I've HAD IT with Royal Caribbean!!!

[cruisinfanatic]

You're right, 5 or 10 years ago people were complaining. I read the complaints & laughed at how foolish they were &, in many cases, still do. No pillow chocolates or jeans in the MDR isn't an issue for me & never has been.

 

What is an issue is the amazingly poor food quality & grossly overworked staff coupled with more pay venues & fewer "included" items. (like soda in the MDR) While I realize the base price of a cruise has not increased significantly over the years (I believe this is true of all mass market lines), I also realize it's time for me to look for a line whose target market is mature adults, not families.

 

When I find what I (think) I want, I may not be able to afford it which presents another problem. We were very disappointed with the changes we encountered on our recent cruise & I have to at least try to find something better suited to us.

what's wrong with pay venues? You have the choice to use or not. Soda hasn't been free in the dining room in 2 decades

[phoenix1181]

what's wrong with pay venues? You have the choice to use or not. Soda hasn't been free in the dining room in 2 decades

 

It doesn't matter how long ago soda was included. I was merely citing one of many things that have changed since I started cruising. Some of those changes I like. I loved Portofino & Chops when they were added. My last visit to Chops was nowhere near as good as our first even with the additional charge for my steak. Some, I don't.

 

I've expressed my feelings & you have every right to feel differently but I'm not going to argue with you or anyone else about it.

[Paul65]

It doesn't matter how long ago soda was included.

 

Actually, it does matter, in the context of people talking about impressions of things going downhill in recent years. If soda was ever included, it was long enough ago to be in the same category of things like skeet shooting - long enough ago that the majority of people don't even realize it ever happened.

 

I first cruised RCCL in 1993, and at that time, the Monarch, which we were sailing, was one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It was a different time, yet soda was not included on that trip. It was just like now - you either buy the soda package or pay as you go (except there were no fancy soda machines back then).

[phoenix1181]

Actually, it does matter, in the context of people talking about impressions of things going downhill in recent years. If soda was ever included, it was long enough ago to be in the same category of things like skeet shooting - long enough ago that the majority of people don't even realize it ever happened.

 

I first cruised RCCL in 1993, and at that time, the Monarch, which we were sailing, was one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It was a different time, yet soda was not included on that trip. It was just like now - you either buy the soda package or pay as you go (except there were no fancy soda machines back then).

 

Whatever..................

[Cindy]

You're right, 5 or 10 years ago people were complaining. I read the complaints & laughed at how foolish they were &, in many cases, still do. No pillow chocolates or jeans in the MDR isn't an issue for me & never has been.

 

What is an issue is the amazingly poor food quality & grossly overworked staff coupled with more pay venues & fewer "included" items. (like soda in the MDR) While I realize the base price of a cruise has not increased significantly over the years (I believe this is true of all mass market lines), I also realize it's time for me to look for a line whose target market is mature adults, not families.

 

When I find what I (think) I want, I may not be able to afford it which presents another problem. We were very disappointed with the changes we encountered on our recent cruise & I have to at least try to find something better suited to us.

 

We probably don't notice the changes as much as some, but I think in part that's because we a) never go to the Windjammer, b) have started eating more and more in specialty restaurants instead of the MDR, and c) cruise in a suite so we're a little insulated from some of the more visible cuts. I do find the reduction in staff to be noticeable, and I think the cruise lines should reexamine their staffing patterns because it (in my opinion) has an extremely negative impact on a cruise, especially in the MDR.

 

As for a more adult experience, we really enjoyed Celebrity and our Aqua Class cabin. I loved having a dedicated restaurant for breakfast and dinner, and some of their promotions can't be beat. Our 11-Night cruise on the Equinox in March is in Aqua Class, and our per diem is $195 per person/day before taxes and port fees. At first glance that seems high, but once you consider that our drink package is included, our gratuities are included, and we have over $700 of OBC, I think it's a bargain! It works out to about $85/person/day!:D

 

 

 

Well, I usually only cruise about once every two to three years, and every time I've come to this site prior to a cruise, I'm surprised at how many negative people there are talking about how far the quality has dropped. Not sure how you didn't see it 5 years ago, but I believe you, that you didn't notice the negativity then.

