Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

$7.95 Room Service Charge

springaussie
 Share

Recommended Posts

John&LaLa "Live from...." Rare

John&LaLa

Posted
Posted
In the time it takes for the room service I can go up to the Windjammer and eat 3 plates of food or afternoon scones. Especially in an inside or Oceanview Cabin

If I were to pay $7.95 I would order 3 of every item to make it worth it.

 

Well I am one who enjoys the outdoor Windjammer seating on the Radiance Class ships for a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner. I only ordered Room Service once on Royal but never again the bloody food was cold.

Often, room service is the only thing available

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
Then again...no mention of the Cancun crime rate against tourists was mentioned.

 

Also, comparing a cruise with a land vacation is like apples to pineapples...entirely different experiences.

 

As most of us know...the $7.95 original topic issue is pretty much a big joke...it would never make or break someone going on a cruise.

 

 

There were many things I omitted for brevity as the original review was also getting quite long, but or the inquiring minds I will address some other questions that have arisen.

 

You are correct in that this is an apples to pineapples comparison, it is not in just that it's a land based vacation. This was a 5 Star Luxury Resort. A better comparison would be at least Celebrity, Holland America, and an even better comparison would be a true luxury all inclusive line. Or a better comparison would be a family friendly 4 star resort. Not all resorts are created equal in that not all cruises are equal. A true apples to apples comparison of anything would need to be the EXACT same itinerary with the EXACT same ship at the SAME time of year. It is nearly impossible for anything to have a true apples to apples comparison.

 

Most people do not talk about the crime in their review of the cruise ship and cruise ports either so I left it out for brevity sake. Many cruise ports are just as dangerous if not as dangerous as Cancun. In full disclosure, we stayed on the resort all but the 5 hours we spent at the airport both going to and from the resort. We never left the property. The property felt incredibly safe, with security at the entrances, and safety deposit boxes. I left my phone in our airport transfer, and it was returned without issue. This is more than I can say when I left my phone on an Ovation cruise at the diamond overflow bar in the Music hall, in which it was never returned. I refuse to below it was a crew member would steal it, and believe it was more likely a fellow passenger. On the resort, I also accidentally left my safety deposit box open one day, per their policy, the deposit box was closed by the maid and locked, and I had to have security come up and open it. They left a nice preprinted card tent to inform me of this. The safety deposit box was by the nespresso machine that was refreshed daily in our room in case you were wondering why a maid would EVER be near it.

 

On a tangent, the turndown service was excellent. At night they would turn on your TV to a relaxing station, leave chocolates, and also place a small white mat cloth mat that said "good night" beside each side of the bed with nice slippers on it.

 

In regards to safety from fellow passengers, the clientele of this resort felt more upscale than the demographic that RCI has been catering to lately. This is likely due to the fact it was a advertised as a luxury adult only property. There was a dress code for 3 of the restaurants, but no resort wide dress code. That being said, 80% of the people were very chicly dressed. I'd say the average age was likely around 35-40 on the property. Couples and groups of all ages, but that was the average age. For the people who are real big on "Dressing Up", despite there being no dress code, nearly everyone at night was dressed nicely, and it did give a nice upscale vibe to the place. People were from all over the world, including Ireland, England, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. I felt very safe around my fellow resort members, and there were no instances that I observed at any point in time. It felt as safe, if not safer than an RCI cruise. The changing demographic on RCI has led me to observe a slow uptick in on ship incidences. There were also nothing notable missing from any of the locations and maintenance was spectacular. The resort was 5 years old, so not brand new. On our last RCI cruise, 3/5 Xboxes had been stolen from Anthem Xbox area. The crew stated they were stolen had not been replaced. This was a real bummer for my son, as he enjoys the Xbox Pod greatly. There was one area with two Xbox ones in an open area with NO staff around, and I am not sure of how often it would be stolen, but at least the game systems were there and replaced if they were stolen in the past, which is more than I can say for the Xbox pod on the Anthem.

