reserving of seats

[aloha43]

So I take it you have no problem if you were to fly coach, and have someone from first class come and take your seat in coach and you could not have theirs?

 

I have no problems with roping-off the suite section. Just make the suite folks use that section. Is that not fair?

 

That is a really odd comparison.

 

What first class passenger would give up their seat to sit in coach?

 

LOL....people are just grasping at straws here.

 

It is just a little section roped off....no where near the pool. I just don't see why people are complaining about these seats that they probably wouldn't want anyway.

[bajathree]

That is a really odd comparison.

 

What first class passenger would give up their seat to sit in coach?

 

LOL....people are just grasping at straws here.

 

It is just a little section roped off....no where near the pool. I just don't see why people are complaining about these seats that they probably wouldn't want anyway.

 

 

Because there are many that just love complaining.

[aloha43]

 

If RCCL wants to segregate things we should build a list to help them out:

1. The late seating in the MDR is reserved for suite guests only.
   
2. Casino is reserved for suite guests only on Tuesday from 7pm-10pm.
   
3. Window Seats in the WJ are now reserved only for suite guests.
   
4. All stools along bars for suite guests only, other guests use tables.
   
5. Right side of Windjammer buffet line is suite only, why should they have to wait in line.
   
6. Lounges in the Viking Crown are for Crown Loft suite guests only.
   
7. Inside tables at Johnny Rockets are for suite guests only.
   

 

 

Oh, I hope so! :D

 

I'll send this list to RCL....maybe they can get some more perk ideas from it.

 

Thank you. :)

[Retired LEO]

Oh, I hope so! :D

 

I'll send this list to RCL....maybe they can get some more perk ideas from it.

 

Thank you. :)

 

I love it. The more, the better.

[vboxer]

 

1. Do you understand that this is a new perk for the suite guests?
   
2. Do you understand that this perk specifically takes things away from the non-suite guests that they used to have?
   

Yes (I didn't know, but I believe it)

 

If your answer is yes, then I assume you feel it's ok to take things away from some guests, and give it to other guests who pay more, correct?

 

Yes

 

Suite guests have always paid more. No one is arguing that. But, now.. they get even more than they used to. I don't have a problem with that, except it comes at the expense of the non-suite guest.

 

If you understand all of that, and still see that as acceptable, then THAT is the point where we differ. I just want to make sure you understand this perspective.

 

So... induldge me further. Just give me your opinions on the following what-if situations. The question is: Would it bother you if suite guests were offered the following as new perks (yes, or no)

 

1. The late seating in the MDR is reserved for suite guests only.

 

Yes (even if impossible because absurd)

 

2. Casino is reserved for suite guests only on Tuesday from 7pm-10pm.

 

No.

 

3. Window Seats in the WJ are now reserved only for suite guests.

 

No.

[djandnic]

Let me just say this.....I sailed Indy back in April ....Owners Suite passengers paid over $10k/cabin for that sailing.... One month before the sailing many "regular" cabins were still open and they dropped prices across the board to $899/pp for balconies and $699/pp for interiors. You don't think that those that paid 10K weren't entitled to some extra perks when others jumped the same sailing for under $1500/cabin:confused:there better be some suite perks available or they will have people jumping out of those cabins quicker than you can imagine.......Wake up and smell the coffee....it's those high price suites that make the profit for the cruise lines and with tuff times the cruise lines are doing what they have to do to keep those people from "jumping ship".

 

Look at it this way....if you didn't have those people paying those high prices making up for a lot of the profit of that sailing, the cruise lines wouldn't be able to afford to drop prices on other cabins like they do....so in essence those suites are subsidizing a good portion of that sailing.

 

I see a lot of comments about the cost being the factor, but it really isn't. As an example, we have an upcoming cruise booked and used Rewards points to get a Grand Suite, which we booked some time ago. My DW checks prices daily, and now a JR suite is more then what we paid for a Grand Suite!!! Does this mean they should now get more then us????

