Anyone Else Leaving or Considering Leaving RCL Over Prices?

[island lady]

1 minute ago, barbeyg said:

I think many businesses, especially the Travel industry, has beaten that “staffing shortage” excuse to death.  🤷🏻‍♀️ That, and supply shortage.  After cutting them slack for quite some time, I see the issues as trying to squeeze the budget more and more, to see how far they can push profits before they start losing customers.

 

It’s much like restaurants on land.  We personally eat out less often, and in better quality restaurants these days,  I’m an excellent cook, and love cooking.  Most restaurants use substandard, or lesser quality, ingredients these days, and it shows in the food they offer.  That’s why we are seeing restaurant chain closures.  People have decided they aren’t willing to spend on inferior products in those restaurants.
 

There will be a tipping point to cruises too.  If there isn’t, like many others, we will sail less, and spend our $$$ on a better travel product.  We aren’t the only ones who would rather reserve our travel budget for better choices.  🙂 

 

Totally agree.  Just recently left Serenade after our 63 night first quarter WC.   The thing I missed the most?  Cooking.  😉   Yeah, better and fresher food at home.  

[barbeyg]

14 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Totally agree.  Just recently left Serenade after our 63 night first quarter WC.   The thing I missed the most?  Cooking.  😉   Yeah, better and fresher food at home.  

I understand and think that would be the hardest part for me too, on an extended cruise. 🙂 One of the ways I “love others” is to serve/ cook for them.  And I enjoy coming up with something that tastes great…and uses healthier/better ingredients. 

[BecciBoo]

1 hour ago, Ocean Boy said:

Last night I was looking to add in an 8 nighter at the end of April. The pricing was eye popping. I'll be staying home.

Try Celebrity, we have Ascent booked for our anniversay 2026 January=10 days down to Barbados and St. Lucia, and it wasn't much more than our 7 day and cheaper than anything Icon nor the sisters could offer.

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

Considering RCI is having no issues selling out their ships at ever increasing rates, I think RCI knows exactly what they are doing. Unfortunately businesses change over time and cruise lines like RCI are no exception. Either you accept the changes or move on to another cruise line that is more in line with what you like. Expecting RCi to go back to doing things the way they did before is not realistic. 

No one is denying that RCI can make whatever business moves it wants. Just as you have no issue defending every move RCI makes, long time customers have every right to voice their disappointment with the direction that RCI is going in at the moment. Hopefully, the moves don't turn out to be short sighted. They would not be the first company to chase a dollar today only to have it cost them ten dollars tomorrow. Only time will tell us all how this plays out.

 

Right now, a cruise that I was going to book in April is a no go over price. There are cabins available. Maybe RCI will sell them or maybe the one I was going to book will go empty. Who knows. As for me, I'll have some extra money in my bank account and I'll walk down the street to the beach.

[SUgwoz]

Royal more than anyone seemed to try to be the most diverse cruise line trying to appeal to adults and families. In the last decade plus there has been an emphasis on cruise lines focuses on a single population (Virgin, Disney, Viking ect.). People have shown they want a ship/line that is dedicated to their demographic. 

 

Given Royal already has Celebrity, it would be an odd choice to continue to have Royal go the adult route. On top of that there is more competition in the adult luxury demographic. 

[Engineroom Snipe]

20 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Right now, a cruise that I was going to book in April is a no go over price. There are cabins available. Maybe RCI will sell them or maybe the one I was going to book will go empty. Who knows. As for me, I'll have some extra money in my bank account and I'll walk down the street to the beach.

 

I am very cognizant of my price points.

 

I have tracked many Royal Ships on Cruisemapper.com in the past few months. If there are any empty cabins, it is because of three to four people per cabin.

 

Cruisemapper will display the actual passengers on board and I have been surprised that in almost every case except for new high demand ships, that they are sailing with capacity completely full. Literally, the capacity is at the listed full capacity for their lifeboats.

 

I have seen softening this year compared to last year's summer revenge cruising but nothing is going to break until next fall. For instance, Odyssey, November 17, 2024 has not had any Large Outside Balconies sell for the last three months. A majority of them have not sold yet. Small stuff like that.

 

As you said, time will tell.

Edited March 2 by Engineroom Snipe

[ILCTCRUISER]

5 hours ago, jean87510 said:

 

Will only do Royal again if booking is port intensive and does not include CocoCay or Nassau.  

I’ll go one better by capitalizing DOES NOT and maybe add a few !!!

 

And, then, also include any ship that’s been AMPED!   Amped?  Why would anyone want to be on something that’s been AMPED.  The word itself is frightening.