 

While the $7.95 charge is unlikely to make or break a decision of someone going on a cruise, a conglomeration of nickel and diming adds up and is causing people to leave the cruise industry. My parents left the industry in 2006 after a Princess Cruise, and now only do river cruises, expeditions, and land based vacations. I can only imagine what they would say about the industry now. They are not the only people I know who have abandoned cruising or are seeking other options. The $7.95 while not being the main reason for us choosing a different vacation, was definitely the final straw for us in deciding to explore other options and cruise lines. That being said, for every person that leaves, another replaces them. That is why it is quite obvious that RCI is making clear decisions that they want to change the demographic of their cruise line. Clearly it is working for their stock holders. As a stockholder who bought into the company in 2009, in full disclosure, I am reaping the rewards of their decisions, at least from a monetary standpoint.

 

Your mileage may very regarding All Inclusive vs Cruising value. Obviously, almost everyone will need to take a plane flight to get to an AI. Most people on the east coast live within at least 6 hours of a cruise port given the options of Bayonne, Baltimore, Charleston, PC, New Orleans, Miami, Galveston, and Mobile. Discounting airfare, the AI will be at a disadvantage for sure. For full disclosure, these flights were priced out of a roundtrip airfare from MSY to either Cancun or IAH. Based on your flights, results will vary, but surprisingly, there are MANY direct flights to Cancun, and Punta Cana from ALL OVER THE US. It is rather shocking when you look into it. If you live right next to a cruise port, the All Inclusive definitely loses some value.

 

Adding to the value, was that if you stayed 5 nights or more in a preferred club ocean view suite or more, if you wanted, you could do a vow renewal package for free. This included them setting up a gazebo on the beach, an officiant, corsage and boutonnière, a sand mixing ceremony, special setup at a restaurant(rose petals, etc.), specialty turn down service (rose petals placed all around bed in a nice pattern), and upgraded room service breakfast (Nicer than their standard setup which was already very nice). They valued this at $499 value. We did do the vow renewal as it was free, and it was very nice. Lasted 20 minutes total, and everyone was very nice. There is no way RCI would ever do this for free.

 

Also, while a land based vacation vs cruise is an apples to pineapples comparison, it is a vacation, and there have been many topics that have come up regarding AI vs Cruising. If one was cruising for sight seeing, such as Europe or Australia/New Zealand, than we should not even be having this discussion. However, a Caribbean cruise is for the most part, just an opportunity to feel pampered and relax. In this aspect the AI is a much closer comparison.

 

Again we did not take our kids with us for the first time on this vacation, so I am unable to talk about our experience with kids. However, we are already discussing going to a family resort next time rather than our typical Caribbean cruise vacation with the kiddos. My wife rated the vacation an 11/10 and we would go every time if she was making all the decisions. She is much more of a pool/beach bum than I am. I am a much more active person, and miss the trivia on cruise ships, and despite the amazement of the luxury and service level of the all inclusive prefer a more active vacation, and thus still prefer a cruise. Maybe a more active resort would address this. Our resort did not have a night club or a theater, which is something that the majority of resorts have. Again, in full disclosure, my ideal vacation would be an expedition, going skiing, hiking, or just something on the more active side.

 

I will condense all of these posts, and post in the main forum once other feedback regarding my review is addressed so I can try and answer as many questions as possible.

 

Please do not hesitate to ask any other questions. We have been so loyal to royal, and it truly hurts me that the company is making so many decisions lately in an all out effort to replace their loyal customers with new ones that enhance their bottom line. That, however, is their obligation to their stockholders, me included.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
I agree. We spent a week at a land based resort for a week once and by the end of that week we were ready to go. We just did not like being in the same place everyday. IMO everything is not always about cost but about what you enjoy doing more and for us we like to go on cruises. :cool:

 

I agree completely, as an AI would not be my first choice of a vacation by any stretch of the imagination. Anyone that knows me, knows I have a difficult time sitting still. My ideal vacation has at least some degree of adventure or exploration involved. I would never go to an AI as a first choice or by myself. That being said, I was quite impressed by the service, and just resort experience. It has been a LONG time since I had service like this on a cruise ship, and just missed it. We did not do any excursions, as I have been to Chitchen Itza and Tulum before and did not want to go again without the kids, but many people who take cruises never even get off the boat and just sit at the pool all day reading, and in that case this becomes a more apt comparison for them.

