Promoting poor etiquette?

[A&L_Ont]

Thank you for your response, But this is in fact a major issue! I'm a member of several forum groups regarding the Flowrider, as that is my passion. I would be happy to direct you to the links, however I will abide by CC rules and not post them here. The week the priority structure came out, there was a very big conflict on Allure.

Currently, there is also a conflict this week on Oasis, boogie board side.

There is also conflicts on both ships on the zip line the past 2 weeks.

So, yes, Oasis is following the new class rules.

Cruisers have all this documented, via emails to nfrau@rccl.com , rfain@rccl.com and others with these emails being displayed publicly on various forums. For what ever reason, CC & this thread is supporting RCCL as stating this a non issue?? The people reporting these issues are onboard these ships stating the problems.

I came to CC earlier today to view the roll call for my cruise, and stumbled upon this thread. I'm certainly not looking for a fight. I just wanted to add my 2 cents to what I felt was a general discussion.

 

P&K

 

I will continue to wait in the regular line even with my purple band on. When the line wraps back making it 40 minutes is typically when I disappear until later in the day. As for the crew I have to got know many of the crew over the years, to the point that I have ridden with them after hours when the wave is shut to the general public. If you appreciate what they do and be nice to them they will remember you.

 

I do see merit in it being open specially for Star class guests, perhaps one night of the cruise for an hour. It would be no different than "teen" hour or the "over 21 age" hour that Oasis Class ships offer during the week. I'd be there for the entire hour, even if it was only me riding. I have been renting the wave at least twice a cruise for the last 3 years. A benefit like that to me would be well worth it even if one night of the entire cruise. If they are running it free to Star Class for an hour or renting it to paying guests the crew are still working as It would be happening after hours.

 

Perhaps the Sky Class entrance of 1 for 5 on the Quantum Class ships, with one wave, is not a bad idea. For 2 wave ships I do not see it as an important item. The other thing to remember is this is only for Oasis and Quantum a Class ships.

 

P&K since you didn't read the entire thread I quoted one of my responses for you. Flow riding is a passion for me too, so I "get it". I have been riding for 4 years and almost exclusively on ships. We are also typically Star Class cruisers, in if not Sky Class cruisers. I sail 3-4 times a year and have dragged but boards to Europe when we sailed on Allure in the med.

 

The thing is they are the rules that RC has made. The handful of Star Class suite guests have paid tens of thousands of dollars to stay in those cabins and RC has said they get priority. It is no different than Fast Pass at Disney. Those that pay to stay on site at Disney or are yearly pass holders get the benefit to skip the lines. It really isn't much different for the select few on the ship. The problem is this new perk has been rolled out in the typically poorly manner than RC is know/famous for.;)

 

The one thing I can guarantee that the sports crew and their manager do not want to have to deal with frustrated guests from costly suites as well as the guests that are not. Hopefully the crew can bring about a better and more organized manner to fulfill the suite promise and keep the peace in the lines.

[marci22]

"This person was the only individual using the priority line, and was quite adamant about getting "his" turn every 2-4 riders (depending on mood) even during advanced sessions. During the week many of the regulars counted 3-5 long runs for him to every one of ours even during morning advanced sessions. During sea day afternoons, this person continued to insist on getting his "priority" access, with lines wrapped around back to the base of the rail, with wait times for us steerage class folks stretching to an almost unbearable 45 to 60 minutes. For the record, those lines were cut by 50% within 20 minutes of this person leaving to go do other things onboard."

 

google royal caribbean flowrider society. Appears on the social media site we may not mention.

 

pez

Edited May 23, 2016 by marci22

[marci22]

A complete non issue...

 

 

 

11 suites - maybe 40 people - but more like 25 to 30.

 

 

 

Do you really think people are booking and paying for Star Class level to monopolize the FlowRider?

 

 

 

We won't be.

 

 

 

Such a non issue.

 

 

The issue seems to be that one suite passenger may have the power to impact the experience of many people.

[reallyitsmema]

The issue seems to be that one suite passenger may have the power to impact the experience of many people.

 

Thanks for the information on how to find the posts. It is interesting that the name they are all complaining about is a name I have seen posted here before. Everything I have seen in the past about this guy was positive, far from that now that he can go on whenever he wants to ride.

[John&LaLa]

A complete non issue...

 

11 suites - maybe 40 people - but more like 25 to 30.

 

Do you really think people are booking and paying for Star Class level to monopolize the FlowRider?

 

We won't be.

 

Such a non issue.

