Johnny Rockets Now $4.95???

[Ocean Boy]

Is charge for the week or anytime you go in there? We are sailing 1/25 on the VOS. It is about choices. I just won't use it. Plenty of food elsewhere.

 

The charge is per person per visit.

[jpg1747]

I started cruising 20 years ago. I'm paying pretty much the same base rate now than I did then, so I think I'm getting a pretty good deal these days. There were extra charges for soda, alcohol and pictures back then too. I don't mind a few extra charges here and there. I pick and choose which ones are worth it for me and ignore the rest.

[Brad1185]

I think the most refreshing aspect of this thread is that no one IS coming up with a bunch of lame reasons for charges and charge increases any longer. Finally everyone is on the same page about this being a way to increase the bottom line.

 

When they started charging for J.R's my biggest gripe was with folks fabricating all kinds of reasons for it and completely dismissing the obvious. At least people seem to have given up on trying to white-wash what is going on with the charges. It is about business. And the truth is often accepted, and easier to take, than a lot of hog-wash.

 

Exactly. This point could not have been said ant better.

[honeywell]

A buck is just a buck. They give C&A members a free coupon anyway. Its not a significant price hike to get all freaked out about.

For those of us who are not C&A, this will mean a $40 meal to eat at JR's. $4.95 per person for my family of four, and $5 per milkshake because, let's face it, you can't go and NOT have a milkshake, right? :D

 

For those of you who get the coupon, enjoy!

[spbflseas]

I am of the belief that arguments on both sides of this issue are right...

 

1) RCI needs to be very careful about the extra charges. Years ago, Carnival grew its brand based on the size of their staterooms in comparison to Royal Caribbean (look at the 120 square foot rooms on Monarch or Majesty compared with the 180 square foot rooms on older Carnival ships). Every brochure and alot of marketing material made this a selling point. RCI, in my opinion, is treading into dangerous area where they will be giving the competition selling points (if you don't believe me, check out John Heald's blog where is already starting to make light of these charges).

 

2) Brand loyalty, as we see on these boards, is very important, but it is not the majority of the business. Cruiselines are still trying to attract new cruisers or people who have taken few cruises. Therefore, the loyalty perks, or taking them away, does not impact these people. However, RCI does need to be careful not to alienate their loyal cruisers. In all fairness, I don't think taking away coupons is the proper way to build a loyalty program. In fact, RCI should probably be seeking ways to add value back to the coupon books. However, just the same, I had a client 2 weeks ago save $400 on their cruise because of the C&A status. Not a bad reward for being "loyal."

 

3) For those who say just increase the price by a few dollars...I don't see this happening because of 2 factors. First, many people still book cruises based on price. Even a few dollars difference is a deal breaker and in many cases RCI already has higher prices then the competition. Just last night, I had a client who had a budget of no more than $300 per person for a short cruise...not a penny more. The other factor is travel agent commission. If they increase base fares, they increase travel agent commissions. Therefore, RCI is not getting all of the increase...in fact in most cases, the travel agent would get $.16 of every dollar increase.

 

4) I still think RCI needs to re-evaluate their shipboard programs to ensure they are indeed competitive. My preference is certainly to the RCI product, but I cannot figure out why RCI can't even the playing field by: 1) placing sample toiletries in the bathroom like Carnival (do these really have a cost or are the companies willing to offer them to Carnival for free to promote the product?) 2) making the soft serve ice cream more available and a couple times per week, putting out some toppings 3) offering the made to order deli sandwiches 4) making live music choices more broadly available in more venues 5) improving the casino environment with a rewards program 6) reinstate juices as part of the soda card

 

With RCI putting out ships that operate at a much lower fuel cost per passenger, RCI still seems to struggle with bottom line margins in comparison to Carnival. Yet, Carnival, in many instances is still offering many things that people want, without the surcharge, mostly at lower fares. So, my question is where is RCI losing that margin? I think they have to be very careful to not make that margin up through reductions in quality or an over abundance of surcharges.

[honeywell]

Some have NO choice. RCCL is a place of worship or they have committed to be loyal, forsaking all others. McDonald's took their double cheese burger off the dollar menu, so we went to Wendy's. It's wasn't the same but not bad:p McDonald did not inform me, their most loyal customer, of the change. I was digging for pennies at the last minutes, with two whining cruisers...ooops kids in the car. I forgave them and will return for their nuggets but Wendy's here I come.

 

Reality check: If you leave and you are of any great importance to their bottom line, they will make the move to get your business back. So far nothing from McDonald's:D

 

Off topic, but we still have it on McDonald's dollar menu in my area - they just call it a "McDouble". Must be a regional marketing thing...

