I Don't want Shrek

[neil_Young_Fan]

Now what would be the fun in ignoring those I disagree with . . none. :D:D

 

Look folks, my angst is not so much the fact that they are putting the characters on the ships. (In fact from a business standpoint it is an excellent idea) It is the fact that they are putting them on all of their 2 newest class of ships (sailing the Caribbean). Those who do not like the idea will now be cut off from sailing on theses newest innovations in cruising.

 

Kinda of answered your own question about forward thinkgs ...an EXCELLENT business idea ... well in business or in the Case of RCL don't blame them for NOT RE-INVENTING THE WHEEL on their way to cash a check (via a deal with Dreamworks).

 

Again, you think it would of been wise to Add Characters to their smaller older ships? The Ships without quality kids programs? the older Ships will now be CLEARED of families (well not ever 100%) as they are enticed to cruise of the Freedom Class or OA. one poster a page back made reference to this nice point.

[bonnie&clydecruzers]

I think this deal with Dreamworks is more about production shows and less about characters roaming the ship. Disney can have onboard shows that are smaller versions of its films, but RCI can't because it doesn't have the licence. Now with Dreamworks, it can have production and ice shows based on Dreamworks films - more variety, bigger budgets, etc. I expect that next year on my Indy cruise there will be a production show based on a Dreamworks film and there will most likely be Dreamworks merchandise in the onboard shops. I seriously doubt that Shrek is going to be stopping by in the MDR to see how dinner is.

 

Dreamworks animation - "Tableside visits during character meals are just some of the interactions you can experience while onboard."

 

Thats exactly what it sounds like according to the RCI website.

[neil_Young_Fan]

Dreamworks animation - "Tableside visits during character meals are just some of the interactions you can experience while onboard."

 

Thats exactly what it sounds like according to the RCI website.

 

 

That's EXACTLY What they are after ... CHARACTER DINING ...

 

This picture on my aviator is myself and my 2 young kids at Disneyland in "GOOFY'S KITCHEN" ... a character dining Buffet style restaurant.

 

So now they can have a Buffet Restaurant with Character dining (cheap food and a pricey Check) ... Money in the bank.

 

you will NOT have them roaming the MDR, I can assure you.

 

You Add them into the 1 of the 2 main parades (leaving 1 character free so CC freaks don't have a stroke)

 

You have some separate kids only viewing of Parades in THEIR AREAS.

 

You have an hour a day (KNOWN to ALL) that the Characters walk Boardwalk for photo opps. (Diff ones each day to keep 'em coming back)

 

When they show say Shrek on the Big Screen TV by the Pool ... they would be around at the beginning of the movie (leaving once it starts so that the distraction doesn't conflict with the movie).

 

They aren't going to pay someone to wear these hot costumes 24/7 ... or even for more than an hour or 2 straight. They will be people who have other ent. jobs on the ship as well.

 

I can see a "TEA TIME with PRINCESS ORUG (whatever) ... I've never watched Shrek (it was looking lame/crude so I turned it off- not my time of KIDS MOVIE!) FYI, when I let my 4 year old son attempt to watch it, he also was bored after 30 mins and when I asked if he wanted to watch something else, he said yes, turn this off! LOL!

 

Anyway, the TEA TIME aimed at girls with an extra fee attached off course (again, you won't see it SHREK HATER, it will happen inside the children's venues.

 

.............

Moreso, I think what you as RCL customers who dislike the whole CHARACTER ISSUE (pun intended)

is that RCL ist going to fly the Dreamworks flag on their homepage ... in ADS ...

You'll see partying passengers (AKA photo models) and now SHREK AND DONKEY et al will be in the photo as well.

 

Just like a deck party in REALITY, looks nothing like the photo in the broshure - of all young/attractive people - dancefloor filled - not too full - sun shinning, EVERYONE smiling ... fruit drinks in hand ... Rainbows shooting out their backsides ....