 

Unfortunately, cruising RCL from now on will never be what it once was.  We have 3 more cruises booked on RCL. Have started booking other lines, mostly upscale.

[alfaeric]

We’ve shopped around a few times, and every time, our value equation just doesn’t add up (it’s not just dollars and cents). Then again, I’m not bothering looking at Icon nor Star. They are like the Oasis and Allure were 14 years ago, and are plenty big enough to get through FOMO fast enough. 

The only real hesitation I see right now are a handful of ships- will they get updated for their final 5 year segment as Royal ships or not. 
 

But IMHO, the defection away can’t happen fast enough. Prices do need to come down. Seeing the HUGE surge in demand for camping recently tells me that this is a vacation thing that may not go away. Especially with the amped WiFi so that people can work remotely. Seeing a lot of that now, and many of the ones we met have learned the casino hack to pay for it. 

[Anton]

 

I'm happy RCI is doing well and the corporate treasury is spilling over with the money of the new-to-cruise and new-to-Royal guests.  It seems most think they are getting what they paid for.  If they only knew.  As others said, RCI is under no obligation to continue doing business in a way that pleases me.   It's clear that the message now is that I'm always welcome but at a much higher price, take it or leave...it.   Funny how they were overjoyed to see me in the summer of 2021 when I boarded the Adventure in Nassau for the first cruises.  It seemed that every guest was a long time C&A member, glad to help the company survive.  But that was then and time marches on. They have all that debt to pay off and I understand that.  From a purely business perspective they've made some pretty shrewd decisions.  They make their financial choices and I make mine.  I still have seven RCI bookings on my list for this year and next, and look forward to them.  I doubt the list will ever be that large again.

 

By the way, I booked Carnival Celebration yesterday for next year.  $3400 for an Ocean Suite with a $500 OBC offer.  I'm happy to give Carnival some business again after 5 years of being away.   I'm looking forward to some Guy's burgers.  Don't tell my doctor.

[firefly333]

15 minutes ago, Anton said:

By the way, I booked Carnival Celebration yesterday for next year.  $3400 for an Ocean Suite with a $500 OBC offer.  I'm happy to give Carnival some business again after 5 years of being away.   I'm looking forward to some Guy's burgers.  Don't tell my doctor.

The only cruise I see I want is another of those carnival journeys cruise but it's around $3500 to pick a inside port hole cabin, 14 days, some  new ro me ports. On the carnival Venezia and I'm not a italian fan and think that's a lot for a nonrefundable cruise. Those journey cruises only seem to go up. I'm not paying carnival a big nonrefundable deposit over a year in advance. $2500 maybe but not $3500. I think last time was a nonrefundable $900 deposit. For carnival. 

 

I havent left, just not booking anything. I agree it's all vacations are up in price. If it was royal I'd book but not carnival where I dont get my drink or wifi perks. I'd like to combine some things from both. 

[Engineroom Snipe]

13 minutes ago, Anton said:

 

It seemed that every guest was a long time C&A member, glad to help the company survive.  But that was then and time marches on. They have all that debt to pay off and I understand that.  From a purely business perspective they've made some pretty shrewd decisions.  They make their financial choices and I make mine.  I still have seven RCI bookings on my list for this year and next, and look forward to them.  I doubt the list will ever be that large again.

 

@Anton.

 

There is a two to almost three year buffer built into the planning of long time 'Royal' cruisers like yourself. As such, there will be a time lag that has to occur before 'Royal' feels any economic repercussions from you possibly looking elsewhere.

 

'Royal' does not care because they are only looking to survive the next fiscal quarter and the one after that. 'Royal' is in survival mode.

 

Frankly, the CEO is not worried if 'Engine Room Snipe' is financially secure next week, next month, or next year.

 

Time for us to fend for ourselves and our families.

 

I feel like a Viking setting sail on a new journey.

 

We love the sea, does not matter what ship we sail on it.

 

😁

[SUgwoz]

1 hour ago, Anton said:

 

I'm happy RCI is doing well and the corporate treasury is spilling over with the money of the new-to-cruise and new-to-Royal guests.  It seems most think they are getting what they paid for.  If they only knew.  As others said, RCI is under no obligation to continue doing business in a way that pleases me.   It's clear that the message now is that I'm always welcome but at a much higher price, take it or leave...it.   Funny how they were overjoyed to see me in the summer of 2021 when I boarded the Adventure in Nassau for the first cruises.  It seemed that every guest was a long time C&A member, glad to help the company survive.  But that was then and time marches on. They have all that debt to pay off and I understand that.  From a purely business perspective they've made some pretty shrewd decisions.  They make their financial choices and I make mine.  I still have seven RCI bookings on my list for this year and next, and look forward to them.  I doubt the list will ever be that large again.