 

And again, as stated before, this has absolutely no comparison to a port intensive cruise which is what I prefer to do. Port intensive cruises also tend to have notably higher prices, in which I agree, that it is not always about cost. That being said, this is being discussed in a forum about a $7.95 room service charge.

 

I just wanted to give people who enjoy being a "pool bum" on a cruise ship, what being a "pool/beach bum" at an AI would be like.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
grapau27

grapau27

Posted
Posted
I agree completely, as an AI would not be my first choice of a vacation by any stretch of the imagination. Anyone that knows me, knows I have a difficult time sitting still. My ideal vacation has at least some degree of adventure or exploration involved. That being said, I was quite impressed by the service, and just resort experience. We did not do any excursions, as I have been to Chitchen Itza and Tulum before and did not want to go again without the kids, but many people who take cruises never even get off the boat and just sit at the pool all day reading, and in that case this becomes a more apt comparison for them.

 

And again, as stated before, this has absolutely no comparison to a port intensive cruise which is what I prefer to do. Port intensive cruises also tend to have notably higher prices, in which I agree, that it is not always about cost. That being said, this is being discussed in a forum about a $7.95 room service charge.

 

I just wanted to give people who enjoy being a "pool bum" on a cruise ship, what being a "pool/beach bum" at an AI would be like.

Great review and follow up and the service side especially opens your eyes when compared to cruise staff who feel amateurish in comparison to some of the professional customer service operatives at these resorts.

 

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
Well written. The cost compare needs to be adjusted for us since we rarely need airfare for the cruise side. And if I wanted a beachside land vacation, I'd just stay home.

 

f1926a3d206b3a57c1795eb566c51375.jpg

 

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

Beautiful view!

 

Does that come with 24/7 room service and unlimited beverages, turn down service, daily cleaning and 5 star dining (not prepared by you or a family member) ;)

 

I agree, AI isn't for everyone, me included. My wife loved it though, and can see where for many it could be a much better deal than a cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
grapau27

grapau27

Posted
Posted
Beautiful view!

 

Does that come with 24/7 room service and unlimited beverages, turn down service, daily cleaning and 5 star dining (not prepared by you or a family member) ;)

 

I agree, AI isn't for everyone, me included. My wife loved it though, and can see where for many it could be a much better deal than a cruise.

No but a great view and you get to see Bella.

 

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
John&LaLa "Live from...." Rare

John&LaLa

Posted
Posted
Beautiful view!

 

Does that come with 24/7 room service and unlimited beverages, turn down service, daily cleaning and 5 star dining (not prepared by you or a family member) ;)

 

I agree, AI isn't for everyone, me included. My wife loved it though, and can see where for many it could be a much better deal than a cruise.

No, but for under 3 grand I could definitely live the life or Riley. [emoji2]

 

You'd be surprised how far $500 - $600 per day will go.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
Great review and follow up and the service side especially opens your eyes when compared to cruise staff who feel amateurish in comparison to some of the professional customer service operatives at these resorts.

 

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

 

Going to this resort made me realize how far RCI has fallen on the service side. It was such a gradual decline it was hardly noticed.

 

The concierge for our floor when he escorted us to our room and showed us how everything worked. When he showed us the mini bar, it did not have Vodka, and I asked if that was possible. He said they didn't have shooters of Vodka, but he could put it in a glass for me and asked what I wanted it. I said Grey Goose, and he then proceeded to place a glass in my mini bar every night for me.

 

I also forgot to mention that the TV's had Netflix built-in. Mexican Netflix has a much better selection than US Netflix just for the record. Much broader selection of AAA movies. Interestingly enough, The US version of The Office was not available. This is a whole step above the glories of RCI TV programming with the same episodes playing every day and week. I have watched the same TV episodes more times than I can count. If you go on an RCI cruise within the same 3 month time span there is a reasonable chance you have seen the programming before.

