Some people amaze me

[Rudyard]

We are booked in an ATS for our upcoming Allure cruise and have fully researched the suite perks and the suite itself before booking it. We fully understand that RCI suite perks are not comparable to other lines, but for us it is the ship and the suite itself. I agree with many of the previous posters, when spending that much money some research should be done!!! Who buys something for $15,000 without any research???

 

i don't care if I'm going halfway around the world or just spending the night in a hotel on the other side of town. I research the bejeezus out of any trip I take. My company is sending me out of town for a training seminar in a couple of weeks and I've researched the hotel and the area of town I will be in until I know it almost as well as my own neighborhood.

[nenner1]

I was in a CL suite last week and 99% of what this person has said, is true. The "prime seating" for the aqua show was the 3 rows of wooden benches in the front that nobody wanted to sit in anyway.

 

I was also on the 9/18 Allure sailing.

 

The prime seating in the Aquatheater was clearly Marked for Gold Seapasses Only, was staffed with an "usher" and was located dead center halfway up the theater. Being a "GOLD" member I mistakenly tried to sit there and was gently refused. ;) LOL. This was for the 9:30 OceanAria on Day 3. Not sure what they did at the other shows.

 

I absolutely agree about the parade. Horrible. We arrived early, had a "front" row spot with our children in the front, then us behind them. When the parade began, swarms of people pushed out in front of the kids, narrowing the parade aisle. A "security" guy stood there and did not say anything to the adults edging out but he stood right in front of my children not allowing them to budge either direction. I tried to adjust their vantage point, but the effort was pointless, someone else would just step in front of them. Whatever.

 

150 Central Park is $40/pp, it was an exaggeration on the OP's part to state $50-as I imagine the $1400 in tips was also an exaggeration.

[Stags14]

I was also on the 9/18 Allure sailing.

 

The prime seating in the Aquatheater was clearly Marked for Gold Seapasses Only, was staffed with an "usher" and was located dead center halfway up the theater. Being a "GOLD" member I mistakenly tried to sit there and was gently refused. ;) LOL. This was for the 9:30 OceanAria on Day 3. Not sure what they did at the other shows.

 

I absolutely agree about the parade. Horrible. We arrived early, had a "front" row spot with our children in the front, then us behind them. When the parade began, swarms of people pushed out in front of the kids, narrowing the parade aisle. A "security" guy stood there and did not say anything to the adults edging out but he stood right in front of my children not allowing them to budge either direction. I tried to adjust their vantage point, but the effort was pointless, someone else would just step in front of them. Whatever.

 

150 Central Park is $40/pp, it was an exaggeration on the OP's part to state $50-as I imagine the $1400 in tips was also an exaggeration.

 

Are you serious? We went to the Sunday night show, but we were told that our seating was the first three (wooden) rows. Barely prime seating. In addition, the perks say "complimentry pressing service on formal night" not "pressing service on 1st formal night for a limited amount of clothes." I shrugged it off during the cruise but now that I think of it, it's kinds BS.

[Havingfun2010]

This was just a simple misunderstanding. Whe someone drops 15K for 7 days, they thought they would be special, but once they exit their stateroom, they must be treated like the lowest level inside stateroom guest, that paid 2K for the week.

[nenner1]

Are you serious? We went to the Sunday night show, but we were told that our seating was the first three (wooden) rows. Barely prime seating.

 

Yes, it became quite a joke with my husband laughing at me for thinking that Gold members would get preferred seating. I though we had hit the goldmine- even though we got there half hour early the place was pretty full and I saw those sparsely populated rows and headed right for them! We ended up in the first row of actual seats behind the wooden bleachers and you are absolutely right- those were the last to fill up- they are even in the splash zone. Like you said, it is definitely not "prime" seating, they actually purposely kick water out at those seated there! Not what I would expect suite guests might enjoy!!

