Right in the pocketbook?

I have a question for anyone who cares to comment. Do cruisers feel that the increase in a la carte options has made cruising more expensive and we just didn't notice as much? We strive to get the best fare but once on board the proverbial hand is out more than ever it seems.

Historically all dining options used to be included in the fare. Then 1 or 2 specialty restaurants were introduced for $15 -$25 more per person. Now with the launch of the Quantum class it seems that half the restaurants on board are at an optional charge.

Yes I realize there still are included dining choices. I fully expect a "you don't have to go to the pay restaurants if you don't want to."

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

I don't think this should be a discussion about revenue generating models nor the always volatile drink prices discussion.

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

Don't misinterpret my question as a significant complaint. I'd be on another cruise tomorrow if I could. My question is more an observation and wondering what others may think.

I have a question for anyone who cares to comment. Do cruisers feel that the increase in a la carte options has made cruising more expensive and we just didn't notice as much? We strive to get the best fare but once on board the proverbial hand is out more than ever it seems.

 

Historically all dining options used to be included in the fare. Then 1 or 2 specialty restaurants were introduced for $15 -$25 more per person. Now with the launch of the Quantum class it seems that half the restaurants on board are at an optional charge.

 

Yes I realize there still are included dining choices. I fully expect a "you don't have to go to the pay restaurants if you don't want to."

 

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

 

I don't think this should be a discussion about revenue generating models nor the always volatile drink prices discussion.

 

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

 

Don't misinterpret my question as a significant complaint. I'd be on another cruise tomorrow if I could. My question is more an observation and wondering what others may think.

In terms of specialty restaurants nothing much has changed on Quantum when you compare it to Oasis class.

In fact Oasis class has one or possibly 2 more specialty restaurants than Quantum. If you take the total number of seats available for dining on both ships and compare it to the number of seats of specialty dining they are both very close each at about 11.4%.

There certainly was a big jump in specialty dining from Freedom class to Oasis class but I think that RCI has found a mix that is working and is staying put. (At least for now)

Quite the opposite - cruising has gotten much less expensive over the past few decades. In part because these things are optional rather than making everyone pay for them in the fare.

I'm certainly spending less onboard now than my first cruises, even though that was only 5 years ago.

We don't tend to do specialty restaurants unless it's an anniversary or birthday celebration. We did book a Transatlantic for Fall of 2016 and will likely dabble in some since there are 15 nights to spread them out in. However, since the price per night is relatively low it will balance out.

It's all about how you choose to spend your money onboard. We don't play in the casino and we don't really buy many souvenirs (maybe a t-shirt or hat) so if we're going to do it it's probably going to be on food or drink.

Like you, OP, I feel that the optional extras are more than noticeably encroaching on what used to be public spaces for all. A very small percentage pays for these optional extras, leaving the majority of people to contend with less available space and / or amenities. I feel RCI generally has done a good job balancing this, but recently I'm starting to feel differently, especially with the Quantum reports that make it seem like fees every which way you turn.

Just like how if I go to a theme park I never really get the opportunity to relax, or just enjoy the park because once the ticket gets you in everything is an optional extra and a hand out for a payment for this, that, and the other.

For me that is what it comes down to; a feeling. And when I feel like I am constantly being pitched to cough up more money I just have more trouble unwinding and relaxing.

I understand cruise lines, RCI in particular, wants to get first time / theme park families on board and is focusing less on classic cruising and more on providing a floating theme park.

I too think I think it will be only a few years before the only included food is the quick service counters and Windjammer. You'll be able to upgrade to a meal plan with X number of visits to the dining room. Cruises cost less than they did 20 years ago but there is something about charging for a bag of popcorn or even a cupcake that I just find off-putting. I don't particularly want popcorn or a cupcake, it just strikes a nerve slightly wrong for me.

RCCL is just expanding into new marketing areas to increase revenue in some areas. They are getting better at using unused space by remodeling ships and yes, more specialty resturants. We only go to one if any on a cruise at a time for special occasions or treats. We have found that we are beginning to spend less and less on our seapass, some perks we received when becoming diamonds. In all each cruise we have taken takes on it's own life and level of participation has been noticed. Our last anniversary cruise in February this year found us to be on the younger end of the age curve and we are in our 50's. We did learn a lot from our veteran cruisers from thier experiences and recommendations.