 

A1's hold 8 people. There are 6 of them.

[A&L_Ont]

"This person was the only individual using the priority line, and was quite adamant about getting "his" turn every 2-4 riders (depending on mood) even during advanced sessions. During the week many of the regulars counted 3-5 long runs for him to every one of ours even during morning advanced sessions. During sea day afternoons, this person continued to insist on getting his "priority" access, with lines wrapped around back to the base of the rail, with wait times for us steerage class folks stretching to an almost unbearable 45 to 60 minutes. For the record, those lines were cut by 50% within 20 minutes of this person leaving to go do other things onboard."

 

google royal caribbean flowrider society. Appears on the social media site we may not mention.

 

pez

 

 

This person payed for their perks and was getting them. There are nice and considerate people who pay for suites and then there are jerks. This individual obviously is from the second group. The same can be said for cruisers in any class of cabin though.

 

Pez will bring this to the "right people" to make things run smoother. IMO if there is a suite line it should not be open during advanced riding. Maybe it should only be open on sea days from 1-5pm during the peak line hours. I still think the best way would be to the Star Class suites should get one hour secession for open riding one night with instruction. Otherwise they should wait in line with everybody else or rent it during after hours riding. This is just my opinion but hopefully someone is listening from RC.

 

We sail in August and are currently in a CLS with a few of the flow riders. I can self upgrade to a Star Class suite (ATS or GLS) but they don't face the wave. I'd sooner pay $5,000 less and rent the wave every night for a private rental and put the extra money to specialty dining and a cabana. I'd still be further ahead and have all the runs that I want with no lines. Different priorities for different people.

[marci22]

This person payed for their perks and was getting them. There are nice and considerate people who pay for suites and then there are jerks. This individual obviously is from the second group. The same can be said for cruisers in any class of cabin though.

 

Pez will bring this to the "right people" to make things run smoother.

 

 

I think that pez is the one they are talking about. Someone also posted a picture of the suite benefit that said things like flow rider would open earlier for suite access. Not during normal hours. It's on that website we cannot name.

Edited May 24, 2016 by marci22

[P&K_Lehr]

P&K since you didn't read the entire thread I quoted one of my responses for you. Flow riding is a passion for me too, so I "get it". I have been riding for 4 years and almost exclusively on ships. We are also typically Star Class cruisers, in if not Sky Class cruisers. I sail 3-4 times a year and have dragged but boards to Europe when we sailed on Allure in the med.

 

The thing is they are the rules that RC has made. The handful of Star Class suite guests have paid tens of thousands of dollars to stay in those cabins and RC has said they get priority. It is no different than Fast Pass at Disney. Those that pay to stay on site at Disney or are yearly pass holders get the benefit to skip the lines. It really isn't much different for the select few on the ship. The problem is this new perk has been rolled out in the typically poorly manner than RC is know/famous for.;)

 

 

 

The one thing I can guarantee that the sports crew and their manager do not want to have to deal with frustrated guests from costly suites as well as the guests that are not. Hopefully the crew can bring about a better and more organized manner to fulfill the suite promise and keep the peace in the lines.

 

 

Much of what your saying has already been discussed. We have made many of the same type suggestion?

In a post by marci22 is a suggestion on how to find the Flowrider Society.

Please find the site and read up on all that has been going on!

[P&K_Lehr]

"This person was the only individual using the priority line, and was quite adamant about getting "his" turn every 2-4 riders (depending on mood) even during advanced sessions. During the week many of the regulars counted 3-5 long runs for him to every one of ours even during morning advanced sessions. During sea day afternoons, this person continued to insist on getting his "priority" access, with lines wrapped around back to the base of the rail, with wait times for us steerage class folks stretching to an almost unbearable 45 to 60 minutes. For the record, those lines were cut by 50% within 20 minutes of this person leaving to go do other things onboard."

 

google royal caribbean flowrider society. Appears on the social media site we may not mention.

 

pez

 

I would guess this is what the original OP was referring to about "ediquette"

Most of us were all brought up to wait our turn and share. If someone came to the Flowrider , used priority for one or two turns, then realized he was going to stay, and took his place in the regular line! Great! Everyone would be fine!

But for someone to show no respect to others and monopolize his priority to hog the Flowrider ? This is where all the trouble come in! I truly don't believe this was RCCL intent to happen with these new perks! But it has, and in the first week! All the numbers people in corporate RCCL, didn't see this one coming!

