Would you sail on or continue to sail Royal if they went inclusive?

[docruth]

2 hours ago, Domino D said:

I do drink bottled water.  At home we use water from a delivery service.  But I'm only playing around.

Domino,

 

My DH is a retired Chief Engineer who put in his twenty at a Fortune 100 manufacturing company.

 

He treasures his discussions with the ships’ Chief Engineers, regarding all of the technical aspects of each class of ships. Power generation, propulsion, water purification, maintenance, recycling, waste management, ... there’s no subject too boring for him about the ships. And, to make matters worse, he was in the service as a Coastie before college, so he’ll talk all kinds of boring ships’ ops stuff with the officers.

 

Anyway, years ago, after a discussion with the Equinox’s Engineer, he went home afterwards and bought a solids meter? I guess to test the tap water on our next S class voyage. Something about reverse osmosis filtration, there being a single source of potable water aboard, and constant testing of it. I guess he was satisfied with his experiment because he’s been drinking water out of the ships taps every since.

 

Not me!

 

Doc Ruth

Edited November 12, 2020 by docruth

[MaritimeR&R]

With RC I get my wi-fi free; I don't drink; and I cruise solo with a reduced supplement, usually in a JS, but never lower than an ocean view balcony. Why would I want to be locked into paying for two people, drinks, internet, etc.? 

[deliver42]

It would totally depend on pricing. I stopped NCL because when you add their "free" drinks, it adds almost $300.00 to the price because of the grats.

[Harrylinden]

I did a  mock booking on the same cruise I have L&S till next December.It was 2981.00 more for the same cruise!!!  It's a no from me,I'm not gonna pay those ridiculous prices! I'll either do land vacations or use another cruiseline,(NOT CARNIVAL THOUGH)!

[FamilyCruiserUK]

It would depend on the price tbh. I don't drink enough to warrant a drinks package, don't use WiFi as nice to be without it and don't need to check Facebook every 30 seconds. Prefer to spend time with family and not done on holiday. 

The gratuity I have my own thoughts on that tbh.

 

So for me would only be the price that would make my decision. 

[John Reid]

 

When a cruise line informs me of a great change they have made to improve my cruising experience, I know it's time to put on the Kevlar underwear to help prevent the screwing. 

Their "good news" - you are paying for all these great benefits whether you want them or not.

Shocked that those who claimed nickel and diming are against it? Maybe because this has nothing to do with the nickel and diming concerns.

Thinking that those not caring for this plan are just complainers finding something new to complain about? God knows they should be happy to have to pay for things they don't want. They should be pleased to be subsidizing the fares of others.

Call this what it is. There is all that 125% future cruise credit out there. What better way to get it back and then some without the consumer having a choice.

 

[BND]

18 hours ago, docruth said:

Domino,

 

My DH is a retired Chief Engineer who put in his twenty at a Fortune 100 manufacturing company.

 

He treasures his discussions with the ships’ Chief Engineers, regarding all of the technical aspects of each class of ships. Power generation, propulsion, water purification, maintenance, recycling, waste management, ... there’s no subject too boring for him about the ships. And, to make matters worse, he was in the service as a Coastie before college, so he’ll talk all kinds of boring ships’ ops stuff with the officers.

 

Anyway, years ago, after a discussion with the Equinox’s Engineer, he went home afterwards and bought a solids meter? I guess to test the tap water on our next S class voyage. Something about reverse osmosis filtration, there being a single source of potable water aboard, and constant testing of it. I guess he was satisfied with his experiment because he’s been drinking water out of the ships taps every since.

 

Not me!

 

Doc Ruth

My husband is a retired US Navy Captain and knows how sea water is turned into potable water.  The water made onboard the ships is just about the purest you can get.  The water is constantly tested and has to meet specific standards.  Why won't you drink it?  It's cleaner/purer than what comes out of your tap at home and most bottled water, except possibly for the super expensive stuff.  And I say possibly because even a lot of the expensive designer water isn't any purer than your tap.   Also, plenty of people who own boats manufacture their own water from sea water and that's all they drink when onboard which for some is for weeks at a time, so not sure what the fear is.  Making drinking water from sea water is done around the world everyday.

