Jonny Rockets surcharge

I have had this cruise booked for 11 months. Now I am told Jonny Rockets may have a surcharge. I and my family are going on the April24, 2004 cruise on the Explorer. Is the surcharge true/

You will only be charged for coke, unless you have a coke card. Johnny Rockets is nice because the minute you sit down before you order a waiter brings you a plate of french fries.

PS- If you could, look around cabin number 7513, and if you see david, our housekeeper, tell him Canyon Wendt said hello, and ask him if he has my seapass..... I left it in my room before I got off and that was the main memoribilia I wanted... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

My understanding is that the $3.95 surcharge is only a test on the Mariner and Navigator but from reading all of the recent comments about the surcharge, it looks like it is here to stay and more than likely will be expanded to the other Voyager class ships.

Gordon

[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator"]http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator[/url]

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

Navigator of the Seas
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sorry 4 rant [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] i miss my cable [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

Cindy
Carnival Sensation 10-2001
Carnival Pride 9-2002

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If you'll notice...the OP only has 4 posts...the search doesn't always work, and they obviously had no idea that the JR issue had been talked about. What a nice welcoming to get as a new poster!!!

For those that are sick of the JR issue...when you see it in the thread title....DON'T CLICK ON IT!!!

For the OP...there is a news article on this message board...if you go to the top of the screen...I believe it lists all the sailing/ships that they are testing this on.

Have a great cruise!!!

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until my Majesty of the Seas cruise!


Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

We just returned from the Navigator yesterday and while aboard, we were dicussing the surcharge with the Loyalty Ambassador. She had said that they will be extending the fee throughout the Voyager class ships very soon. So I would expect that you may very well be charged the fee by the time you sail.

Wow Princes...I guess that means that their test...proved to be a success for them...otherwise why would they extend it???

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until my Majesty of the Seas cruise!


Carnival Inspiration - June 2003

RCCL Monarch of the Seas - July 2002

Just off Navigator yesterday, and IMHO Johnny Rockets is so not worth the surcharge. There was still a 45 minute wait 2 out of the 3 times we tried to go. Teenagers had the run of the place. Why because Mommy and Daddy let them charge away so $3.95 surcharge means nothing to them. The place was LOUD. Couldn't enjoy the ambiance of 50's diner and the table jukebox due to the excessive noise. And when we were finally able to get in everyone else was on shore. I have never ate at Johhny Rockets at home so I have no name brand loyalty to them. I can't believe they are known for their onion rings. They were greasy and reminded me of something I could get at Carl's Jr. or Burger King. There shakes were just ok. I got a better one from In-N-Out on the way home from the airport last night. So the fact that the surcharge is supposed to enhance my cruise experience is a major laugh. If this is enhanced I would have hated seen what it was like before. I am a loyal RCCL cruise and booked another cruise for September 10th while I was on board. Just won't ever do Johnny Rockets again.

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But my vacation starts when I get to the LAX hotel
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Susan [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
Serade RCCL Dec. 1994
Rhapsody of the Sea RCCL Feb. 2002
Navigator of the Sea RCCL March 2004

That's to bad. I was hoping it would make the place easier to get a table at. Not that I'm a big burger and fries fan but our daughter and her SO are going with us next November. They haven't developed a taste for the type of dishes served in the main dining room yet so burgers and fries might be a good option for them if they can't find something on the dinner menu.

Of course, our sailing is the week before Thanksgiving so mayhe the crowds will be a lot less than what's on the ships during spring break.

Future cruises
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=CD20CD&cdt=2005;01;14;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
Monarch OTS - Mexico Baja 1/05
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Explorer OTS - Eastern Caribbean 11/04

Past cruises
Vision OTS - Alaska 7/03
Legend OTS - Alaska 7/02

I cant believe that we lost on this one. It also means that now compared to several years ago when RCI tried the charges on the Voyager, the ones who rejoice everytime a fee or surchage is raised are in the majority. This gives RCI an open ticket to start charging for anything they want. At least for us, once we go on the Jewel in July, were done and we have booked a Princess cruise that normally would have been on Celebrity or RCI.

And to the fee worshippers who write how tired they are of reading about this, are write 2 paragraphs on how dare us continue to discuss the issue, please skip the thread, spend your time by writing to RCI and complain how the $3.95 is not high enouth. You could also ask then to start charging for other things or raise the $25 fee for alt dining. That should make you happy.