[A&L_Ont]

I think that pez is the one they are talking about. Someone also posted a picture of the suite benefit that said things like flow rider would open earlier for suite access. Not during normal hours. It's on that website we cannot name.

 

I visited the site that you spoke of. Leave it to Pez.:rolleyes: It is the Pez show when he rides, and I only met him once. I don't think he usually stays in a suite but he is a Pinnacle.

 

I don't remember but do Pinnacles get a suite coloured card?

[actuarian]

The Royal Caribbean Star Class Suites cost as much or more than it would cost to cruise on a luxury cruise line like Seabourn, Sea Dream or Silversea. Therefore, it is only natural for people spending that much to expect luxury class food and service. That said, I think that MSC handles this better than Royal Caribbean does. On MSC, the Yacht Club is a completely separate "ship within a ship" and Yacht Club passengers get the full luxury cruise experience with butler service, their own pool and sundeck, their own restaurant, their own buffet and their own lounge/nightclub. All this is out of sight of the non-Yacht Club passengers. However, when they go out of their private area (as to the theater), then they are treated like anyone else; they have no reserved seating in the theater or any of the nightclubs other than their own. It all means that MSC Yacht Club customers get a full fledged luxury cruise experience without diminishing or appearing to diminish anyone else's mainstream cruise experience.

[softsands]

I love the suite life on RCL. I pay extra mostly for the perks not so much the extra sq ft of my suite. Keep it up RCL.

I love I can go to the pool and know I will get a chair.

The newest one I just got for the first time was being escorted off the ship and through customs by the suite concierge using a suite line to the customs officer. We met the concierge in chops and it took us 15 minutes from chops to sitting in a taxi.

 

I always get a front and centre pool chaise on Seabourn.

[A&L_Ont]

Much of what your saying has already been discussed. We have made many of the same type suggestion?

In a post by marci22 is a suggestion on how to find the Flowrider Society.

Please find the site and read up on all that has been going on!

 

Funny thing is I just came from there. I don't do FB due to my job, but I didn't realize that it was open for all to read. I have actually sailed with one of your members named Russ Lomas a couple times. I bet I've sailed with more and just don't know it.

 

All it takes is one "abuser" to ruin it for all, and that appears to be the case. The thing about flowriding is it is a small world on the ships. If you are a regular and good you will have ridden with others before and will again. If you are a jerk, like the one I read about, your comrades and community will see that you are only loyal to yourself and not to the gang. It is a shame.

 

I still say that they should do something for the suites, but write it in stone with no confusion. Have it during closed hours so it doesn't interfere with open riding. In all honesty I've stayed in suites for all but 2 of our cruises and I'd much rather wait in line with everyone than have the ability to cut the line. You meet the best people in line.

 

If RC wanted to make it better they could add another flowrider to the ship making it 3 on Oasis Class. That would make the lines better.:):D I'd also be looking at other cruise lines if they had waves. I love RC, but I love riding more.

[A&L_Ont]

I would guess this is what the original OP was referring to about "ediquette"

Most of us were all brought up to wait our turn and share. If someone came to the Flowrider , used priority for one or two turns, then realized he was going to stay, and took his place in the regular line! Great! Everyone would be fine!

But for someone to show no respect to others and monopolize his priority to hog the Flowrider ? This is where all the trouble come in! I truly don't believe this was RCCL intent to happen with these new perks! But it has, and in the first week! All the numbers people in corporate RCCL, didn't see this one coming!

 

There is a new "hog" on the ship. You won't find him or her in a lounger but at the wave. Is it a Flog Rider, a Hog Rider, or straight up jerk? I think RC didn't see it coming as how many suite cruisers are flow addicts? This was a perfect storm, and hopefully after one week of the new perks it will be clear that RC needs to clarify the rules.

 

From everything I read it was one cruiser who ruined it all and I'm not 100% sure he might have been in a suite. It all depends on what color card a Pinnacle cruiser gets and if it is the right color they could be in an inside cabin or one of the most expensive cabins.

 

Try to remember that not all suite guests are "class holes" as some of the society members have stated.:)

Edited May 24, 2016 by A&L_Ont

[P&K_Lehr]

Funny thing is I just came from there. I don't do FB due to my job, but I didn't realize that it was open for all to read. I have actually sailed with one of your members named Russ Lomas a couple times. I bet I've sailed with more and just don't know it.

 

All it takes is one "abuser" to ruin it for all, and that appears to be the case. The thing about flowriding is it is a small world on the ships. If you are a regular and good you will have ridden with others before and will again. If you are a jerk, like the one I read about, your comrades and community will see that you are only loyal to yourself and not to the gang. It is a shame.

