Royal Snobs?

[seaofwonder]

A vacation is not an "investment" neither is working toward top status on a cruise line. You will never receive a return on your "investment" that exceeds your fare. In addition, the cruise line reserve the right to change or completely eliminate the program at any time.

 

We are mid-diamond and are shopping other lines. We like the comfort of knowing what to expect on royal, but the world is too big to see the same islands over and over.

 

Perhaps we'll try Anthem next year. I like that they are trying something new. It makes me want to book the ship!

 

 

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[Trainman-2]

We currently have no plans to book the Quantum!

 

We live in Florida and have lots of RCI ships to choose from.

 

One Day Maybe...

 

 

But the "big flap" about the changes in dining is the same as the months before the Oasis was placed in service. Too Big! Too Many People. I Won't Like It!

 

 

Today Oasis and Allure are two of the most popular ships.

[Yorkvillain]

We currently have no plans to book the Quantum!

 

We live in Florida and have lots of RCI ships to choose from.

 

One Day Maybe...

 

 

But the "big flap" about the changes in dining is the same as the months before the Oasis was placed in service. Too Big! Too Many People. I Won't Like It!

 

 

Today Oasis and Allure are two of the most popular ships.

 

Yup. And when they came out with the new names of the ships: "Eww, I don't like the name Quantum".

 

Or when they announced that the Quantum would have bumper cars: "The Quantum is not for me because I don't like bumper cars".

 

And now "I like having the same waiters every night and tablemates".

 

People love to complain.

[iuki]

Wow ... so if we enjoy traditional dining in a MDR as opposed to every night/every dining room being a form of MTD we're now to be considered "snobs"?????

 

I understand that there are many who are excited (and that's cool with me)about the new stuff but based on what I've seen on ships, there are as many who do like traditional dining. Not sure that makes us hesitant. We like what we like as much as you like what you like :)

 

For years, thousands of us have supported cruise lines - often filling ships of the line during the off-season of the younger crowd RCCL looks to attract. If there are changes fine but we'd hope RCCL would not turn it's back on us and will continue to have ships in the fleet that do accommodate the traditional diners among us.

 

I really don't see RCCL eliminating traditional dining. The last 2 cruises we had to go on a wait list. That tells me most people prefer traditional dining than freestyle dining.

[Spurschick]

A vacation is not an "investment" neither is working toward top status on a cruise line. You will never receive a return on your "investment" that exceeds your fare. In addition, the cruise line reserve the right to change or completely eliminate the program at any time.

 

We are mid-diamond and are shopping other lines. We like the comfort of knowing what to expect on royal, but the world is too big to see the same islands over and over.

 

Perhaps we'll try Anthem next year. I like that they are trying something new. It makes me want to book the ship!

 

 

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Maybe investment might not be the best terminology and I am certainly not expecting it to exceed my investment, but certainly best rewards in terms of money back in relation to money spent.

 

I am a little confused though by your comment " but the world is too big to see the same islands over and over. " If I have misinterpreted your comment I apologize but it appears you are saying RC don't offer much variety.

 

We have sailed eastern med, western med, uk to med, Canary Islands, Dubai to Singapore, Egypt and Israel, Alaska, all of caribbean, eastern western and southern, Panama Canal, la to western Mexico, Baltic to name a few. My parents have also done Australia and South America. And all these cruises have been with RC. That's a pretty large part of the world that RC cover.

[Spurschick]

I really don't see RCCL eliminating traditional dining. The last 2 cruises we had to go on a wait list. That tells me most people prefer traditional dining than freestyle dining.

 

The biggest problem with the wait lists is now they have to keep x number of tables in the MDR for MTD there are fewer tables available for each seating.

 

Coupled with the itinerary, eg more port intensive with later departures prompts more people to want late seating especially if doing long excursions, less port intensive or earlier departures means more demand for early seating.

 

Wait lists are quite common especially until they know final numbers for MTD

[Spurschick]

Probably because there's a WHOLE separate thread on e.

 

Sorry didn't see that thread:rolleyes: which thread is it?

[rubrrick]

I still enjoy RCL but am one of the original NOOTS. We tried the Allure for the pre inaguaral, and have not been back since.

 

I love smaller ships, and nothing that Royal Caribbean owns today is really "small". Last years TA was on the Vision, the year before was on the Jewel, and this year will be on the Adventure of the Seas.

 

However, I do like the idea of Dynamic dining, as presented. Again, we rarely eat in the MDR, and much prefer alternative restaurants and the Windjammer.

