Are we headed toward paying for entertainment??

[lardan]

When I first started cruising, if I remember correctly, everything you could eat was free on the ship. First they added specialty restaurants if you wanted a more elegant meal. Then they added Johnny Rockets for free, now a $4.95 charge, and after that, Ben & Jerry's for a charge, Seafood Shack for a charge, etc.. I know you can still go on a ship and not pay for any meals, but the point is they are adding more ways to generate revenue (to answer all the folks that will say "You don't have to eat there, there are plenty of places to eat for free").

 

Are we heading that way for entertainment? If you want to see the Broadway type production of Hairspray, you might have to pay $5 or $10, or Oasis of Dreams pay a little extra. Sure, you can still see the Ice Show or Comedy Show for free, but if you want the "premium" entertainment, you might have to pay a little extra. Or perhaps they'll add an even more elaborate production that doesn't exist now, and charge you extra for that.

 

Before you scoff at the thought of them doing that, for longtime cruisers, did you ever think you would have choices of paying for a specialty restaurant, or even if you wanted a filet in the dining room you'd have to pony up $15. Or if you wanted a seafood snack, you'd pay a la carte.

 

Just asking. I know the cruise lines are always looking for ways to generate more revenue.

[cb at sea]

I think you're right...and as long as folks are willing to pay for "extras", they will add more and more of them! See, if when they introduced the "specialty" restaurant no one used them, they would have been gone in a flash!

 

Folks who are just beginning to cruise don't remember how it used to be....so to them, this is all just a natural part of cruising.

[negc]

When I first started cruising, if I remember correctly, everything you could eat was free on the ship. First they added specialty restaurants if you wanted a more elegant meal. Then they added Johnny Rockets for free, now a $4.95 charge, and after that, Ben & Jerry's for a charge, Seafood Shack for a charge, etc.. I know you can still go on a ship and not pay for any meals, but the point is they are adding more ways to generate revenue (to answer all the folks that will say "You don't have to eat there, there are plenty of places to eat for free").

 

Are we heading that way for entertainment? If you want to see the Broadway type production of Hairspray, you might have to pay $5 or $10, or Oasis of Dreams pay a little extra. Sure, you can still see the Ice Show or Comedy Show for free, but if you want the "premium" entertainment, you might have to pay a little extra. Or perhaps they'll add an even more elaborate production that doesn't exist now, and charge you extra for that.

 

Before you scoff at the thought of them doing that, for longtime cruisers, did you ever think you would have choices of paying for a specialty restaurant, or even if you wanted a filet in the dining room you'd have to pony up $15. Or if you wanted a seafood snack, you'd pay a la carte.

 

Just asking. I know the cruise lines are always looking for ways to generate more revenue.

No reason to give them any ideas. I am sure that they have already considered what you suggest, but so far they have decided not to charge for entertainment, even for things as special as Hairspray or Chicago, so perhaps we should count our blessings and not worry about things that "might happen". There are enough things to be concerned about i this life without manufacturing new ones.:)

[Goes Cruising]

I think you might be giving them ideas! Let's say they were charging for the recent Taylor Swift concert. Would they have been able to sell it out? I'll bet almost everyone wanted to see her for free, but would enough people choose to pay to see her? Nothing against Taylor, but I wouldn't pay to go to her concert at home, and would not pay extra to see her on a ship. That goes for just about any act they could bring.

 

I actually don't mind the paid venues, because it keeps the costs down for the overall cruise. I rarely use them, but am glad they are there for those who want to. Kinda like going to an all-inclusive resort. It would not be my choice to do so, because I think the cost reflects a whole lot more drinking than I normally do. I would rather have the drinks ala carte, so I am not picking up the tab for someone drinking 12 drinks/day.

 

So, in my opinion, entertainment on the ships is really Las Vegas lounge quality for the most part. Mildly entertaining to not bad to occasionally good. I find it a fun way to pass a couple of hours, and the quality of it reflects the cost (or lack of added cost). If I don't like the show, I don't feel like I've been cheated.

[Paul65]

It's possible, but unlikely, in my opinion. Most of the things you mention that have been added as pay options are things that they wouldn't be able to offer to everyone for free. The demand would outstrip supply. They don't have room to feed everyone in restauraunts like Portofino, and if it were free, most everyone would want to try it. As I understand it, Johnny Rockets was originally free, but it became too crowded and hard to get a table, so the cover charge essentially served as a sort of crowd control.