 

By the way, I booked Carnival Celebration yesterday for next year.  $3400 for an Ocean Suite with a $500 OBC offer.  I'm happy to give Carnival some business again after 5 years of being away.   I'm looking forward to some Guy's burgers.  Don't tell my doctor.

There is no doubt that the smaller ships and longer itineraries have an abundance of veteran cruisers.  Essentially the complete opposite of the new ships they are building.  Which technically shouldn't matter, but you do see people going on Oasis/Icon class dissapointed because they want the atmosphere of the smaller ships, and I'm sure the opposite happens at times when families goes on the smaller ships without doing research. 

 

Time will tell, but wouldn't be surprised they continue to build the mega ships under Royal, build smaller ships under Celebrity brand. Eventually having the Royal smaller classes retire when they no longer produce the return value for them.  Consistent product across the entire cruise line, not unlike other cruise lines. 

[Anton]

51 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

The only cruise I see I want is another of those carnival journeys cruise but it's around $3500 to pick a inside port hole cabin, 14 days, some  new ro me ports. On the carnival Venezia and I'm not a italian fan and think that's a lot for a nonrefundable cruise. Those journey cruises only seem to go up. I'm not paying carnival a big nonrefundable deposit over a year in advance. $2500 maybe but not $3500. I think last time was a nonrefundable $900 deposit. For carnival. 

 

I havent left, just not booking anything. I agree it's all vacations are up in price. If it was royal I'd book but not carnival where I dont get my drink or wifi perks. I'd like to combine some things from both. 

I actually have another Carnival offer for the “free” casino offer of an inside cabin for $100 pp, but with a $100 OBC, so just pay tax.  The 18 night transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise is available, so I can book it for $302 tax. I was amazed.  But then I’d have to fly home from Japan.  

[birdofsong]

3 minutes ago, Anton said:

I actually have another Carnival offer for the “free” casino offer of an inside cabin for $100 pp, but with a $100 OBC, so just pay tax.  The 18 night transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise is available, so I can book it for $302 tax. I was amazed.  But then I’d have to fly home from Japan.  

This is how we're doing the Australia/New Zealand cruise next week, only on Royal.  Fortunately, we had enough credit card points for the flight.  

 

The funny thing is -- once we started getting the casino offers from Royal, we also started getting the same offers from Carnival.  We have not taken Carnival up on it yet.  I've been on three Carnival cruises and the rest Royal.  Although I enjoyed all of them, I have always liked the Royal cruises more.  

[firefly333]

5 minutes ago, Anton said:

I actually have another Carnival offer for the “free” casino offer of an inside cabin for $100 pp, but with a $100 OBC, so just pay tax.  The 18 night transpacific Carnival Journeys cruise is available, so I can book it for $302 tax. I was amazed.  But then I’d have to fly home from Japan.  

Too bad you cant sell the offer to me. I keep thinking I  need to take up gambling. The same  number of points get offers worth more and more. 

[Hoopster95]

4 hours ago, island lady said:

I love this commercial that Virgin did awhile back.  Yes, there were children on the ad....but for a very different reason.  😄 😄 

 

Regarding Virgin vs. Royal......

 

I had Serenade booked May 27. It was cancelled. Was offered $100 OBC to rebook elsewhere, no price protection, no nothing.

 

My  November Virgin Dubai-Singapore also cancelled just last week.... price protected to ANY (that is not a typo, any sailing, any length, any price) sailing I want in their system, and I keep my $600OBC. We have until Sept 11. I am looking at their Iceland sailing 2025 which is now at $7000pp and they will honor that.

 

4 hours ago, barbeyg said:

There will be a tipping point to cruises too.

 

As always when there's a calamity in the economy, or conversely an economic boom, everyone claims "never saw it coming". No one seems to see anything coming today. I think I do.

 

A Canadian airline LYFT just closed it doors, that American cruise line just closed it's doors last week, I am seeing flight sales every week emailed to me. I just booked YVR-Barcelona and then Amsterdam-YVR, taxes in + luggage + seat.... return for $1450 CA ($1070 US). And Gate1 just offered a solo supplement sale (100% fully waived!), the African Safari I'm looking hard at has a $1400US solo supplement.... fully waived. There's already deals out there starting to happen.

[Anton]

23 minutes ago, birdofsong said:

This is how we're doing the Australia/New Zealand cruise next week, only on Royal.  Fortunately, we had enough credit card points for the flight.  