[Sky616]

I hope they don't get rid of the coupon at least until my sailing in October. I have 2 coupons from our book on the jewel which of course does not have one. Say they do get rid of the coupons in the book do you think I could use those old ones or will they get rid of them altogether.

[Ocean Boy]

I hope they don't get rid of the coupon at least until my sailing in October. I have 2 coupons from our book on the jewel which of course does not have one. Say they do get rid of the coupons in the book do you think I could use those old ones or will they get rid of them altogether.

 

I am quite sure that if they are not distributing coupons for J.R.'s in the books given out during the week of your sailing that they most certainly are not going to honor a coupon that you might show up with from some past cruise. As it is, coupons are usually labeled as valid for this sailing only.

[Morecruisesplz]

Does your local grocery store advertises every price increase?

Does your local movie theater advertises every price increase of popcorn?

 

Get used to the fact that those changes come by surprise with short notice.

 

Wow are grocery stores and movie theaters selling cruise vacations now? I had no idea!

[Morecruisesplz]

I am quite sure that if they are not distributing coupons for J.R.'s in the books given out during the week of your sailing that they most certainly are not going to honor a coupon that you might show up with from some past cruise. As it is, coupons are usually labeled as valid for this sailing only.

 

Incorrect info being posted, sir. I've used coupons from previous cruise coupon books (and those that friends/family have given me) on every cruise I've been on. No one has ever questioned if it is "valid." By the way if a coupon says: "valid for this sailing only" where does it give the date, ship, and other details of that sailing? It very well could be the one you are on. If you hand the coupon only (not the book) how can they say which sailing it is from?

[montekat]

I hope they don't get rid of the coupon at least until my sailing in October. I have 2 coupons from our book on the jewel which of course does not have one. Say they do get rid of the coupons in the book do you think I could use those old ones or will they get rid of them altogether.

I am wondering that myself. We have a cruise in May and received JR coupons on 2 cruises recently that didn't have one. Would like to be able to use them. Anyone know?

[Dr_DNA]

I love JR's, especially on a ship! I'm not excited about paying an extra dollar but probably will. They have a product and I still think that it is a good price. When the price point is breached, then I will no longer partake. In the grand scheme of things, its not going to break the bank at the new price so its not worth getting worked up over. If you look at the big picture, even with all of the surcharges, cruising is still a good value. At the end of the day, the cruiselines still have to make money and they're trying hard in difficult times (as we all are).

[meansun]

I agree DR_DNA, its still, at this point, worth the extra buck.

 

Lets not loose sight here everyone! As of right now, this moment, there is only an increase of $1 and no one knows when that will take place. We need conformation. The mention of no more coupons was a hypothetical scenario.

[Ocean Boy]

Incorrect info being posted, sir. I've used coupons from previous cruise coupon books (and those that friends/family have given me) on every cruise I've been on. No one has ever questioned if it is "valid." By the way if a coupon says: "valid for this sailing only" where does it give the date, ship, and other details of that sailing? It very well could be the one you are on. If you hand the coupon only (not the book) how can they say which sailing it is from?

 

My point was that if they are NOT distributing coupons on the week of that sailing. There is a huge difference between that and what you posted. If they are not giving them out then, obviously, no one should be showing up with J.R. coupons because they would have had to come from some other cruise, right?? Even if there is no date on them it would not make any difference because, once again, they would have HAD to come from some other cruise. Right??

[cruisinMike]

I think the most refreshing aspect of this thread is that no one IS coming up with a bunch of lame reasons for charges and charge increases any longer. Finally everyone is on the same page about this being a way to increase the bottom line.

 

When they started charging for J.R's my biggest gripe was with folks fabricating all kinds of reasons for it and completely dismissing the obvious. At least people seem to have given up on trying to white-wash what is going on with the charges. It is about business. And the truth is often accepted, and easier to take, than a lot of hog-wash.

 

Bang, it's out of here...a homerun. I've been waiting for someone to say the reason they raised the price is to keep the big kids out of JRs.

 

I've mentioned before, we have one of those in town and quite frankly, it's just another mediocre hamburger joint. However, will it be long before that second desert, or second serving in the MDR or Windjammer has an upcharge for those who like to indulge.

[kaylorcc]

I think the most refreshing aspect of this thread is that no one IS coming up with a bunch of lame reasons for charges and charge increases any longer. Finally everyone is on the same page about this being a way to increase the bottom line.

