I Don't want Shrek

[lovemylab]

You folks are aware this isn't a feetwide RCI thing, right? You folks are aware this is only on the larger ships that are already geared toward numerous activities, right? I have to ask, because some of these comments seem to indicate people think all RCI's ships are being painted green, or something.

 

I agree completely. I don't want to sail with characters either, so I will just continue to stick with the Radiance and Voyager class ships.

 

And if someone wants to avoid children and famillies - then the easiest way to avoid this is to cruise during times of the year when children are in school. If you choose to cruise during summer, holidays or any other time of the year than there will be children and famillies onboard (regardless of the line you are on).

[marci22]

Until then it is pure speculation on how "in your face" this will be and how it effects your cruise experience.

 

Again, it is not about the characters coming up to you, it is about the general trend Shrekking implies.

 

I would never book a SpongeBob cruise (offered in the past) and I don't have any Freedom/Oasis class booked for the future. It just reinforces my choices of other classes.

[Bakincakes]

I agree it is a "wait and see" situation.

 

but..given that RCI is obviously going after younger families by implementing this character themed nonsense it may be time for older pax to choose different ships and leave the larger ones to the younger crowds.

 

Even if the characters aren't in your face the crowds of kids who will be attracted to these onboard characters will far exceed the number onboard now. No thanks.:mad:

[funat55]

Isn't it a blessing now that RCCL has over 20 ships to choose from not to mention all the other cruise lines out there. You say you don't mind the kids but you don't want characters in your face, then find a ship that suits your tastes. I just don't want you coming on my cruise and spoiling my fun when you already know what to expect. I wouldn't go on (by way of example) a HAL cruise to Alaska and complain about all the old people. The decision to bring on the characters had to be a collective process, carefully examined, and well thought out. They wouldn't do it if they thought it was going to hurt business. I know that RCCL loves us, but isn't the bottom line really the point. There was a time when cruising was only for the wealthy and now families with children can find an affordable cruise too. I have 7 grandchildren, and I hope I never get too old to enjoy life from a childs point of view whether my grandkids are with me or not. And to the poster who said that in her day the family took vacations to Yosemite and Europe all I can say is WOW. I would gladly have traded one of my cruises for a trip to Europe.

[DocJohnB]

You folks are aware this isn't a feetwide RCI thing, right? You folks are aware this is only on the larger ships that are already geared toward numerous activities, right?

 

Yes and yes.

 

[farnamcoach]

I dont love the idea.... But I think its a good move by rccl the large ships are more resort like to go after young familys with children. There are options for people who dont want that type of vacation on other ships so you can have it any way you want.

[onyourtoes]

I agree completely. I don't want to sail with characters either, so I will just continue to stick with the Radiance and Voyager class ships.

 

And if someone wants to avoid children and famillies - then the easiest way to avoid this is to cruise during times of the year when children are in school. If you choose to cruise during summer, holidays or any other time of the year than there will be children and famillies onboard (regardless of the line you are on).

 

That is why I always cruise in mid to late September, but there are still children on board. I think they are somewhere in the area of 6 years old and below. So the person who said that they couldn't eat a whole one, should cruise around late September. Do you know how small a 5 year old is? LOL

Happy cruising to you all.

[k8ster72]

I have no problem with the DreamWorks characters on the ships. They honestly will not bother me. For the record, DH and I do not have kids and tend to cruise during times when school is in session. We also prefer the smaller ships anyway.

 

I just wish they would have spent some of that money sprucing up the MDR food and bringing back chocolates for the pillows. :D

[Kimbopolo]

If some thing is going on that you don't like it is possible to get away from it.

 

I don't always like all the crazy stuff that goes on by the pool on sea days. Belly flop contests do not amuse me.

 

 

That's exactly why I consider a balcony a necessity, not a luxury.

 

If you've seen one Hairy Chest contest, you've seen 'em all! ;)

[Shak]

I find the ship's photographers more annoying than any cartoon charterer that may show up from time to time.