Change is the only constant in the universe! :)

I have a question for anyone who cares to comment. Do cruisers feel that the increase in a la carte options has made cruising more expensive and we just didn't notice as much? We strive to get the best fare but once on board the proverbial hand is out more than ever it seems.

 

Historically all dining options used to be included in the fare. Then 1 or 2 specialty restaurants were introduced for $15 -$25 more per person. Now with the launch of the Quantum class it seems that half the restaurants on board are at an optional charge.

 

Yes I realize there still are included dining choices. I fully expect a "you don't have to go to the pay restaurants if you don't want to."

 

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

 

I don't think this should be a discussion about revenue generating models nor the always volatile drink prices discussion.

 

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

 

Don't misinterpret my question as a significant complaint. I'd be on another cruise tomorrow if I could. My question is more an observation and wondering what others may think.

I have no problem with the specialty dining or a dedicated restaurant for suite guest. Suite guest should get something more for the extra money they have shelled out and I don't think that the perks they get are necessarily worth the extra cost most of the time.

Specialty dining, besides food quality, is also an experience in service. I do not expect that they could ever give that level of service to every guest in every venue without a significant increase in cost, therefore I do not have a problem with the additional charges. Sometimes we do specialty dining and other times we don't.

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

Here's one way to possibly look at it:

You are on any given ship in the smallest cheapest stateroom there is enjoying all that is offered to you that is included in your vacation package and you are having the time of your life. You are eating, being entertained and partaking in any sort of beverage you care to. Life is good. Smell of the ocean does not change with cruise fare!;)

Someone else, is in the most expensive stateroom, eating and drinking the most expensive things there on the ship. Sitting in areas that only a certain few can go in. That is what that person has chosen for vacation enjoyment.

Does the someone else really have it better then you as long as YOU are having a blast??? :)

Don't really see that fares are not including services which have typically always been included. Yes, towel animals and mints on the pillows were nice, but not a service in our view. When we first began cruising, no specialty restaurants were offered. Other than specialty restaurants, doesn't seem like too much has changed as far as additional charges.

Royal has gone to offering packages for drinks and photos which seems good for those wanting to go that direction.

Royal has always offered places for those in suites to go (Concierge Lounge) that were off limits to those not in suites unless loyalty level also allowed. If we go to a hotel with a concierge floor, it will be off limits unless paying the concierge rate.

The offering of fee based restaurants or areas only designated for those in suites or certain loyalty level does not taint my enjoyment of the cruise. Appreciate keeping fares affordable, and then if we want to expand our cruise, we can.

I have a question for anyone who cares to comment. Do cruisers feel that the increase in a la carte options has made cruising more expensive and we just didn't notice as much? We strive to get the best fare but once on board the proverbial hand is out more than ever it seems.

 

Historically all dining options used to be included in the fare. Then 1 or 2 specialty restaurants were introduced for $15 -$25 more per person. Now with the launch of the Quantum class it seems that half the restaurants on board are at an optional charge.

 

Yes I realize there still are included dining choices. I fully expect a "you don't have to go to the pay restaurants if you don't want to."

 

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

 

I don't think this should be a discussion about revenue generating models nor the always volatile drink prices discussion.

 

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

 

Don't misinterpret my question as a significant complaint. I'd be on another cruise tomorrow if I could. My question is more an observation and wondering what others may think.

The entire cruise industry is changing to offer more and more in food choices and entertainment choices, especially with the larger ships!

They wouldn't do it if people didn't want it!:)

I will spend less this year taking five cruises in balcony and JS cabins than I did taking one Alaskan cruise back in 1990 - and that was in a quad OV with a porthole:D

I think the key word is " optional". They still offer three ( or more ) included meals a day. The shows are still included. If a person wants to be treated to more of an upscale dinner, then they are given the opportunity to do so. If that wasn't offered, people would be complaining that there weren't enough " options " on the ship.

Here's one way to possibly look at it:

 

You are on any given ship in the smallest cheapest stateroom there is enjoying all that is offered to you that is included in your vacation package and you are having the time of your life. You are eating, being entertained and partaking in any sort of beverage you care to. Life is good. Smell of the ocean does not change with cruise fare!;)

 

Someone else, is in the most expensive stateroom, eating and drinking the most expensive things there on the ship. Sitting in areas that only a certain few can go in. That is what that person has chosen for vacation enjoyment.