 

When they started charging for J.R's my biggest gripe was with folks fabricating all kinds of reasons for it and completely dismissing the obvious. At least people seem to have given up on trying to white-wash what is going on with the charges. It is about business. And the truth is often accepted, and easier to take, than a lot of hog-wash.

 

But... but the kids! In Johnny Rockets! And the servers! Delivering room service at night with no tip!! And.. and the waste! The ghosts of wasted cheese and chocolate sculptures past!! How can you suggest that it's to improve the bottom line when there are all of these other dubious excuses for cutbacks that can be proposed instead?

 

;)

[G'ma]

their cutbacks and extra charges seem to be a daily occurance. So who are they going to blame for this one. They have already used the "teens". They just picked on the late night crowd, I'm sure they have got to have some lame reason that everyone will embrace.

 

With their heavy debt, with the economy tanking, with their stock in the toilet, they'll do what is necessary to make money.....that's why. They can use any excuse in the world they want--the fact is, they are hanging on by their financial fingernails.......

 

Heavy debt on Oasis and Allure aren't helping either - neither is a drop in occupancy on their ships.

 

Just trying to keep their head above water, I guess.

[vermontvoyager]

Does your local grocery store advertises every price increase?

Does your local movie theater advertises every price increase of popcorn?

 

Well, someone could have posted the info here but decided not to because of how CCers react towards messengers (and no, I did not have that info in case anybody wants to spread lies again).

 

Get used to the fact that those changes come by surprise with short notice.

 

Well said Oliver.;)

The boards here are getting to be a big waste of time reporting any price changes with RCI period.:rolleyes:

You try to give everyone a heads up and what is coming up for price changes and you have to have a third to half of the posters responding to the OP with their usual garbage trying to blow up everything someone reports and make them out to be liars and idiots.:(

Some of us knew about the $4.95 change to JR for a couple of weeks now and did not report it here due to all the mudslinging towards the OP and others.

[Ocean Boy]

But... but the kids! In Johnny Rockets! And the servers! Delivering room service at night with no tip!! And.. and the waste! The ghosts of wasted cheese and chocolate sculptures past!! How can you suggest that it's to improve the bottom line when there are all of these other dubious excuses for cutbacks that can be proposed instead?

 

;)

 

Thanks, I needed that!:D:D

[Ocean Boy]

Well said Oliver.;)

The boards here are getting to be a big waste of time reporting any price changes with RCI period.:rolleyes:

You try to give everyone a heads up and what is coming up for price changes and you have to have a third to half of the posters responding to the OP with their usual garbage trying to blow up everything someone reports and make them out to be liars and idiots.:(

Some of us knew about the $4.95 change to JR for a couple of weeks now and did not report it here due to all the mudslinging towards the OP and others.

 

I don't recall reading one negative post directed toward the person that started this thread.

[shipshape sam]

Incorrect info being posted, sir. I've used coupons from previous cruise coupon books (and those that friends/family have given me) on every cruise I've been on. No one has ever questioned if it is "valid." By the way if a coupon says: "valid for this sailing only" where does it give the date, ship, and other details of that sailing? It very well could be the one you are on. If you hand the coupon only (not the book) how can they say which sailing it is from?

 

I noticed on my last coupon book (Dec'08 cruise) it had a version printed on book. Threw away coupons we did not use,so can not tell you if the version was printed on each coupon.

[vermontvoyager]

Wow, Fl_cruiser64 is just made of money. He embraces every upcharge that RCCL gives. Only the millionaires should sail, right? :rolleyes:

 

Or, maybe, just maybe some of us do not whine about the price of something going up a dollar in price.:rolleyes:

If you have a JR coupon, what difference does it make anyway ? Maybe you can just not eat there if it bothers you that much.

[mndity]

Thanks for informing me. I wasn't aware of the change. Now I won't even bother stopping there!

 

Double cheeseburger is still there......... McDouble.....just has one slice of cheese...... Old Double cheeseburger is $1.19

[jmezmom]

I hope they don't get rid of the coupon at least until my sailing in October. I have 2 coupons from our book on the jewel which of course does not have one. Say they do get rid of the coupons in the book do you think I could use those old ones or will they get rid of them altogether.

 

We always take our unused coupons on our next trip and have had no problem using them.

[bchalker]

Or, maybe, just maybe some of us do not whine about the price of something going up a dollar in price.:rolleyes:

If you have a JR coupon, what difference does it make anyway ? Maybe you can just not eat there if it bothers you that much.

 

Agree 100%! No wait.... I am switching to Carnival beacuse JR's price went up a buck! Sheeesh

 

Repeat cruisers go for free anyway.