 

I still say that they should do something for the suites, but write it in stone with no confusion. Have it during closed hours so it doesn't interfere with open riding. In all honesty I've stayed in suites for all but 2 of our cruises and I'd much rather wait in line with everyone than have the ability to cut the line. You meet the best people in line.

 

If RC wanted to make it better they could add another flowrider to the ship making it 3 on Oasis Class. That would make the lines better.:):D I'd also be looking at other cruise lines if they had waves. I love RC, but I love riding more.

 

 

For the money that the Star and Sky guest pay, I would want them to have many more perks than what they are offered. But, not at the expense of the typical cruiser! There is just better ways to accomplish this! Not only for the flow, but for all the signature activities. I know the intention of the perks is good. But the end result from one individual that slants the intention in their favor, ruins it all!

 

A&L, there is good chance we have bumped into each other before on the wave, if we haven't? I hope we do sometime soon!

[MattInFLL]

Pinnacles now get white cards on ships with Star class. But after checking out FB posts it really does seem like most of this drama was caused by one person on one of the first cruises to have this new perk. I think this is going to be a rarity, but also think royal is going to work this out as they figure out how Star works in real life.

 

I don't flow, zip, or climb. So everyone is safe from me next week on Allure.

[John&LaLa]

I wonder if these issues are coming up on iFly, North star, bumper cars, etc...

[A&L_Ont]

For the money that the Star and Sky guest pay, I would want them to have many more perks than what they are offered. But, not at the expense of the typical cruiser! There is just better ways to accomplish this! Not only for the flow, but for all the signature activities. I know the intention of the perks is good. But the end result from one individual that slants the intention in their favor, ruins it all!

 

A&L, there is good chance we have bumped into each other before on the wave, if we haven't? I hope we do sometime soon!

 

After all that I have read I dont have a problem emailing RC and expressing my concerns over suite perks at the flow rider.

 

All of our upcoming cruises are in aft facing suites. IMHO you could not have a better view.:) Expect some periscopes starting August 28 from the wave as well as a live review here on CC.

 

If by chance we sailed together you would have seen a Canadian flag on our aft facing balcony. It is small but flies with pride. Hopefully one day we ride together.

 

Andrew

[John&LaLa]

There is a new "hog" on the ship. You won't find him or her in a lounger but at the wave. Is it a Flog Rider, a Hog Rider, or straight up jerk? I think RC didn't see it coming as how many suite cruisers are flow addicts? This was a perfect storm, and hopefully after one week of the new perks it will be clear that RC needs to clarify the rules.

 

From everything I read it was one cruiser who ruined it all and I'm not 100% sure he might have been in a suite. It all depends on what color card a Pinnacle cruiser gets and if it is the right color they could be in an inside cabin or one of the most expensive cabins.

 

Try to remember that not all suite guests are "class holes" as some of the society members have stated.:)

 

That Facebook site is vicious. Didn't see anyone sticking up for the new policy, like in here.:o

[A&L_Ont]

Pinnacles now get white cards on ships with Star class. But after checking out FB posts it really does seem like most of this drama was caused by one person on one of the first cruises to have this new perk. I think this is going to be a rarity, but also think royal is going to work this out as they figure out how Star works in real life.

 

I don't flow, zip, or climb. So everyone is safe from me next week on Allure.

 

Thanks Matt for the card info. I knew someone would chime in regarding this question. The new card and suite perk thing isn't yet 100% straight in my lexicon.

 

Don't forget the clips for keeping the drapes shut tight. If you happen to have Jesus and Keith as your stewards next week let them know that Andrew, Lisa and Owen say hi. He doesn't know we are returning in August so we get to surprise him. There are many good stewards out there but Jesus iis one of the best.

 

Enjoy your cruise next week.:)

Andrew

[P&K_Lehr]

I wonder if these issues are coming up on iFly, North star, bumper cars, etc...

 

From what I understand, any of the Signature activities are subject to the priority line. It's just hasn't been introduced on all the ships yet?

[topnole]

There is a new "hog" on the ship. You won't find him or her in a lounger but at the wave. Is it a Flog Rider, a Hog Rider, or straight up jerk? I think RC didn't see it coming as how many suite cruisers are flow addicts? This was a perfect storm, and hopefully after one week of the new perks it will be clear that RC needs to clarify the rules.

 

From everything I read it was one cruiser who ruined it all and I'm not 100% sure he might have been in a suite. It all depends on what color card a Pinnacle cruiser gets and if it is the right color they could be in an inside cabin or one of the most expensive cabins.