 

The issue is really about not enforcing the reserving of chairs. If they did this, then taking 24 or more chairs away from "the masses" wouldn't be an issue. I don't think anybody would care about the reserves seat for suite passengers if they could find a seat when they wanted to sit around the pool. The frustration comes when all seats are taken, and only 25% are by real people, and they look at the 24 reserved chairs that are half or less occupied.

 

The level of the room, or C&A level entitles people to the identified perks associated it, but not the total price paid for a cabin. People can pay more for an balcony room depending on timing then someone in a suite (as my example above outlined).

 

Just my two cents.

[Retired LEO]

Because there are many that just love complaining.

 

I'll bet there isn't 1 person that would complain about a price drop. That's a benefit that suites don't have. You book a suite, you pay for the suite, that's it there are no price drops.

[DEIx15x8]

I see a lot of comments about the cost being the factor, but it really isn't. As an example, we have an upcoming cruise booked and used Rewards points to get a Grand Suite, which we booked some time ago. My DW checks prices daily, and now a JR suite is more then what we paid for a Grand Suite!!! Does this mean they should now get more then us????

 

The issue is really about not enforcing the reserving of chairs. If they did this, then taking 24 or more chairs away from "the masses" wouldn't be an issue. I don't think anybody would care about the reserves seat for suite passengers if they could find a seat when they wanted to sit around the pool. The frustration comes when all seats are taken, and only 25% are by real people, and they look at the 24 reserved chairs that are half or less occupied.

 

The level of the room, or C&A level entitles people to the identified perks associated it, but not the total price paid for a cabin. People can pay more for an balcony room depending on timing then someone in a suite (as my example above outlined).

 

Just my two cents.

 

I don't think many people realize that. There are many situations in which a person in a suite pays less than some one that is not. What about the "upgrade ferry".

 

I really like how people think that price should give you a separate class on the ship. There are price differences between every cabin type. We usually buy an ocean view but had to get a balcony for Oasis. What extra perks am I getting. Don't say a balcony because people have argued that the extra space and room features aren't what the extra cost are for. Why are all those people with inside rooms getting the same things as me?

[karena1]

That is a really odd comparison.

 

What first class passenger would give up their seat to sit in coach?

 

LOL....people are just grasping at straws here.

 

It is just a little section roped off....no where near the pool. I just don't see why people are complaining about these seats that they probably wouldn't want anyway.

 

I haven't said a word about this, just read all the bickering, but I have to chime in here, regardless of how I feel about what RCCL is doing. (I don't like it, but that is besides the point)

 

Those loungers ARE prime real estate. On the Voyager, Freedom classes, DH and I LOVED sitting up on those tiered decks. Great view of the pool, no one walking around you all the time, just a great place to be. We always got out there early enough to get on the first tier. It was fabulous. So am i going to miss them - yes. Will it ruin my cruise - no. But I don't think it is right to say they are seats no one wants anyway - not true - they were my favorite place of all to lounge for the day.

[babies12]

I haven't said a word about this, just read all the bickering, but I have to chime in here, regardless of how I feel about what RCCL is doing. (I don't like it, but that is besides the point)

 

Those loungers ARE prime real estate. On the Voyager, Freedom classes, DH and I LOVED sitting up on those tiered decks. Great view of the pool, no one walking around you all the time, just a great place to be. We always got out there early enough to get on the first tier. It was fabulous. So am i going to miss them - yes. Will it ruin my cruise - no. But I don't think it is right to say they are seats no one wants anyway - not true - they were my favorite place of all to lounge for the day.

 

Yup, that's too bad for the rest of us who would like to sit there too. But I can guarantee a post will come in any second saying "well, if you like that section so much then book a suite"! Ugh, again I feel this is completely wrong with RCCL to do. I hate it so much, in fact I will be writing a long letter and continue to do so until my voice is heard by RCCL. And to others who feel the same, I suggest you do the same thing and voice your dissastifcation in RCCL in regards to segrating the "suite" guests at the pool and theatre at the expense of their other paying passengers.

