Error in Deluxe Beverage package pricing?

[Clarea]

6 minutes ago, Casino Comp Chick said:

 

 

 

Thanks for posting the link.

[Milwaukee Eight]

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Maybe, but still to high. I might buy if 40% off the never ending sales price. And probably not at all if I make Prime in the casino

How much difference does it make to you sailing Oasis Class vs ships without the friendly bar hours?  

[John&LaLa]

2 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

How much difference does it make to you sailing Oasis Class vs ships without the friendly bar hours?  

 

A lot.

The three we bought were Liberty twice and Jewel.

We are STAR on Allure, so that's my first exposure to unlimited drinking

[tennislvr8]

3 hours ago, boatseller said:

Thread should not have been merged, that's a bad on the Mods.

For those getting so sanctimonious about my semi-serious post griping on RCI honoring the mistake, y'all need to follow the travel industry on a wider basis.  There are norms on how this is handled and RCI blew it, big time.

They had two options:

1. Confirm that was the published price and all sales stand, with or without admitting the mistake.

2. Announce it was an error and refund all purchases.

Instead, it's a back-n-forth PR scramble.

For perspective, when airlines make pricing mistakes, it almost always limited to certain city pairs and dates, making the mistake viable to literally a handful of travelers.  Broadly available mistakes, like the UA/Krone thing, are immediately reversed.

So, if the error was limited to one sailing of Grandeur, fine, most wouldn't qualify anyway.  That's the difference and RCI's screw up.

Someone get boatseller a rock. 

Edited July 4, 2019 by tennislvr8

[tennislvr8]

6 hours ago, boatseller said:

Seems they decided to honor the mistake, np, then it should apply to everyone.

I plan to call tomorrow an demand I get the $18 price and everyone else who paid the full price should as well.

This isn't like an airline mis-pricing some odd route that maybe 10 people might get.

It's cute that they're 'owning' their mistake, but they're just screwing over anyone who missed the deal.  

The drink package prices change all the time. On my last cruise I watched the prices almost daily, the lowest price I ever saw was $42. I got it for that, I am certain there are others who paid more. Should they call and demand they get it for $42? No they shouldn't, they missed that price just like you missed the $18. Please stop. 

[AmazedByCruising]

3 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

I don't think it was an experiment.  I think it was a mistake.  An experiment would have been lowering the cost to $35 or $40, not cutting it in more than half

 

If it was an experiment, I'm not ruling out "the intern" (but a computer error is very unlikely), $18 seems just perfect. At that price, some people still won't break even, so you can measure how much people want it for the "ease of mind". You can measure how much more the usual non-package buyers drink when they do have one. Once the cruise starts, you can see if people who "inadvertently" are having a package start ordering Champagne and Black Label or if they stick with the few beers they ordered last year.

 

A $35 promotion doesn't attract the "ease of mind" people but just the people who start calculating.

 

At the cost side, drinks cost next to nothing. Except for heavy drinkers saying what kind of rum they want, who are able to make up for their roommate who drinks two wines, a coke and a specialty coffee, $18 is still profitable. I'm guessing a drink, whether it's a Martini, a wine, a coffee or a beer never exceeds $2 per glass. And then there's a limit to what you can order per day. 

 

So what the cruise line wants is similar to a software company, where one more copy of the same software costs virtually nothing. They make a profit selling a beer for $2 when someone is willing to pay just $2.10, and wouldn't buy one at $3. But they also don't want to sell a beer for $2 when a guest couldn't care less if it was $12. The lessons learned, IF it was an experiment, must be worth a lot more than the ones who would have bought a package at the regular price and got away with $18. 

 

The lessons learned for the social media team come for free. One lesson: make a complete mess, promise this, retract that, make people angry, promise more, don't deliver, promise an update, don't deliver. Promise more, don't deliver. Let everyone discuss a simple discount (mind you, a discount. Many cruises come with a free package anyway). Then say sorry in a lighthearted way, promise to not cancel an agreed upon price, and suddenly everyone thinks you're the best line ever. That's probably the best lesson.