 

I'm not saying that we won't try a Quantum class ship, however, there are many other Royal Caribbean ships that we love, that take us to the ports of call that allow us to continue to explore the world.:)

 

Rick

[critterchick]

It was the same way with Oasis. There was even a group formed here called NOOTS that meant something to the effect of Never On Oasis of The Seas. Im willing to bet 90% of those members have sailed an Oasis ship now and love them.

 

Some people just love to complain and some just arent good with change.

 

I love the new ideas and the new Quantum ships. I only hope they eventually homeport one in FL, preferably Pt Canaveral, so in a few years maybe the prices will lower some and I will get to experience one of these amazing ships.

 

Heck, Ive still got to go on an Oasis class first.

 

I will take your bet. I am a NOOT that let my DH talk me into a full sailing on Allure and I wish I had the money back. I am not going to gamble that sum of money on another class of ship. This old fart will sail on Princess instead.

[Irene7]

I love RCI! I don't love every single thing, but for the most part I love the company, I love the ships, and I love the experiences I've had on board.

 

That being said, I'm a bit sick of seeing all the "Royal Caribbean you disappointed me" with regards to the new dining options announced yesterday.

 

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

This ship is going to be STUNNING, you're hesitant, fine... try it first then critique.

 

Lets talk about how excited we are about ALL OF THE NEW DINING CHOICES ON QUANTUM INSTEAD.

 

Go back to Norwegian? It's the norwegian concept that they don't like, so why should people leave royal for the same dining concept.

[Irene7]

It was the same way with Oasis. There was even a group formed here called NOOTS that meant something to the effect of Never On Oasis of The Seas. Im willing to bet 90% of those members have sailed an Oasis ship now and love them.

 

Some people just love to complain and some just arent good with change.

 

I love the new ideas and the new Quantum ships. I only hope they eventually homeport one in FL, preferably Pt Canaveral, so in a few years maybe the prices will lower some and I will get to experience one of these amazing ships.

 

Heck, Ive still got to go on an Oasis class first.

 

Just because something is new, does not make it better, and change is not always good. Yes maybe some people just like to complain and some don't like change, but people know what makes them happy and what they enjoy in life so putting everyone in the first two catagories is being pretty unfair.

Edited March 29, 2014 by Irene7

[Irene7]

Yup. And when they came out with the new names of the ships: "Eww, I don't like the name Quantum".

 

Or when they announced that the Quantum would have bumper cars: "The Quantum is not for me because I don't like bumper cars".

 

And now "I like having the same waiters every night and tablemates".

 

People love to complain.

 

So then everyone should be happy because your cool with it, right? We have to just bite the bullet when we don't like something because we will be called people who just love to complain? Give me a break!

Edited March 29, 2014 by Irene7
typo

[Yorkvillain]

So then everyone should be happy because your cool with it, right? We have to just bite the bullet when we don't like something because we will be called people who just love to complain? Give me a break!

 

Not at all. I'm just saying that people hate change and love to complain when something isn't "the way it's always been". I enjoy having tablemates and the same wait staff but I also enjoy having more dining options and flexibility.

[PrincessVIP]

Just face the facts that Royal Caribbean couldn't compete with Carnival. Naturally Norwegian is going to be plan B. This post is suppose to be about RCCL snobs, I want to hear some snob stories. :rolleyes:

[nbsjcruiser]

I love RCI! I don't love every single thing, but for the most part I love the company, I love the ships, and I love the experiences I've had on board.

 

That being said, I'm a bit sick of seeing all the "Royal Caribbean you disappointed me" with regards to the new dining options announced yesterday.

 

You know what, Royal took a chance on something new and fresh, and the ship in its entirety is going to be absolutely amazing. Dining will be different than before, but so what, its a new ship and a new concept. If you're not willing to "GET OUT THERE" Royals slogan, and try something new, then maybe you should turn in your seapass card and go buck with Norwegian.

 

This ship is going to be STUNNING, you're hesitant, fine... try it first then critique.

 

Lets talk about how excited we are about ALL OF THE NEW DINING CHOICES ON QUANTUM INSTEAD.