 

Shak

[smoosh21]

Look, I don't sail Disney because I don't want that type of atmosphere. I have no issues keeping this in the 'kids' area. If they want to have Shrek in Adventure Ocean, more power to them. I don't even care if they have waterproof Shreks dancing in the H2O zone.

 

What I don't want is dealing with Shrek parades and characters running around the Royal Promenade. I don't want Shrek Characters roaming around the dining rooms during my meals. I don't want Shrek wondering around the Windjammer causing traffic jams. If that is what Royal wants to become then I would avoid Royal for future sailings.

 

I also don't think that many teens are going to be impressed by Shrek either.

[iluvcruzin]

What a funny and entertaining post over characters onboard. Gee.. I wonder if those fussing don't go to sport events with the risk of seeing the team mascot? Do some people get freaked out because there are dressed characters standing at the end of ramp begging for a photo op when when the ship arrives at port? There is some sort of character(s) on most ships if one pays attention. Change is what bothers people the most. Especially if it's not to their liking. And honestly, no one is effected by threatening to leave a cruiseline except the person who makes the choice. Venting is ok. Just no one or the cruiseline cares if they never return.

[Elizanessie]

This 49yr old Critter is really looking forward to meeting Shrek and the other Dreamworks Characters onboard Allure in December :D:D

 

Can't wait to see the "How to train your Dragon" Ice Show and can't wait to see The Madagascar Aqua show :D Never seen a 3D movie..so looking forward to that too :D

 

Hey I am a kid at heart ..and not ashamed to admit it :D

[tip]

Sorry. I still don't quite understand the complaint. These ships used to have the Kruze Komics, which most people seemed to be entertained by. Their presence brought a chuckle, but it's not like there were dozens of them all over the ship, eating with you and sleeping with you. I just don't see this pair being much different.

 

If people want to latch on to this as an excuse to, once again, rag on a cruise line, so be it. I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. The ships they are going to be on are so large, these two would be easily avoided.

 

Agreed. I have found this whole thread to be a classic "Shakespeare"-- Much Ado About Nothing.

[Solstice23]

I don't cruise to be entertained by juvenile themes I need some sea spray and great service, five meals a day and good ports of call. Disney fills the family niche but RCL now wants to compete with Disney? I enjoy seeing families on board but what happened to family time instead of "entertain me every minute". I remember what happened in Las Vegas when they tried to go over board with family themes and see where it got them, back to the old "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". I like RCl enough to have over 24 cruises with them but I'm thinking it's not as a good a match as it used to be. Princess will get a closer look and Celebrity for my cruising dollar after I sail my next 2 bookings with RCL.

Flame away, I'm still allowed my opinion.:D

 

 

I am sure on Allure or Oasis you can find many spots not featuring them at any given time!

[DocJohnB]

Because that's not what these ships were designed for. They were designed to compete with land based resorts such as Vegas and Disney and that's exactly what RCI is doing here. Not so sure why it's hard for some to figure out. For those wanting a traditional cruise ship experience, Oasis and Allure is not the ship to choose.

 

Neither are Freedom or Liberty OTS. The 3rd of this class sails exclusively overseas.

 

Apparently if one wants to sail on RCI and not be bothered by the "characterization" of the ships, they will not be able to sail on RCI's newest ships.

 

All I am saying (and have been saying) is that there has to be a happy medium somewhere.

[Aquahound]

Until someone goes on a cruise with Shrek and the gang, I don't think it's worth getting worked up about. I didn't think I'd like Oasis, but we got a good deal on it, and you know what, we loved it! I can't make a decision that I hate something or that it's going to ruin my vacation until I actually experience it. But if you can, great for you. Or you can just go on a different ship. Or you can just compain for no reason. Whatever! :eek:

 

I agree with you 100% There seems to be some pretty strong opinions over perception, not experience.

 

There were many similar posts about Oasis. Many of the people who actually tried it changed their tune.

 

I still don't see how a person in a cartoon suit can change a whole cruise experience. If that is a breaking point, there surely must be more about the cruise line folks are upset with.

