Royal, please consider doing...

[ORB]

My partner and I have been rather loyal to Royal, as my signature shows. When Royal changed their loyalty program to be comparable to all the other lines, we weren't bitter...not at all...not one teensy bit..not one bitter bone in MY body!

 

Where was I? Oh yes, we weren't bitter. It did ease our motivation to get to Diamond status, however, and we decided we would try a few other lines to see if Royal really was the Best of All Possible Lines for us.

 

We just got back from a cruise on the Crown Princess, and it was wonderful--because, well...we were cruising. Princess will not, however, be the line that unseats Royal as our first love. There are a number of reasons for this--and many of them wouldn't bother most people. We think Royal's ships are just designed better--they have a way of handling crowds without making you feel crowded. The flow of the ship is better, and the public spaces don't seem so choppy. I like the fact that the materials on a Royal ship are more honest--when you see wood, it really is wood. Wood shouldn't dent like metal if someone hit the wall a little too hard... We hated the Daily Patter, but it made us appreciate the organization behind the Cruise Compass that much more.

 

That said, there were a few times we found ourselves saying "OOOOH, I wish Royal Caribbean did this..." I started this thread to share a few of those moments, though for the sake of discussion I see no reason to restrict this thread to Princess or to my own personal quirks. What have you seen on other lines that you wish Royal would do to make them the PERFECT cruise line?

 

Here's my list:

 

1. We loved the fact that the MDR was open for lunch every day-including embarkation.

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

3. The selection at the International Cafe was fabulous. There is no reason why the Promenade Cafe couldn't be this good, but somehow it never is.

 

4. The cruise director's staff did a morning show on the ship's television every day, with interviews of staff and mentioning highlights of the day's activities. We never made a point of watching it, but it was amazing how much we picked up by just having it on while getting ready in the morning.

 

5. Afternoon Tea--it never took very long, but it was just so civilized. And after all, there is never enough food on a cruise ship anyway, is there?

 

6. The pool furniture was just more comfortable. By cruise ship standards I am NOT a lard-ass, but those vinyl-straps loungers on Royal's ships are not comfortable for more than 20 minutes.

 

7. There were chocolates on our pillow with the evening turndown service. They couldn't have cost very much, but it gave us a real feeling of attentive pampering...(I couldn't help myself--I just had to mention this one).

 

I'm sure I'll probably think of a few more, and I'll post them if this thread doesn't sink like a rock.

[kmcphee26]

Oasis has muster drill inside- which was amazing... so much better. And no life vests required. I hope that all the RCCL ships go in this direction at some point.

 

Also, RCCL does have some comfy seating in the Solarium, at least on the Oasis. I can't remember whether there are only vinyl loungers in the Solariums on other ships.

[akcruz]

 

4. The cruise director's staff did a morning show on the ship's television every day, with interviews of staff and mentioning highlights of the day's activities. We never made a point of watching it, but it was amazing how much we picked up by just having it on while getting ready in the morning.

 

This may have depended on the cruise director. Some on Royal do this, my favorite was Dave Chapman when we sailed with him on Explorer. It was quiet the hoot to see him first thing in the morning going through the daily compass, sampling the drink of day, and just giving lots of great tips in a very humorous way.

 

 

Great idea, we have mainly done Carnival and Royal but agree there were some things on Carnival we prefer even though our favorite right now is Royal. Some of those -

- The grill by pool, so nice to be able to get a burger without having to put something over the bathing suit

- The pizza and ice cream (not frozen yogurt) was better

 

I know there are a few more but as you can tell, nothing big or it would stick out more in my memory.

[tracyanns]

Carnival also has the morning shows by the CD and assistant CD each morning...it does tell you a lot and you get to see their personalities. They also do the chocolates on the pillows in the evening, I think they were mints like Andes candies but a nice treat at the end of the day.

 

I don't think we will ever find the "perfect" cruiselines, I can find faults with all of the ones that I have sailed. I think CCL is the most fun...I think RCCL caters the most to different age groups, NCL is the most freestyle and Celebrity has the best customer service and food but is an older crowd...combine them all and we might be doing pretty well!

