reserving of seats

[akcruz]

I just had to chime in here and give my 2 cents....

 

After just getting off the Liberty, all the reserved areas for the suite guests (i.e., theater, ice show, pool areas) was a total waste. They were empty most of the time. Out of the 7 day cruise, the pool area maybe had 4 to 5 guests:eek:

 

I for one, am a balcony person in the theater, and most of the time it was packed except for the roped off area which was 3 rows in the center. No one came up there. No one was allowed to sit in those seats either. No matter how packed it was upstairs.

 

OK...I have a real problem with this. I realized the suite people have spent alot of money, but rcl could come up with a better way to serve them. I don't care how much money someone spends on their cruise, when it comes to my cruise vacation, I want to pick my own seating (no matter where it is).

 

I think most of the suite people I've talked to feel the same as I do. And I really think RCL blew it on this new little rule/perk. And I think it will soon change also. Way too many complaints.

 

Thanks for the facts of someone actually sailing and seeing what is happening. This has been my concern all along with this policy. If the seats are used, I do not have an issue with it, but if they aren't I'm not happy. I believe the first few sailing had both sides of the tiered pool area 'reserved' for a total of 48 (??) seats. The latest reports are now saying it is on 24 seats that are reserved for the suite guests. Guess they are seeing it isn't working and reducing the number.

 

As for the theatre and ice show, these are much easier to 'contain'. I don't have a problem holding them for suite guests, but 5 - 10 minutes before the show starts if there are seats open, they should be openend for anyone to use.

 

As I have said before, I do believe suite guests should get perks, just think RCI blew it on this one.

[djandnic]

I've been thinking about this thread and what the source of the problem is. It seems to come from RCCL taking away prime seats that used to be available to who ever showed up first and giving them to suite guests when they arrive. Instead of these pages of arguing maybe we should be working on a solution that we can then work to get RCCL to apply. We have two sides to this argument:

Bad Perk:

 

Reasons:

• It used to be available to us, now it's being taken away.
  
• The extra price is for the room not the rest of the ship.
  
• If I arrive first I should be able to get a good chair.
  

Good Perk:

 

Reasons:

• We pay more we should get more.
  
• There are chairs in other places.
  
• RCCL's perks are lacking and should be expanded.
  
• Non suiters are gealous.
  

Solution:

It would seem that the key item from each party is that the perk should exist but it should not be taking away what used to be available. Since you can't have the perk and not take anything away it should be done in the least intrusive way possible while still providing great locations to the suiters.

Pool:

RCCL took an entire section of seats away that do not exist anywhere else. It also seems that these seats are not popular in mass (including with suiters) but the people that do use them are varied and enjoy them. That seems to say that no one wins with those seats being locked away. RCCL should be choosing seats that have equivalent seats not reserved. That way the suite guests are guaranteed great seats while other guests do not feel as though they are loosing something as those that arrive early can still get equivalent seats. They could have 8 seats in the second row of the family pool, 8 seats in the second row of the adult solarium, and 8 seats on the sun deck all reserved for suite guests. None of those seats are 1 of a kind yet they still provide great spots with a variety of areas to choose since not everyone wants to sit in that one location. I really don't think this should cause to much disruption to other guests as the removal of one entire section seems to have.

Main Theater:

They have reserved the front row of each floor. The main complaint I think is the fact that the early arrivers choose those seats and are now being punished for showing up early. The suite guests don't seem particularly interested in those exact seats but just like the pool deck feel it is necessary because of people reserving seats. The solution seems to be to once again give great seats that are not unique. Instead of the front rows they should reserve row 4-5 (or 4-6, 4-7, etc to reach how ever many seats they currently do) on the main floor, or for a more diverse offering use row 4 on the main floor and 2 on the balcony. That solution still gives the suite guests great seats but the people that arrive extra early to get great seats still can and won't feel as though they are losing something.