[Bella1031]

I find the ship's photographers more annoying than any cartoon charterer that may show up from time to time.

 

Shak

 

 

Totally agree with that one! :p

[Cruising89143]

Neither are Freedom or Liberty OTS. The 3rd of this class sails exclusively overseas.

 

Apparently if one wants to sail on RCI and not be bothered by the "characterization" of the ships, they will not be able to sail on RCI's newest ships.

 

All I am saying (and have been saying) is that there has to be a happy medium somewhere.

 

There is, it's called Celebrity.;)

[MoYerclan]

I'm discouraged by the idea of "shrekasizing" a ship, but even more discouraged by the thought of those huge honkin' television screens being put out over the pool on a ship as lovely as the Liberty of the Seas.

Ship entertainment should be "live" in my opinion. That makes it more special rather than just more of what one can do at home. I have this image in my mind of hypnotized cruise passengers with jaws dropped just staring at a television screen instead of their surroundings, or intermingling with other passengers, or reading a nice book.

[neil_Young_Fan]

If the RC could make a mint of cash building a 225K ton ship for "OLD-TIME" cruisers, then they would of built the "Old-Folks-Home of the Seas."

 

What exactly do you expect them to do, build a massive ship that doesn't appeal to all ages?

 

Let's build a ship for just people who want a cruise for peace and quite .

 

225K Tons of space for "the world's largest Bingo Hall at sea!" ...25 times the pool loungers surrounding 25 pools that aren't needed ... so that that all passengers may have a poolside seat (great view of vacant pools). A windjammer that takes up an entire deck ... and my Time dining for everyone at Chops - which now takes up 2 decks (no extra charge-heck, RC will pay U to dine there ... R U HAPPY YET?)

 

NO? .....R E A L L Y? NO, REALLY! ....OK

 

Did I meantion we have 50 elevators, 2 separate Casino's (loosest slots in the World - just a side note) 1 Casino is smoke free and has free Champaigne for all gamblers ... in the other you can smoke until Bob Marley rises from the dead ... here all BEERS are only a nickle (ROLL BACK PRICE to 1963 ... just for our "Target Guests!"

 

But what about those annoying people with kids/or children themselves (you know ... the part of society that makes up 90% of all people THAT WE'RE TRYING SO VERY VERY HARD ... NOT TO ENTICE to cruise with us ....

 

We sadly (due to the Civil Rights ... sorry, I know ... you were against them back in the day ... you knew it would eventually lead to the SHRIEKIZATION of your vacation experience.)

 

We sadly have to inform you that RC must allow families to Cruise on this ship. But don't despare ... they will be bannished (mostly-ah ah, those pesky civil rights again ...) to our new attraction floors where we have built a mini lake for which all families are to sleep in tents, roast marshmellows over our fake fires while singing Cumbia (decks 3-4 ... you'll never have to go down there yourself unless you want to).

 

No more waterslides and arcades (though you Adults have your pools and slot machines/computers/gadgets and Bingo machines)

 

Quite family time will be strictly enforced.

 

We've Heard you ... We read these boards like scripture ... and when we do something to make more money and you whine about it ... it really hurts our feelings ... almost to the point that we don't want that new dirty money we were after ... ALMOST!

 

With Love, your Master ... Royal C E O!

[Bobal]

This 49yr old Critter is really looking forward to meeting Shrek and the other Dreamworks Characters onboard Allure in December

 

Can't wait to see the "How to train your Dragon" Ice Show and can't wait to see The Madagascar Aqua show Never seen a 3D movie..so looking forward to that too

 

Hey I am a kid at heart ..and not ashamed to admit it :D

 

You and me both :D My kids are now in their late teens and about to take their last cruise with us later this year but I wouldn't need to be travelling with kids to enjoy this sort of thing. I'm very happy in Disney World and am able to suspend belief and enter into the fun and enjoyment - and I'm even older than you ;)

 

What I find particularly puzzling about the many comments about the bigger ships with more entertainment opportunities is that, as far as I'm aware, none of these ships have been built at the expense of other ships in the fleet. All those smaller ships with a more relaxed, 'grown-up' atmosphere and a less bells-and-whistles approach to entertainment still exist and are doing some wonderful routes. What's wrong with providing opportunities to entertain everyone in some form or other - isn't that what good business is about :confused:

[grand isle joe]

If the RC could make a mint of cash building a 225K ton ship for "OLD-TIME" cruisers, then they would of built the "Old-Folks-Home of the Seas."