[ORB]

I'm glad to hear that Oasis has more comfortable seating and interior muster drills--because if it works there it may filter down to the rest of the fleet as they go through their normal cycle of upgrades.

 

We saw the Oasis and she is indeed lovely, but we still like the prices better at the smaller end of the fleet.

 

While I'm trying to avoid making this just a "bash Princess" thread, I'll also add that their wine list made us appreciate Royal Caribbean's selections.

[MarkSeattle]

...

 

Here's my list:

 

1. We loved the fact that the MDR was open for lunch every day-including embarkation.

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

3. The selection at the International Cafe was fabulous. There is no reason why the Promenade Cafe couldn't be this good, but somehow it never is.

 

...

 

6. The pool furniture was just more comfortable. By cruise ship standards I am NOT a lard-ass, but those vinyl-straps loungers on Royal's ships are not comfortable for more than 20 minutes.

 

7. There were chocolates on our pillow with the evening turndown service. They couldn't have cost very much, but it gave us a real feeling of attentive pampering...(I couldn't help myself--I just had to mention this one).

 

I'm sure I'll probably think of a few more, and I'll post them if this thread doesn't sink like a rock.

 

My RCI/Princess comments on your comments ;)

1. Agree. I found the food, buffet, and availability all better on Princess

2. I actually preferred RCI, it was 20 minutes faster and better organized than Princess, also liked not having to take my life jacket.

3. Yep, food better and better selection on Princess.

6. Agree, the pool furniture was not very comfortable on RCI, and I find it boring to hang out in the Solarium which is the only place with better chairs.

7. We missed the chocolates we got nightly on Princess too, and joked about looking for them a couple of times on RCI.

[MarkSeattle]

Also agree with the other poster that the Pizza/Burgers/Grill by poolside were all better on Princess. Unfortunately on RCI, with the promenade being the only option at times on RCI, and the bad pizza being about the only option...

 

I did find the staff very friendly on the Mariner, seemed to have many more waiters, less lines for drinks and other services than Princess. Getting on and off the ship was also easier and quicker than on Princess.

[tmoret]

My partner and I have been rather loyal to Royal, as my signature shows. When Royal changed their loyalty program to be comparable to all the other lines, we weren't bitter...not at all...not one teensy bit..not one bitter bone in MY body!

 

Where was I? Oh yes, we weren't bitter. It did ease our motivation to get to Diamond status, however, and we decided we would try a few other lines to see if Royal really was the Best of All Possible Lines for us.

 

We just got back from a cruise on the Crown Princess, and it was wonderful--because, well...we were cruising. Princess will not, however, be the line that unseats Royal as our first love. There are a number of reasons for this--and many of them wouldn't bother most people. We think Royal's ships are just designed better--they have a way of handling crowds without making you feel crowded. The flow of the ship is better, and the public spaces don't seem so choppy. I like the fact that the materials on a Royal ship are more honest--when you see wood, it really is wood. Wood shouldn't dent like metal if someone hit the wall a little too hard... We hated the Daily Patter, but it made us appreciate the organization behind the Cruise Compass that much more.

 

That said, there were a few times we found ourselves saying "OOOOH, I wish Royal Caribbean did this..." I started this thread to share a few of those moments, though for the sake of discussion I see no reason to restrict this thread to Princess or to my own personal quirks. What have you seen on other lines that you wish Royal would do to make them the PERFECT cruise line?

 

Here's my list:

 

1. We loved the fact that the MDR was open for lunch every day-including embarkation.

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

3. The selection at the International Cafe was fabulous. There is no reason why the Promenade Cafe couldn't be this good, but somehow it never is.

 

4. The cruise director's staff did a morning show on the ship's television every day, with interviews of staff and mentioning highlights of the day's activities. We never made a point of watching it, but it was amazing how much we picked up by just having it on while getting ready in the morning.

 

5. Afternoon Tea--it never took very long, but it was just so civilized. And after all, there is never enough food on a cruise ship anyway, is there?

 

6. The pool furniture was just more comfortable. By cruise ship standards I am NOT a lard-ass, but those vinyl-straps loungers on Royal's ships are not comfortable for more than 20 minutes.