Studio B:

I don't really know what seats are currently being reserved but a solution similar to the Main Theater would work here. Reserve row 3 for however many seats are currently reserved. That way the people who show up 2 hours early still can get good seats instead of wasting there time while still ensuring suite guests get good seats. The ice show typically requires about 3 hours of waiting for us. One hour to get the tickets for the date we want, and then two hours waiting at the door to get in for a good seat. This is the one venue where I don't think you can get a good seat if you are not waiting an hour. A suite guest already skips the first wait but by reserving all of row 3 they even get to skip the second wait so they still win.

 

This solution seems much more fair IMO. It ensures that suite guests get great seats at all three places while other guests are not losing anything that is unique (such as the only chairs on the stairs or the only front row). The original plan was based around taking away from other guests to give to suite guests while these plans are more like the concierge in which a suite guest can get special tickets, reservations without waiting. That perk is great for suite guests but when I show up early I can still get the ticket for the show I want as there are not enough suite guests to take them all. This plan still ensure the suite guest gets a great spot without the wait but ensures that if other guests do wait they still can get great seats as well. It ensures that who ever puts the energy into getting a good spot still gets rewarded whether it be by devoting time or money.

 

Please comment on this idea from both sides, any way it should be changed?

 

There really isn't a need for all of this. The only issue that people have a ligitmate gripe about is that they are reserving pool chairs when there aren't enough of them because they don't enforce the 'hogging' rule. If there was enough chairs for everyone, then having reserved chairs wouldn't be an issue.

 

Yes some will say, "but I want to sit here or there or where ever", but having certain areas assigned for suite passengers, or Diamond level or whatever criteria they want to use is up to RCCL and no one should have an issue with it as long as there are enough other seats for the remaining guest.

 

I personally don't care about the areas reserved beyond the pool because there are plenty of other seats form me to use. The same way I don't care about other perks for different levels because again it doesn't effect me and I know if I want those perks I need to buy a suite, or reach a certain level, or whatever the criteria is that drives the perk. Again it's not about how much someone pays, because I can get a suite less than a balcony on some occassions, or an inside can be more than a balcony, etc, etc.

 

What I care about is that they reserve pool chairs (and I don't care about location) and I walk around trying to find ANY chair. I don't have to be right at the pool, or near the bar, or any certain place, but I do want to be able to sit outside and enjoy the outdoors.

 

I am not gaurenteed a certain location of a chair, and I really don't care if suite passengers have the 'ideal spot' as long as I have a chair to use.

[sandian]

Thanks for the facts of someone actually sailing and seeing what is happening. This has been my concern all along with this policy. If the seats are used, I do not have an issue with it, but if they aren't I'm not happy. I believe the first few sailing had both sides of the tiered pool area 'reserved' for a total of 48 (??) seats. The latest reports are now saying it is on 24 seats that are reserved for the suite guests. Guess they are seeing it isn't working and reducing the number.

 

As for the theatre and ice show, these are much easier to 'contain'. I don't have a problem holding them for suite guests, but 5 - 10 minutes before the show starts if there are seats open, they should be openend for anyone to use.

 

As I have said before, I do believe suite guests should get perks, just think RCI blew it on this one.

Why cant suite guests reserve a seat say the day before show.

 

That way only seats that have been reserved will be unavailable for rest of passengers.

 

Same for pool, reserved the day before this will surely cause less hassle.

[aloha43]

Why cant suite guests reserve a seat say the day before show.

 

That way only seats that have been reserved will be unavailable for rest of passengers.

 

Same for pool, reserved the day before this will surely cause less hassle.

 

Great ideas......if it could only be that easy!

 

Let's hope RCL is reading this! :D

[cruisegirl1]

I am not against the suite seating policy (and I rarely book a suite)

 

We are traveling with a couple who will be on a OS but we and a third couple will be in balcony cabins. I can’t imagine that the suite couple will sit by themselves at the pool or theater rather than sitting together. Often the ladies gather at the pool while the men are in the casino. She if she wants the suite perk – she’ll have to sit alone. I guess this is another reason why the seats are empty.

M

[sheilb4]

I was hesitating on responding, but here is my take on this, a different aspect as a single cruiser......