[DC2OC]

I haven't said a word about this, just read all the bickering, but I have to chime in here, regardless of how I feel about what RCCL is doing. (I don't like it, but that is besides the point)

 

Those loungers ARE prime real estate. On the Voyager, Freedom classes, DH and I LOVED sitting up on those tiered decks. Great view of the pool, no one walking around you all the time, just a great place to be. We always got out there early enough to get on the first tier. It was fabulous. So am i going to miss them - yes. Will it ruin my cruise - no. But I don't think it is right to say they are seats no one wants anyway - not true - they were my favorite place of all to lounge for the day.

 

on my cruise they were not prime real estate.They were mostly empty.The suite guest were not sitting there.If they are going to reserve an area they can at least pick a prime location so the chairs will be used

[rushedmom]

I have to say on Liberty last year the lounge chair area for suite guest was always full. Maybe not first thing in the morning but by afternoon every chair would be full. And some suite guest could not not get a chair.

 

And there were always chairs with stuff on them and no people all day. It is very frustrating.

 

I have to say it is a nice perk for the suite guests. If you pay the price you should be able to get some perks.

[Clarkk W Griswald]

I can think of a few very simple reasons why some suite passengers don't use these seats

 

- They are in the sun, some don't like that, they want shade

- They are by the main pool, not solarium (if the ship has one) where it is all adults and quieter

- People sitting in those seats are somewhat 'on display'. Some don't like being put in that position

- Those sailing with others that are not in suites want to sit with their family/friends who cannot join them so they sit in the 'regular' seats

 

I wholeheartedly agree that is you pay more you should get more (I do not sail in suites), but personally think RCI messed this one up big time. For the reasons above, and more, the suite passengers are not using their reserved seats, but sitting in the regular ones, sometimes 'double dipping'. Yes, there are more suite passengers than seats in the reserved section, but there are more passengers aboard the ship than there are seats by the pool! There is probably a larger percentage of seats for the suite passengers than regular seats for the majority of those sailing.

 

As has been said many times on this board before, if the chair hogs could be controlled there would be no need for this section.

 

We will be staying in our first "big suite" next March. I must say, I'm a little afraid to sit in the reserved chairs with the attitude of those such as the OP. However, if RCI wants to offer me a perk, I guess I'll take advantage of it. Please don't throw things at me while I'm enjoying my reserved seat by the pool!

[rushedmom]

We will be staying in our first "big suite" next March. I must say, I'm a little afraid to sit in the reserved chairs with the attitude of those such as the OP. However, if RCI wants to offer me a perk, I guess I'll take advantage of it. Please don't throw things at me while I'm enjoying my reserved seat by the pool!

 

I think you should sit there and enjoy your seat.

[DC2OC]

We will be staying in our first "big suite" next March. I must say, I'm a little afraid to sit in the reserved chairs with the attitude of those such as the OP. However, if RCI wants to offer me a perk, I guess I'll take advantage of it. Please don't throw things at me while I'm enjoying my reserved seat by the pool!

 

I would hope you would use them and leave the non-suite seats for the non-suiters

[amybear912]

Like karena1, I too have sat back and watched this discussion unfold...

 

I have no problems with suite guests receiving perks... I DO, however, have a problem with this particular perk as I feel a perk shouldn't infringe on my enjoyment of the ship...

 

it's those high price suites that make the profit for the cruise lines and with tuff times the cruise lines are doing what they have to do to keep those people from "jumping ship".

 

Look at it this way....if you didn't have those people paying those high prices making up for a lot of the profit of that sailing, the cruise lines wouldn't be able to afford to drop prices on other cabins like they do....so in essence those suites are subsidizing a good portion of that sailing.

 

A bit presumptuous to imply that suites are THAT profitable to the line... 1. There aren't that many and 2. everyone knows that it's the money spent onboard (casino, bar, shops, specialty restaurants) that really matters... suite bookings are a fixed cost, the potential profit comes from onboard spending which varies from sailing to sailing...

 

It is just a little section roped off....no where near the pool. I just don't see why people are complaining about these seats that they probably wouldn't want anyway.

 

I wanted them... like karena1, DH and I typically choose that section... now that option is gone for us... and I'll tell you this too... The FIRST time I can't find a seat and see that section is empty, you can be DAMNED sure I'll be plopping my little butt down... and I would be willing to bet that I would be allowed to stay too...

