Has anyone else stopped recommending RCI to people?

[mrobstad]

Piggy backing on what Shipshape said, I enjoyed the fixed seating in the MDR when the food was good. Only once did my sons and I have disappointing table mates or no shows. Then, when my sons went to college and I had to travel solo, NCL offered an alternative with the studios. Next step, the speciality restaurants, which were far superior to MDR, and I was sold on the new NCL ships. I still tried, for Spring 2016, when I will have a friend travel with me, to return to RCCL Oasis or Quantum class, and I couldn't beat the NCL price. Finally, I have a personal cruise consultant who has twice now gotten me awesome upgrades, something that never happened with RCCL. Yet, I still hope to return some day.....

[Stateroom_Sailor]

Not every hotel is full and not every plane is full.. in fact in air travel, the price of the ticket goes up closer to the date of travel...royal had 5.142 million passengers last year...thats not bad

 

What does last year have to do with 2016? We're talking about changes that were not really in effect back then. How much does it cost to have an empty hotel room? Not much. A ship without enough passengers will have crazy sales last minute because they depend on sales of booze, casino, jewelry, art, etc. Ever see a Hampton Inn go for $30 last minute because they have 4 rooms left?

 

Now if you want to talk about airlines, they'll overbook because they know not everyone shows up. How would we like this in the cruise industry? You're standing in line to board the ship, and hear the announcement, "We need 6 people to transfer to next week's cruise, and are offering $600 OBC."

 

It all comes down to supply and demand, and elasticity. Not all passengers are even aware of falling service, or may have not even noticed the price changes yet. We'll see what happens when the dust settles. I'll sail with RCL either way, just not as often.

[DreamingBig1]

We really enjoyed our one cruise with RCI and have constantly recommended them to everybody we have met over Disney and Celebrity. We have only cruised with those three.

 

We booked the Oasis, only because our kids are getting older (teenagers) and want to go on a Oasis ship. It's one of those things I will be kicking myself over years from now if we don't do it for them. I kept

 

As you can tell by my signature, we have 2 NCL cruises booked. Yes, price and the free beverage package did play a factor into our decision. I think after studying them they have so many cool venues, I can't see how it doesn't make for a fun experience. If somebody enjoys a traditional and regimented cruise experience, where it's not organized chaos ala "Freestyle cruising" , then NCL is probably not going to be for them.

 

We are looking forward to both our RCI and NCL cruises, however, I personally am more excited over sailing with NCL. Value did play a role in my thought process.

 

I still recommend RCI, because truthfully it really has the most to offer for everybody involved, regardless of background. It's not a cheap experience.

 

I think cruising is still the greatest bang for your buck. So if it means, that a family can't sail Royal, and can only afford Carnival. They should sail with Carnival, because what other experience offers a floating resort that takes you to exotic locations?

Edited March 14, 2015 by DreamingBig1

[DreamingBig1]

I think this is accurate. I love RCI, but just don't see myself being able to continue cruising with them much more, due to the increase in price combined with the reduction in service.

 

On my early cruises, you couldn't swing a dead cat around at the pool without hitting a waiter with a tray full of drinks. Now, you have to go up to the bar with 20 other people all trying to order at the same time from two frazzled grumpy bartenders.

 

On my first cruise with RCI, they encouraged participation in fitness activities by giving you Shipshape "dollars" for everything you took part in (classes, walks, etc.). At the end of the cruise you could trade them in for lanyards, hats, t-shirts etc. It was fun, but they got rid of that years ago, just like they got rid of the welcome back gift (On my Sovereign cruise I got a tote bag).

 

They've raised drink prices to the point that I will drink significantly less on each cruise. I figure my OBC will more than cover everything I could possibly want to spend on board on my cruise next month.

 

The photographs on board are terrible compared to the quality on Princess and I will no longer buy them on a Royal cruise. They used to be good - I don't know what happened there :confused:

 

It does make me sad that my favorite cruise line has gone downhill so much. All I hear about on here are the pushy upsells that they try to force down your throat at every turn. I do not want, and will never ever purchase a drink package of any kind. I will no longer eat at Chops. I used to enjoy the spa, but those prices have jumped at least 60-70% since I started cruising and I won't pay what they are asking now. Shrug. I'll make Diamond on my next cruise but I guess I'll just start sailing on any line that fits with price/itinerary no matter which line it is (except for maybe Carnival). I'm even looking closely at NCL as an option after reading so many positive comments about them lately (and on the RCI board, not the NCL board which I haven't visited yet).

 

:( sniff

 

To be fair to Royal, after reading various cruise line forums, everything you just stated, seems to be the industry trend.