 

7. There were chocolates on our pillow with the evening turndown service. They couldn't have cost very much, but it gave us a real feeling of attentive pampering...(I couldn't help myself--I just had to mention this one).

 

I'm sure I'll probably think of a few more, and I'll post them if this thread doesn't sink like a rock.

 

I just got off the Oasis of the Seas and can tell you this has all been adressed on that ship. The only thing I am not sure about is the Tea. Other then that they did ot have all the other things.

[bionicman97]

 

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

5. Afternoon Tea--it never took very long, but it was just so civilized. And after all, there is never enough food on a cruise ship anyway, is there?

 

 

2. We had our last 3 muster drills in the Main Dining Room. Not everyone did, but I think they are headed in this direction. It is nice to sit inside for the muster drill :)

 

5. I have had afternoon tea in the windjammer at 3pm on every cruise we have been on and the food was different than at lunch.

[RetireeWannabee]

#1 and 6 resonate with me.

[nanfromatlanta]

My partner and I have been rather loyal to Royal, as my signature shows. When Royal changed their loyalty program to be comparable to all the other lines, we weren't bitter...not at all...not one teensy bit..not one bitter bone in MY body!

 

Where was I? Oh yes, we weren't bitter. It did ease our motivation to get to Diamond status, however, and we decided we would try a few other lines to see if Royal really was the Best of All Possible Lines for us.

 

We just got back from a cruise on the Crown Princess, and it was wonderful--because, well...we were cruising. Princess will not, however, be the line that unseats Royal as our first love. There are a number of reasons for this--and many of them wouldn't bother most people. We think Royal's ships are just designed better--they have a way of handling crowds without making you feel crowded. The flow of the ship is better, and the public spaces don't seem so choppy. I like the fact that the materials on a Royal ship are more honest--when you see wood, it really is wood. Wood shouldn't dent like metal if someone hit the wall a little too hard... We hated the Daily Patter, but it made us appreciate the organization behind the Cruise Compass that much more.

 

That said, there were a few times we found ourselves saying "OOOOH, I wish Royal Caribbean did this..." I started this thread to share a few of those moments, though for the sake of discussion I see no reason to restrict this thread to Princess or to my own personal quirks. What have you seen on other lines that you wish Royal would do to make them the PERFECT cruise line?

 

Here's my list:

 

1. We loved the fact that the MDR was open for lunch every day-including embarkation.

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

3. The selection at the International Cafe was fabulous. There is no reason why the Promenade Cafe couldn't be this good, but somehow it never is.

 

4. The cruise director's staff did a morning show on the ship's television every day, with interviews of staff and mentioning highlights of the day's activities. We never made a point of watching it, but it was amazing how much we picked up by just having it on while getting ready in the morning.

 

5. Afternoon Tea--it never took very long, but it was just so civilized. And after all, there is never enough food on a cruise ship anyway, is there?

 

6. The pool furniture was just more comfortable. By cruise ship standards I am NOT a lard-ass, but those vinyl-straps loungers on Royal's ships are not comfortable for more than 20 minutes.

 

7. There were chocolates on our pillow with the evening turndown service. They couldn't have cost very much, but it gave us a real feeling of attentive pampering...(I couldn't help myself--I just had to mention this one).

 

I'm sure I'll probably think of a few more, and I'll post them if this thread doesn't sink like a rock.

 

We were onthe Ruby Princess a few months ago and OMG, the chicken salad as well as the sandwiches and shrimp and marinated mushrooms were to die for!!

 

Their pizza is also wonderful. It is like real NY pizza with all of the fattening gooey, stringy cheese and delicious sauce.. (and I am not normally a big pizza eater) :rolleyes:

 

From a Loyal Royal, RCI, are you listening???

[CruisinCrow]

Carnival has robes in their oceanview cabins and a basket of amenties in the bathroom (razors, toothpaste). Not just in the suites.

 

Celebrity Century has free pastries and desserts at their coffee bar. Celebrity also has non-smoking casinos!

[Puffinater]

Thanks for posting this info. With the Mariner leaving LA Princess is on our list of possible sailings.

[Aquahound]

I wish RCI would....

