Labadee....sounds like changes are a comming

[LLM]

Quote in first post:

Labadee is coming along nicely so far. The only thing new to report is that after October 5th, my favorite beach - I think it's Barefoot beach - will be available only for suite guests. This is where the cabana's are located. They built an entrance wall to keep everyone else out.

 

 

OK...got some updated info.....according to the latest post today....it's being reported that the beach will be open to everyone but the cabanas are for the suite guests.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=20953816&postcount=5668

 

My question would be if the beach is for everyone and the cabanas are for the suite guests, why would Royal build an entrance wall?

 

Lisa

[cruising grandma]

Hey Pete, I am not sure I know what you mean. Maybe I am misunderstanding. My point was that giving one class of passenger something "extra" by taking it away from another is not really giving extra to the first party, it is just taking it away from the second party. On the other hand, if the second party never had the benefit of that particular product or service to begin with, nothing has been gained nor taken away from anyone. Using the airline analogy, I am not a member of American Airlines Sky Club (or whatever), so I do not expect access to that area. I could gain access to it by being a loyal customer over time and accumulating the necessary miles. To then be told that only customers who bought first class seats on that particular day could get in and that my many miles no longer counted would not be a great move in my judgement. It would certainly be within their right to do so, but that would not make it a wise business move with regards to building customer loyalty.

 

When we were Gold C&A, we knew that Platinum and Diamond got more perks than us and that was OK. Same when we made Platinum, and eventually Diamond. Back when we were Gold and got a free 5X7 and the Platinum & Diamond got a free 8X10, that was no problem. Keep cruising and one day you too can get the 8X10. On the other hand, roping off areas around the pool that used to be accessible to everyone and say "sorry buddy, you didn't pay enough for your cabin" is another animal. Also, staying loyal and building cruise credits in order to obtain the perks of a given level and then see those taken away for the sake of making things less crowded for the suite passengers is quite disappointing. If RCI was going to spend years mailing out C&A magazines, sending emails, building websites, etc. touting the many benefits and perks of being loyal to the brand, they probably should have planned to accommodate those who believed it and spent money with them. Apparently, they woke up one day and realized that too many people were being loyal and they no longer had "room" for them.

 

Cruising is apparently headed back to the class system and segregation of days past. If that is the case, so be it.

 

 

Agree totally with you!!! Even though, some on here just don't get it. By the way, have a great cruise!!! We finally made diamond plus this summer, but I still fight with words for the perks of diamond members. What is right is right. (You do know Celebrity recognizes diamond as elite on their ships, I hope, and they do have a "concierge lounge" for elite for now till the masses of disgruntled Royal loyals have it overcrowded and they shut them out, too.) LOL

[xxbrowns]

Bruin Steve...well I must be very gullible.....I thought it was true UNTIL I got to the barge part....too funny!!! Thanks for the laugh!

[stretch44]

Is this really so hard to understand? RCL was not filling their suites, at least not at the prices they want them sold at. They had to make changes in order to keep up with the competition on THEIR MOST PROFITABLE ROOMS. They came to the decision that with their very large ships they are able to attract more than one type of customer. If you want some luxury and space plus be able to avoid some crowds and lines, then a suite on RCL is for you! If you're looking to get the best value/dollar then book a regular cabin on RCL and enjoy! It's unfortunate that frequent cruisers of RCL will lose some perks but the sheer number of people would keep them from providing the upgraded service they hope to provide.

 

Our family takes 1-2 cruises a year and while we don't always cruise in a suite, the added ammenities convinced us to upgrade to a suite on our RCL cruise next month. Their new policy has already got us to spend more money. How good these extras turn out to be will be a major factor with us cruising with them again in the near future. Also, I have to wonder how many Diamond members may consider a suite now so they don't lose the ammenities they have become accustomed to.

[bqkali]

Interior Neighborhood

Transportation to the island will be provided on handmade wooden rafts. You will experience the tremendous adventure of paddling these rafts yourself as you make your exciting voyage to the island. Once on the island, your exciting traditional native Haitian experience continues with your neighborhood's food options. Choose from fishing the local waters with rudimentary nets and spears or pick from the abundant nuts and berries to be found among the neighborhoods wild plant vegetation. A nourishing meal can typically be gathered in 6 hours or less.

