Snowbird_in_training

We’ve done it both ways. On a port intensive cruise, like the Med, we typically do not purchase the drink package. When cruising the Caribbean with sea days and Royal owned private stops, we get it. We’ve found that we do drink lots more on a cruise with sea days and it allows us to experiment with drinks. On the port intensive cruises, we just don’t drink as much. Off the ship by 8, back at 6, not much time to nurse even a slight hangover.

We were on the Navigator in 2017 when a crew member was murdered in Bonaire. Didn’t stop ships from going there. Royal kept that murder very hush hush. We only found out because our waiter in MDR knew the victim. At first, said she was missing. Next night, said she was back on board. All a lie.

Royal is obviously focused on new cruisers and the money they’ll bring, hoping they’ll become the new loyal to royal group. When that group tires of the increased pricing, they’ll repeat the process. Many upper tier cruisers always sail in pricey suites, but far too many don’t. Between all of the freebies they receive and the lower fares, Royal might be willing to sacrifice them in order to gain new money. Maybe they hope the upper tiers will fill the ships during off seasons. For cruisers like me, 3 or 4 a year, the price increase we’ll absorb like everything else. We’re the in between customer. Not an upper tier, not a new cruiser with children. We don’t always sail with Royal. We choose on itinerary and date first, loyalty last. It seems that everything related to travel is sky high. Airfare, hotels, cruise lines, resorts. it will be be really interesting to see how this plays out.

@Biker19 thank you so much for that! I’m so accustomed to being in read only, I don’t know the ins and outs of posting. Thanks again.

Merion_Mom Yes I see the quote button. When I try that it doesn’t allow me to type anything. I do truly thank you for pointing that out and I truly appreciate whoever thought it was hilarious. This almost reminds me of my second suite sailing with my son and daughter in law. It was their second cruise on Royal. They were yelled at (with truly raised voices) by a name tag wearing seasoned cruiser for daring to walk towards CK because the SL was full of Pinnacles and their carryons. Oh, how they felt welcomed by the seasoned cruisers. Have a wonderful cruise.

(I can’t figure out how to quote anything, I’m not a frequent poster) I can understand Royal needing the loyal cruisers in slow season, when it seems most of the higher loyalty class cruises. I still think they’re making the most money from the newer cruise families. When it comes to the higher loyalty class jumping ship for another cruise line, I’m sure some have. Royal’s product is not for everyone. But for those claiming they’re leaving because of a recent change, they’ve gone through tons of changes already. Midnight buffets, MDR experience that really could compare to fine dining. For something now to trigger them to leave might suggest they’ve just tired of cruising. It happens.

I know my opinion won’t be popular among the frequent cruisers, but here goes. Royal is after the first time cruiser family. Those families don’t know what all of you used to experience on their ships. They look at the slides and other entertainment options and they’re in love. For those of you who are D+ or P, yes service has been reduced. So has the quality of the food. Royal is gifting you several free drinks per day. I know many claim to have “earned” those drinks. That’s your choice to believe that. Most loyalty programs have changed drastically as of late. Is Royal concerned about losing your business? Not really. Ships are sailing at mostly full capacity. If you decide to take your discounted business, with many freebies elsewhere, they’ll just replace you with a family paying full price and purchasing drink packages. i always wonder how many of the posters here who claim they’re never cruising again because of some freebie cutback have actually stopped cruising. I think it’s better to enjoy whatever type of vacation you’ve chosen.