 

I'm sorry that you did not get to take advantage of that seating during your show!:(

[Stags14]

This was just a simple misunderstanding. Whe someone drops 15K for 7 days, they thought they would be special, but once they exit their stateroom, they must be treated like the lowest level inside stateroom guest, that paid 2K for the week.

 

That's not true actually, crewmembers did treat us differently with a gold card. I never book a suite, we did it this one time because it was a special occasion and we worked for it. But they do treat you differently once they see your card and once they know. You will get quicker service and service before others one you become familiar.

[Langley Cruisers]

^ Stags14, before this thread goes poof, did you want to have a look at and fix your signature? I noticed it's been this way for a few days. Just a heads up. :)

[Stags14]

Yes, it became quite a joke with my husband laughing at me for thinking that Gold members would get preferred seating. I though we had hit the goldmine- even though we got there half hour early the place was pretty full and I saw those sparsely populated rows and headed right for them! We ended up in the first row of actual seats behind the wooden bleachers and you are absolutely right- those were the last to fill up- they are even in the splash zone. Like you said, it is definitely not "prime" seating, they actually purposely kick water out at those seated there! Not what I would expect suite guests might enjoy!!

 

I'm sorry that you did not get to take advantage of that seating during your show!:(

 

This actually made me call their "post cruise" department. I don't really care all that much - I saw the show which is all I really care about. I just kindly told them that if they are going to advertise things, they should be available. With the system they have in place, they should know EXACTLY how many gold members will be at the show, and they should reserve that exact amount of seats. If need be, the concierge can call the guests who are planned to attend to verify their attendance to the show.

 

Personally, it wouldn't matter to me if the perks didn't exist at all, but the experience should match the description - whatever it is.

[jsmeeker]

Not true at all. They actually hold a raffle during the cruise to give them away.

 

 

Interesting. Is this mostly on Oasis and Allure? Or does it happen on other ships like Freedom class?? Who gets in on the raffles? General passenger population or just the elite frequent cruisers? I can imagine the howling that would go on if someone with coal status got bumped up. :)

[Stags14]

Interesting. Is this mostly on Oasis and Allure? Or does it happen on other ships like Freedom class?? Who gets in on the raffles? General passenger population or just the elite frequent cruisers? I can imagine the howling that would go on if someone with coal status got bumped up. :)

 

Those who propel the boat with oares have to write their names on the paddle. You put them all in a big pile and if they choose your ore, you get to trade it in for a 2 story suite!

 

Kidding... anyone can enter. They do the drawing on the 2nd or 3rd day, I don't remember. If someone who has a suite feels this is unfair, they can simply get a regular room their next cruise and enter the contest with everyone else.

[Familygoboston]

Interesting. Is this mostly on Oasis and Allure? Or does it happen on other ships like Freedom class?? Who gets in on the raffles? General passenger population or just the elite frequent cruisers? I can imagine the howling that would go on if someone with coal status got bumped up. :)

 

Often an open big suite is given as a bingo prize or casino prize early in the cruise. The winner would get it for the remainder of the cruise. I think that's what the poster meant.

[Scotty G]

I was in a CL suite last week and 99% of what this person has said, is true. The "prime seating" for the aqua show was the 3 rows of wooden benches in the front that nobody wanted to sit in anyway. The fruits and snacks they brought to the rooms were few and far between, there was no specialty restaurant "voucher" either. Basically all you get is the late night fee waiver for room service.

 

I wanted the room anyway... was it nice? Yes. Will I do it again? NO, it's not really worth it.

Wow! We get better service and amenities in an SOV on Monarch!!!

[nenner1]

This actually made me call their "post cruise" department. I don't really care all that much - I saw the show which is all I really care about. I just kindly told them that if they are going to advertise things, they should be available. With the system they have in place, they should know EXACTLY how many gold members will be at the show, and they should reserve that exact amount of seats. If need be, the concierge can call the guests who are planned to attend to verify their attendance to the show.

 

Personally, it wouldn't matter to me if the perks didn't exist at all, but the experience should match the description - whatever it is.