 

Okay, a little off-topic, but that sounds like a MUCH more exciting day to me than lying on the beach/sunbathing/snorkeling. I'd love an opportunity like that to really experience a different culture. What a great "excursion"! (Guess I need to start making connections with the locals on my next island visit...)

[bmazzo]

Steve, that's hilarious. Like others, you had me for a minute. How about parents in balcony with kids in inside cabins? When they get to Labadee, do they wave to each other as they separate into their areas?:eek:

 

The referenced post said AFTER October 5 ... Well, I will be there Oct 5, so does that mean I get to experience the suite life for the last day?

 

BTW, in hotels the public areas are available to all ... there are no suite dining sections, the pools do not have reserved suite loungers, etc. Once you leave your room (or even the concierge lounge), you walk among the masses.

 

I get the idea, but it really does smack of classism ... but perhaps Fain/Goldberg don't really care about what it smells like.:rolleyes:

 

 

BTW. Better hotels do have concierge floors, with lounges that offer comp drinks and hors douvers in the evenings. Some suites do have wet bars with comp beverages. I had a suite at the Paris Hotel and Casino a few weeks back, I called the concierge and had my show tickets delivered to my room. I also entered the buffet through a different enterence and had no wait. Hotels do treat suite guests differently.

[cruising grandma]

Also, I have to wonder how many Diamond members may consider a suite now so they don't lose the ammenities they have become accustomed to.

 

As a diamond plus member, I will chose to continue cruising many more cruises for the same cost you chose to pay for your one suite week cruise. We will enjoy seven or eight cruises and pay the same amount you pay for one......we will enjoy seven or eight weeks where you will enjoy one week. Everyone makes their own choices, but for me I would rather have lots more cruise days than seven in a year. Actually, I'd love to live on a ship if I could afford it(maybe the lottery will pay off if I buy a ticket!LOL), and even then, I'd probably still not chose a suite over more cruises. Different strokes for different folks. We are not in our cabin much anyway, whether we book the cheapest inside cabin on deck 2 or a balcony on deck 10. I guess I'm more practical than some others. We did have conversations with suite guests in the concierge lounge, and they really didn't appear to me to have any better time than me.... maybe not as much, wishing they had booked a cheaper cabin and would not have to wait so long before they cruise again was the sentiment I found.

[coordinator23]

Funny Memo,but it seems that is the way the cruising may be heading.It was great no matter wear you bunked you had the same benefits,but like everything else time are changing.With the removal of life vest in rooms will the next step be priority life vest for suite guests?

 

Who would you rather save??-- the lowly"Q" cat. passenger or the Grand Suite guest? Easy answer - the one who paid the most for the room;) lol They paid for the life vest (and may come back)!

[stretch44]

As a diamond plus member, I will chose to continue cruising many more cruises for the same cost you chose to pay for your one suite week cruise. We will enjoy seven or eight cruises and pay the same amount you pay for one......we will enjoy seven or eight weeks where you will enjoy one week. Everyone makes their own choices, but for me I would rather have lots more cruise days than seven in a year. Actually, I'd love to live on a ship if I could afford it(maybe the lottery will pay off if I buy a ticket!LOL), and even then, I'd probably still not chose a suite over more cruises. Different strokes for different folks. We are not in our cabin much anyway, whether we book the cheapest inside cabin on deck 2 or a balcony on deck 10. I guess I'm more practical than some others. We did have conversations with suite guests in the concierge lounge, and they really didn't appear to me to have any better time than me.... maybe not as much, wishing they had booked a cheaper cabin and would not have to wait so long before they cruise again was the sentiment I found.

 

On our upcoming cruise, our family of four is paying $400 more for an owner's suite over the two balcony cabins we had orginally planned. We do spend a lot of time in our room and we go on cruises to get away from everyday stress so anything that makes our vacation a little less hectic is worth it to us! Like you said, different strokes.......

[BND]

We're in a GS on Explorer next March for my 50th (wince) birthday. We didn't start cruising until our kids were grown so we treat ourselves and we always book suites. This is not something we could have afforded when we were raising kids. I see absolutely nothing wrong with perks for those that spend more. You spend more to GET more. That's how everything works. I wouldnt' expect to get more for staying in an inside cabin than for a suite. We had a JS on our last cruise and didn't get the suite perks and we were fine with that because we CHOSE to not book a higher category. The real reason people get bent out of shape about perks is because they either don't want to pay for it or can't afford it. The perks that the truly wealthy have access to puts every suite perk to shame. So, it's all relative.