95% of the time I cruise alone......

When I cruise my main delight is to lie in the sun all day, sipping on my foo-foo drinks , and just all out relaxing, away from computers, phones, beepers etc!.

The amount of times I have found a lounger, got up just for the restroom, or to get a drink and find my things removed and a folks that have "moved in" ... I am no chair hog and am very aware of the time I am away, never more than 10 mins at any time.....

(Not to mention in the WJ -If I get up to get an extra item, a few mins max you can be sure my table has already got other diners there and my plates are gone...)

As I work so hard and like to "treat" myself to a GS, I am thrilled for the reserved seating in the sun...

I like the CL too, as when you travel as a single person, it can sometimes feel be a little uncomfortable to go to a bar, so this is a nice, relaxing area when I can have a couple of drinks, and meet new friends, in a non-smoking environment too..(I know thats another beaten thread)

moving on....I don't care about the preferred theater seating etc, but

the new perks for the reserved lounger seating makes me very happy...

I think every other "single" cruiser would agree? :)

[Bakincakes]

Suite guests should have those kinds of perks.

 

If they use them fine, if not that is fine too. Those seats are available should they want them and that is how it should be.

 

I have a feeling that the areas that have been "saved" for suite guests have only become very popular since that has happened.:)

 

I don't think there are "bad" seats for any of the shows unless you feel the need to sit on top of the stage.

[cruzincurt]

IMO all this "seat saving" is just smoke and mirrors for those who expect special treatment or perks because they paid a higher fare. I've seen where the reserved seats are located and wouldn't want to sit there.

 

This is also a bit of marketing hype to demonstrate what you could get if you booked a higher category cabin.

[temple1]

I was hesitating on responding, but here is my take on this, a different aspect as a single cruiser......

95% of the time I cruise alone......

When I cruise my main delight is to lie in the sun all day, sipping on my foo-foo drinks , and just all out relaxing, away from computers, phones, beepers etc!.

The amount of times I have found a lounger, got up just for the restroom, or to get a drink and find my things removed and a folks that have "moved in" ... I am no chair hog and am very aware of the time I am away, never more than 10 mins at any time.....

(Not to mention in the WJ -If I get up to get an extra item, a few mins max you can be sure my table has already got other diners there and my plates are gone...)

As I work so hard and like to "treat" myself to a GS, I am thrilled for the reserved seating in the sun...

I like the CL too, as when you travel as a single person, it can sometimes feel be a little uncomfortable to go to a bar, so this is a nice, relaxing area when I can have a couple of drinks, and meet new friends, in a non-smoking environment too..(I know thats another beaten thread)

moving on....I don't care about the preferred theater seating etc, but

the new perks for the reserved lounger seating makes me very happy...

I think every other "single" cruiser would agree? :)

 

I see you have an extensive cruising history, did you ever consider telling one of the pool staff or WJ staff that you were only going to get an item or would be back shortly? I'm sure they would be only too happy to watch your spot.

[Mark_K]

I wonder, if you couldnt find a seat and there were some in the reserved area and you just sat in the reserved area, would they ask you to move?;)

It's highly unlikely that you couldn't find a lounger. The only thing that is likely at all is that you couldn't find one in as good a location as the ones reserved for suite passengers.

[Mark_K]

I've been thinking about this thread and what the source of the problem is. It seems to come from RCCL taking away prime seats that used to be available to who ever showed up first and giving them to suite guests when they arrive. Instead of these pages of arguing maybe we should be working on a solution that we can then work to get RCCL to apply. We have two sides to this argument:

Bad Perk:

 

Reasons:

• It used to be available to us, now it's being taken away.
  
• The extra price is for the room not the rest of the ship.
  
• If I arrive first I should be able to get a good chair.
  

Good Perk:

 

Reasons:

• We pay more we should get more.
  
• There are chairs in other places.
  
• RCCL's perks are lacking and should be expanded.
  
• Non suiters are gealous.
  