 

On Celebrity dinner menus, the entire left side of the menu never changes. The right side is the nightly menu that changes. On the every night menu on the left, there is shrimp cocktail, escargot, ceveche, and creme brulee....plus some others I can't remember. Basically, they took customer favorites and made it available every night.

[CruisinCrow]

On Celebrity dinner menus, the entire left side of the menu never changes. The right side is the nightly menu that changes. On the every night menu on the left, there is shrimp cocktail, escargot, ceveche, and creme brulee....plus some others I can't remember. Basically, they took customer favorites and made it available every night.

 

Mmmm, yeah. I ate escargot every night!

[CVU]

 

 

Here's my list:

 

1. We loved the fact that the MDR was open for lunch every day-including embarkation.

 

2. We loved having the Muster Drill in air-conditioned comfort, even if we did have to take our life jackets.

 

3. The selection at the International Cafe was fabulous. There is no reason why the Promenade Cafe couldn't be this good, but somehow it never is.

 

4. The cruise director's staff did a morning show on the ship's television every day, with interviews of staff and mentioning highlights of the day's activities. We never made a point of watching it, but it was amazing how much we picked up by just having it on while getting ready in the morning.

 

5. Afternoon Tea--it never took very long, but it was just so civilized. And after all, there is never enough food on a cruise ship anyway, is there?

 

6. The pool furniture was just more comfortable. By cruise ship standards I am NOT a lard-ass, but those vinyl-straps loungers on Royal's ships are not comfortable for more than 20 minutes.

 

7. There were chocolates on our pillow with the evening turndown service. They couldn't have cost very much, but it gave us a real feeling of attentive pampering...(I couldn't help myself--I just had to mention this one).

 

I'm sure I'll probably think of a few more, and I'll post them if this thread doesn't sink like a rock.

 

We have been seated inside and no life jacket is required now.

 

The CD and assistant CD are on RCL TV in the AM with a funny run down of the day's events and sometimes they interview a staff member too,

 

Solariums on the Radiance Class have great lounge chairs.

 

I understand there is an afternoon tea offered, it is on the Compass but I have no need to eat more!!:D

 

I thought the MDR was open for lunch but not on port days or embarking days?

[printingchick]

OUTDOOR SEATING at the Windjammer. I know they have it on the smaller ships (LOVED it on Serenade!), but not on all ships. It's so nice to watch the ship docking at port while eating breakfast!!

 

I also agree with the outdoor grill. On itineraries with lots of sea days, sometimes you just want to eat there by the pool.

 

Alternating schedules in the MDR for breakfast. On our Carnival cruises, there were different menus each day. It seems to be the same menu every day on RCL. We just always eat breakfast in the Windjammer on RCL.

 

I don't care about the pillow chocolates. I never eat them anyway. The practice was kind of classy, but I appreciate the towel animals FAR more than the chocolates.

 

Being able to bring a bottle of wine aboard without risking the naughty room.

 

I'm still a Loyal Royal too, just like the OP.

[KeywestK]

We had our muster drill in the Schooner Bar in March on Radiance....and no life jackets. Very nice....:)

[dfishner]

I agree with the ops comments, we also enjoyed our Princess cruise and hope to do another. The one thing that sticks out in our mind that we did not like was the Horzon court felt it was to cut up, very confusing and not at all user friendly. We went there once and never went up there again.

 

We really like Princess foods especially Sabatini which was awesome and the chef tasting menu both were great experiences.

 

Both RCL and Princess are so similiar with just a few tweaks here and there to make them different. There are somethings Princess does better then RCL and vice versa.

[novalab]

Like so many others, we love RCL & had really planned on sailing with them a lot over the next few years. Budget dictates that we can't stray to far east from our Southwest location (hopefully, this will inprove soon & widen our options). We were crushed when we found out on our recent Mariner cruise that she was leaving us! We had 2 more cruises planned on her for next year.:(

 

So now, I am reading the boards a lot to see what our alternatives are. This is a good thread as we pretty much had narrowed our choice down to Princess. While in Mazatlan, we docked next to Sapphire Princess & got to talk to some of her passengers. Lovely ship, good comments from her cruisers...encouraging.