 

The issue is really about not enforcing the reserving of chairs. If they did this, then taking 24 or more chairs away from "the masses" wouldn't be an issue. I don't think anybody would care about the reserves seat for suite passengers if they could find a seat when they wanted to sit around the pool. The frustration comes when all seats are taken, and only 25% are by real people, and they look at the 24 reserved chairs that are half or less occupied.

 

 

EXACTLY!!!!!

 

There would be no reason to reserve chairs if chair hogging wasn't already a problem...

 

When all is said and done, I predict that this perk will be eliminated... Why???

 

Because there are more of us (non-suite guests) than there are of you (suite guests)...:)

[babies12]

Like karena1, I too have sat back and watched this discussion unfold...

 

I have no problems with suite guests receiving perks... I DO, however, have a problem with this particular perk as I feel a perk shouldn't infringe on my enjoyment of the ship...

 

 

 

A bit presumptuous to imply that suites are THAT profitable to the line... 1. There aren't that many and 2. everyone knows that it's the money spent onboard (casino, bar, shops, specialty restaurants) that really matters... suite bookings are a fixed cost, the potential profit comes from onboard spending which varies from sailing to sailing...

 

 

 

I wanted them... like karena1, DH and I typically choose that section... now that option is gone for us... and I'll tell you this too... The FIRST time I can't find a seat and see that section is empty, you can be DAMNED sure I'll be plopping my little butt down... and I would be willing to bet that I would be allowed to stay too...

 

 

 

EXACTLY!!!!!

 

There would be no reason to reserve chairs if chair hogging wasn't already a problem...

 

When all is said and done, I predict that this perk will be eliminated... Why???

 

Because there are more of us (non-suite guests) than there are of you (suite guests)...:)

 

You nailed it!

[DEIx15x8]

Anyone else starting to feel like the Suite guests think too high and mighty about themselves? Like they are the only reason we are allowed to go on a cruise, please. You do not make the profit!!!! I repeat you do not make the profit!!! As an example here is the Explorer of the Seas's (closest ship to me) room sizes:

A grand suite is 381 sq feet (lowest suite)

A balcony room is 172 sq feet (lowest balcony)

That means that two balcony cabins could fit in the space of a grand suite with room to space.

For price comparison the first cruise that shows up when searching for Explorer is a 9 night canada and new england cruise on september 3rd:

A grand suite costs $3,818 for two.

The cheapest balcony is $2,198 for two.

 

Since two balcony cabins fit in a grand suite that comes to $4,396 for four people taking up the same amount of space. That's two extra people on board spending money and buying excursions on top of already spending more to get on.

[Ladylouwho]

I see a lot of comments about the cost being the factor, but it really isn't. As an example, we have an upcoming cruise booked and used Rewards points to get a Grand Suite, which we booked some time ago. My DW checks prices daily, and now a JR suite is more then what we paid for a Grand Suite!!! Does this mean they should now get more then us????

 

The issue is really about not enforcing the reserving of chairs. If they did this, then taking 24 or more chairs away from "the masses" wouldn't be an issue. I don't think anybody would care about the reserves seat for suite passengers if they could find a seat when they wanted to sit around the pool. The frustration comes when all seats are taken, and only 25% are by real people, and they look at the 24 reserved chairs that are half or less occupied.

 

The level of the room, or C&A level entitles people to the identified perks associated it, but not the total price paid for a cabin. People can pay more for an balcony room depending on timing then someone in a suite (as my example above outlined).

 

Just my two cents.

 

Thank you for that. This business that ALL Suite Guests are paying 2-3 times what non-suite guests are paying is simply not true. Often it is true. But much of the time it is not true. And yes, I have seen suite prices drop (particularly GS's). Many people occupying suites have been upgraded at no charge or a reduced charge for whatever reason.

 

The older, smaller ships sailing in off peak times often have suites go for much less money pp than folks occupying a balcony cabin on a newer, larger ship sailing in the summer or over holidays.