 

Does the someone else really have it better then you as long as YOU are having a blast??? :)

Great post ... and to take it a bit further,

I always refer to our 1998 cruise aboard a Carnival scow christened Jubilee ... it was anything but. For about $2000 we got a dark stateroom the size of a walk-in closet, virtually no amenities, some decent food, and not much else. The only balconies available were in suites. On a scale of 1-10 it was about a 3. Our onboard tab was zero. Contrast that with our upcoming cruise aboard Navigator. The difference in ships notwithstanding, we're paying $1400 (and in 2014 dollars) ... for a balcony stateroom with tips, tax, tag and title included. When the additional enhancements aboard ship are factored in, we'd have to partake of pretty much everything to bring us up to that $2k figure. A comparable inside cabin would have cost us even less.

Those additional features aboard Oasis and Quantum class ships (especially food options) are similar to NCL's Freestyle. All this marketing is aimed at bringing new blood into the mix. Those of us who've cruised dozens of times will keep returning, irrespective of the gripes posted here and elsewhere. These newer Monsters of the Seas have to sail at 100% capacity in order to maintain profitability ... empty staterooms produce zero revenue. Carnival has been targeting these folks for decades, and it seems to be working well. There's plenty of people to go around, as about 75% of vacationers have never cruised.

There will never be anything resembling an optional "meal plan," with only buffet-style food included in the fare. One of the major draws to cruising is the dining experience. Believe it or not, we're being fed at about $10-$12/day.

Remember ... you can always turn down what's being offered. But as long as there are those willing to pay for them, we'll be benefiting from the lower fares.

Al

This is not a new trend. After all, the Titanic had a specialty restaurant with an up-charge. It's been going on for a century so it's probably not going to change. Might as well learn to enjoy it or stop cruising.

This may just be me, but....

If the price of a cruise goes up/down $50, I don't really notice at all. But having to pay $50 for a dinner, that I feel.

Mentally, I know it's the same thing. But $50 in add-ons sure feels more expensive than an extra $50 in the cruise price.

You say that the "pay for" eating venues are "optional", and they are.....BUT, the "included" food is NOT what used to be included! Now, it's very basic, so if you want a bit of quality and presentation, you must pay additionally for it.

And drink prices used to be quite reasonable...now, not even our local bars charge such high prices!

However, this is the future of cruising....I keep saying that soon, the ONLY included food will be the buffet. I don't think it's as far off as even I thought it would be!

I don't really have an issue with the specialty restaurants. I generally skip them. We make great steak at home and don't go to restaurants for steak at home and don't pay extra for steak on cruises. I've enjoyed eating in the main dinning room on all my cruises. The only specialty dining choices I have made are for the really special (different) choices, not steak or Italian.

I have not sailed with RCCL yet, but in general the costs I don't like are the candy shops, desserts, ice cream etc. I don't like paying for a treat, when I know I can get other treats else where on the ship at no cost. In addition, as a family we eat way more desserts on vacation than at home and I don't need to add even more treats between meals.

I wish I knew how much we paid to cruise back in 1993, I know it was a lot for a little tiny inside cabin. The only additional costs we had that cruise was drinks - and we drank a lot!

The choices are to try to lure other customer groups. The choices offer lower fare options which make the dream of a cruise reality to some. I could care less, personally. I choose to sail in suites because I like the extra room. I do refuse to pay to eat in the "for fee" restaurants, except for Johnny Rockets, but that is my choice. There is no one size fits all. But there should also be no everything is equal. I won't speak for everyone, but looking at some of my friends shows me that there are some people who want everything for nothing and still others who do not have the money for vacation but go anyway( I have a friend who is loosing his house but still went to Mexico on vacation, confusing!). These are the complainers. The moral of the story is go on vacation for yourself. Don't base the enjoyment of your vacation on what someone else got to do. It is supposed to be relaxing. What it comes down to is simple, if cruise lines cannot fill cabins then ships get sent to areas that will fill them and we all pay more and get less. Just my opinion.

This is not a new trend. After all, the Titanic had a specialty restaurant with an up-charge. It's been going on for a century so it's probably not going to change. Might as well learn to enjoy it or stop cruising.

It did? Can you provide details? I hadn't heard of this before.