 

My take on the lack of staff, has more to do with the lack of people out there to work on cruise ships. Every year there are approximately 3-5 new mega ships launched. Basically the wait staff, bartenders and room attendants work for tips, so the passengers cover their cost. The cruise line isn't paying the usual government mandated taxes, workers comp, and healthcare so it can't cost Royal much to have more staff available. I just think there aren't people. Too many mega ships, not enough available man power. That's just my view on that. It seems like a common complaint, no matter what cruise line.

 

Now if there are cheaper products, food, and poor entertainment, then the cruise line is cutting corners.

Edited March 14, 2015 by DreamingBig1

[lovemylab]

WOW!! Based on one bad experience? Could have been the demographics of the passengers, holiday season, etc.

 

It's your decision, of course, but I've been with RCCL for 40+ years now, and it's still coming out in the "plus" column over the other cruise lines we've tried.

 

:confused::confused::confused:

 

Mediocre food, aggressive photographers and rude security staff have absolutely nothing to do with the demographics of the passengers or whether it's a holiday season. BTW, the passengers were great and it wasn't a holiday. The reviews we have read on cruisecritic have not convinced us that RCI has improved in any of these areas. The prices have also increased substantially since we last cruised with them.

 

That's great that RCI is still working for you; however, we have decided to move on. To each their own.

Edited March 15, 2015 by lovemylab

[sjn911]

We really enjoyed our one cruise with RCI and have constantly recommended them to everybody we have met over Disney and Celebrity. We have only cruised with those three.

 

We booked the Oasis, only because our kids are getting older (teenagers) and want to go on a Oasis ship. It's one of those things I will be kicking myself over years from now if we don't do it for them. I kept

 

As you can tell by my signature, we have 2 NCL cruises booked. Yes, price and the free beverage package did play a factor into our decision. I think after studying them they have so many cool venues, I can't see how it doesn't make for a fun experience. If somebody enjoys a traditional and regimented cruise experience, where it's not organized chaos ala "Freestyle cruising" , then NCL is probably not going to be for them.

 

We are looking forward to both our RCI and NCL cruises, however, I personally am more excited over sailing with NCL. Value did play a role in my thought process.

 

I still recommend RCI, because truthfully it really has the most to offer for everybody involved, regardless of background. It's not a cheap experience.

 

I think cruising is still the greatest bang for your buck. So if it means, that a family can't sail Royal, and can only afford Carnival. They should sail with Carnival, because what other experience offers a floating resort that takes you to exotic locations?

 

I really want to try the 3 you mention and found this thread very interesting. Everyone is upset with cutbacks and increases everywhere. When changes happen there are ups and downs as Carnival is having with menus and more cookie cutter productions. I agree with you last statement and my last two have been Carnival cruises and all I could afford at the time and quite nice; much nicer compared to all the ballyhoo some say against it...Seems like it does not matter; all lines are tightening belts and raising prices and some service is going down, and changes always happen so those missing "before"..at all levels we can be affected by that and people complain..but so glad people still like where I want to try next and or again..(really liked both Princess and Hal) long ago. Really want to try NCL, RCCL and Celebrity....all depends on last minute best solo cabin deals I can get at the time...but I will still be ok with Carnival if best deal I can afford...all ships and things vary as you know.

 

Even paying for other person...I feel I often get more bang for my buck cruising. I went for a week to NYC, saw a concert..(only free part..a gift..LOL) a play , a few places and ate "in" mostly ordering takeout and got the cheapest safe room possible with little notice at over 200 a nite ordering out mostly...with a fridge and micro to make one meal two...I say final bill for everything was 3500. Carefully shopping, I could get 2 1week cruises..probably outside cabin and maybe adding 500 for air...including a pre hotel...at say 2000.00 to 2250 each with extra bill and on these three lines (RCL, NCL..Celebrity maybe inside there)..can not wait for better entertainment. on NCL and RCL..they all have good special restaurants and chefs and or chef's table...to get all of that..you do not have as much specific "choice" as on land..but you have so much paid for at such an amazing on the ocean floating palace feel...and amazing choice and different places to visit and try, sometimes for future longer visits..cruising is amazing and an amazing deal..I feel so fortunate to have had 7 over past 35 years...started at lucky 20..LOL...Sarah

Edited March 15, 2015 by sjn911

[Pesseh0729]

Tried carnival once out of curiosity and I got what I paid for which wasn't much. Royal in my opinion is just right for me and I'll keep recommending them to everyone

[COCKYMARK]

Pesseh....a lot of your posts are spot on!!...but be careful a lot of people on these boards do not like it if you say good things about RCL....

[Pesseh0729]

Pesseh....a lot of your posts are spot on!!...but be careful a lot of people on these boards do not like it if you say good things about RCL....

 

 

Lol thanks! It's just my favorite line. Never had a problem and the service is great to me. Been sailing since 2006 and I've been hooked. A lot of people complain here but I never ran into anyone on a cruise that have complained about anything. I've never even heard any of the Royal staff complain. I guess I'm having too much fun to see that kind of stuff.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

I guess my original title is not completely accurate....I tried to condense it but now I realize it comes across the wrong way.

