Labadee - no more upgraded buffet?

[Snooksi]

If you go to the store and buy lets say, 1 pound of a particular product, get it home and find out its underweight by 20%, would you complain or just walk away? If you purchased a car and agreed on certain amenities and when you picked it up and found you didn't get what you agreed on would you just say "No big deal"? I doubt it. What's childish is complaining about someone who feels standing on principle is worth something. You might be one of those people who let companies or governments walk all over them, but many are not.

 

If you promise me something and I agree on the price then you better damn well follow through with your promise otherwise what's next? Maybe you booked and paid for Chops and get on the ship and find out you get only a selection of lower steaks. The higher ones are for suite guests. "We changed our policy after you paid for it, sorry". Maybe you find you can't access the Promenade on certain nights "We changed our policy after you paid for it, sorry". My point is, at some point even you would stand on principle on something so who are you to tell me what's worth my time when I disagree with something a company does after I pay for a product? To you its not worth it, to many it is.

 

This is exactly how Carnival started their penny pinching ways. Remove deck bands, nobody complained? Remove real acts from the theatre. Still no complaints? Lets remove real steaks from the menu in the MDR? Everyone still on board? Hell, lets start with Mac and Cheese and Meatloaf in the MDR. Still no issues? Lets cut the wait staff and let people wait for their cold food to arrive? Everyone still happy? Lets cut back on maintenance. And on and on it goes.

 

You give companies an inch and they'll take a mile every time. So you can stand aside and do nothing, that's your choice. I prefer to stand up when someone doesn't follow through on an agreed deal. I don't know about the US but in Canada there are strict laws against things like this. Its call "bait and switch" and many large companies have been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for doing just this. Promising one thing, taking your money and then giving you something else.

 

You prefer to be a door mat because its the easy way out. Don't assume everyone else shares your attitude.

 

 

 

[Tall-Cruiser]

I have also sent an email to RCCl and copied (Shorex, C&A and RCCL Marketing). No formal response yet.

[erin_cruisers]

I see there are two threads about the same thing, and I just posted this on the other thread.

In case one disappears, this is what I wrote there....

 

I just emailed the "shorex" email address, to express my displeasure with hearing this news.

We have a Nellie's cabana booked for next April, and I can tell you, the removal of the upgraded buffet IS a serious downgrade to us.

Why?

This was our experience:

We had a Nellie's Beach Cabana a year ago, on our Freedom of the Seas cruise.

We aren't early birds, so when our attendant told us lunch was ready at noon, we said, thanks, but we'll just wait a while.

Close to 1 PM we decided to head over for lunch.

There was ZERO lineup, and in fact, only one other table was occupied.

We grabbed our tray, and looked at the offering. DW looked at the steaks and asked the server what were the chances of finding one that was rare (how she likes beef).

He said Zero, but wait just a minute and he'll cook up one just how she likes it.

He asked if I wanted a steak, and I said no, but I like shrimp skewers, so with that he puts on about 6 new shrimp skewers for me.

While they were cooking, I walked 10 feet to a small bar that was set up there, (again no lineup) and got a couple of ice cold beers. Grabbed our HOT food and got a quiet table in the shade.

Talk about NICE! :) No lineups - steak and shrimp cooked to order, no flies, or bees (like we experienced at the main food place in prior years).

DW said the steak was actually delicious (and better than the one she had onboard the MDR on a previous cruise.)

 

Right then and there, DW & I decided - this is THE LIFE :) and we will do this on our next visit to Labadee.

Well, guess what? :( I'm choked.

 

Personally I couldn't care less about the water - we drink beer.

(I think we used two of the bottles to wash our feet and rinse out our suits, and took the 3rd one back up to the room. Not sure if we ever drank it)

[whitshel]

Maybe someone should email one of the concierge's on the ships. They have to coordinate all the cabanas and hand out the wristbands so maybe they will have the cut and dry answer. And they should certainly know the time frame as well. People always seem to get good info from them....

[Cindyscruising]

Thank you to the original poster for notifying us of this change. I have emailed RC and the shore excursion desk as well to voice my dissatisfaction.

 

I feel it is improper to abruptly change a perk that was advertised as a benefit with no notice to the traveler, especially after we have paid for the item.

 

I am not happy with Royal Caribbean for this sneaky maneuver

Edited October 9, 2013 by Cindyscruising

[Ocean Boy]

Thank you to the original poster for notifying us of this change. I have emailed RC and the shore excursion desk as well to voice my dissatisfaction.

 

I feel it is improper to abruptly change a perk that was advertised as a benefit with no notice to the traveler, especially after we have paid for the item.

 

I am not happy with Royal Caribbean for this sneaky maneuver

 

I would just point out that the upgraded buffet is not really a perk. It is something that you paid for in the price of your cabana. You are now getting less for your money. That is even more improper.