 

[molly361]

I 

 

48 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I wouldn't pay $35 

I may change my mind after a 14 day bender on Liberty,  though. 😉🍺🍺

Me neither.  Might not keep all the $18 ones we purchased either.  Will see how it goes.  We basically only drink during the hours that we can get the freebies.  Time will tell🍺

Edited July 4, 2019 by molly361

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, AmazedByCruising said:

. And then there's a limit to what you can order per day. 

No limit on RCI. 

[John&LaLa]

1 minute ago, molly361 said:

I 

 

Me neither.  Might not keep all the $18 ones we purchases either.  Will see how it goes.  We basically only drink during the hours that we can get the freebies.  Time will tell🍺

 

Our 3 trips will keep us onboard a lot. And as M8 said, no Oasis SL with all day beer. 😉🍺

 

Lots of daytime drinking at pool

[rhuntington3]

I had them already booked but then cancelled and re-booked when I saw then issue drag on and on.  If I hadn't, I would still be happy for those that were able to take advantage of it.

[Clarea]

1 minute ago, rhuntington3 said:

I had them already booked but then cancelled and re-booked when I saw then issue drag on and on.  If I hadn't, I would still be happy for those that were able to take advantage of it.

 

You were fortunate to get in!

[TheMiz]

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Our 3 trips will keep us onboard a lot. And as M8 said, no Oasis SL with all day beer. 😉🍺

 

Lots of daytime drinking at pool

 

 

Same for me,  15 night  TA with plenty of Sea Days

 

[mac_tlc]

43 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I wouldn't pay $35 

I may change my mind after a 14 day bender on Liberty,  though. 😉🍺🍺

I wouldn't pay $35 either, probably not $25. Even at $18, it cost me $600 for a 14-day TA for 2. We just don't drink enough to make it worthwhile.

 

Had it once with STAR class and I'm sure I didn't drink enough to cover $18 a day. My kids, on the other hand, made up for Mom and Dad.🙄🙄

 

mac_tlc

[AmazedByCruising]

2 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

No limit on RCI.

 

If you do make full use of your package, trying to drink 17 Dirty Martinis, security will probably escort you to your cabin. And still $18 would probably cover the costs for that day, and the next day would be a coffee at most :)

[Milwaukee Eight]

12 minutes ago, AmazedByCruising said:

 

If it was an experiment, I'm not ruling out "the intern" (but a computer error is very unlikely), $18 seems just perfect. At that price, some people still won't break even, so you can measure how much people want it for the "ease of mind". You can measure how much more the usual non-package buyers drink when they do have one. Once the cruise starts, you can see if people who "inadvertently" are having a package start ordering Champagne and Black Label or if they stick with the few beers they ordered last year.

 

A $35 promotion doesn't attract the "ease of mind" people but just the people who start calculating.

 

At the cost side, drinks cost next to nothing. Except for heavy drinkers saying what kind of rum they want, who are able to make up for their roommate who drinks two wines, a coke and a specialty coffee, $18 is still profitable. I'm guessing a drink, whether it's a Martini, a wine, a coffee or a beer never exceeds $2 per glass. And then there's a limit to what you can order per day. 

 

So what the cruise line wants is similar to a software company, where one more copy of the same software costs virtually nothing. They make a profit selling a beer for $2 when someone is willing to pay just $2.10, and wouldn't buy one at $3. But they also don't want to sell a beer for $2 when a guest couldn't care less if it was $12. The lessons learned, IF it was an experiment, must be worth a lot more than the ones who would have bought a package at the regular price and got away with $18. 

 

The lessons learned for the social media team come for free. One lesson: make a complete mess, promise this, retract that, make people angry, promise more, don't deliver, promise an update, don't deliver. Promise more, don't deliver. Let everyone discuss a simple discount (mind you, a discount. Many cruises come with a free package anyway). Then say sorry in a lighthearted way, promise to not cancel an agreed upon price, and suddenly everyone thinks you're the best line ever. That's probably the best lesson.