 

I too like RCI but the thing I guard myself against is becoming a cheerleader. You see it a lot on the Carnival board. Carnival could serve slop in the MDR and some would still say its great slop, comfort slop, family style slop and heck, it makes cruising affordable. So I tend to look at everything RCI does and examine it to see if it really is a good idea. Having just recently starting to pay attention to the Quantum my opinion is:

 

1. I kinda like the dining options they have on that ship. I'd certainly give it a shot.

2. The one thing I do not like about the dining options is that suite guests get a certain dining option that I don't get. I don't like the classification of cruises. I should be able to go anywhere on a cruise ship and enjoy any amenity.

3. The itineraries are garbage. 4 or 5 days at sea and many of them in the cold north? No thank you.

4. The ship is certainly looking intriguing but some things make me shake my head. Bumper cars?

 

For me, I wouldn't try the Quantum because I want to go somewhere warm in the winter and flying to NJ to freeze my butt off for 2 or 3 days doesn't do a darn thing for me.

[A&L_Ont]

I too like RCI but the thing I guard myself against is becoming a cheerleader.

 

Having just recently starting to pay attention to the Quantum my opinion is:

 

1. I kinda like the dining options they have on that ship. I'd certainly give it a shot.

2. The one thing I do not like about the dining options is that suite guests get a certain dining option that I don't get. I don't like the classification of cruises. I should be able to go anywhere on a cruise ship and enjoy any amenity.

3. The itineraries are garbage. 4 or 5 days at sea and many of them in the cold north? No thank you.

4. The ship is certainly looking intriguing but some things make me shake my head. Bumper cars?

 

For me, I wouldn't try the Quantum because I want to go somewhere warm in the winter and flying to NJ to freeze my butt off for 2 or 3 days doesn't do a darn thing for me.

 

IMHO you nailed it. I agree with all your points. My biggest problem is your last statement, which I agree with. I want to start my holiday somewhere warm, especially if it is winter, and I have to fly to the embarkation port.

 

Looks like Anthem out of FLL will be our first experience with the Quantum Class.

[LetsGetWet!]

Sorry didn't see that thread:rolleyes: which thread is it?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2016346

 

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[Stateroom_Sailor]

My wife and I pretended we were going to book Quantum, and pick dining. American Icon we would avoid, Silk is more interesting, but the other 3 look like normal MDR options. Figuring out 7 "stand out" meals wasn't easy, unless you like sea food, so I don't see what you are really gaining in options. Even the decor of the restaurants looks similar.

 

Next, I need to make reservations ahead of time to make sure I've got a spot? First we have to book all our activities on Oasis, now we have to plan our dining too! Cruising is structured enough, I would rather take the ship portion of the cruise as it comes. I've heard the counter argument that you could cancel those reservations and make new ones, but I'm not sure. The complimentary dining is going to get buzz as the cruise goes along, and people will gravitate towards which restaurants they've liked or heard hype about.

 

"Ah shucks, maybe I would be better off in the Windjammer tonight. There's room in American Icon, but we could pay a little extra for Brazilian!"

[seaofwonder]

Maybe investment might not be the best terminology and I am certainly not expecting it to exceed my investment, but certainly best rewards in terms of money back in relation to money spent.

 

 

 

I am a little confused though by your comment " but the world is too big to see the same islands over and over. " If I have misinterpreted your comment I apologize but it appears you are saying RC don't offer much variety.

 

 

 

We have sailed eastern med, western med, uk to med, Canary Islands, Dubai to Singapore, Egypt and Israel, Alaska, all of caribbean, eastern western and southern, Panama Canal, la to western Mexico, Baltic to name a few. My parents have also done Australia and South America. And all these cruises have been with RC. That's a pretty large part of the world that RC cover.

 

 

The majority of their ships are in the Caribbean and it's the same boring islands. We've been cruising for just under 5 years and have been to every island rcl visits except Dominica. They are not in Europe year round any more. No more Egypt, and the Israel itineraries are few and far between. The majority of the Asian itineraries (when I can travel) are not appealing.

 

I've been looking at ncl for winter Europe sailings and find that princess/Hal/celebrity have some really interesting non-Caribbean itineraries. We're also looking at trying some river cruises in the next couple of years. I'm also considering some European lines for some better European itineraries.

 

I can only cruise during spring break, Christmas, and summer....so I am somewhat limited. That said, the other lines still manage to have some cool itineraries during those times.

 

The reward for us from rcl isn't so great. We don't drink, so we can't drink ourselves into meaningful reward territory. We get the balcony discount and the internet discount. We don't use any of the other coupons (no photos, no onboard shopping, no drinking, and we don't drink coffee, and they took away the good casino coupons).