 

Try to remember that not all suite guests are "class holes" as some of the society members have stated.:)

 

I was just on Allure with Pez the first week of star class. First time I have been on a cruise with him and boy I have never seen someone monopolize the flowrider time like him and he wasn't even getting priority access. He often didn't wait in line. No he didn't cut line, but he would go do whatever and come back and get back in line in "his spot" when it was near his turn. He was on the ship for weeks in a row with a few more to go from what he told me. He knew all the staff and they either liked him or pretended to like him quite a bit. Never was quite sure. He did seem to annoy some people but I also could never really tell if some just tolerated him or liked him. I assume he thought everyone loved him. He is quite the attention seeker.

 

 

No, Pinnacles don't get the same card as Star (at least they didn't my week and I doubt it has changed) and he wasn't in a star class suite on my week. He told me his wife was joining him the following week and he was moving to a suite so I assume that was a star class suite. I think he said he was getting off after that week or the week after so maybe that explains why he monopolized so much. Either way, crappy of him to do it. But the thing is with him he monopolized the flowrider all week on my trip and wasn't even star class so it can happen either way. That gets contagious as others would then ride forever to compensate and thus a vicious cycle. One advanced hour session I think I got 3 rides and at most 4 rides in any advanced session. There were no star class in these sessions and it was the longest I think I've waited on Oasis class in advanced sessions.

 

I honestly don't think this will be a systematic problem and was likely a one time thing. The staff were caught in a tough spot. He knows them all well, is on the ship week after week, and he not only knows the flowrider system, he is like the captain out there every week. So if a newbie (who is star class) is wanting too much in terms of flow time but is told by the staff you'll need to let me clear out 5 or 10 riders first since there are 40 in line they will simply smile and say thanks and that's fine. Moreover, they will fall quickly so no biggie. Pez on the other hand worked them over apparently and used all his leverage and was basically a bully to everyone else and still rode forever each time. I've seen some regulars bully in different ways to newbies so it does happen independent of suite benefits. Even on my recent cruise a female said she would only let staff give riders a second chance if they were nice to her otherwise she would just get out there and block them from getting there second chance. Pretty ridiculous attitude (as if it is her choice) but some regulars are bullies just like Pez was but in different ways. Regardless, I'm thinking this won't ever be much more than a Pez issue if what I read on that other site is true and how often will he get a star class suite? Now the flowrider community just needs to stand up and shun him but that is hard to do since he stays on week after week and most riders each week don't know who he is. But seriously, what is Rci supposed to do with this? Take away a perk for star class on all sports deck stuff because one jerk pinnacle wants to act like a spoiled child (even thought he 67 years old). Seems better to just rewrite the perk a little to give sports staff the latitude to intervene and minimize any potential disruption to the regular line is abnormal situations.

[A&L_Ont]

That Facebook site is vicious. Didn't see anyone sticking up for the new policy, like in here.:o

 

There were a few sticking up for the suite guests. The thing is the policy is not clear enough, but then again RC is known for clarity. ;) I guess it really should be "don't hate the player, hate the game".

 

You aren't taking Bella on a cruise anytime soon I hope. There's a thread that is a bit vicious. ;)

[topnole]

That Facebook site is vicious. Didn't see anyone sticking up for the new policy, like in here.:o

 

It was only one guy causing this whole problem from what I read. They need to just give staff the ability to say you'll have to wait a little until we can clear out some of this line. End of problem. Also, those on that site are avid flowriders so there whole cruise is pretty much flowriding (which is cool), but seriously some people cruise just to flowride and that is mostly what they do all week. So they were obviously hyper sensitive to it (and I can understand why). This same guy monopolized his time on the flowrider when I was on recently but he wasn't star class that week so while not to the same degree, it can still happen somewhat either way.

[MattInFLL]

Thanks Matt for the card info. I knew someone would chime in regarding this question. The new card and suite perk thing isn't yet 100% straight in my lexicon.

 

 

 

Don't forget the clips for keeping the drapes shut tight. If you happen to have Jesus and Keith as your stewards next week let them know that Andrew, Lisa and Owen say hi. He doesn't know we are returning in August so we get to surprise him. There are many good stewards out there but Jesus iis one of the best.

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise next week.:)

 

Andrew

 

 

 

Thanks Andrew. Got the clips packed :) and after your review I am hoping "your" stewards are still on. :) I'm sure I'll be posting something during the week...