 

At the Amway Arena Orlando for Concerts, Basketball, and other events. Beer is $16 and Tito’s $20. 

 

During Bikeweek, beer at the Speedway is $12. On Mainstreet $6. 

Edited July 4, 2019 by Milwaukee Eight

[ninja1]

21 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

How much difference does it make to you sailing Oasis Class vs ships without the friendly bar hours?  

 

What are friendly bar hours? Is Oasis Class more unfriendly? Sorry for basic question, but I’ve only booked my second cruise. Not that it will matter, knowing I’ll be fast asleep before midnight.

[mayleeman]

5 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Actually they don't.  Only have the limited hours for the $18 sale doesn't tell them anything.  How many of the people who bought at $18 would have purchased at $50?  How many who didn't purchase at $50 did purchase at $18?  

And how many who might have bought at 49 won't buy at all because they are mad about RCI honoring the 18 (showing they can afford it) but never reducing prices to a reasonable amount in between?

 

If this was an experiment, it is even stupider than if it was a mistake!

[Milwaukee Eight]

2 minutes ago, ninja1 said:

 

What are friendly bar hours? Is Oasis Class more unfriendly? Sorry for basic question, but I’ve only booked my second cruise. Not that it will matter, knowing I’ll be fast asleep before midnight.

For Suites and Pinnacles, Oasis Class have the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen that offer complimentary beer and wine on the Diamond list from 11-11. 

[Merion_Mom]

5 minutes ago, ninja1 said:

 

What are friendly bar hours? Is Oasis Class more unfriendly? Sorry for basic question, but I’ve only booked my second cruise. Not that it will matter, knowing I’ll be fast asleep before midnight.

 

On Oasis class ships, (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony), there is a Suite Lounge.  This Suite Lounge serves cruisers in staterooms Grand Suite and up.  From 11 A.M. until late, these particular cruisers can get water, soda, beer & wine.  This does not exist on other ships.  If the cruisers are in the most expensive suites (those classified as "Star Class"), they get a free unlimited beverage package that can be used anywhere on the ship.

[Milwaukee Eight]

16 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

No limit on RCI. 

I have been cutoff before. 

[ninja1]

Just now, Milwaukee Eight said:

For Suites and Pinnacles, Oasis Class have the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen that offer complimentary beer and wine on the Diamond list from 11-11. 

 

Me and my Gold status thank you for the information😂 I was afraid they closed all the bars early somehow! 

[twangster]

6 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

For Suites and Pinnacles, Oasis Class have the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen that offer complimentary beer and wine on the Diamond list from 11-11. 

 

From a limited menu.

 

Even when sailing in Sky Class I've bought the DX.  Suite sun deck bar is a favored hangout.  Plus I like frozen day drinks and having to trek to the suite lounge for a drink isn't my kind of fun.  Plus a drink or two in the comedy club or at shows every night, plus...

Edited July 4, 2019 by twangster

[Milwaukee Eight]

2 minutes ago, ninja1 said:

 

Me and my Gold status thank you for the information😂 I was afraid they closed all the bars early somehow! 

Even with the generous beer and wine in the SL, we still buy the drink package. New Amsterdam is the Diamond List Vodka and it only good for stripping paint. To get a better Vodka or other Alcohol/Beer requires the package. 

[Milwaukee Eight]

2 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

From a limited menu.

 

Even when sailing in Sky Class I've bought the DX.  Suite sun deck bar is a favored hangout.  Plus I like frozen day drinks and having to trek to the suite lounge for a drink isn't my kind of fun.  Plus a drink or two in the comedy club or at shows every night, plus...

We do the same. Who wants NA. 

[Clarea]

6 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

I have been cutoff before. 

 

Maybe you gave the impression that you had had enough?  They do cut off for that.