[Joseph2017China]

Although I can see both sides, I have always felt that going on a cruise with food included, but not anything to drink at dinner, was odd......Everything has a price tag, and when companies remove items from the main price, it is for profit.  By being inclusive, you take away all confusion and trying to figure out the actual price and making it transparent right from the start (look at international guests).  I think the majority of people drink something other than water on a ship, they pay tips, and so many people today want wifi.  So I'm happy with it.  I hope they consider it down the road

[Domino D]

20 hours ago, docruth said:

Anyway, years ago, after a discussion with the Equinox’s Engineer, he went home afterwards and bought a solids meter? I guess to test the tap water on our next S class voyage. Something about reverse osmosis filtration, there being a single source of potable water aboard, and constant testing of it. I guess he was satisfied with his experiment because he’s been drinking water out of the ships taps every since.

 

Not me!

 

Doc Ruth

Doc, I have to respect anyone who took the time to do the measurement.  I will tell you that in my experience, the ships tap water is better than the tap water at my house.

[docruth]

On 11/13/2020 at 12:26 PM, Domino D said:

Doc, I have to respect anyone who took the time to do the measurement.  I will tell you that in my experience, the ships tap water is better than the tap water at my house.

Domino,

 

😂 Anyone who knows my DH, knows he’s crazy! This is just the kind of project he likes. I hope he doesn’t read this, because next thing I know a small HEPA filter, and an air particulate meter, will end up on our packing list! Or maybe one of those UV-C, spraying & disinfecting robots. Please! 😂

 

Hope you got a few laughs out of all that, we all need ‘em, whenever we can find ‘em, sheesh!

 

Cheers,

 

Doc Ruth

[SNJCruisers]

The best compromise would be for Royal to adopt a two tier system similar to what Princess recently started.  The "Best Price" is the no frills, nothing added except for your cabin and regular amenities.  The "Best Value" adds gratuities, drink package and Wifi.  The price difference is about 40.00 per day, so after factoring in 14.50 for grats, it's 25.50 per day for drinks and wifi.

This two tiered option would be the best for everyone.  Those that don't drink, or are happy with the  diamond included drinks could pick the "Best Price".  Those that like to indulge could pick the "Best Value" and be able to get the drinks package at a substantial savings over what Royal is now charging.  It would also eliminate all of the games that Royal does when they occasionally have promotions that are haphazard depending upon the sailing.

[SNJCruisers]

On 11/12/2020 at 4:32 PM, deliver42 said:

It would totally depend on pricing. I stopped NCL because when you add their "free" drinks, it adds almost $300.00 to the price because of the grats.

Comes out to 20 bucks per day, or the price of 2 drinks.  You're obviously a teetotaler so just book NCL's Sail Away rate, which contains nothing else added.

[Milwaukee Eight]

We are all in for an all inclusive fare. Bring it one. 

[Cruise a holic]

Why not?  That would be great!  

[BND]

2 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

The best compromise would be for Royal to adopt a two tier system similar to what Princess recently started.  The "Best Price" is the no frills, nothing added except for your cabin and regular amenities.  The "Best Value" adds gratuities, drink package and Wifi.  The price difference is about 40.00 per day, so after factoring in 14.50 for grats, it's 25.50 per day for drinks and wifi.

This two tiered option would be the best for everyone.  Those that don't drink, or are happy with the  diamond included drinks could pick the "Best Price".  Those that like to indulge could pick the "Best Value" and be able to get the drinks package at a substantial savings over what Royal is now charging.  It would also eliminate all of the games that Royal does when they occasionally have promotions that are haphazard depending upon the sailing.