RCCL is doing everything they can to attract families. If they still offered the food & service they did when we started cruising in 1990, a lot of those families couldn't afford to cruise. By adding the for fee items, they keep pricing down & the ships sail full.

It's a win, win. I pay short money on the front end, offset the low cost with specialty dining & have a great cruise. My neighbors can take the same cruise with their 3 kids, eat in the included venues, & have a great cruise.

Bottom line..................... It works!

It did? Can you provide details? I hadn't heard of this before.

You can read about Titanic's specialty restaurant here:

http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/gaspare-antonio-pietro-gatti.html

More details at:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-the-titanics-firstclass-passengers-dined.html

I have a question for anyone who cares to comment. Do cruisers feel that the increase in a la carte options has made cruising more expensive and we just didn't notice as much? We strive to get the best fare but once on board the proverbial hand is out more than ever it seems.

 

Historically all dining options used to be included in the fare. Then 1 or 2 specialty restaurants were introduced for $15 -$25 more per person. Now with the launch of the Quantum class it seems that half the restaurants on board are at an optional charge.

 

Yes I realize there still are included dining choices. I fully expect a "you don't have to go to the pay restaurants if you don't want to."

 

I suppose, for me, it taints the enjoyment of cruising if certain areas of the ship are inaccessible to me unless I pay more for a certain class of stateroom or half the dining choices are inaccessible to me...unless I pay more or certain activities aren't available...unless I pay more.

 

I don't think this should be a discussion about revenue generating models nor the always volatile drink prices discussion.

 

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

 

Don't misinterpret my question as a significant complaint. I'd be on another cruise tomorrow if I could. My question is more an observation and wondering what others may think.

The dissatisfaction I have with Royal regarding extra fees is that on Oasis and Allure they have a daily or weekly fee for use of the sauna and steam room in the Spa. On other ships that is for everyone's use as part of the cruise fare.

Many times, I enjoy a little time in the sauna or steam after a busy day and relax there before heading to my cabin to shower and dress for dinner.

The specialty restaurants, are of little interest to me. On Allure we did go to Izumi and enjoyed it very much. We enjoy Japanese food at home once or twice a month so, we paid a little extra for it on the cruise. But Japanese food is no where to be found on the dining room menu and we very much enjoyed Izumi. For those that enjoy Japanese food, it is well worth the additional cost.

My feeling is the special restaurants or areas for Suite guests is just fine......expecially for the added cost that the Suite guest pays. It doesn't lessen my enjoyment of my cruise.

I have the Diamond lounge now, and prior to being Diamond did not feel that I was missing out on something....I knew that when I earned my Diamond status, I would be part of the lounge and there were plenty of other lounges on the ship to partake of.

Do members think it's a slow but enevitable process of getting us used to paying more for what used to be included in the standard fare.

I too think I think it will be only a few years before the only included food is the quick service counters and Windjammer. You'll be able to upgrade to a meal plan with X number of visits to the dining room. Cruises cost less than they did 20 years ago but there is something about charging for a bag of popcorn or even a cupcake that I just find off-putting. I don't particularly want popcorn or a cupcake, it just strikes a nerve slightly wrong for me.

Yep, I've been making the observation for a while now. I think there's a slow, but VERY deliberate move going on which will eventually culminate with almost completely ala carte cruise pricing. Your "fare" will get you a cabin, and not much more.

This can't be put in place all at once, customers would rebel. But I'm willing to bet that 10 years from now over 90% of food and drink aboard will be at an additional charge.

And I agree, when you have to pay extra for things as small and mundane as a cupcake, an ice cream cone or a good burger and fries - it strikes me wrong too.

There will never be anything resembling an optional "meal plan," with only buffet-style food included in the fare.

I honestly think you're wrong about that. But we won't know which one of us is correct for at least 5 years, maybe 10.

I don't get a suite. They usually don't offer suites on their specials. When they started the original BOGOHO sale, suites were not part of it. I spend what I want to. I have no problem at all with suites getting special perks. These people are paying at least double what I'm paying for a balcony, and for this they deserve more. I don't agree that the Windjammer will be all that's free in the future. The newest class, (Quantum) has many free restaurants. They would not have spent the millions on these ships offering the free eateries if they were thinking about limiting the free meals to the Windjammer. As for the drinks, they are in line with a resort, not the neighborhood bar.As long as they keep the fares within reason, I will gladly keep cruising.