[Freo]

Is Coco Cay next? :rolleyes:

[DEIx15x8]

Is this really so hard to understand? RCL was not filling their suites, at least not at the prices they want them sold at. They had to make changes in order to keep up with the competition on THEIR MOST PROFITABLE ROOMS. They came to the decision that with their very large ships they are able to attract more than one type of customer. If you want some luxury and space plus be able to avoid some crowds and lines, then a suite on RCL is for you! If you're looking to get the best value/dollar then book a regular cabin on RCL and enjoy! It's unfortunate that frequent cruisers of RCL will lose some perks but the sheer number of people would keep them from providing the upgraded service they hope to provide.

 

Our family takes 1-2 cruises a year and while we don't always cruise in a suite, the added ammenities convinced us to upgrade to a suite on our RCL cruise next month. Their new policy has already got us to spend more money. How good these extras turn out to be will be a major factor with us cruising with them again in the near future. Also, I have to wonder how many Diamond members may consider a suite now so they don't lose the ammenities they have become accustomed to.

 

If they couldn't sell suites it would have been more cost effective to turn some of them into balcony cabins during the next dry dock. They make more money per square foot off of those cabins than they do with suites and they apparently sell better. They could have even made the new cabins a nicer looking balcony to sell at a premium over the standard top of the line balconies even though they'd be a comparable size. It would have also prevented all this anger they are causing as the perks would not be necessary any more and the remaining suites would even be worth more money as they are now rare. Seems like that plan may work better, as an added bonus they will even be able to clear some more room in the lounge to allow loyal guests back. Man RCCL screwed this one up, they could have pleased everyone and padded there bank account.

[crischickie]

Reserved deck chairs, reserved theater seats, a seperate beach area - they creating a caste system on purpose (and now a segregated section on Labadee). I am not comfortable with the direction this is going. It goes against the grain.

What do I usually sail? Balcony/Jr. Suite. I enjoy rubbing sholders with everyone. If this continues and creeps down - segregation of balcony vs "insides" or oceanview, it will be even more uncomfortable.:o

A seperate beach for the anointed?? Not a "black and white" issue per se, but close enough (economic differences?) to make me uncomfortable.

;)lol- maybe royal is seperating the "royalty" from the serfs - instead of selling to the middle ages, we're returning to them:eek:

 

Why not complain about their bath tubs or walk in closets too?

 

Do you also complain about 1st class passengers on planes getting meals or access to the airport lounges?

 

They are paying much extra to get accommodated and they should get accommodated. If you didn't have an equal opportunity to buy that level then there would be a caste system. But, everyone gets the same opportunity.

[massfriends]

Instead of having the cabanas for suite guests, I wish they'd open them up to everyone to rent like some of the other private islands do.

I totally agree with you.....:)

 

So far only one poster is reporting that the cabanas are for suite passengers....:rolleyes: I think I'll wait until we have a written word from the head honchos at royal.....nothing is final until it happens!

 

I just can't see Royal simply letting suite passengers have exclusive use of the cabanas as an added perk. Heck they are looking to make as much extra money as they can. Renting them out will bring in lots of extra dollars with very little maintenance.

 

It will be interesting to see what route royal takes.....

[Texas Teen]

Actually, I got my hands on an advance copy of the full release:

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Royal Caribbean Introduces The Next Generation Of The Labadee Experience

Royal Caribbean Evolves Private Beach Experiences With Amenities To Fit Your Cruising Category

 

Miami - September, 2009 - Launching in January 2010, Royal Caribbean will set the stage for Royal Caribbean International's new innovations in private destinations amenities. The world's most revolutionary cruise ship company will offer guests more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to distinct restricted areas of its Labadee, Haiti dedicated port, ranging from exclusive signature restaurant and spa for Suite category guests, to neighborhood-specific themed beach venues with lounges and even blow-up rafts for balcony guests to new twists on historic ship roles and traditions.

 

The new Labadee experience showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods of Labadee are designed to meet contemporary standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster curiosity, jealousy and class distinction.

 

As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, and the Labadee Experience will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

 

Upon arriving at Labadee, a new set of rules and reality will emerge. We have split up the Labadee property into four distinct "neighborhoods", each one corresponding to a different group of cabin categories. We've designed every one of our neighborhoods to be a comfortable, relaxing place completely appropriate to the category of cabin you've booked.

 

Suites/Deluxe Neighborhood

First, you will be transported to Labadee on luxury yachts commissioned especially for this purpose. Then, relax in luxury in our comfortable cabanas or at the neighborhood spa. The beach bar features plush lounge chairs and an air-conditioned lounge with large screen satellite TV with Sports Events from all over the world. A gourmet restaurant will serve crab, lobster and fine steaks. A dedicated staff of servants are available to cater to your every whim.

 

Balcony Neighborhood

Your transport from the ship to Labadee will be on priority tenders. Once there, your section of beach contains the zipline or just take the tram to the top of the hill to take in the beautiful view. Food service includes a Barbecue with Chicken, Ribs and a full salad bar. Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks are available for a price. Waiters will provide various services. Chaise Lounges and air matresses are available.

 

Oceanview Neighborhood

After being transported to the island by barge, you'll enjoy a short walk over the hill and rough unpaved path to your beach. Remember to bring a towel. Food service available will be serve-yourself hot dogs, burgers and Fritos. Tap water available on request. Outhouses are provided for your comfort needs.

 

Interior Neighborhood

Transportation to the island will be provided on handmade wooden rafts. You will experience the tremendous adventure of paddling these rafts yourself as you make your exciting voyage to the island. Once on the island, your exciting traditional native Haitian experience continues with your neighborhood's food options. Choose from fishing the local waters with rudimentary nets and spears or pick from the abundant nuts and berries to be found among the neighborhoods wild plant vegetation. A nourishing meal can typically be gathered in 6 hours or less.

 

As opportunities arise to continue to refine our service and product, to add benefits worthy of our guests at all levels, we will continue to do so. Our aim is to continue to make Royal Caribbean your cruise line of choice--especially for you springing for the big bucks suite categories.

 

;) ;) ;)

 

WOW! Too funny! :D And I beleived this at first, too! :eek:

[DC2OC]

I totally agree with you.....:)

 

So far only one poster is reporting that the cabanas are for suite passengers....:rolleyes: I think I'll wait until we have a written word from the head honchos at royal.....nothing is final until it happens!

 

I just can't see Royal simply letting suite passengers have exclusive use of the cabanas as an added perk. Heck they are looking to make as much extra money as they can. Renting them out will bring in lots of extra dollars with very little maintenance.

 

It will be interesting to see what route royal takes.....

 

There is a special pool seating on the ship for the suite guest so why not this

[PrincesScuba]

OK...got some updated info.....according to the latest post today....it's being reported that the beach will be open to everyone but the cabanas are for the suite guests.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=20953816&postcount=5668

 

I totally agree with you.....:)

 

So far only one poster is reporting that the cabanas are for suite passengers....:rolleyes: I think I'll wait until we have a written word from the head honchos at royal.....nothing is final until it happens!

 

I just can't see Royal simply letting suite passengers have exclusive use of the cabanas as an added perk. Heck they are looking to make as much extra money as they can. Renting them out will bring in lots of extra dollars with very little maintenance.

 

It will be interesting to see what route royal takes.....

 

Keep reading: (and stop jumping)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=20958813&postcount=5669

[massfriends]

Keep reading: (and stop jumping)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=20958813&postcount=5669

Thanks for the link to that one post......:) So NO decision has been made yet. Good to know that!

 

I wasn't jumping....I was simply reading this thread and posted based on the comments made on this thread only....:)

 

Guess I'll hop on over and read that Oasis thread to....:)

[massfriends]

There is a special pool seating on the ship for the suite guest so why not this

I think this is different.

 

The cabanas can be a revenue generator for the cruise line. The reserved seating on the pool deck....I don't think so....:rolleyes:

 

Just my opinion.....:)

[Cuizer2]

Actually, I got my hands on an advance copy of the full release:

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Royal Caribbean Introduces The Next Generation Of The Labadee Experience

Royal Caribbean Evolves Private Beach Experiences With Amenities To Fit Your Cruising Category

 

Miami - September, 2009 - Launching in January 2010, Royal Caribbean will set the stage for Royal Caribbean International's new innovations in private destinations amenities. The world's most revolutionary cruise ship company will offer guests more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to distinct restricted areas of its Labadee, Haiti dedicated port, ranging from exclusive signature restaurant and spa for Suite category guests, to neighborhood-specific themed beach venues with lounges and even blow-up rafts for balcony guests to new twists on historic ship roles and traditions.

