and about the ship, everyone received the same royal treatment. I found it one of the more attractive features of cruising. Things have changed and apparently people are more demanding of special attention throughout the ship and, as in the case with NCL's suites, mixing with the rest of the guests is something that can be avoided if you are willing to pay the premium.:(

There seems to be a double standard running through this forum If you pay top buck you shouldn't be given special perks outside the cabins but I have read on numerous threads, the dismay of removing the CL for diamond members or do the perks only vex people if they don't apply to them

[madforcruising]

There seems to be a double standard running through this forum If you pay top buck you shouldn't be given special perks outside the cabins but I have read on numerous threads, the dismay of removing the CL for diamond members or do the perks only vex people if they don't apply to them

 

 

You got that right. There´s a lot of jealousy on the boards which shows in many aspects. Just read about suite perks, C&A perks at different levels, upgrades given, ....

I guess it´s human nature.;)

[Ashland]

The Class system can attract some very classless people (JMHO not all so please don't take offense)...They can at times be the real entertainment on board..and separating them can make them easier to spot..... and create a better venue for watching...We have been very entertained by some of these in the CL..Sorry not everyone got to enjoy the show...but keep your eyes open now that they have more areas in which to show their talents....:eek: ;)

Perhaps a few of you need to understand what a poster is saying before starting a feeding frenzy with your own slanted version....."CAN ATTRACT"...."JMHO".... "NOT ALL.. SO PLEASE DON'T TAKE OFFENSE"......Your GREEN EYED MONSTER comments = Classless..... :mad:

[Tranquil Waters]

Perhaps a few of you need to understand what a poster is saying before starting a feeding frenzy with your own slanted version....."CAN ATTRACT"...."JMHO".... "NOT ALL.. SO PLEASE DON'T TAKE OFFENSE"......Your GREEN EYED MONSTER comments = Classless..... :mad:

 

Then why not say that inside cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that ocean view cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that balcony cabins can attract some very classless people.

 

To mention only suite passengers smacks of the green eyed monster. JMHO mind you. :D

[kooljamming]

Then why not say that inside cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that ocean view cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that balcony cabins can attract some very classless people.

 

To mention only suite passengers smacks of the green eyed monster. JMHO mind you. :D

 

Those cabins attract me and THEY know I am KOOL:D;)

 

I hear you!

[Tranquil Waters]

Those cabins attract me and THEY know I am KOOL:D;)

 

I hear you!

 

You are indeed! :)

[Ashland]

Then why not say that inside cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that ocean view cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that balcony cabins can attract some very classless people.

 

To mention only suite passengers smacks of the green eyed monster. JMHO mind you. :D

Sorry, to upset your Tranquil Waters.... I misunderstood the subject of poster #1..I understood their comment to be about "Suites"...In the future I will note a "Disclaimer" and will ask the Post Police for approval before replying.....Hmmm... Seems I have touched on a "Nerve"...JMHO !!!!

[PrincesScuba]

There seems to be a double standard running through this forum If you pay top buck you shouldn't be given special perks outside the cabins but I have read on numerous threads, the dismay of removing the CL for diamond members or do the perks only vex people if they don't apply to them

ding ding ding ding!

 

we have a winner!

 

you have hit the CC nail on the head, delboy!

 

Exhibit A:

 

The CL is fabulous. You pay extra, go and enjoy it.

Or, in amybeth's case, sneak in without legitimate eligibility and enjoy it.

[Cahroozer]

First, I too like that for the most part cruising is egalitarian - everyone's the same in the hot tub and at the dinner table - and that in the past the extra perks were subtle ... e.g. the CL is not marked.

 

However suites, like first-class flying, are a big moneymaker. We have a cruise coming up in Feb. and I see that the difference between the cheapest inside cabin and the Grand Suite is 5.1 times! But I'd say that other than the cabin, about 95 or 99 percent of the rest of the cruise experience is the same for all.

 

We did a Grand Suite on a four-day cruise just for the fun of it and frankly, we weren't terribly impressed. Oh, the space in the cabin was great. But those special seats aren't very good (in the theater they're in the balcony; at the ice show they're up front, but way off to the side ... we always got better seats without being "special"). The deck chair issue is annoying I know, but hey, we still have to deal with all those chair hogs who seem to get a free pass from RCL. Without them (and their cousins, the table hogs at the Windjammer) the seating problem would be solved.