 

I also forgot to mention that there was a tablet in the room that was FULLY FUNCTIONAL WITH NO GLITCHES, that was used to order room service, check the daily schedule, had internet access, etc. It was fully functional with NO ISSUES which is more than I can say for the Smart Functions I dealt with on the Ovation and Anthem tablets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
No, but for under 3 grand I could definitely live the life or Riley. [emoji2]

 

You'd be surprised how far $500 - $600 per day will go.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

Touche' :)

 

I am assuming you are paid off then, and only pay property taxes and maintenance at this point. Must be a great feeling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rimmit Great Review Rare

rimmit

Posted
Posted
Bella is the wild card. Do I pack her off to the kids or keep her? Downside is taking her out 3 times a day. Upside is having her around for company.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

Forgot about Bella. We have two Westies ourselves, and forgot to add the cost of boarding into my review. Again mileage may vary as not everyone has the luxury of the cuteness of Westies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
John&LaLa "Live from...." Rare

John&LaLa

Posted
Posted
I want to live next door to you

There is a waiting list. [emoji6]

 

Actually Cocoa Beach condos have a first right of refusal clause. That means the owners have first dibs on any condo that is sold. It takes a while and a bit of luck to work your way up to a 3 bedroom corner unit.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
NateUpNorth

NateUpNorth

Posted
Posted
Going to this resort made me realize how far RCI has fallen on the service side. It was such a gradual decline it was hardly noticed.

 

 

Greatly appreciate your honest and logical breakdown, and calm responses to some of the questions/comments.

 

We were an AI family that switched over to cruising because I also, much like yourself, hate to sit still.

 

Cruising is a fantastic alternative to the AI resort, however I fear the forward momentum on maximizing revenue is going to decrease its appeal to an entire vacationing demographic.

 

Then again....... that might be part of their plan.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
the mistral wind

the mistral wind

Posted
Posted
There is a waiting list. [emoji6]

 

Actually Cocoa Beach condos have a first right of refusal clause. That means the owners have first dibs on any condo that is sold. It takes a while and a bit of luck to work your way up to a 3 bedroom corner unit.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

We live in sarasota. But i'd love to live on the beach can't talk george into condo life though he likes to dig in the yard and garden.

Honey i love you but give me Park Avenue. Not really i love Florida.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
grapau27

grapau27

Posted
Posted
We live in sarasota. But i'd love to live on the beach can't talk george into condo life though he likes to dig in the yard and garden.

Honey i love you but give me Park Avenue. Not really i love Florida.

We live 3 miles from a lovely beach in the cold North East of England.

 

Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites
John&LaLa "Live from...." Rare

John&LaLa

Posted
Posted
Being new to these boards, I wondered how a service charge post could generate 103 pages! Well, after I skipped from page 3 to page 100, I now know! And I am assuming Bella is that cute little dog!

 

Bella is our 6 year old Westie. She has been appearing here for the past year or so. I try and insert her in when threads seem to run their course or to try and calm them down. She has quite the following on here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CRUISEFAN0001

CRUISEFAN0001

Posted
Posted
There were many things I omitted for brevity as the original review was also getting quite long, but or the inquiring minds I will address some other questions that have arisen.

 

Most people do not talk about the crime in their review of the cruise ship and cruise ports either so I left it out for brevity sake. Many cruise ports are just as dangerous if not as dangerous as Cancun. In full disclosure, we stayed on the resort all but the 5 hours we spent at the airport both going to and from the resort. We never left the property.

The omission of the crime scene in Cancun was a big hole of comparison information.

 

Just in 2017 alone (and it's been like this for years):

https://www.voanews.com/a/two-bodies-found-shootout-kills-one-in-mexico-resort-of-cancun-/3904015.html

 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-21/showdown-in-cancun-narcos-take-their-war-into-hot-beach-resorts

 

http://www.businessinsider.com/mexico-club-shooting-crime-in-cancun-playa-del-carmen-2017-1

 

http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2017/03/human-head-with-threatening-message-found-in-cancun/

 

 

No wonder the property was never left. In comparison...we've never seen anything remotely close to this kind of risk going cruising. In fact, many cruise lines have drastically reduced Cancun as a destination for this very same reason.

 

No thanks...we'll keep cruising for vacations in contrast to being a prisoner at a "5-star resort".

 

...and if needed, we'll pay the $7.95 room service fee (although we only order the base - free - menu items if/when room service is used).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...