Brad1185,

Let me see if I have this straight - You're so mad about there being a surcharge for hamburgers that you're switching to a cruiseline that has a surcharge for ice cream.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

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"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits" Mark Twain

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's formal night attire, poolside attire, child rearing practices, walk-talkie usage, chair hogging, seat saving, line cutting ..." Mark_K

I did not cruise with Princess for years because of the ice cream charge. Thats why we switched to RCI and Celebrity and went on about 15 cruises with them. Now like RCI who charges for ice cream, with Princess you can finally get some for no charge. So now after years of absence were back trying Princess.

Brad1185,

You can get ice cream for free on Princess, just not at Ben & Jerry's.

You can get hamburgs for free on RCI, just not at Johnny Rockets.

What's the difference?

----------------------------------------------------------

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits" Mark Twain

"Nothing so needs reforming as other people's formal night attire, poolside attire, child rearing practices, walk-talkie usage, chair hogging, seat saving, line cutting ..." Mark_K

I was on the 3/20 sailing of the Navigator and I never saw Johnny Rockets full. The two times we ate there it was less than half full. I actually enjoyed it more on the Explorer last year when it was loud especially during the line dances. The dances just aren't as fun in front of a half empty diner!

As far as the food is concerned, the food is definitely better than the Windjammer where the food and service have hit all time lows. Forget about Jade! Worst food by far on the ship! Very disappointing.

Back to Johnny Rockets. Hamburgers and onion rings were good as was the milkshake. Apple pie ala mode also was very good as were the hot dogs but I've had much better burgers,onion rings, and shakes at Steak N Shake. Beware if you are stopping by just for a shake you will pay approximately $8 dollars for it (definitely not worth it! and definitely not what I would call a cruise enhancement). If Royal Carribean is going to institute a $3.95 surcharge I think they should consider giving passengers a either $3.95 credit on purchases they make at J.R.'s or at the least charge $3.95 per table instead of person (under the theory that 1 person or 4 people will both take up the same table). If Royal Caribbean is looking at the surcharge as a way to thin out the herds then mission accomplished at least that was our experience on the 3/20 cruise.

3/03 Explorer Of The Seas
3/04 Navigator Of The Seas

Countdown to Next Cruise
3/18/05 Brilliance Of The Seas - Panama Canal
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I was on the 3/21 sailing of the Mariner and we had the surcharge. A couple of notes on this:

1) If you are a repeat passenger (Crown & Archor society) they give you a coupon book for each passenger who is which includes a free Johnny Rockets coupon - so for one trip it is a moot point.

2) It keeps the crowds away - I was told that before the charge there was a three hour wait at times. We went down for lunch one sea day and had immediate seating! So there is a benefit.

I am a C&A member so I got a free pass and picked up the tab for the other three in my party - It was a great time and I didn't mind paying the $12.00 for the rest of my party - The show they put on was lots of fun and they kept the O-Rings coming until we had our fill (great cheesebugers too!).

It all depends on how you look at it.

Bruce

Regal Empress - 8/94
Sovereign of the Seas - 2/01
Carnival Victory - 8/01
Grand Princess - 2/02
Celebrity Constellation - 2/03
Mariner of the Seas - 3/04

Hi NH firstimers, we are just down the road from you in Dover. We too are on the Navigator for the 24th. We live just off Rt108 and Mast road before Dover High.
Are you traveling with any kids? Ours is 14 and is bringing her friend. Check out our roll call and sign up for the meet and mingle party.There are more of us from NH going too.

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Mary

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Till we sail on the Navigator



Home Lines MV Atlantic 2/86
Sitmar Fairsky 2/88
Carnival Holiday 2/89
RCCL Nordic Empress 6/91
RCCL Explorer of Seas 2/01
Brilliance of the Seas 4/18/03
Navigator of the Seas 4/24/04

Opps...just reread post and it said you were on the Explorer not Nav. Oh well, have a great trip, we will see you in port.

Mary

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Till we sail on the Navigator



Home Lines MV Atlantic 2/86
Sitmar Fairsky 2/88
Carnival Holiday 2/89
RCCL Nordic Empress 6/91
RCCL Explorer of Seas 2/01
Brilliance of the Seas 4/18/03
Navigator of the Seas 4/24/04

The trend towards a la carte cruising is one dictated by the fares they are and are not able to raise. The cost of a cruise is still much less than it was in the late 90's. My favorite cruise line of all time, Home Lines, was unable to stay in business. Their product was wonderful until they closed. They were unwilling/unable to make the concessions that RCI has seemed to need to make. All that said, I don't know if I would be interested in sailing on an a la carte cruise. It remains for the future to see which cruise lines are capable of providing what cruisers want at a price and price structure that they are willing to pay. One thing is certain, things will not stay the way they are. They never do.