 

So, if they ever have entertainment for a fee, I would suspect it to be something similar - a specialty entertainment that they just would not be able to offer to all 3 - 6 thousand passengers, so they offer it for a fee to those who are willing to pay the extra.

[paulap70]

I think it would be a great idea. I am all for a more a la carte experience. In fact, I'd rather have more fee based dining choices. The dining room is just so-so in my book. Food is fine considering they're preparing meals for 4,000 people, but can't escape that mass produced taste. We pay for spa treatments, hair cuts, drinks - what would be wrong with paying for entertainment, as long as it's world class entertainment.

[ChipLondon]

Every business is entitled ( and those with shareholders, obligated ) to consider and trial any method of increasing turnover and profit. Just as we the customer are entitled to decide if we want to buy the product being offered. That might be an all inclusive resort or cruise, or one where options are available.

I always find it strange where people that make money ( through working for themselves or others ) want to object another company trying to make money that will allow progress and job creation. If an option to spend extra does not suit you, then simply choose the basic product, or maybe another style of holiday.

Those of us that are lucky enough to consider cruising have obviously worked hard for the amount needed to make payment, we surely must allow the company that we choose to travel with to make a profit. Cruising these days actually costs less that it did several years ago, so of course there are some cutbacks, I for one am pleased that I have a choice to pay extra for the items that are now available on ships that where not there years ago.

Obviously I hope that charging for entertainment is not considered as an extra, but if it is I will worry about it then, and maybe choose to spend my leisure money elsewhere.

However I think it is difficult to find an alternative holiday that offers so much, for the daily equivilant of a cruise.

In the meantime I will continue to enjoy cruising for what it is, and what it costs today

[GXmanDC]

Doesn't NCL EPIC charge for some of their entertainment or clubs? If people start lining up on NCL for "premium" entertainment, at some point RCI would match to remain competitive.

 

Right now I don't see RCI going this route. Fain has mentioned that is he proud of the entertainment they offer, especially on Oasis class, and that it is included in the fare.

[SpeedGeek]

Doesn't NCL EPIC charge for some of their entertainment or clubs? If people start lining up on NCL for "premium" entertainment, at some point RCI would match to remain competitive.

 

Right now I don't see RCI going this route. Fain has mentioned that is he proud of the entertainment they offer, especially on Oasis class, and that it is included in the fare.

 

I can see the reason for the specialty dining charges. It's easier to reduce the fare and say "Hey, if you want more upscale dining, there are these options available!". You then make everyone happy (in a perfect world ;) ) because you can pick up cruisers who otherwise may not have been able to afford it, and you can provide the dining experience the 'upscale' cruisers want.

 

When it comes to entertainment, especially of the level like Miss Swift, you encounter an issue where the mere fact of her presence on the ship to perform generates demand. That raises the cruise fare. It is easier then to use that increased price to cover costs and provide profit than to add an additional fee on top of that to attend.

 

In other words, they're already charging for the premium entertainment, it's just wrapped into the demand for the cruise, unlike premium restaurants. :D

[mamaza]

It's possible, but unlikely, in my opinion. Most of the things you mention that have been added as pay options are things that they wouldn't be able to offer to everyone for free. The demand would outstrip supply. They don't have room to feed everyone in restauraunts like Portofino, and if it were free, most everyone would want to try it. As I understand it, Johnny Rockets was originally free, but it became too crowded and hard to get a table, so the cover charge essentially served as a sort of crowd control.

 

So, if they ever have entertainment for a fee, I would suspect it to be something similar - a specialty entertainment that they just would not be able to offer to all 3 - 6 thousand passengers, so they offer it for a fee to those who are willing to pay the extra.

I agree. If the item offered (specialty restaurant or whatever) was to bring limited interest, then they might not see the need to charge. Except, it's also concidered the tip (I heard Vicky say it on a show).

When it comes to entertainment, especially of the level like Miss Swift, you encounter an issue where the mere fact of her presence on the ship to perform generates demand. That raises the cruise fare. It is easier then to use that increased price to cover costs and provide profit than to add an additional fee on top of that to attend.

 

 

 

In other words, they're already charging for the premium entertainment, it's just wrapped into the demand for the cruise, unlike premium restaurants.

Another good point.