 

We were eager to order breakfast in the room off the main menu, one of the suite perks, but the food was terrible (Navigator) and because it came from the MDR, we couldn't get served until late - 8:30 one morning and 9 a.m. another. Also, the steward tip was higher and we saw absolutely no difference in the service, in fact we've had much better relations with the steward on our usual cabins among the "little people" lol.

 

So while you may feel a little dissed, I wouldn't begrudge someone the the perks. They're really not worth it.

 

- The Proloterian Cruiser

[Ashland]

Then why not say that inside cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that ocean view cabins can attract some very classless people. Or that balcony cabins can attract some very classless people.

 

To mention only suite passengers smacks of the green eyed monster. JMHO mind you. :D

Jealousy :D...I think NOT...I AM one of those "Suite" cruisers..And have sailed with RCCL since the early 1980's..I don't need to be treated any differently than anyone else...Enjoy your next cruise and each level you are able to achieve..it's more important to some than others .....

[andrzej5914]

 

The problem that many of us steerage pax have (at least me) is they've TAKEN AWAY things that were also ours. No one took the first class seats away from me on a plane.

 

I guess you never flew 1st class on international flights. You not only get first class seat but you do get to enjoy some fabulous first class lounges before the flight. Cathay Pacific has 2 HUGE lounges in their home port, Hong Kong. The lounges take about a 10th of the airport facilities and include free sit down dinners, free spas, private rooms, huge sitting areas, hundred of computer stations and of course, fabulous bars (all free). The few times I visited the lounges, it was very quiet in there until just before some long haul flights. There were times I felt like I was there alone. So, according to your theory, the lounges took some "valuable" space from you? and thus should not exist? just because nobody used them at times?

 

As a first class passenger you can use the "special" TSA security line that basically allows you to cut in front of everybody else. Isn't that taking away from you?

 

In many airports there is a "special" immigration and customs line for first and business class passengers. Isn't that taking away from you?

 

I don't understand your argument. Somebody pays for a suite will expect "special" treatment and if that involves having the lounge chair reserved, so be it.

 

It's not taking away from anybody, it's just giving perks to the ones that shelled out thousand$ more than the average Joe Cruiser did.

[Desert Cruizers]

My DH & I are not able to cruise as often as we would like and have to really save for a cruise. We are happy for those who are able to pay for suites, we can not, yet feel once on board what ever room one has, at that point everything becomes equal. Don't misunderstand me, for those who have reached the highest level and are in suites, should have some extras,like a special social room as Airports offer, but as far as the pool and general social spots, that should be for us all. We are all individuals enjoying a cruise in a Cabin we are able to afford and hopefully we don't go back to being segregated because of our cabin choice.

[aruvqan]

I don't have a dog in this fight, I use a wheelchair frequently so my chair is always where I am =)

 

However, I do not believe that the lounge chairs should be cordoned off for suite holders. If there is that little concierge pool area like on NCL, fine. But on a vessel with no separate area [other than an adult only area, which I understand many vessels have] there should be no special chairs they should be free for all.

[Tagsalong]

OMG, and all this time I thought it was Carnival that "attracts some very classless people." Maybe I should pay more attention when on RC. :D

[negc]

 

It's not taking away from anybody, it's just giving perks to the ones that shelled out thousand$ more than the average Joe Cruiser did.

 

In many cases it is exactly that. The lines are taking away things that normally were provided to every passenger regardless of the category of the stateroom they had booked. In the past every guest was treated equally when they were not in their stateroom. Now the trend is to give some guests special recognition throughout the ship because of their standing in the loyalty program or the category of stateroom they booked. Whether or not that is a good or bad thing can be debated, but you do need to acknowledge that there has been a trend towards providing some guests more "exclusivity" and special treatment than they received in the past. And not everyone in a suite has paid "thousands" more than passengers in other categories, sometimes not even "hundreds".

[kooljamming]

OMG' date=' and all this time I thought it was Carnival that "attracts some very classless people." Maybe I should pay more attention when on RC. :D[/quote']

 

No, it attracts people like me, but I am still below the Diamond CLASS on RCC, too busy trying Carnival:rolleyes:

It's nice to read how UPPER CLASS DAIMOND cruisers see others from other lines

 

What is class really, the abilty to cruise more or pay enough to earn perks......only in cruise world!

Ever thought of a Carnival cruiser reading your post or meeting you on your next cruise outside of the Diamond lounge:eek: