Labadee....sounds like changes are a comming

[publicpersona]

I like the comparison of special suite perqs to first class airline seats.

 

In particular, thinking about the airlines that do separate classes like that are going out of business.

[MEGADAN]

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.

 

;) ;) ;)

 

Priceless! lol

[pete78]

I continue to fail to understand the distinction between D+ having perks not available to non-D+ members, and Suite guests having perks not available to non-Suite guests. Can someone please explain.

 

At some point, all the way back in the beginning, some perks were denied/reserved exclusively for D+ members. For many years, D+ folks enjoyed them, and I don't think they complained that Royal was maintaining a caste system by, for example, allowing D+ in the lounge, and denying entry to non D+ members. So at some point, there was some inequality.

 

The argument that something is being taken away from soneone to give that same benefit to another, is just semantics.

 

Either you are ok with D+ getting extra perks or not. And if you were, then I don't see how you can be against the Suite perks (unless you're just mad that you're not going to benefit from them since you won't often be a Suite guest). I'm sure that's how non-D+ members felt for years as they watched D+ folks party in the lounge.

 

To me, it just sounds that some folks are just upset that they probably no longer will benefit from the inequality; that's the real issue, IMO.

[temple1]

Steve - Great post. I must admit, you had me for a couple of paragraphs :o (or more).

 

I think a ship like Oasis that is currently underconstruction can take the suite passengers into consideration and offer them amenities and special areas without taking away from the average passenger on the ship. If they want to design a special dining room for them so if they choose, they do not have to dine with the great unwashed masses. All kinds of perks can be designed just for them.

 

But I've always disliked, and have expressed on here my dislike, of taking away areas from average passengers.

 

The problem on the already designed cruise ships - RCCL is trying to give suite passengers a special experience without spending money. RCCL comes off as cheap.

 

If RCCL wants to set aside a portion of the MDR for suite passengers, no one knows the difference. That part of the MDR can have an upgraded menu. It doesn't impact me or my enjoyment of the cruise and it provides a more upscale experience for the suite passengers. We've mentioned having upgraded amenities in the suites, and perhaps their suite key will get them special pricing in the bars or no upcharge for the specialty restaurants.

 

These things provide a real upgrade to suite passengers. Unless they really enjoy being the exhibit at the zoo behind the golden ropes.

 

About the wall - if it does end up being a special golden key area - nothing like throwing it in our face RCCL. :cool:

[dual]

That was brilliant - I believed it too - when I got to the interior neighbourhood (that would be me) - I nearly picked up the phone to tell my mum that when we arrive there - we will stay on ship! too funny! You must write marketing materials for a living! :D

 

Well I doubt I could afford a suite anytime soon and on my first cruise (this November) Im booked in an interior stateroom on deck 8 of LOS - But i will make the most of it. I could afford a suite but im not going into debt for 7 days in a suite - sorry - my bills will still be here when I get back :(

 

I for one would not be upset that passengers whom have paid a premium price should have some perks - there is nothing wrong with that. Do we not do this on first class or business class seat flights vs economy seats. Why should cruising premium vs economy be any different? It only creates a them and us attitude if you let it - but I doubt thats what RCCL is trying to do - its just rewarding big spenders.

 

The only thing I would be concerned about is if passengers in staterooms vs passengers in deluxe suites (or even balcony suites) were treated any differently in terms of basic service delivery. Yes, thank you & please is a staple basic whether one is a millionaire or an unemployed person. Thats how I was raised anyway.

 

I just hope one day I can afford a suite without breaking my bank balance

 

I dont mind seeing how the other half live - gives me something to aspire to I guess.

[Reijo]

You know, when I first read this post my gut reaction was.........here is just one more example of "segregating" the suite vacationers from everyone else but it only took a few minutes to realize AND WHY NOT??????? These people pay MUCH more than I do for my promenade cabin. We choose that cabin because we are not in our room much and when we are we can enjoy people watching, watch the two parades, etc. Also, my husband (who has had four melanomas) would not be able to enjoy the balcony for half the day due to the necessity of staying out of the sun. That is our option. IF I was paying the additional money for a suite realizing that I got no more perks (except for a few) than one in an inside cabin, I might consider taking my business elsewhere.

 

If everyone could place themselves in a suite JUST FOR A MINUTE maybe they would feel different. I have absolutely NO problem with RCCL doing this. You pay the difference, you have the perks.......simple as that.

[cruznjan]

Classism lives!