 

Celebrity is really appealing for the status crossover....at least we'd get some free laundry.

 

It is like any reward program....you have to decide whether the rewards outweigh your enjoyment and cost. For us, the rewards are minimal and we should go see if the grass is greener somewhere else.

 

 

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[Spurschick]

The majority of their ships are in the Caribbean and it's the same boring islands. We've been cruising for just under 5 years and have been to every island rcl visits except Dominica. They are not in Europe year round any more. No more Egypt, and the Israel itineraries are few and far between. The majority of the Asian itineraries (when I can travel) are not appealing.

 

I've been looking at ncl for winter Europe sailings and find that princess/Hal/celebrity have some really interesting non-Caribbean itineraries. We're also looking at trying some river cruises in the next couple of years. I'm also considering some European lines for some better European itineraries.

 

I can only cruise during spring break, Christmas, and summer....so I am somewhat limited. That said, the other lines still manage to have some cool itineraries during those times.

 

The reward for us from rcl isn't so great. We don't drink, so we can't drink ourselves into meaningful reward territory. We get the balcony discount and the internet discount. We don't use any of the other coupons (no photos, no onboard shopping, no drinking, and we don't drink coffee, and they took away the good casino coupons).

 

Celebrity is really appealing for the status crossover....at least we'd get some free laundry.

 

It is like any reward program....you have to decide whether the rewards outweigh your enjoyment and cost. For us, the rewards are minimal and we should go see if the grass is greener somewhere else.

 

 

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I understand what you are saying that you can't go far during certain times of the year. We have a DD so are restricted to the same times of the year as you are.

 

Spring break and thanksgiving and early summer we tend to stay close to home for a weeks cruise. Later in the summer we head over to Europe normally. We never do Europe in the winter as the weather doesn't appeal to us that time of year but that's our preference. There are some interesting new itineraries for this year and next that I have not seen previously. Yes I agree as well that celebrity also offer a slightly better choice of itineraries at times. It's about what fits with what you want to do when you want to do it. Size of ship also has a lot to do with itineraries in that area.

 

Yes I wish the Allure and Oasis offered better itineraries even if it meant throwing a longer cruise in the mix once in a while, same with Galveston itineraries.

 

I wish you the best in finding a cruise that interests you to somewhere you wish to visit. I am sure you will enjoy :)

[seaofwonder]

Thanks :)

 

Yes, we live near Galveston so it would be great if they switched things up a bit. The Caribbean just seems to be the same 'ole boring itineraries. We find ourselves choosing the Caribbean to cruise the ship....which is not our preference. I want to see new things! For the Quantum class I am not sure I want to cruise the caribbean....so maybe we'll try out of Southampton.

 

Spring break we are also constrained to only 7 day cruises, which is challenging. We are thinking of opting for land vacations during that time, which will cut out one cruise a year for us.

 

I'd love to see them switch up the caribbean by including DR, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.

 

I think we'll be finding ourselves trying to find royal cruises in Europe and Asia....but if we decide to keep our spring break cruise then we'll look elsewhere.

 

 

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[ryano]

I will take your bet. I am a NOOT that let my DH talk me into a full sailing on Allure and I wish I had the money back. I am not going to gamble that sum of money on another class of ship. This old fart will sail on Princess instead.

 

Enjoy Princess.

[caribbean sailor]

So then everyone should be happy because your cool with it, right? We have to just bite the bullet when we don't like something because we will be called people who just love to complain? Give me a break!

 

Just what i was thinking.It's funny how some people think their opinion is the only one that matters. :p

[rubrrick]

Enjoy Princess.

 

 

ryano, we are both NOOTS and we do enjoy Princess......since Royal Caribbean decided not to be on the West Coast, which is a stone throw from where critterchick lives, and about a 6 hour drive for me.

 

However we do leave on the AOS in 21 days, for a TA.

 

We still like Royal Caribbean, but no longer a Royal Snob!:D

 

Rick

[palofmine]

Like it or not the days of free or as RCI says complementary dining is on the way out. Within the next several years there will be no complementary options only for a fee option.

Yes this includes windjammer!

This will be fleet wide and the MDR will either disappear or will have a nightly charge!

Rember the outrage when the first specialty restraunts were announced!

Most recently rember that Johnny Rockets started as a complementary option!

Just something to think about!

Appears cruising is soon to be far more expensive.

 

 

just chiming in but there is a huge taste difference, and ambiance in these specialty places... its worth it.