 

It's not that I don't think RCI is still a great cruise line and it is still my favorite but I feel the value is diminished with the higher prices on fares and on board expenses like drinks while the service and food quality has gone down.

 

I still recommend RCI but only if they find it a good value comparably. A year ago I would have recommended RCI without comparison - That's the difference.

 

Hope that makes sense.:cool:

 

I'm totally with you. We've cruised exclusively with Royal since the 90's, with one NCL cruise as an exception, but I am just not enthralled anymore. I feel the same as you do - love cruising, have always loved Royal Caribbean, a million great memories. But the way things are going...we are beginning to feel like our vacation plans and money are best used elsewhere.

 

I can deal with cutbacks here and there - that's normal. For us, the quality of the service and food is just not that great anymore - along with this recent "drink prices" fiasco....kind of turning us off even more. I've got no problem with spending for quality. To me, the quality isn't there anymore for the most part.

 

When people ask me now, I urge them to do their research first...ask them what aspects would be most important to them, etc. No longer am I always saying "100% Go Royal Caribbean." Things change I guess!

Edited March 15, 2015 by LuckiStac13*Majesty*

[dz9yvr]

When people find out I cruise they usually ask me which cruise line I sail with or recommend. In the past I always said RCI (unless I thought another line wold suit their needs better). Up until now RCI has been the best overall with regards to price/value, ships, amenities, etc, to us.

 

But lately I've stopped recommending them as a first choice without pause. I say RCI has been our favorite but I can not, in all honesty, tell people to try RCI without doing your research because I no longer feel they are the best value in most cases. Now I tell people to compare a few lines with similar itineraries because in recent months many of RCI sailings have gone up so much in price, to me, they are no longer even close to a good value. This is my opinion, YMMV.

 

The BOGOHOAX sale that's been never ending since last may is a complete farce now. But I guess there must be tons of new cruisers out there that don't know that most of these prices are truly inflated, even from last year's prices, so the sale is working. Supply and demand I guess. I realize there's inflation but the cost increases are way more than that.

 

And now with the huge jump in drink prices....things are getting crazy at RCI. We have 3 cruises booked (booked them back in early May with BOGO, so we truly got sale prices) but unless I find some decent rates I don't see us booking any more RCI cruises.

 

I realize there are still some good rates to be had but they never seem to line up when we want/can to go.:mad:

 

RCI is still my favorite and I will continue to look for opportunities to sail with them but it's not the only line I am pricing now and cruising is not the only form of vacation we will consider. In fact, we are headed to Cuba in a couple of weeks - this is the first winter without a cruise in years - in the past few years we never even considered anything but a cruise. It's sad but it's reality. For me, the value has diminished substantially.:(

 

I know many of you will disagree and that's ok. We all have our opinions and what's a good value to some is not to others. I'm glad there are choices out there for all of us.:D But maybe there are others like me who have stepped off the Royal band wagon and looking at other options.

 

Happy travels:)

 

I agree 100 percent

[Debde]

Pesseh....a lot of your posts are spot on!!...but be careful a lot of people on these boards do not like it if you say good things about RCL....

 

It used to be, you couldn't say anything bad. Seems... the times they are a changin'!!

[CRUISEFAN0001]

Recommending RCI is easy and something we do regularly based on our numerous great cruises.

 

In reality, it actually takes no sigificant effort to complain or recommend a cruiseline.

 

Instead, we practice what we preach, and took long-time personal friends with us on our Alaska cruise last year. That meant not only did those people have to pay to see what we were describing, but they had to rely on our friendship to steer them in the right direction. They described their first cruise experience (with us on Radiance) as "the best time of their lives".

 

We're repeating things with another couple this year.

 

We also recommend to others to disregard the whiners, complainers, naysayers, and disgruntled cruises who post about nitpicky or minor things and instead enjoy their time on cruises. Sometimes its downright amazing how petty the complaints can be and how much time people invest complaining about mostly little things.

 

We choose to be realistic - nothing is perfect - but most times, a cruise is what you make of it, not someone else. We have many years of fantastic cruise memories.

 

Happy cruising.

[Pesseh0729]

Recommending RCI is easy and something we do regularly based on our numerous great cruises.

 

 

 

In reality, it actually takes no sigificant effort to complain or recommend a cruiseline.

 

 

 

Instead, we practice what we preach, and took long-time personal friends with us on our Alaska cruise last year. That meant not only did those people have to pay to see what we were describing, but they had to rely on our friendship to steer them in the right direction. They described their first cruise experience (with us on Radiance) as "the best time of their lives".

 

 

 

We're repeating things with another couple this year.