Work like a dog. Live like a pauper. Save all your money. Then Cruise!

Fee worshipper? That is the silliest thing I have yet read on this topic. Fortunately Brad posts it just about everytime he posts, so I get to laugh at him regularly. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] I don't understand why if we understand the economic environment that the cruiselines operate in we get labelled a fee worshipper. The cruiselines provide an amazing product at very very cheap basic fare prices. Far cheaper than even a decade ago, and comparing a Voyager class ship with a Sovereign class ship is no comparison at all. So let's see the cruiseline provides a much better product at a price when factored for inflation is about 1/2 of just a decade ago, and the cruiseline is considered to be evil by these people because they are screwing us poor passengers for giving us something extra for an extra price. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

jc

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cruisingator2:
My understanding is that the $3.95 surcharge is only a test on the Mariner and Navigator but from reading all of the recent comments about the surcharge, it looks like it is here to stay and more than likely will be expanded to the other Voyager class ships.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've been told the charge is due to spread to ALL Voyager Class ships either this week or next. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] Don't get use to the $3.95 price either.......it's going up in the near future! How high? Depends on the stupidity of the people who see nothing wrong with charging for food on board ship. Celebrity just raised the fee for it's alternate restaurants to $30.00 "because we can!" RCI can be expected to follow shortly.

Personally, I'm finished! I'll not book a Caribbean cruise on RCI for anything more than $400 (about half to a third of what I've been paying) UNTIL they return to the style of cruise to which I'm accustomed. If the plan continues to be that "we'll lure them on board with cheap prices then "screw every last nickel and dime out of them once they're on board," well, I'll play the game too. If I cruise with a REAL line who RESPECTS the customers who kept them in business, willingly, I'll pay REAL prices. It just won't be on RCI!

This whole thing is going to backfire on the former airline and fast food executives now running this company (look what they did TO their former industries). Just as a good portion of past customers are unhappy with the NEW Royal Caribbean, It doesn't even begins to compare with the emotions being felt by shipboard personnel due to recent changes and cutbacks. There's even been talk of job actions with personnel "parking" the ships, mid cruise! (This is a subject for other threads....maybe I'll even start one...someday that provides some of the facts about which passengers should be concerned, and YES, there is genuine reason for concern)

Royal Caribbean really is a company in SELF DESTRUCT MODE! It's sad, but baring major changes, this company is going down! Mickey, just hang in there....the prize WILL soon be yours! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

[B]Before the advent of nickel and diming, Cruising USED TO BE like being wide awake......and dreaming! [/B]
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http://parnami.tripod.com</A>

Every night after 10 eastern time, I can be found in AOL keyword: "Cruise Cafe". Let's talk CRUISING!!!

Gee, Mel, what a nicely reasoned posting. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

Since you are no longer a RCI customer, why do you keep posting anti RCI postings? Seems to me that you flame the cruiseline each and every time you post.

jmho

jc

Just comparing last year to this year... The same catagory cabin and week on Mariner this year is $200.00 more per person than it was on Explorer last year and they have added the JR surcharge. What economics am I not understanding here?

Also, how is one getting something extra for an extra price when that something was included when you paid for the cruise?

The entire supply and demand discussion. In the wake of 911 cruise prices were negatively impacted significantly, and are only now making a recovery. If you had read my comment, something you might want to start doing, I compared it to a decade ago. Plus all comparisons need to be comparing the same week and the same sailing, otherwise, we all know there are cheaper and more expensive times to cruise. There is no doubt the cruises are more expensive this year as compared to 2002. This means that the cruiselines may survive, something very much in question just 2 years ago.

jc

If you had read my comment, maybe something you might want to start doing to use your words, you would see that I did compare the same weeks.

And I do understand supply and demand. I am glad that the demand is there. I have no interest in seeing any company go bankrupt. They can keep on pushing the envelope until they see the demand start falling off. I have no problem with capitalism. I have a huge problem with changing the rules after I already paid. That has been, and will continue to be, my issue with this subject.

What do you think it would do to cruise lines if people no longer book months or a year in advance because they don't know what will change after they buy the cruise? That could be an economic disaster for the lines.