[stretch44]

You know, when I first read this post my gut reaction was.........here is just one more example of "segregating" the suite vacationers from everyone else but it only took a few minutes to realize AND WHY NOT??????? These people pay MUCH more than I do for my promenade cabin. We choose that cabin because we are not in our room much and when we are we can enjoy people watching, watch the two parades, etc. Also, my husband (who has had four melanomas) would not be able to enjoy the balcony for half the day due to the necessity of staying out of the sun. That is our option. IF I was paying the additional money for a suite realizing that I got no more perks (except for a few) than one in an inside cabin, I might consider taking my business elsewhere.

 

If everyone could place themselves in a suite JUST FOR A MINUTE maybe they would feel different. I have absolutely NO problem with RCCL doing this. You pay the difference, you have the perks.......simple as that.

 

You've stated that well. Suite customers are not trying to say they're better than anyone else, just that they're willing to pay for more ammenities. I'm amazed at the number of people on this board who try to downplay the extra perks or wish some misfortune on people who have suites. RCL made the only decision they could if they wanted to be able to keep charging a premium for suites. I can tell I wouldn't have booked a suite next month had it not been for the added ammenties.

[browneyes7]

I'm sure you're aware that ALL the cruise lines give special perks, etc. to their suite (highest paying) passengers. As an example, NCL offers daily breakfast and lunch to their suite and VIP passengers in one of their specialty restaurants. We have always found this to be a very enjoyable perk and one Royal should also consider. NCL's had reserved theater seating for suites for years. In many ways Royal is just catching up to what other cruise lines have been doing for quite a while. They've long been criticized for not doing enough for suite guests. It's debatable as to whether they are going overboard (no pun intended) in trying to alleviate that reputation.

 

I have no problem with people who pay for suites getting extra perks. They are paying so much more than everyone else! We usually book inside or oceanview rooms. I'm not particular about where I sit in the theater, or anywhere else on the ship for that matter. I'm just thrilled to be on the ship!:)

[cruisermob]

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.

 

I agree, I am amazed that everyone on this board thinks all suite guests are one hit wonders. We are diamond and have been cruising with RC since 1998, once or twice a year. We usually get a suite, and most of our neighboring suite passengers have been diamond or above. While it would be nice to cruise 8 times a year, many of us work and cannot do that. We instead choose to spend our money on a suite when we can cruise. We enjoy the suite perks and hope RC continues to enhance the suite experience with additional perks. I do not understand why anyone who can cruise 8 times a year would resent someone getting suite perks. It is a personal choice, and you get what you pay for.

[luckyprincess]

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.

 

I agree, I am amazed that everyone on this board thinks all suite guests are one hit wonders. We are diamond and have been cruising with RC since 1998, once or twice a year. We usually get a suite, and most of our neighboring suite passengers have been diamond or above. While it would be nice to cruise 8 times a year, many of us work and cannot do that. We instead choose to spend our money on a suite when we can cruise. We enjoy the suite perks and hope RC continues to enhance the suite experience with additional perks. I do not understand why anyone who can cruise 8 times a year would resent someone getting suite perks. It is a personal choice, and you get what you pay for.

I'm confused. You said you are amazed that everyone thinks suite guests are one hit wonders, but you just said you can't cruise 8 times a year - that's why the poster you quoted said that she would rather cruise more than spend more on a suite. I don't think she said (at least I can't find it) that you only cruise once at all, ever, on any ship. She said you are spending more for 7 days out of a year when she can take that same money and cruise 7 more weeks. It's a valid point.

However, I will say someone said they were upset that posters were 'downplaying' the suite perks - sorry but there is not one perk there that I find important or attractive. Why do you care what others think about the value of your perks? I care neither how much you paid (many other non-suite passengers have paid more than you when they book a few balcony cabins rather than one suite) nor how many perks you enjoy. I think to most of us we just don't care. We are enjoying our vacation - go ahead and enjoy yours. I have never, never noticed where someone stayed on a cruise - and I don't care, either. It tells me nothing about the person so why bother getting riled up about it one way or the other?

[Toddcan]

In my opinion, people who say that suite pax should get all this extra stuff because they are paying more than other rooms don't have a valid arguement.

 

Suite pax pay for a suite.. they get that. They get a bigger room, they get all the stuff that comes with the room.

 

Only recently did RCI start adding these little extras, so clearly (to me.. again, my opinion), they are doing this to either keep up with what other cruise lines are giving their suite pax, and/or they are having a hard time selling the suites, and need to offer extra incentives.

 

After all, if you all believe suite pax deserve all these extras because of what they pay, were you complaining a year or two ago because you felt they were not getting enough for their money when these extras were not offered?

 

As long as the extras don't negatively affect MY cruise experience, I say give suite pax all you want to give them. Reserved pool seating did not affect me, so I don't care about it. Give them free cuban cigars and a bottle of cognac if you want... I'm ok. But don't try and tell me they deserve it because they pay more, unless you felt they were being ripped off somehow without these extras.

[BigHappySailor]

If someone pays an average of five times the cost for a cabin than what I choose to pay then they deserve alot of extras. Seems to me that this is the American Dream in action and isn't that a beautiful thing!:D

So, using the logic displayed by most posters on the Suite Perks threads, it's as though most of you feel everyone should only be paid $10.00 per hour, all houses should cost exactly what you paid for yours, any car better than yours is unfair, etc. I thought socialism was abhorrent to most of you but the comments that continue to be posted every time these threads get started indicate otherwise.

[Lionesss]

We only take one trip a year due to work and school schedules.

When we did Disney we had a Cat. 7.

When we did RCI, we did a Grand Suite. Why?

Even though the cruises were two years apart, we were able to get a Grand Suite for the same price as the Disney Cruise two years earlier.

We have to travel when peak season is costly in the summer due to school and sports schedules.

Yeah, it was nice, would we do it again, probably not. Gotta start saving more and more for college tuition.

We just want to cruise!

It was a once in a life time luxury, and I am glad we did it.

Now we know what it is like, and did that.

Safe travels.

[stretch44]

I'm confused. You said you are amazed that everyone thinks suite guests are one hit wonders, but you just said you can't cruise 8 times a year - that's why the poster you quoted said that she would rather cruise more than spend more on a suite. I don't think she said (at least I can't find it) that you only cruise once at all, ever, on any ship. She said you are spending more for 7 days out of a year when she can take that same money and cruise 7 more weeks. It's a valid point.

However, I will say someone said they were upset that posters were 'downplaying' the suite perks - sorry but there is not one perk there that I find important or attractive. Why do you care what others think about the value of your perks? I care neither how much you paid (many other non-suite passengers have paid more than you when they book a few balcony cabins rather than one suite) nor how many perks you enjoy. I think to most of us we just don't care. We are enjoying our vacation - go ahead and enjoy yours. I have never, never noticed where someone stayed on a cruise - and I don't care, either. It tells me nothing about the person so why bother getting riled up about it one way or the other?

 

This was in reply to the poster commenting that suite guests were "one hit wonders" in that they spent so much money they couldn't/wouldn't cruise RCI again. That is not true.

 

I am the poster who stated how much more he paid to upgrade to a suite. This was in response to the poster who said she could cruise 7 times for the price of one cruise in a suite. In my case that is far from the truth. Sorry if you're offended by me sharing my thoughts on the value of the perks. Seems like many others here have shared their thoughts.

 

Have a great day!

[luckyprincess]

 

This was in reply to the poster commenting that suite guests were "one hit wonders" in that they spent so much money they couldn't/wouldn't cruise RCI again. That is not true.

 

I am the poster who stated how much more he paid to upgrade to a suite. This was in response to the poster who said she could cruise 7 times for the price of one cruise in a suite. In my case that is far from the truth. Sorry if you're offended by me sharing my thoughts on the value of the perks. Seems like many others here have shared their thoughts.

 

Have a great day!

Oh my - I hope I didn't convey being offended! lol Certainly, I wasn't. I was responding to a poster that said they were amazed that other posters were downplaying the suite perks. I only meant to say that to some they just aren't valuable or particularly useful perks - that's certainly nothing to be amazed about. Now if a perk was that you get your own yacht, your own rock climbing wall and a Bentley to drive around the ports in, well then yes - then I would be amazed if people down played them! :p

[MrsPete]

In my opinion, people who say that suite pax should get all this extra stuff because they are paying more than other rooms don't have a valid arguement.

 

Suite pax pay for a suite.. they get that. They get a bigger room, they get all the stuff that comes with the room.

I agree completely. You pay extra, you get a nicer room, perhaps a larger balcony, more closet and bathroom space, and perhaps a better location on the ship. Great, you paid for them, you deserve them, and I would be adamantaly against anyone taking them from you. BUT since cruises are priced by the room, those extra perks should stop at your cabin door. You've paid for MORE in your room, NOT MORE by the pool, at the shows, and on Labadee.

 

And just for the record, for the price I'm paying for my upcoming cruise, I could've had a suite -- I chose to spread out into several cabins instead of crowding into one.

[Pomperaugrr]

I wonder if they reserve suite guest seating near the pool by placing different colored towels and a sandal on the seats at 7:00 am? ;)

 

ps, my wife, daughters and I usually stay in a GS on our cruises. We normally can only get time off to go on a cruise once a year and are willing to spend a little more for the space and comfort. Heck, the access to the CL coffee machine is almost worth the cost for me!

Airfare for four is also a killer, not the costs of the cruises.

 

I am really enjoying the spirited discussion in these suite perk threads. Keep it going folks!

[FreewayFortune]

I've never stayed in a suite on RCI we started out in a cat E balcony when we went to Alaska. Then a D1 balcony to Panama. Then a promenade on Liberty and a window on The Brilliance in the Meditteranean. We decided we only want to cruise in Balconies. JS are sometimes tempting because often they aren't much more but usually suites are way out of range. Chairs by the pool and at the front of the theatre don't bother me. We need 5 more credits before we hit diamond and it'll take a while for that so D+ is further still. As long as the crew treats us as well as they did before we'll be happy that is one of the best things about cruising.

 

Even though we don't cruise in suites we did fly first class to and from Europe last year and loved it. There was nothing like having such easy access to the washroom and then a flight attendant for 21 people. Plus champaigne and orange juice and well presented decent food plus free drinks and snacks. Our airline didn't have access to the lounge though but it didn't have any great impact on us. Hopefully we'll be able to afford it next year too because the idea of such a long flight in coach doesn't appeal to me:):):)

[cruisermob]

First of all, there are only 2 of us traveling so we are not crowding into suites. When we have additional people, we book additional rooms. And secondly, for the people that feel perks should stop at the suite door, RC had to start making changes or they would have lost all their high end business to other lines that cater to suite passengers. The trend is for more high end rooms with added suites. Just take a look at any of the newer ships. We happen to like RC and intend to stick with it, but really their suite perks are nothing compared to many lines with private pools and restaurants. Like it or not, that is the way even mass marketed cruise lines are going. Obviously, the cruise lines know that suite passengers spend a lot of money on both their rooms and their cruise accounts and that is why they are catering to suite guests.

[stretch44]

I agree completely. You pay extra, you get a nicer room, perhaps a larger balcony, more closet and bathroom space, and perhaps a better location on the ship. Great, you paid for them, you deserve them, and I would be adamantaly against anyone taking them from you. BUT since cruises are priced by the room, those extra perks should stop at your cabin door. You've paid for MORE in your room, NOT MORE by the pool, at the shows, and on Labadee.

 

And just for the record, for the price I'm paying for my upcoming cruise, I could've had a suite -- I chose to spread out into several cabins instead of crowding into one.

 

Is RCI's competition stopping at the cabin door? With the exception of Carnival, I can think of none.

[pete78]

I agree completely. You pay extra, you get a nicer room, perhaps a larger balcony, more closet and bathroom space, and perhaps a better location on the ship. Great, you paid for them, you deserve them, and I would be adamantaly against anyone taking them from you. BUT since cruises are priced by the room, those extra perks should stop at your cabin door. You've paid for MORE in your room, NOT MORE by the pool, at the shows, and on Labadee.

 

And just for the record, for the price I'm paying for my upcoming cruise, I could've had a suite -- I chose to spread out into several cabins instead of crowding into one.

 

Great, then we can agree that a D+ paid for their inside cabin (or whatever room they booked), and that they did not pay more for the D+ lounge or any other perk. So we can agree that D+ customers do not deserve benefits except having access to their room.

 

If you counter by saying that D+ are repeat customers and thus deserve the extra perks, then you are arguing semantics and are not being consistent in your logic.

 

I don't know how someone can, with a straight face, argue on the one hand that a D+ customer deserves the extra perks IN ADDITION to having access to their room, but the Suite customer does not deserve any additional perks. Either you agree with the policy of giving extra perks to certain customers (whether because they are repeat customers, or paid for an expensive room) or not.

[LadyRose]

*sigh*

 

It's really bad when I feel like I'm going to get 'yelled' at and "looked down upon" just because my DH and I prefer Grand Suites.

 

We can't do 3-4 cruises a year. We get 1 vacation a year. So saving our vacation money by getting inside rooms just doesn't make sense to us.

 

So we go all out. We get the best we can for that once a year vacation.

 

Limo to and from the port or airport. Suite in a really nice hotel (if we have to fly to the port). 1st class airline tickets (if we have to fly). A Grand Suite on the cruise.

 

My DH and I don't have children. Our finances are good. So this is what we spend our money on.

 

We don't think we're better than anyone else on the ship.

 

We don't ridicle other people's choices on the ship.

 

So why should anyone on the ship think they are better than us or ridicle our choices?

[time4u2go]

Just point me to the steerage beach and I'll be happy! :D

[Lionesss]

LadyRose

YOU GO GIRL!!

You are truly blessed to find an excellent way to enjoy life, cruising.

Life is too short, so do it while you can.

By the way I am adoptable if you need someone to share your time and cruising with.

Just kidding.

Safe travels to you!