 

Good, I don't blame you for being upset!! Hopefully that helps the situation, clearly at the least they weren't being consistent with their implementation of that perk.

 

I will be doing a review in the few days with lots of pics, stay tuned, maybe you'll see yourself! LOL! ;)

[firefly333]

We are booked in an ATS for our upcoming Allure cruise and have fully researched the suite perks and the suite itself before booking it. We fully understand that RCI suite perks are not comparable to other lines, but for us it is the ship and the suite itself. ?

 

Carnival comes right out and says it .. no perks. Well they give VIP boarding, which all platinum folks get anyway. .. I dont consider a bathtub a perk. People are always surprised that you get no perks with a suite on Carnival. That being said of course the prices are in line with no perks.

 

I cant imagine spending $15K on a cruise!!! Im glad I dont have a large family to bring along on my cruises.

[Aquahound]

I was in a CL suite last week and 99% of what this person has said, is true. The "prime seating" for the aqua show was the 3 rows of wooden benches in the front that nobody wanted to sit in anyway.

 

They must have changed it because on both my Oasis and Allure cruises, the Gold Card seats were the top 3 rows of the Aquatheater...2 rows of chairs and one bench row.

 

I read it and it states clearly that they did not know the tips were pre-paid so yes, they tiped again.

 

Odd that would happen. With pre-tipping, vouchers are delivered with the envelopes. Perhaps the Op didn't know what the vouchers meant. :confused:

[Alamogirl]

Not the case with the Crown Lofts on the Allure and Oasis. I would guess, and it is just a guess, that they give as many upgrades to those suites as they sell.

 

The Crown Lofts book up fast from what I have found, we booked many months ago for our March cruise on The Allure and all had been booked for months.

 

Our New Years cruise on The Oasis was the worst but not because of RCCL but because of extremely rude adults and kids to the point that even crew were commenting about it. However, one bad experience didn't stop us from booking again with RCCL. I just have a hard time believing all the complaints.

[Mama24]

Interesting. Is this mostly on Oasis and Allure? Or does it happen on other ships like Freedom class?? Who gets in on the raffles? General passenger population or just the elite frequent cruisers? I can imagine the howling that would go on if someone with coal status got bumped up. :)

 

lol coal status...

[CaribbeanDrifters]

Kidding... anyone can enter. They do the drawing on the 2nd or 3rd day, I don't remember. If someone who has a suite feels this is unfair, they can simply get a regular room their next cruise and enter the contest with everyone else.

 

I like that this is for everyone!!

 

Don't get me wrong, I think that loyalty should be rewarded, but all I have seen is 'once you're D+ you get this and that.' It is nice to see that a 1st time cruiser like me can have some hope for some cool bonus!!

 

Just my $.02

[marci22]

The Crown Lofts book up fast from what I have found, we booked many months ago for our March cruise on The Allure and all had been booked for months.

 

Maybe it's a spring break cruise? Crown Lofts are almost always among the last suites to go on cruises I have watched.

[BillOh]

I read it and it states clearly that they did not know the tips were pre-paid so yes, they tiped again.

Seems they were not happy with the suite perks and I really can not blame them. It has been known for quite some time Royal lacks in this department. Even many here on this forum always say 'you pay for space'.

I also read nothing that took a slap at Carnival.

Review was given from a suite guest perspective. I don't know what was so bad about it.:confused:

 

I thought the Suite was the perk? I don't know why Suite guests think they are entitled to special seating in shows, pools, parades and probably lifeboats. Once you step out of the suite your just like me. :rolleyes:

 

Ok,I'm going back to third class, just remember to unlock the gates on the stairs when the ship begins to sink.

[marci22]

I thought the Suite was the perk? I don't know why Suite guests think they are entitled to special seating in shows, pools, parades and probably lifeboats. Once you step out of the suite your just like me. :rolleyes:

 

When people are paying top dollar for suites, I agree that perks would be nice.