 

We like to get connecting balcony cabins vs. a GS when we have 4 of our family members, as then we have two bathrooms. But we have booked the Royal Family Suite on occasion when we had 5 people. Cost is not always the only variable when deciding on a suite or multiple cabins.

 

No one is saying that suite guests don't deserve perks, they do. If you want to get money out of folks you dangle the little things out in front of them to get them to pony up more $$. We all know this. It works!!!

 

But this particular "perk" (which costs the cruise line nothing btw), doesn't make a lot of sense to a lot of people. On busy ships in high season, loungers are hard to come by. Enforce your own rules RCI with regard to chair hogs and this whole situation goes away. The chairs segregated for suite guests are not "premium" seating anyway.

 

Now, if RCI really wanted to provide a "perk" for its suite guests, it would have separate sunning areas for suite guests similar to NCL's Villa Guest areas.

 

For point of reference, we book suites sometimes and multiple balcony cabins other times. We are very often paying more money for two balcony cabins for 4 people (2 adults, 2 kids) than folks in a GS with 2 adults and two kids. So this mindset that people in suites are ALWAYS paying or spending more on a cruise ship is simply not true.

 

Colleen

[akcruz]

That is a really odd comparison.

 

What first class passenger would give up their seat to sit in coach?

 

LOL....people are just grasping at straws here.

 

It is just a little section roped off....no where near the pool. I just don't see why people are complaining about these seats that they probably wouldn't want anyway.

 

So, you wouldn't sit in a non suite section around the pool? Guess you need to stay in the suite section so that you don't 'give up' any of the perks you deserve. This is a very good comparison in my mind. The first class passenger pays for that seat and uses it, they don't take a seat from someone in coach. Since you paid for a suite you then need to stay in your section and not take my non-suite seat.

 

However, for the reasons I listed in an earlier post I will bet that many people who have 'paid for this perk' will not use it. That's what bothers me.

[akcruz]

We will be staying in our first "big suite" next March. I must say, I'm a little afraid to sit in the reserved chairs with the attitude of those such as the OP. However, if RCI wants to offer me a perk, I guess I'll take advantage of it. Please don't throw things at me while I'm enjoying my reserved seat by the pool!

 

Please do sit in this section and enjoy it. Don't worry about anyone looking at you in a bad way. I would prefer for you to sit there and enjoy it so that I can find a seat when I want one elsewhere.

 

I keep seeing people say that there are only 24 seats in this section. I've seen pictures where it seemed to be a lot more than that. Does anyone have hard facts on the number or does it changed depending on the ship?

 

 

Thanks to those that commented on suites not always being more thatn what is paid for by others. We have 2 teenagers and book 2 cabins to have the 2 bathrooms. For us this is a bigger bonus than anything we can get staying in a suite and we probably pay close to what 2 people in a suite pay and then end up with more in onboard charges since there are more of us. Will this stop me from sailing on RCI, no I will go an enjoy every minute I am on the ship.

[chriskwarren]

We will be staying in our first "big suite" next March. I must say, I'm a little afraid to sit in the reserved chairs with the attitude of those such as the OP. However, if RCI wants to offer me a perk, I guess I'll take advantage of it. Please don't throw things at me while I'm enjoying my reserved seat by the pool!

 

You should enjoy your cruise and not worry. You deserve the seating in the reserved section, since you paid some good cash for your cruise. However, it would be appreciated by some to sit in the reserved section, and let those who cannot sit in the reserved section have a seat in the regular section. That way, you won't have a reserved seat being set aside for you, while taking a seat from those who don't.

[Retired LEO]

I have no desire to actually to use the chairs in the reserved section myself, but it will be great just to leave my stuff on while I'm out and about the ship.

[chriskwarren]

I have no desire to actually to use the chairs in the reserved section myself, but it will be great just to leave my stuff on while I'm out and about the ship.

 

Haha some nice trolling there! Your stuff end up overboard often? :p

[Ladylouwho]

I have no desire to actually to use the chairs in the reserved section myself, but it will be great just to leave my stuff on while I'm out and about the ship.

 

I've said it before and I will say it again, you sound like such a stand up guy!