Solution:

It would seem that the key item from each party is that the perk should exist but it should not be taking away what used to be available. Since you can't have the perk and not take anything away it should be done in the least intrusive way possible while still providing great locations to the suiters.

Pool:

RCCL took an entire section of seats away that do not exist anywhere else. It also seems that these seats are not popular in mass (including with suiters) but the people that do use them are varied and enjoy them. That seems to say that no one wins with those seats being locked away. RCCL should be choosing seats that have equivalent seats not reserved. That way the suite guests are guaranteed great seats while other guests do not feel as though they are loosing something as those that arrive early can still get equivalent seats. They could have 8 seats in the second row of the family pool, 8 seats in the second row of the adult solarium, and 8 seats on the sun deck all reserved for suite guests. None of those seats are 1 of a kind yet they still provide great spots with a variety of areas to choose since not everyone wants to sit in that one location. I really don't think this should cause to much disruption to other guests as the removal of one entire section seems to have.

Main Theater:

They have reserved the front row of each floor. The main complaint I think is the fact that the early arrivers choose those seats and are now being punished for showing up early. The suite guests don't seem particularly interested in those exact seats but just like the pool deck feel it is necessary because of people reserving seats. The solution seems to be to once again give great seats that are not unique. Instead of the front rows they should reserve row 4-5 (or 4-6, 4-7, etc to reach how ever many seats they currently do) on the main floor, or for a more diverse offering use row 4 on the main floor and 2 on the balcony. That solution still gives the suite guests great seats but the people that arrive extra early to get great seats still can and won't feel as though they are losing something.

Studio B:

I don't really know what seats are currently being reserved but a solution similar to the Main Theater would work here. Reserve row 3 for however many seats are currently reserved. That way the people who show up 2 hours early still can get good seats instead of wasting there time while still ensuring suite guests get good seats. The ice show typically requires about 3 hours of waiting for us. One hour to get the tickets for the date we want, and then two hours waiting at the door to get in for a good seat. This is the one venue where I don't think you can get a good seat if you are not waiting an hour. A suite guest already skips the first wait but by reserving all of row 3 they even get to skip the second wait so they still win.

 

This solution seems much more fair IMO. It ensures that suite guests get great seats at all three places while other guests are not losing anything that is unique (such as the only chairs on the stairs or the only front row). The original plan was based around taking away from other guests to give to suite guests while these plans are more like the concierge in which a suite guest can get special tickets, reservations without waiting. That perk is great for suite guests but when I show up early I can still get the ticket for the show I want as there are not enough suite guests to take them all. This plan still ensure the suite guest gets a great spot without the wait but ensures that if other guests do wait they still can get great seats as well. It ensures that who ever puts the energy into getting a good spot still gets rewarded whether it be by devoting time or money.

 

Please comment on this idea from both sides, any way it should be changed?

The first flaw in your thinking is that they are prime seats, they are not. The prime seats are the ones down by the pool on the pool deck, the suite reserved seats are merely above average.

 

The second flaw in your thinking is that the extra money paid for a suite is just for a room, it has never been just for a room. The only thing that has recently changed is what, in addition to the room, you get.

[Bakincakes]

IMO all this "seat saving" is just smoke and mirrors for those who expect special treatment or perks because they paid a higher fare. I've seen where the reserved seats are located and wouldn't want to sit there.

 

This is also a bit of marketing hype to demonstrate what you could get if you booked a higher category cabin.

 

 

I'm not so sure that the newer perks were "expected" or "demanded" by suite guests.

 

RCI initiated them and if suite guests take advanatage of them they shouldn't be ridiculed by fellow pax for doing so.

 

Same marketing strategy was used for the specialty restaurants and pax were knocking each other down to get to the doors to make their reservations once they boarded. Truth is that pax will pay extra for something that they think is much better than what the next guy is getting.:)

[tuff2]

they may pay more for the room (often 4 sharing) however i, and many others pay more over all not just for the room, and paid much more to RCI overall over the years

 

Do you get a first class seat on the airlines because you are a frequent flyer? I Don't Think So! If you want first class you have to pay for it. Sorry that is the way it is.