 

The fact that Royal chooses to give special seating or priority boarding as a perk is their choice. They try to give out perks that are free. They could throw in something like a free specialty dinner instead, which might not impact other cruisers like the reserved seating, but that would cost them money. They are cheap like that.

 

When booking a cruise, I always consider GS and above in my choices, however, I usually end up choosing JS or balcony. I just don't see the price value in the extra room. It's nice, but only if the price difference is small.

[Debde]

I thought the Suite was the perk? I don't know why Suite guests think they are entitled to special seating in shows, pools, parades and probably lifeboats. Once you step out of the suite your just like me. :rolleyes:.

 

Most places that can have you book in a suite catagory carry extra perks that should-IMHO come with said suite. Royal has a whole page telling these guest what they will get for spending thousands and thousands. They call them 'enhancements' so Royal does say off the bat-we are trying to treat you a bit special for the thousands you are about to spend. They just fall short and many seasoned suite passengers know this. Royal IS telling them-the catagory comes with enhancments outside the cabin. Can not fault the consumer for that.

 

I don't think people think they are 'entitled' to those things. they just know they paid for services they would like to recieve and sometimes then some when the final bill comes!!.

 

Be careful when you state why someone should think they are entitled to something on this board. Shoot me now but some returning guests can get pretty demanding at times. I laugh because everytime the cabins on Labadee thread come out-some D+ poster complains because they do not have exclusive access to it also!!! ;)

[smltwngrl76]

Is my thinking incorrect here that if the person paid $15,000 for *seven* people, that's "only" around $2,100 per person? To spend a week in a pretty awesome suite? Don't get me wrong, $15k is a ton of money to me for sure. But I kind of feel like, when broken down per person, they aren't paying all that much more than many others on the ship? Granted, it's still a lot more than what I spent, but I'm also in an OV on deck 3. lol

 

This post is really neither here-nor-there when it comes to what perks should or should not have been included, it's just something that crossed my mind. While at first when I hear $15k it makes my stomach flop a bit, it also doesn't sound too off-the-wall when broken down by 7 people.

[bilyclub]

I like that this is for everyone!!

 

Don't get me wrong, I think that loyalty should be rewarded, but all I have seen is 'once you're D+ you get this and that.' It is nice to see that a 1st time cruiser like me can have some hope for some cool bonus!!

 

Just my $.02

 

 

No, actually from reading threads here, it seems first time cruisers get upgraded more than C & A members.

[hubofhockey]

Is my thinking incorrect here that if the person paid $15,000 for *seven* people, that's "only" around $2,100 per person? To spend a week in a pretty awesome suite? Don't get me wrong, $15k is a ton of money to me for sure. But I kind of feel like, when broken down per person, they aren't paying all that much more than many others on the ship? Granted, it's still a lot more than what I spent, but I'm also in an OV on deck 3. lol

 

This post is really neither here-nor-there when it comes to what perks should or should not have been included, it's just something that crossed my mind. While at first when I hear $15k it makes my stomach flop a bit, it also doesn't sound too off-the-wall when broken down by 7 people.

 

We are at $1,300 per person, including prepaid tips, for our Allure for the four of us and that includes two teens in an inside cabin and us with the ocean view balcony cabin. They are a little over $2,000 per person with all in that nice suite with all of the amenities. That seems reasonable.

 

The idea that you can translate a price per person on the Allure and compare it on the same level as a cruise on the Carnival Dream or Magic is just ridiculous. It's a different product. We were on the Magic for 9-day Med cruise. It's a decent ship and there was only one sea day of the nine days on the cruise. So we weren't really worried about things other than nice long days in ports (Rome, Capri, Florence, Provence, Barcelona, Nice, Sicily). But the entertainment was awful with big shows in the main theater often consisting of audience participation or just game plain game shows. The service levels were also pretty low and Carnival is still building swimming pools much too small with only two dinky pools for over 4,000 people. You get what you pay for. There are people who actually prefer a bare bones cruise and are happy sitting on their balconies drinking something cold or mixed. ;) For those people, RCI might not be such a great option.