 

What exactly do you expect them to do, build a massive ship that doesn't appeal to all ages?

 

Let's build a ship for just people who want a cruise for peace and quite .

 

225K Tons of space for "the world's largest Bingo Hall at sea!" ...25 times the pool loungers surrounding 25 pools that aren't needed ... so that that all passengers may have a poolside seat (great view of vacant pools). A windjammer that takes up an entire deck ... and my Time dining for everyone at Chops - which now takes up 2 decks (no extra charge-heck, RC will pay U to dine there ... R U HAPPY YET?)

 

NO? .....R E A L L Y? NO, REALLY! ....OK

 

Did I meantion we have 50 elevators, 2 separate Casino's (loosest slots in the World - just a side note) 1 Casino is smoke free and has free Champaigne for all gamblers ... in the other you can smoke until Bob Marley rises from the dead ... here all BEERS are only a nickle (ROLL BACK PRICE to 1963 ... just for our "Target Guests!"

 

But what about those annoying people with kids/or children themselves (you know ... the part of society that makes up 90% of all people THAT WE'RE TRYING SO VERY VERY HARD ... NOT TO ENTICE to cruise with us ....

 

We sadly (due to the Civil Rights ... sorry, I know ... you were against them back in the day ... you knew it would eventually lead to the SHRIEKIZATION of your vacation experience.)

 

We sadly have to inform you that RC must allow families to Cruise on this ship. But don't despare ... they will be bannished (mostly-ah ah, those pesky civil rights again ...) to our new attraction floors where we have built a mini lake for which all families are to sleep in tents, roast marshmellows over our fake fires while singing Cumbia (decks 3-4 ... you'll never have to go down there yourself unless you want to).

 

No more waterslides and arcades (though you Adults have your pools and slot machines/computers/gadgets and Bingo machines)

 

Quite family time will be strictly enforced.

 

We've Heard you ... We read these boards like scripture ... and when we do something to make more money and you whine about it ... it really hurts our feelings ... almost to the point that we don't want that new dirty money we were after ... ALMOST!

 

With Love, your Master ... Royal C E O!

 

BRAVO!!! Well Said!

[tmoret]

ok here is my points.

first off like it has been said the Oasis class is so big that you wont have to be near it if you do not want to. I can say this as i for one have cruised on the Oasis...

Next thing is RCI said changes were coming as there were not as many people using the boardwalk area as they thought.. I for one think it is a great idea for them to have this for the kids. I do not cruise with kids but there are a lot that do.

Please remember people this is a company. They have to fill ships or they loose money. They value every guest but for the 2 "older" people that feel this is wrong they will try and book a family of 4-5 to take your place.

If you don't want to have kids on your ship then go to one of the other lines that caters to that. I for one am not interested in wearing a tux every night to dinner (and yes i wear a suit to formal nights). I also am not ready to be put in a wheelchair and pushed to dinner. For years people on these boards complained they wanted movies under the stars and now they are getting that. If you don't like it then do something else on the ship or cruise with anouther cruise line. Maybe some people are just set in their ways and to scared to try new things...

[huenix]

This 49yr old Critter is really looking forward to meeting Shrek and the other Dreamworks Characters onboard Allure in December :D:D

 

Can't wait to see the "How to train your Dragon" Ice Show and can't wait to see The Madagascar Aqua show :D Never seen a 3D movie..so looking forward to that too :D

 

Hey I am a kid at heart ..and not ashamed to admit it :D

 

I totally agree with you. I'd also point out that "How to Train Your Dragon" was an outstanding movie, complete with critical acclaim. Dreamworks isn't just young-kid movies.