 

I think Cruise Critic, and social media in general has gotten a lot more negative in the last few years. It seems like now that people have access to an outlet to air their grievances they can't stop. There are some real, legitimate problems that get solved quickly in part because they're made public, but for every real issue there are bunches of people whining because they had to wait in a line or a waiter served their food in the wrong order.

 

I wish people had more of a filter before they start posting. My personal biggest offenders are the "WORST CRUISE EVER -- STAY AWAY FROM THIS LINE" posts. They do nothing to help other cruisers because there's really no information...just somebody spouting off because they have an easy platform to do it.:rolleyes:

Edited June 4, 2015 by Cindy

[ryano]

We probably don't notice the changes as much as some, but I think in part that's because we a) never go to the Windjammer

 

This has my curiosity up so I do have to ask what do you mean by that? :) This is a serious and honest question and I hope you dont think Im being rude for asking. :)

 

While I know how subjective the topic of food is, we found that the Windjammer was far superior to the MDR for all three daily meals on our last cruise. Believe me, i was shocked and thought i would NEVER say that! :eek: I honestly see myself utilizing the WJ more often. Im not a fan of these "new" MDR menus either. I realize they have been out a couple years now but they were new to us. :)

[ryano]

. My personal biggest offenders are the "WORST CRUISE EVER -- STAY AWAY FROM THIS LINE" posts.

 

I dont even bother opening those threads. They are as useless as can be. :o

[Thetrail]

Yep. And if you read this board 5 years ago, or 10 years ago, you would have gotten the same impression. People like to complain, and this is a platform to do so.

If it weren't for the complainers, nitpickers and moaners there would be no CC......:D...K.O.

[nelblu]

Hey, when I started cruising (Oceanic) I had to pay for the lounge chair(s) by the pool, no entertainment other than what the staff put together, and the doors to the dining rooms were closed half hour after the official time. These are some downsides. No WJ, but fantastic midnight buffets.

[ryano]

and the doors to the dining rooms were closed half hour after the official time. .

 

I dont see that as a downside at all :) I wish they still did that in fact! The family of 3 we were seated with in the MDR notoriously showed up 30-45 minutes late every night they ate in the MDR. I also noticed others doing the same thing. Of course the waiters would never say anything but I cant imagine how much tougher that makes their job :( Good thing we had late seating!

Edited June 4, 2015 by ryano

[nelblu]

I dont see that as a downside at all :) I wish they still did that in fact! The family of 3 we were seated with in the MDR notoriously showed up 30-45 minutes late every night they ate in the MDR. I also noticed others doing the same thing. Of course the waiters would never say anything but I cant imagine how much tougher that makes their job :( Good thing we had late seating!

 

This is in reference to those (spoiled) folks that show up 1+ hour after the official MDR official dining time. On one of our 12 nites Mediterranean cruises, there was a family that, no exaggeration, consistently showed up more than an hour later. There are some folks that want to make a grand entrance.

[phoenix1181]

Hey, when I started cruising (Oceanic) I had to pay for the lounge chair(s) by the pool, no entertainment other than what the staff put together, and the doors to the dining rooms were closed half hour after the official time. These are some downsides. No WJ, but fantastic midnight buffets.

 

I remember this as well & agree with Ryan. It's a policy they should bring back. Especially since the buffet is open which was not the case many years ago. If you were late for dinner then, the only thing available was room service until the midnight buffet or the next scheduled meal.

 

This is in reference to those (spoiled) folks that show up 1+ hour after the official MDR official dining time. On one of our 12 nites Mediterranean cruises, there was a family that, no exaggeration, consistently showed up more than an hour later. There are some folks that want to make a grand entrance.