[babies12]

I thought this thread was locked???

[boulders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheilb4

I was hesitating on responding, but here is my take on this, a different aspect as a single cruiser......

95% of the time I cruise alone......

When I cruise my main delight is to lie in the sun all day, sipping on my foo-foo drinks , and just all out relaxing, away from computers, phones, beepers etc!.

The amount of times I have found a lounger, got up just for the restroom, or to get a drink and find my things removed and a folks that have "moved in" ... I am no chair hog and am very aware of the time I am away, never more than 10 mins at any time.....

(Not to mention in the WJ -If I get up to get an extra item, a few mins max you can be sure my table has already got other diners there and my plates are gone...)

As I work so hard and like to "treat" myself to a GS, I am thrilled for the reserved seating in the sun...

I like the CL too, as when you travel as a single person, it can sometimes feel be a little uncomfortable to go to a bar, so this is a nice, relaxing area when I can have a couple of drinks, and meet new friends, in a non-smoking environment too..(I know thats another beaten thread)

moving on....I don't care about the preferred theater seating etc, but

the new perks for the reserved lounger seating makes me very happy...

I think every other "single" cruiser would agree? :)

 

I see you have an extensive cruising history, did you ever consider telling one of the pool staff or WJ staff that you were only going to get an item or would be back shortly? I'm sure they would be only too happy to watch your spot.

 

As a single adult who cruises only with my kids, I have to agree with the original poster. Staff tend to ignore single females in favor of couples, so it would take a very long time before a staffperson happened by for me to ask to save my spot. Given that on our cruise a few weeks ago, the windjammer staff decided to seat a couple at our table WHILE I and my children were occupying it and given that many in the windjammer don't speak English well enough to understand "Please save my spot", I don't think that saving would ever occur. ;)

[tracysue]

All I keep reading is about the "reserved seats" - how many are you talking about - 10, 20 30? and where are they - for instance - on the freedom class....curious......

 

thanks....

:rolleyes:

[MrsPete]

The second flaw in your thinking is that the extra money paid for a suite is just for a room, it has never been just for a room.

Here's the real question: WHY do you think the suite benefits go beyond the room, while I think everyone -- inside cabins and Royal Suite customers -- should have equal access to all public amenities?

 

Stop thinking "it's always been this way" or "I want it to be that way" and look at the information provided by the company.

 

Take a look at how they market the cruise: They describe everything available onboard, the excursions, the dining, the island stops . . . nothing in those sections implies that all amenities aren't equally available to all guests, regardless of cabin accomodations. Take a look at the website, imagine you're seeing it for the first time. What would you believe about the areas by the pool, etc.? Don't fall back on anything you've read here. Assume you're unfamiliar with cruising.

 

It's not until after you've chosen your ship and your date that you're asked to choose your level of accomodation. It's at that point in the reservation process that you differentiate yourself from the crowd. At that point you either choose to go the value route, or you choose to splurge. And at that point nothing "warns" the inside stateroom passenger that he's going to be getting "less" in other areas of the ship. All the evidence in the advertising points to the fact that "you get what you pay for" in your stateroom, but the public areas are open to all.

 

IF the company started promoting -- front and center in their advertising -- that some staterooms come with additional amenities that go beyond the cabin door, that'd be fair. But at this moment they aren't doing that; it would be bad for business. At this point they're pomoting the ship as equally available to all, then hitting people with the second-class status stuff later. Much later. I can't imagine this strategy will stand for long.

[tnt10]

I cannot believe that this thread is still going.

People, you DO get what you pay for!

Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, those in the more expensive Suites do get "more." It may be subtle - like the choice table for two in the dining room, the best dining room wait staff, the best stateroom attendant, or not subtle - sitting at the Captain's table on formal night, priority boarding, priority tendering, Concierge Lounge access, unlimted specialty restaurant opportunities, or behind the scenes tours offered only to suite holders.