 

Thanks op for starting this....it is very informative!

[dplusd]

What I miss most on RCL is the poolside burgers, hot dogs and the PIZZA. Boy, the Princess pizza is so good I have it most days for lunch. I just looked at the pizza in the Cafe Promenade and didn't even try it.

 

Lot's to like about RCL too, so I am not complaining. But, I sure wish I could get Princess pizza on my RCL cruises!

[MoYerclan]

I'm all about wishing RCCL had better tea service! I love my hot tea (and being from the south, I love my real brewed iced tea also!) but this is one area on our Royal Caribbean cruises that leave me flat. I want a larger pot (24 oz or so) of really HOT tea and a non-plastic tea cup or mug that doesn't have a residual coffee taste/odor in it!! I prefer loose leaf tea but will happily enjoy tea bags steeped in the pot.

I want to sit on my stateroom balcony with my large pot of tea in the morning, in the afternoon, anytime!

[terisu10]

I LOVE the formal afternoon tea with live classical music on Carnival. It is offered twice during an 8 day cruise and it is LOVELY.

 

I also love the made to order burgers at the grill by the pool on the Lido deck on Carnival. You can add grilled onions, cheese, mushrooms, chili, etc. If you prefer, you can have a chicken sandwich, a steak sandwich, or a 1/4 lb hot dog. They really are the best :D

 

Eggs Benedict for breakfast in the MDR - Carnival.

 

Midnight comedy show for those over 18 - Carnival

 

I am looking forward to my first time on RCI in 25 days!!!

[Cruising89143]

There are other things that I like about the other lines but in the end, none have been unable to keep me from coming back to RCI. I guess it's good that each cruise line is different. It would be pretty boring if they all offered the same thing. I can tell the OP that the Oasis has pretty much everything on your list. A great ship.:)

[coordinator23]

I have been to afternoon tea in the Windjammer and afternoon tea in DiVinci Dining room (Princess). There is no comparison. On the Ruby Princess waiters (in gloves) pour tea from a silver tea pot while other waiters bring trays with scones, whip cream, strawberry jam, assorted finger sandwiches and delicacies (including some very yummy pastries). This is a sit down white table cloth experience. Afternoon tea at the windjammer tea is to Mc Donalds as Ruby Tea is to a five star restaurant. They cannot be compared (Oh, and the Ruby also had live music in the background)

We just completed the Princess Cruise. I'd like to add to the "wish" list for RCL:

1 A cold wash rag on the dock. (southern Caribbean 87-92 degrees and humid) WOW - did that feel goodd ;-)

2. Real toiletries. This is not the YMCA - ditch the shower attachment with shampoo

3. Pub Grub lunch in a pub on sea days (If you are wondering about the bottom line RCI - eating fish and chips in the pub, what are you going to drink?? I think you know the answer.

4. Recently run movies in the Theater in the afternoon (I know you can't copy the movies under the stars, but this you could copy.)

5. Open the MDR everyday for breakfast and lunch. It not only frees up the windjammer some, but some of us enjoy that level of service. (and for Pete's sake, not the same MDR lunch menu daily - take a look at how Princess varies their lunch)

6. Tendering was more organized on Princess. We didn't have to walk down and wait in long staircases. We went out a row at a time from the theater and boarded the tenders right away.

7. Bring back the chocolates. It does make me feel valued when I find them there. Just like a 5 star hotel.

8. We had fruit in the room. Filled out a form and it was there the next day.

9. We (gasp) pre-ordered a bottle of Jack Daniels and 6 cans of coke for the room. And they were delivered! We could actually have a drink and not have to go out to get it.

10. My sister-in-law had wine in her room (you can bring it on board) which she was able to sip on before dinner and when she was reading on the balocony. AND She Still Bought Wine at dinner - imagine that.

 

I would suggest that the RCL top brass take trips on the competition to pick up ideas.

 

ps - It's ironic that I felt like I got "Royal" treatment on Princess. I am a diamond RCL member, but was treated better on my second Princess cruise than I have been on RCL for awhile. I wonder if RCL is repositioning itself in the market. (not competing with Princess and Celebrety anymore)