Edited October 9, 2013 by Ocean Boy

[MS52]

Okay - it's been 3-4 days since some of us have emailed Mr Goldstein and shore excursions...... Has anyone gotten anything other than the automatic reply?

 

Not I

[BND]

Okay - it's been 3-4 days since some of us have emailed Mr Goldstein and shore excursions...... Has anyone gotten anything other than the automatic reply?

 

Not I

 

Nope. Today is the 3rd business day which is when we told we would hear by.

[BND]

I would just point out that the upgraded buffet is not really a perk. It is something that you paid for in the price of your cabana. You are now getting less for your money. That is even more improper.

 

Yep, so what we're paying for is shade and a padded lounger and sofa area. On top of that, we tip the cabana attendant for being there. Other than sweeping out the sand, if you don't order drinks, there's not much for them to do.

[Ocean Boy]

Nope. Today is the 3rd business day which is when we told we would hear by.

 

RCI is on island time.

[nbsjcruiser]

I did a e-mail on Monday that they are looking into it but other than that nothing.

[Laid-back]

About a week ago, when I noticed the Cabana change, I called the number given for Shore Excursions and was told that Nellie Cabanas were only for Gold card carriers period. When asked why were they listed on the web for booking by the general population, answer was "no idea, but if you can book it go ahead and see what happens". Called C&A number and with a relay back to Shore Excursions was told that the Cabanas are only rented on board, but if it is on line to book go ahead and give it a shot. Called back to Shore Excursions to get a different rep and was told that the general population could book on line but that there was no "upgraded buffet" for Nellie. Recommended that I e-mail Shore Excursions because the folks at the phone Shore Excursions did not set the policy and that maybe someone at the e-mail Shore Excursions could shed some light on the issue. Did that and got the standard 3 day reply. It has now been over 3 days and zip. Comment was made that RCI reserves the right to make changes to anything at anytime. This also happened on the cruise I have booked when over 18 months into the booking the decision was made to change the ports based on the "reserve the right to make any change at any time" policy. Many people wrote regarding the port change, but to no avail. The "right to make any change at any time" policy appears to have no boundaries.

[Toddcan]

UPDATE: Got a Response...

 

From a very reliable source, won't go into specifics other than I was put into contact with manager level people at RCI when I was arranging for my visit to the RCI school in Labadee:

 

They have removed the access for Barefoot Beach Lunch buffet from the Nellie's Cabanas guests. Actually, Nellie's cabanas should have never had access in the first place. The upgraded lunch buffet was meant for Suite Guests only, not for cabana guests. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. The water bottles are still offered.

Looks like we are out of luck, unless we can sway the corporate decision makers.

[Laid-back]

UPDATE: Got a Response...

 

From a very reliable source, won't go into specifics other than I was put into contact with manager level people at RCI when I was arranging for my visit to the RCI school in Labadee:

 

They have removed the access for Barefoot Beach Lunch buffet from the Nellie's Cabanas guests. Actually, Nellie's cabanas should have never had access in the first place. The upgraded lunch buffet was meant for Suite Guests only, not for cabana guests. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. The water bottles are still offered.

 

Looks like we are out of luck, unless we can sway the corporate decision makers.

 

I have no doubt that you are correct. It would sure be interesting for those of us, at least me, who have been to Labadee many times as to what type of school RCI maintains at Labadee. Seems to be a rather out of the way place for a school.

[melbur]

I have no doubt that you are correct. It would sure be interesting for those of us, at least me, who have been to Labadee many times as to what type of school RCI maintains at Labadee. Seems to be a rather out of the way place for a school.

 

You should look up Toddcan's extensive review of his last visit to the school in Labadee. It was wonderful to read.

[Toddcan]

I have no doubt that you are correct. It would sure be interesting for those of us, at least me, who have been to Labadee many times as to what type of school RCI maintains at Labadee. Seems to be a rather out of the way place for a school.

 

Check this thread - has my trip report, etc.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1811839

[Laid-back]

Check this thread - has my trip report, etc.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1811839

 

Thanks for the thread and good for you. As you said probably most cruisers have no idea that RCI sponsored/developed a school there. Have many times watched the kids playing in that small village one can see from the ship and wondered where they go to school and what their lives are like. Now I know. One learns something every day on CC.

 

Kudos!!!

[smeck]

I am sending this response as a follow-up to your recent correspondence to our executive offices and regret I was unable to reach you via telephone earlier as planned.

 

We appreciate your comments regarding the amenities associated with the cabana rentals in Labadee and regret the displeasure conveyed.

 

Please understand the upgraded barbeque buffet, offered on Barefoot Beach, one of Labadee’s beaches exclusively reserved to suite guests, was also made available to cabana guests from other Labadee beaches, and generated unexpected crowding as a result. In order to maintain a premium beach experience, Royal Caribbean will start enforcing the exclusive access of Barefoot Beach to top suite guests only.