 

The way that they will use Dreamworks in ads will make you think they will be HIGHLY visable. They won't ... I would bet those not interested will see Skrek only if they attend a parade or DREAMWORKS poolside movie.

 

Don't think RCL is selling the farm to Dreamworks or something ... but this allows cross marketing ... They have a TV add for the movie "How to train a dragon" coming to DVD ... and RCL slips a 10 sec. pitch about coming to the ALLURE OS and having a up and close real "dragon training" experience ... or whatever. The same way Fast Food and Movies pair up ... RCL has opened a door for this.

 

SURE, U non-family cruiser SHRIEK (pun intended) everytime (which lately is everytime) RCL shows you the facts ... We want those Families to book cruises.

 

When I do the Allure next year ... we are getting 3 cabins ... 1 for me and DW ... 1 for Grandma #1 and 2 kids ... 1 for Grandma #2 and her Sister (we'll just call her Grandma #3)

[melbur]

I'm not a fan of this idea also, but not only for the fact we like a more "adult" experience. Does this mean come winter of 11/12, anything leaving out of MIA/FLL/PT CAN (except Bahamas route Monarch/Majesty) has a Dreamworks character? I already thought the offering out of those ports was somewhat limited, but I find this now really restricting.

Although we have only sailed Freedom once just to try it, we didn't repeat it because again we felt it just wasn't for us.

We are game to "try" Allure this winter, again just to see it, but we will find ourselves staying with the Radiance and Vision class. I just wish one of these sailed out of a port on the Florida s/e coast.

[Trainman-2]

Now that I am a Widower and will probably be sailing as a Single in the future it really makes no difference to me what RCI does for the kids.

 

I don't expect to run into Shrek while I am sitting at a bar or in the casino or at any of the other adult hangouts on the ships.

 

The big parades in the Promenade are for everyone, young and old. they are simply fun to watch.

 

Keep up the great work RCI.

 

It will always be difficult to make everyone happy all of the time.

[rolloman]

Now if you can explain to me how "RCI's joining them if you can't beat them" philosophy is forward thinking and innovative, I would appreciate it. I find that to be a bit oxymoronic.

 

I wrote two seperate sentences. One was for the folks who are still chopping on the very successful Oasis and the other was of course related to Characters on board.

[Aquahound]

Those who do not like the idea will now be cut off from sailing on theses newest innovations in cruising.

 

Just my opinion, but there is something I don't like, or doesn't appeal to me, about every single cruise line on the sea. That doesn't cut me off from cruising, because the good still far outweighs the bad.

[grand isle joe]

Now that I am a Widower and will probably be sailing as a Single in the future it really makes no difference to me what RCI does for the kids.

 

I don't expect to run into Shrek while I am sitting at a bar or in the casino or at any of the other adult hangouts on the ships.

 

The big parades in the Promenade are for everyone, young and old. they are simply fun to watch.

 

Keep up the great work RCI.

 

It will always be difficult to make everyone happy all of the time.

 

Sorry for your loss. And I agree. Cruising is for everyone.

[Ocean Boy]

Do you read all my posts? Just curious, because I don't spend my time on CC following every positive or negative thing someone says about a line....

 

I have had wonderful cruises on RCCL, and I have enjoyed cruising on the smaller ships. I believe the Serenade is one of the most beautiful ships, and I would never book a cruise on her if I did not think so. I am sure I will love my B2B... but DH and I have agreed that we have outgrown RCCL.... it is our choice to move on... We see RCCL as positioning itself for families with kids, and that is not us nor the type of vacation we want. Therefore, they are loosing our business. It is how the market goes.

 

Of course I don't read all of your posts or all of anyone elses for that matter. I just commented on the sense that I was getting from the threads that we have both posted on together. This post of yours is quite clear and I now understand where you are coming from. I also don't disagree with many of the comments that you have made. I don't need these characters or necessarily want them. But I do think that they will be pretty easy to avoid and not "in your face".