 

The new Labadee experience showcases the evolution of Royal Caribbean," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Both the new concepts and the established Royal Caribbean offerings found throughout the neighborhoods of Labadee are designed to meet contemporary standards, cater to individual preferences and schedules and foster curiosity, jealousy and class distinction.

 

As guests expectations continue to rise, the global cruise line introduces new elements of variety and flexibility, and the Labadee Experience will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

 

Upon arriving at Labadee, a new set of rules and reality will emerge. We have split up the Labadee property into four distinct "neighborhoods", each one corresponding to a different group of cabin categories. We've designed every one of our neighborhoods to be a comfortable, relaxing place completely appropriate to the category of cabin you've booked.

 

Suites/Deluxe Neighborhood

First, you will be transported to Labadee on luxury yachts commissioned especially for this purpose. Then, relax in luxury in our comfortable cabanas or at the neighborhood spa. The beach bar features plush lounge chairs and an air-conditioned lounge with large screen satellite TV with Sports Events from all over the world. A gourmet restaurant will serve crab, lobster and fine steaks. A dedicated staff of servants are available to cater to your every whim.

 

Balcony Neighborhood

Your transport from the ship to Labadee will be on priority tenders. Once there, your section of beach contains the zipline or just take the tram to the top of the hill to take in the beautiful view. Food service includes a Barbecue with Chicken, Ribs and a full salad bar. Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks are available for a price. Waiters will provide various services. Chaise Lounges and air matresses are available.

 

Oceanview Neighborhood

After being transported to the island by barge, you'll enjoy a short walk over the hill and rough unpaved path to your beach. Remember to bring a towel. Food service available will be serve-yourself hot dogs, burgers and Fritos. Tap water available on request. Outhouses are provided for your comfort needs.

 

Interior Neighborhood

Transportation to the island will be provided on handmade wooden rafts. You will experience the tremendous adventure of paddling these rafts yourself as you make your exciting voyage to the island. Once on the island, your exciting traditional native Haitian experience continues with your neighborhood's food options. Choose from fishing the local waters with rudimentary nets and spears or pick from the abundant nuts and berries to be found among the neighborhoods wild plant vegetation. A nourishing meal can typically be gathered in 6 hours or less.

 

As opportunities arise to continue to refine our service and product, to add benefits worthy of our guests at all levels, we will continue to do so. Our aim is to continue to make Royal Caribbean your cruise line of choice--especially for you springing for the big bucks suite categories.

 

;) ;) ;)

 

LOL! You write this and then complain about my including a picture of the Royal Suite bathroom with the pictures of cabin 7620? :eek:

[Cuizer2]

:) You had me going there for a minute --- Hopefully, this will not become a reality. That's one of the reasons we don't even look at the Cunard Line -

might as well be on the Titanic with it's separate class system.

 

Perhaps, but at least on the Cunard ships there are areas where you can go to dry off after swimming. The Titanic does not provide any such area anywhere on the ship.

[maggieworkman]

I think this is different.

 

The cabanas can be a revenue generator for the cruise line. The reserved seating on the pool deck....I don't think so....:rolleyes:

 

Just my opinion.....:)

 

Don't give them any ideas!! They may start charging for the first row of seats by the pool!

 

Maggie

[massfriends]

Don't give them any ideas!! They may start charging for the first row of seats by the pool!

 

Maggie

I think you just did....;)

[Jeka]

As a diamond plus member, I will chose to continue cruising many more cruises for the same cost you chose to pay for your one suite week cruise. We will enjoy seven or eight cruises and pay the same amount you pay for one......we will enjoy seven or eight weeks where you will enjoy one week.

 

Huh?? Why do you assume someone in a suite doesn't cruise as often as you? Sorry, but I find your post odd.

[cruising grandma]

As a diamond plus member, I will chose to continue cruising many more cruises for the same cost you chose to pay for your one suite week cruise. We will enjoy seven or eight cruises and pay the same amount you pay for one......we will enjoy seven or eight weeks where you will enjoy one week.

 

Huh?? Why do you assume someone in a suite doesn't cruise as often as you? Sorry, but I find your post odd.

 

 

Beacuse that is what the poster I was responding to said........she took one or two cruises a year. We have had 8 RC cruises so far this year, and may go on more from the money we save by not booking suites.