[FLHugh]

Given the "Prime Seating" for the entertainment is already segregated by your "caste" on the ship, I can see charges for entertainment in the not too distant future.

[cpj]

Whats keeping the cost of cruising down is they have more cabins to sell with all the large ships today. Supply and demand. Specialty restaurents exist so people who want a better meal will pay more which will add to there profits which I understand and except. Any extra onboard sale will make the ship more profitable which I understand. The more cabins they have to sell will lower there price.

[Aquahound]

Doesn't NCL EPIC charge for some of their entertainment or clubs? If people start lining up on NCL for "premium" entertainment, at some point RCI would match to remain competitive.

 

They do, but I believe it's a dinner/show combo.

[Ocean Boy]

I guess that I thought the upscale entertainment on Oasis was factored in the cruise fare since I am paying far more to sail on that ship than any other cruise that I have taken.

[silentbob007]

I'm looking forward to Oasis and hoping for good entertainment ... I may be jaded, but it's been a long while since I saw an act on a cruiseship that I would actually pay for (not counting ice shows ... even at their worst, those are still neat).

[Jimnbigd]

I wonder if ship's will ever charge for all food, charge for pillows and blankets in the cabin, charge for luggage. You know what that is called -- an AIRLINE!

[SI Cruiser]

The current entertainment is not even close to "Broadway" class performances. The performers are summer stock performers at best. It is their aspiration to make it to the London or Broadway stage someday.

 

Paying for this inferior entertainment will never happen. Also, the cruise lines do not want you sitting in the theater where they are not making any money. They want you to be shopping the Atrium, drinking in the bars or losing in the casino.

[time4u2go]

As unpleasant as it might seem right now, I believe that one day there will be an extra charge to eat in the MDR. Only the buffet will be included. I know that's hard to fathom right now, but 5 years ago, who would have believed that airlines would actually charge to transport our suitcases?

 

I could be wrong (and I hope I am), but I wouldn't be surprised.

[GXmanDC]

The current entertainment is not even close to "Broadway" class performances. The performers are summer stock performers at best. It is their aspiration to make it to the London or Broadway stage someday.

 

Paying for this inferior entertainment will never happen. Also, the cruise lines do not want you sitting in the theater where they are not making any money. They want you to be shopping the Atrium, drinking in the bars or losing in the casino.

 

The entertainment on Allure was excellent. I saw Chicago twice on Broadway and felt the performance on Allure was as good as NY. The diving show had me awe-struck.

[klingoncruiser]

Call me Pollyanna, but naw, I don't think so. If they charge, for those show, I will see as many as I do now..... nada. I can still eat in the MD if I want for free and it is good. I choose to take my DW for a special meal, that is up to me.

[Shomari]

I would rather have the drinks ala carte, so I am not picking up the tab for someone drinking 12 drinks/day.

 

^^^ LOL... I was thinking that's exactly the reason I go to all-inclusives... So I don't have to see how much I'd really have to pay to drink (minimum)n 12 drinks a day... :D

[joyride21]

If they ever start charging for the entertainment, that will be the end of my cruising days. Likewise if they charge for the MDR. I can deal with the charges for specialty restaurants, spa, etc - I have no problem skipping those things. But the shows, however hokey some may be, and dinner in the MDR are what makes my onboard cruise experience.

[Bakincakes]

Ala carte cruising is just around the corner. Don't think all of the current changes aren't just a small picture of what is to come.

 

I would have no issue being able to choose the dining package that would suit me and paying extra for it. Give me great entertainment and I'll pay to see a show. Let me choose my cabin..I'll pay the extra $$ for the various amenities that come with certain cabins...cruise cheap or cruise upscale..our choice.

[GXmanDC]

Wasn't EasyCruise an a la carte crusing concept? They've been around 5 years or so, we have not seen much success in that approach.

[negc]

The current entertainment is not even close to "Broadway" class performances. The performers are summer stock performers at best. It is their aspiration to make it to the London or Broadway stage someday.

 

 

Have you actually seen performances of Hairspray and Chicago on Oasis and Allure? If you have and still claim that they are "not even close to 'Broadway' class performances, I might give your comments some credence. However, we have seen Broadway performances and both of the afore mentioned shows onboard RCI's ships were certainly on par with many of the shows we have seen on the Great White Way. We have also attended summer stock performances and think we can tell the difference.