 

Do you really believe they want to make a grand entrance? I see it as rude, ignorant people who have no respect for anyone.....

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Threads like this is why I love CruiseCritic. The tiny tiny things in life (not even little..)! Real first world problems. Just gotta love it!

[nelblu]

I remember this as well & agree with Ryan. It's a policy they should bring back. Especially since the buffet is open which was not the case many years ago. If you were late for dinner then, the only thing available was room service until the midnight buffet or the next scheduled meal.

 

 

 

Do you really believe they want to make a grand entrance? I see it as rude, ignorant people who have no respect for anyone.....

 

Yes, as some of these folks are dressed to the max.

[phoenix1181]

Threads like this is why I love CruiseCritic. The tiny tiny things in life (not even little..)! Real first world problems. Just gotta love it!

 

Not a problem at all. Just observation............

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Not a problem at all. Just observation............

 

 

Sure. I am thinking of the whole thread and similar threads like this. Not your posting in particular.

[Big_G]

When were soda's included in the MDR? I don't recall them being that in 2001 when we first sailed.

 

Actually, it does matter, in the context of people talking about impressions of things going downhill in recent years. If soda was ever included, it was long enough ago to be in the same category of things like skeet shooting - long enough ago that the majority of people don't even realize it ever happened.

 

I first cruised RCCL in 1993, and at that time, the Monarch, which we were sailing, was one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It was a different time, yet soda was not included on that trip. It was just like now - you either buy the soda package or pay as you go (except there were no fancy soda machines back then).

 

I didn't start cruising until '97 and the sodas were free in the MDR. At a some point soon after I stopped drinking it so I coudn't tell you when it changed.

[DebJ14]

Hey, when I started cruising (Oceanic) I had to pay for the lounge chair(s) by the pool, no entertainment other than what the staff put together, and the doors to the dining rooms were closed half hour after the official time. These are some downsides. No WJ, but fantastic midnight buffets.

 

When we sailed on the Oceanic in 1981 we did not have to pay for the lounge chair by the pool, but we did have to see the deck steward on boarding to reserve our chairs for the week. Then, we had the same chairs throughout the cruise. It was nice knowing you didn't have to battle chair hogs.

[pfk5454]

When we sailed on the Oceanic in 1981 we did not have to pay for the lounge chair by the pool, but we did have to see the deck steward on boarding to reserve our chairs for the week. Then, we had the same chairs throughout the cruise. It was nice knowing you didn't have to battle chair hogs.

 

Were there enough for all the passengers?

[cruiseancook]

I wouldn't concern myself over luggage tags, I will either print them out or get at the pier. Once on board they get pulled off anyway by us when they get to our room. I do agree, that I am not keen on having to figure months away from sailing, where we might be dining, but as of yet not had to worry about it because we haven't been on the Oasis Class. If we choose to, then I will plan for it.

I guess that anyone who complains about small things, are not real cruisers. Of course the cruise lines all nickel and dime you to death but that is the nature of the game. Do what you want .. when you want. Fill out online or not. No one cares if you have to wait in the terminal to complete all the things you did not do before your cruise. Fill in Immigration info, print out your luggage tag ... or not. Get them at the pier. Relax. This is a fun vacation. You will have to be easy or your vacation will be ruined. Go to an "All inclusive vacation if you want to not endure the arrangements required by cruise line. Sorry, but so many people complain about such small things, that it really irritates those of us who do things that need be done. Maybe such people should think twice about this cruise! I hope not to meet you onboard.

[DebJ14]

Were there enough for all the passengers?

 

Yes, although not all of them were by the pool. Some older passengers wanted loungers in covered areas on Promenade deck so they could sit and read in the shade.

[pfk5454]

Yes, although not all of them were by the pool. Some older passengers wanted loungers in covered areas on Promenade deck so they could sit and read in the shade.

 

Thanks for the info. I always wondered since there doesn't appear to be enough for everyone now although there could be.

[DebJ14]

I can attest to the changes in cruising since my first cruise was in 1968 on Grace Line.