Yes, but that also requires the passing of cards to buy drinks.  The beauty of an all inclusive is  everyone is on the same "plan" which means walk up to a bar or a waiter, ask for a drink and it's delivered.  I think the purpose of the all inclusive cruise is to eliminate that part which can lower expenses through no need for computers, paper, etc at the bars, and just overall less to keep track of.  I honestly think this is a way to bring in more revenue and cut some expenses.  BTW, 25.50/day is a great price considering internet and even a couple of drinks, a coffee, couple of bottles of water per day.  No need to try to cram in as much to get "your money's worth".  I do think though that RCI probably won't go there very soon.  Celebrity has some differences even under the same umbrella, such as non-smoking casinos.  

[SNJCruisers]

1 hour ago, BND said:

Yes, but that also requires the passing of cards to buy drinks.  The beauty of an all inclusive is  everyone is on the same "plan" which means walk up to a bar or a waiter, ask for a drink and it's delivered.  I think the purpose of the all inclusive cruise is to eliminate that part which can lower expenses through no need for computers, paper, etc at the bars, and just overall less to keep track of.  I honestly think this is a way to bring in more revenue and cut some expenses.  BTW, 25.50/day is a great price considering internet and even a couple of drinks, a coffee, couple of bottles of water per day.  No need to try to cram in as much to get "your money's worth".  I do think though that RCI probably won't go there very soon.  Celebrity has some differences even under the same umbrella, such as non-smoking casinos.  

I fully understand where you're coming from.  My suggestion would appease the Loyal Royal's that are complaining because their diamond drinks would no longer be a perk since everyone would have unlimited drinks.  

If Royal adopts an all inclusive concept, you either adapt and accept it or choose another line.

[BND]

1 minute ago, SNJCruisers said:

I fully understand where you're coming from.  My suggestion would appease the Loyal Royal's that are complaining because their diamond drinks would no longer be a perk since everyone would have unlimited drinks.  

If Royal adopts an all inclusive concept, you either adapt and accept it or choose another line.

We're D+ and do enjoy the "freebies", but if they did go that way, that's just the way it is.  Nowhere does it say any perks are permanent.  We enjoyed the perk because we would go to the lounge and meet new people, not because we were trying to slam back as much free booze as possible.  My DH drinks maybe one drink in the lounge and I usually have a couple and take a glass of wine to dinner, but the main thing we like about the lounge is the appetizers because we do late dining and on ships like GR, which we've been on 7 times, there's not much available before dinner.  At least on larger ships there are more options for snacks.  The fact is, the cruise lines need to do what they have to to survive and for us cruising is about being onboard a ship.  

[SNJCruisers]

9 minutes ago, BND said:

 The fact is, the cruise lines need to do what they have to to survive and for us cruising is about being onboard a ship.  

That's how we feel.  At this time, as you can see from my signature, we cruise on the newest ships from the mass market lines that are in the Caribbean.  Had 2 Royal sailings cancelled this year, but looking to book a summer 2022 sailing once they open up, supposedly this week.

[Missusdubbya]

I usually sail on longer cruises and B2Bs so I think I would love the all-inclusive drinks aspect at first. Then I would take too much advantage and regret my life choices 😁

[SNJCruisers]

11 minutes ago, Missusdubbya said:

I usually sail on longer cruises and B2Bs so I think I would love the all-inclusive drinks aspect at first. Then I would take too much advantage and regret my life choices 😁

Amy...You need to pace yourself girl.  Cosmos during happy hour, shots before bedtime. 😀

[Missusdubbya]

12 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

Amy...You need to pace yourself girl.  Cosmos during happy hour, shots before bedtime. 😀

Haha totally 😁

[deliver42]

I just priced a Celebrity with all inclusive, and it was $1800.00 more that my booking on the same ship, and date. If Royal does the same, then I'm done with Royal. I have one more sailing booked, on the Odyssey, that was affordable. If Royal keeps it's pricing structure, without the all inclusive, I will probably sail with them again.