 

 

 

We also recommend to others to disregard the whiners, complainers, naysayers, and disgruntled cruises who post about nitpicky or minor things and instead enjoy their time on cruises. Sometimes its downright amazing how petty the complaints can be and how much time people invest complaining about mostly little things.

 

 

 

We choose to be realistic - nothing is perfect - but most times, a cruise is what you make of it, not someone else. We have many years of fantastic cruise memories.

 

 

 

Happy cruising.

 

 

Great post!!!

[Big_G]

:confused::confused::confused:

 

Mediocre food, aggressive photographers and rude security staff have absolutely nothing to do with the demographics of the passengers or whether it's a holiday season. BTW, the passengers were great and it wasn't a holiday. The reviews we have read on cruisecritic have not convinced us that RCI has improved in any of these areas. The prices have also increased substantially since we last cruised with them.

 

That's great that RCI is still working for you; however, we have decided to move on. To each their own.

 

If those are your complaints then good luck. If a photographer wants to take our picture we can always walk away and we can avoid a search if we present our liquids upon boarding. It has been no different no matter what cruise line we've sailed.

[wingman2014]

If you can afford to take a cruise consider yourself fortunate , some people cannot afford to ever take a cruise, so they come here and read and see pictures about maybe someday ... so I am very hesitate to post any negative comments about how my steak was cold or my beer was warm .

 

ENJOY YOUR CRUISE !! what ever cruise line it is

Edited March 15, 2015 by wingman2014

[cruzsnooze]

Everyone seems to want a high end end product for a bargain basement price and that doesn't work. You have pay for what you get.

[LMaxwell]

Everyone seems to want a high end end product for a bargain basement price and that doesn't work. You have pay for what you get.

 

No one has said that at all and I don't even know how that relates to the topic at hand.

 

It used to be easy to recommend Royal; you knew you were giving a quality suggestion that was good VALUE. Not the cheapest, but definitely a case of getting what you bargained for.

 

Now, I am definitely careful who I recommend Royal to as they play so many games in the booking, pricing, and customer service department that I don't want to put friends or colleagues through the wringer, it reflects poorly on me. I just suggest cruising in general.

[SeaBaby]

We never recommend anything to anyone, as what appeals to us may not appeal to someone else. Our friends are more fussy and particular whereas we are more laid back and flexible. We do always say that we love to cruise with Royal Caribbean. Some cruises are better than others for many reasons. We will continue to be loyal to Royal until they do us wrong.

[The Sunset Glow]

Everyone seems to want a high end end product for a bargain basement price and that doesn't work. You have pay for what you get.

 

I am not looking for bargain basement prices for a high end product - if I was then I'd be over at Crystal, Regent or Azamara trying to find a great deal.

 

RCI is a midrange mainstream cruise line that's posing as more upscale - their rates have gone sky high, raising speciality restaurant prices and charging luxury hotel drink prices, etc. I wouldn't even be upset about the price increase if they were also raising the quality of product and service along with it but they're not - the price and quality are going in opposite directions. Sadly, it's totally out of proportion now.

 

I am looking to pay for what I get and right now that is out of balance at RCI. They do not offer a product that IMO warrants the high prices they are charging. That's all.

 

Some people are happy to pay those high prices for mainstream and that's great because they are exactly who RCI is looking for. I'm not.

 

I will still look for cruises on RCI as what they offer (mainstream) is what we like but I will only book if the price matches the product. There are still some decent prices to be had - they are just a lot harder to find. And when I do go I will not be buying $15 drinks or paying $40 to eat a steak.:cool:

[The Sunset Glow]

I agree 100 percent

 

Love your sig! LOL

[The Sunset Glow]

No one has said that at all and I don't even know how that relates to the topic at hand.

 

It used to be easy to recommend Royal; you knew you were giving a quality suggestion that was good VALUE. Not the cheapest, but definitely a case of getting what you bargained for.

 

Now, I am definitely careful who I recommend Royal to as they play so many games in the booking, pricing, and customer service department that I don't want to put friends or colleagues through the wringer, it reflects poorly on me. I just suggest cruising in general.

 

Exactly!

[artvlay]

I am Diamond Plus and i have been on many cruises. When people ask about Royal Caribbean I tell them it is nothing like it was ten years ago. They have cut corners and the service is not the same. If they are able to spend a little bit more money I suggest other cruise lines to try.

[The Sunset Glow]

It used to be, you couldn't say anything bad. Seems... the times they are a changin'!!

 

Yes, hasn't there been a huge shift in mood and opinions around here in the last 6 months? It's weird, really.

[kruzerci]

Yes, hasn't there been a huge shift in mood and opinions around here in the last 6 months? It's weird, really.

 

 

Yeah, I think they crossed too many lines with cutbacks and pricing games. Admittedly, the complaints were more trivial years ago, now there's really no denying/defending the bulk of the "disappointed" posts.