 

Some people would not have done well cruising back then.

 

The ship had one tiny pool. No spa, no casino. No buffet. All meals were at the assigned dining tables.

 

All sea nights were formal, which meant long gowns, long white gloves and mink stoles for the women and a tux or white dinner jacket for men. Port nights required a coat and tie for dinner and women wore short cocktail dresses. Boy did we bring the luggage for a 14 night cruise. Of course the women wore their minks to board. LOL!

 

We overnighted in 4 of the ports. We went to San Juan, St. Thomas, Kingston, Port Au Prince, Caracas, Curacao and Aruba on our 14 night cruise out of NYC.

 

We could have guests come onboard in both NYC and the ports. The bars were open, even in port. I had friends sailing a similar itinerary on the Argentina and we arranged to meet in 3 of the ports. I toured their ship and they came onboard my ship and had drinks with me and then we all went ashore together to clubs recommended by crew members.

 

No drinking age. If parents said it was OK they told the Quartermaster and he took care of it with the bartenders.

 

Alcoholic beverages were 35 cents each.

 

The room stewards were all Chinese and spoke no English.

 

Luggage was taken away by the room steward and stored somewhere else for the duration of the cruise.

 

Santa Claus gave every person 18 and under a Christmas gift. I still use the leather passport case I received from Santa. Some Kids who lied about their age got found out on Christmas Eve when they got trucks or dolls from Santa instead of the passport cases.

 

You could order whatever you wanted for dinner, even if it wasn't on the menu. I had Prime Rib, Baked Potato and Petit Fours every night for 14 nights.

 

A full orchestra played every night at dinner from a balcony overlooking the dining room.

 

The ship held cocktail parties in the library every sea night - complimentary alcoholic beverages.

 

My Dad got into a heated discussion with his waitress over the development in Aruba. He had not been there in several years. She was right and served him squab for breakfast the next morning as a substitute for the crow she wanted him to eat.

 

Teens all ate at a separate dining table and went on tours together.

 

No security to pass through in NYC or any port

 

No cruise card, Sea Pass etc - just sign the chit and put down the room number..

When boarding in a port the crew at the gangway knew everyone by name. Just said Hi and you boarded.

 

We bought junk from people out in boats in Haiti. They threw rope wrapped around balls up to the promenade deck and you tied your end to the railing and sent it back. They tied on carvings and paintings and you pulled them up and inspected them and then negotiated. Got lots of Haitian art and carvings for just a couple packs of cigarettes. I still have them.

 

Our last port of call was San Juan. Customs and Immigration officials boarded the ship in San Juan and rode it back to NYC. The days before we docked everyone had to have their luggage packed by a certain time so that the officials could come to the cabin. They gave everyone an appointment time. They checks the passports, vaccination certificates and customs declarations and searched all the luggage. You had to show them all the stuff you bought and the receipts. They then searched the closets and drawers and once we were deemed cleared, they stamped our passports and we were free to go back to enjoying the cruise. They did this for every cabin on the ship. When we arrived back in NYC we did not have to clear customs and immigration again.

 

All guest cabins were outside. The crew slept in the inside cabins across the hall. If you were out in the hall at 2am, the steward would come out of his cabin to see if you needed something. I injured my foot on the beach in Aruba and went out in the hall to look at it and got locked out in my pajamas. I wasn't there a couple minutes before the steward rushed to unlock the door for me.

 

No room service!

[deliver42]

I started cruising in 1993. While some service has gone down a bit, to say it's a disaster now is quite overblown. It still is a great, affordable vacation. Most of my cruises have been RCCL, followed by Carnival, and one on NCL, but that was on the Norway, and those passengers were treated much better than most NCL ships.I haven't noticed a steep difference in food on RCCL or Carnival in that time. Maybe I'm just too easy to please.

[alonzo14]

CC needs a like button.

 

 

Exactly! I've read a post and said to myself, Where's the LIKE button! Haha!