 

Celebrity has a good product. I liked it very much. I hope you do too. RCI is just a better fit for me right now. Maybe someday that will change. Who knows.

[Ocean Boy]

First, I never called anyone an idiot. I just fail to see how you are making a vote $$ when you are still booking a cruise with the same company.

 

Actually, I'd be willing to bet they are going to gain business as a result of this. I am not a fan of characters as I also prefer an adult vacation. However, if I had kids and was debating between cruising on Disney or an RCCL ship with Shrek...I'd be choosing RCCL because it is cheaper AND my kids could still get the characters. And those passengers that don't want characters will instead book Voyager and Radiance class ships...or perhaps, even switch to Celebrity ;) So for RCI, it's a win-win.

 

You have mentioned in multiple threads how you prefer the Serenade because it has less children. You've also mentioned numerous times how your favorite thing about the Adventure is that it keeps people away from the Serenade for sailings out of San Juan. Well guess what....when these characters climb onboard Oasis and Freedom class ships...that is going to result in even LESS famillies cruising on the Radiance and Voyager class ships (which I am excited about as I love those classes). Seeing as how these characters are going to be on ships that you have said you have no interest in sailing on, I just don't understand why you care so much.

 

You may be right about that. Unfortunately, that effect may not occur until the pricing on Oasis and Allure is more in line with the other ships. But who knows, maybe the price won't be enough of a factor. Of course from RCI's point of view I think they would prefer to get new families to fill the two ships not draw the families that they alread have off of the other ships.

 

We will see how it all plays out.

[Ocean Boy]

I have no clue why almost everyone is getting their bent out of shape over something that hasn't happened yet.. Its debuting on the Allure first then the Freedom Liberty & Oasis. RCL like every other business is like it or not its bottom line ,all about making money and finding ways to fill every cabin on every ship.

Cruising is not for newly wed,nearly dead and over fed anymore. Like any business need to come up with new and fresh ideas for the repeat customers and keep up with the competition. If you say well "I'm not going to book RCL because of Shrek" fine your choice- free will- book somewhere else, but you know there will be 5 others who will jump at the chance to book their cruise because of Shrek.

 

For me I book a cruise for the itinerary not so much whether Shrek will be on the ship or not. I think it will be kind of cool to hang out with Donkey.-for me it will be a bonus, won't bother me one bit.

 

 

Alrana

 

I would say that just putting Oasis and Allure into service speaks for RCI finding ways to out do the competition.

[Ocean Boy]

Dreamworks animation - "Tableside visits during character meals are just some of the interactions you can experience while onboard."

 

Thats exactly what it sounds like according to the RCI website.

 

And this really is not a new thing. Whether it is some whacked out pirate putting a dagger across my neck for a photo op, dinner suddenly being interupted by the staff so everyone can do the Macherena, or some Dream Works character it is all the same to me. Dinner in the MDR is far from the class act that many like to make it out to be. So here come one more distraction. Its not a big, or new, concept.

[DocJohnB]

Again, you think it would of been wise to Add Characters to their smaller older ships? The Ships without quality kids programs? the older Ships will now be CLEARED of families (well not ever 100%) as they are enticed to cruise of the Freedom Class or OA. one poster a page back made reference to this nice point.

 

Absolutely add them to some of the older ships . . . . just spread the wealth a bit (so to speak) amongst the fleet, while at the same time leaving some of each class available to those who do not like the characterization.

 

The older ships being ALMOST cleared of families is a pipe dream. Some of these families cruise on these ships because they are more affordable than the inflated price of the Oasis class. Let some of them enjoy the characterization that RCI is proposing.

 

Smaller, older ships without quality kids programs . . . . which one would they be. I know for a fact that the quality kids programs extend down to the Voyager class and have heard they even have it on the Radiance class ships. In fact, doesn't RCI tout its' kids program?

[ssatterly]

I am booked on the Allure in Sept of next year. I booked this before the Shrek thing.. This is making me rethink y choice even though I want to sail this ship.. Would this be an issue that would make you change or cancel your cruise on the Allure?