 

The funny thing is -- once we started getting the casino offers from Royal, we also started getting the same offers from Carnival.  We have not taken Carnival up on it yet.  I've been on three Carnival cruises and the rest Royal.  Although I enjoyed all of them, I have always liked the Royal cruises more.  

My last Carnival cruise was in 2019 and I’ve never spent more than $20 in their casinos.  I got on the Club Royale bandwagon two years ago for the free drinks and annual cruise, and as with you my Carnival account started showing casino offers.  Funny how that happened. 

[BecciBoo]

5 hours ago, ILCTCRUISER said:

Unfortunately, cruising RCL from now on will never be what it once was.

It might not be the same, but I think it's doing just fine.  I love the newer ships, we'll just cruise more infrequently...but I'm not dissatisfied at all.  Just disappointed that things all over are more expensive...I still remember when gas was .24 a gallon and a loaf of bread cost .35!  That's life.

[lovesthebeach2]

10 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

Considering RCI is having no issues selling out their ships at ever increasing rates, I think RCI knows exactly what they are doing. Unfortunately businesses change over time and cruise lines like RCI are no exception. Either you accept the changes or move on to another cruise line that is more in line with what you like. Expecting RCi to go back to doing things the way they did before is not realistic. 

I agree, so for now we’re moving on, we still love to cruise and thankfully theres other lines. 

[lovesthebeach2]

10 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Until the next recession or pandemic comes along. Then RCI will be doing everything they can to get us back on the ships.

That is definitely going to happen, but for now we’ll try other lines that provide what we want.

[lovesthebeach2]

10 hours ago, island lady said:

 

Totally agree.  Just recently left Serenade after our 63 night first quarter WC.   The thing I missed the most?  Cooking.  😉   Yeah, better and fresher food at home.  

I’m also a good cook, I make healthy delicious meals and when we cruise I always can’t wait to get home to cook.

[lovesthebeach2]

10 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Last night I was looking to add in an 8 nighter at the end of April. The pricing was eye popping. I'll be staying home.

If we have to pay those prices, we want a better cruiseline,  so we still will cruise, but for now we’re looking at Silversea. Yes, it’s a bit higher than Royal suites, but an upscale line and being a Royal company, we can still get the shareholder credit, although since everything is included, it will be hard to decide how to use it,🤷🏼‍♀️

[pcur]

Absolutely NOT thinking of leaving RCCL.  I'm a solo cruiser now, so my rule of thumb about pricing is if the price is close to a hotel room, the rest of what I get is cherries on top my cruise sundae.

 

I went back 2 years and figured my price per night all the way from then to October 2025:  $168 / night sailing solo. Mostly Virtual Balcony or inside cabins, but there's also OV, JS, and Balcony cabins in there, too.

 

Ships from Grandeur all the way up in size to Quantum.  

 

Food included, Coastal Kitchen on ship's with it; Chops or Coastal Kitchen for breakfast every day; free wine, sparkling water, cheese, and fruit in my cabin; 6 drinks a day, free wifi, free bag of laundry each cruise, priority boarding, lounge access 24/7 with appetizers in the evening.

 

Transportation Southampton to LHR this coming April for half what it would cost me independently as a single.

 

So, I think I'll stay.

 

Edited March 3 by pcur

[onthewater51]

10 hours ago, BecciBoo said:

Try Celebrity, we have Ascent booked for our anniversay 2026 January=10 days down to Barbados and St. Lucia, and it wasn't much more than our 7 day and cheaper than anything Icon nor the sisters could offer.

Hey BeccoBoo....Looks like we will be on that cruise with you.  We just booked Ascent for Jan 12, 2026 .  It will be our first with Celebrity, and while it's still owned by RCI group, it was a very reasonable price for a new ship.

 

 After almost 30 years we've started looking at other lines as well, though I doubt RCI cares.  We probably don't fall in their preferred demographic anymore.  My wife and I are both late 60's, don't drink or gamble and spend almost nothing on board.  We just like being at sea and spending our time together even after 41 years . 

[onthewater51]

6 minutes ago, onthewater51 said:

Hey BeccoBoo....Looks like we will be on that cruise with you.  We just booked Ascent for Jan 12, 2026 .  It will be our first with Celebrity, and while it's still owned by RCI group, it was a very reasonable price for a new ship.

 

 After almost 30 years we've started looking at other lines as well, though I doubt RCI cares.  We probably don't fall in their preferred demographic anymore.  My wife and I are both late 60's, don't drink or gamble and spend almost nothing on board.  We just like being at sea and spending our time together even after 41 years . 

Sorry, ours is 11 nights...must be diff from yours