The added "Perks" for RCI's Suite guests is merely an attempt to try to keep up with other mainstream cruise lines. Until they rolled out this new suite program, RCI was very lacking in the suite department. I'm sure there will be some tweaks to the program as it moves forward.

Happy Cruising,

TnT

[sheilb4]

"I see you have an extensive cruising history, did you ever consider telling one of the pool staff or WJ staff that you were only going to get an item or would be back shortly? I'm sure they would be only too happy to watch your spot."

 

Absolutley!! Many times I have had to wait for a waiter etc to come by my table, but on the occasions I have asked, I still return to cleared plates, and folks sitting there....yes, I put a book, items right there too..Even asked at the pool area/Solarium, to return after 5 mins and my lounger in use....very frustrating, but it is what it is.....have always found that to be an issue when cruising alone...but it won't stop me....lol :p

[temple1]

I cannot believe that this thread is still going.

People, you DO get what you pay for!

-

 

Exactly! And that is what everyone wants - not just suite passengers. No one has ever criticized any of the perks offered to suite guests except 2 - Reserved seating in the theaters and reserved seating by the pool.

 

The problem is RCI is so blinking CHEAP when it comes to suite upgrades they want to PRETEND they are giving the suite guests something of value, when all they are doing is alienating other passengers.

 

CC members have frequently made suggestions as to what RCI can offer suite guests but it all comes down to MONEY!

[Debde]

It's funny how people look at things. Many, I find on this board can only look through the 'all about me'.

This whole brew ha ha is about taking seats away from the other passengers in public spaces.

Funny how there is a thread going on now about the DL-where they are and what they should get. One thread spoke about a diamond nightly event being held in a lounge that had a quiz listed in the compass. People came to do this activity and were sent away because it became a diamond event.:( Don't we think it was unfair for those poor folks?? Not only was that diamond event held in a lounge open to the public-it had something listed in the compass!:eek: Not one person commented on those poor people asked to leave but who the heck do those suite guests think they are getting reserved seatiing.:rolleyes:

 

For people reading this board for the first time-I feel for some. All they read sometimes is what folks want and should have and what others should not have.

 

I return to RCCL for my yearly vacation this January. I sure hope all this has calmed down. I'd hate to walk into a venue an be asked to leave because other folks are there and I do not have gem status to be there. I'd hate to have CL access and have a pack of people outside with letters from corporate saying-I can go in this room. I'd hate to see folks complaining about reserved seat sections. All the above searios could make all quite uncomfortable. Don't you think this makes for a depressing start to some folks simple vacation??

 

Weather you are a suite guest-Diamond-diamond plus or on your first cruise ever, the one thing you should do is enjoy the basic cruise experience and your vacation.

 

Everytime suite amenities and D and D+ amenities change-and bet your booty they will again, maybe we all should try and enjoy ourselves on our next holiday like it is our very first cruise. ;)

 

Oh boy-I'm sure I'm in trouble............

[heffa72]

There are too many cruise lines out there to choose from. The way I figure it that if a person doesn't like the way they are being treated than they should cruise on another line or stop cruising all together.

 

Well I think that was the original point of the OP.

[Bigtex1622]

IF the company started promoting -- front and center in their advertising -- that some staterooms come with additional amenities that go beyond the cabin door, that'd be fair. But at this moment they aren't doing that; it would be bad for business.

 

When I looked at their website, it did have a list of what " Suite Only Guest " get. So they are telling people before they book.

 

 

Theater seating, Also I agree, 5 minutes before the show. Open up the Suite area only.

 

Pool chairs, How long before RCCL and others, rope off a bigger area for Pay Per Hour Lounge Chairs. Who is going to pay $5 a half hour and then leave the chair!

 

:eek: Oh God, what have I done. I know I am new, so keep the bashing down a bit! :D

[temple1]

Do you get a first class seat on the airlines because you are a frequent flyer? I Don't Think So! If you want first class you have to pay for it. Sorry that is the way it is.

 

Actually, you do on some airlines.

[k9151]

Funny stuf