[Paul65]

I Don't want Shrek

 

Neither did Fiona, at first, but he grows on you.

[andrzej5914]

I am booked on the Allure in Sept of next year. I booked this before the Shrek thing.. This is making me rethink y choice even though I want to sail this ship.. Would this be an issue that would make you change or cancel your cruise on the Allure?

 

7 pages of posts did not give you an idea on how people feel :confused:

[ssatterly]

7 pages of posts did not give you an idea on how people feel :confused:

 

 

Sorry but being at work I can't read all 7 pages

[twoputt.plusone]

I don't cruise to be entertained by juvenile themes I need some sea spray and great service, five meals a day and good ports of call. Disney fills the family niche but RCL now wants to compete with Disney? I enjoy seeing families on board but what happened to family time instead of "entertain me every minute". I remember what happened in Las Vegas when they tried to go over board with family themes and see where it got them, back to the old "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". I like RCl enough to have over 24 cruises with them but I'm thinking it's not as a good a match as it used to be. Princess will get a closer look and Celebrity for my cruising dollar after I sail my next 2 bookings with RCL.

Flame away, I'm still allowed my opinion.:D

 

No doubt some will flame you but I'm guessing a lot will agree with you. Like me. If it's a Disney experience I'm looking for, I'll book Disney. This certainly isn't what I'm looking for in a cruise.

[marci22]

Sorry but being at work I can't read all 7 pages

 

If I wanted to go on Allure, I wouldn't cancel Allure because of Shrek. Personally, I don't like the idea that some of the ships will have more Disney-type theming and so attract a lot of young children, so I probably wouldn't consider those ships in the future, and there are other ships so not a problem.

 

And I am not grumpy, I like Disney just fine, I just went last year, but I don't want to go on a cruiseship that is promoting theming like that.

[bluegirlum]

7 pages of posts did not give you an idea on how people feel :confused:

 

You always make me laugh! :)

 

And to all of you who don't think you'll like the Shrek parades, have you actually seen the parades they put on now? Can you honestly tell me you like those things? I was embarrassed for those poor people who looked bored out of their skulls. ANYTHING has to be better than that.

[Jumbiecruiser]

After reading this entire thread (Whew!!!!) I get the feeling that there is a certain age group that does not like the changes that Royal Caribbean is making. For that group, I highly suggest Holland America. It seems that most of you will fit that age group quite nicely. You can even trade grand and great grand children stories with each other while those on Royal Caribbean enjoy ships that are built for the young and young at heart.;)

[bala1130]

Does anyone really book a vacation to Disneyland and expect there to be no children? :confused:

 

The answer to this question is - Yes some people do.

[twoputt.plusone]

HappyKS -- my pictures posted on page 1 were from sailaway -- :D -- here is the progression of picture #3, #4 and #5 of that cruise taken on our Disney Wonder sailing. And our Disney Magic sailing had the exact same sailaway....

 

Hubby holding crazy happy 5 year old -- wooohoooo Mickey

 

 

Characters dancing on the stage while we are sailing away...

 

 

Look how HOT and uncomfortable the adults look at this display...lol

 

 

This would be my worst nightmare! I have grandkids and I love them dearly.... my own. Not everyone else's. :eek:

[bluegirlum]

This would be my worst nightmare! I have grandkids and I love them dearly.... my own. Not everyone else's. :eek:

 

The woman in the purple top in the bottom picture has the right idea--I would definitely need a drink to get through that! :D

[Jumbiecruiser]

The answer to this question is - Yes some people do.

 

Then why are you booking a cruise on a line that caters to families? Come on people wake up. Royal Caribbean is a mass market line. This entire thread is one of the best yet. We have a bunch of senior citizens who think that Royal Caribbean still has the Song or Norway in their fleet. Times have changed but it's obvious some of the people on this board haven't. Time to move on to greener pastures for some of you.