 

Please note that guests who have purchased a private cabana on Nellie’s Beach will still have exclusive use of their cabana for the day. Other cabana amenities include a built-in ceiling fan, luxury resort-style lounge chairs, two floating mats, beach towels, a water cooler with six bottles of water and a personal cabana attendant. Guests in these cabanas are invited to join the beach barbeque buffet at Columbus Cove Café, Dragon’s Café and Café Labadee. Guests who have already purchased private cabanas at Nellie’s Beach prior to October 4, 2013 will still be able to access Barefoot Beach’s upgraded beach barbeque buffet.

 

We truly hope our guests will enjoy a memorable day during their call at Labadee, one of Royal Caribbean’s highest-rated Caribbean destinations and private beach paradise located on the northern coast of Haiti. The destination features five beaches, a Haitian artisan market, an extensive array of watersports options, as well as exciting attractions such as the 2,600-foot Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water, the 300-foot Dragon’s Splash Waterslide, and the Dragon’s Tail Alpine Coaster.

[BND]

So, as usual, two different answers.:confused:

 

And, I have not received an answer yet (except the confirmation of receipt).

Edited October 9, 2013 by BND

[smeck]

All that we can do is ask, That was the response, I would bring proof of your cabana purchase before 10/4 and a copy of the response.

[Toddcan]

. Guests who have already purchased private cabanas at Nellie’s Beach prior to October 4, 2013 will still be able to access Barefoot Beach’s upgraded beach barbeque buffet.

 

.

 

Hmmm....

 

So, do we need to bring proof of date purchased? I doubt that the cabana or buffet attendants will have a list of those who purchased the package before Oct 4. And, when we're standing there pleading our case, it could fall on deaf ears without proof.

 

Still sounds odd to me...

[jahannah]

Please note that guests who have purchased a private cabana on Nellie’s Beach will still have exclusive use of their cabana for the day. Other cabana amenities include a built-in ceiling fan, luxury resort-style lounge chairs, two floating mats, beach towels, a water cooler with six bottles of water and a personal cabana attendant. Guests in these cabanas are invited to join the beach barbeque buffet at Columbus Cove Café, Dragon’s Café and Café Labadee. Guests who have already purchased private cabanas at Nellie’s Beach prior to October 4, 2013 will still be able to access Barefoot Beach’s upgraded beach barbeque buffet.

 

The suggestion to carry your dated e-mail confirmation and this response is a good one, but I purchased mine for a 4/6/2013 sailing, which may be long after they have forgotten this response. Fingers crossed.

[Tall-Cruiser]

I am sending this response as a follow-up to your recent correspondence to our executive offices and regret I was unable to reach you via telephone earlier as planned.

 

We appreciate your comments regarding the amenities associated with the cabana rentals in Labadee and regret the displeasure conveyed.

 

Please understand the upgraded barbeque buffet, offered on Barefoot Beach, one of Labadee’s beaches exclusively reserved to suite guests, was also made available to cabana guests from other Labadee beaches, and generated unexpected crowding as a result. In order to maintain a premium beach experience, Royal Caribbean will start enforcing the exclusive access of Barefoot Beach to top suite guests only.

 

Please note that guests who have purchased a private cabana on Nellie’s Beach will still have exclusive use of their cabana for the day. Other cabana amenities include a built-in ceiling fan, luxury resort-style lounge chairs, two floating mats, beach towels, a water cooler with six bottles of water and a personal cabana attendant. Guests in these cabanas are invited to join the beach barbeque buffet at Columbus Cove Café, Dragon’s Café and Café Labadee. Guests who have already purchased private cabanas at Nellie’s Beach prior to October 4, 2013 will still be able to access Barefoot Beach’s upgraded beach barbeque buffet.

 

We truly hope our guests will enjoy a memorable day during their call at Labadee, one of Royal Caribbean’s highest-rated Caribbean destinations and private beach paradise located on the northern coast of Haiti. The destination features five beaches, a Haitian artisan market, an extensive array of watersports options, as well as exciting attractions such as the 2,600-foot Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water, the 300-foot Dragon’s Splash Waterslide, and the Dragon’s Tail Alpine Coaster.

 

Did you get this email today from RC if I may ask? Thank you.

 

I have yet to receive a response to my email sent on Monday.

[linwey]

UPDATE: Got a Response...

 

From a very reliable source, won't go into specifics other than I was put into contact with manager level people at RCI when I was arranging for my visit to the RCI school in Labadee:

 

They have removed the access for Barefoot Beach Lunch buffet from the Nellie's Cabanas guests. Actually, Nellie's cabanas should have never had access in the first place. The upgraded lunch buffet was meant for Suite Guests only, not for cabana guests. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. The water bottles are still offered.

Looks like we are out of luck, unless we can sway the corporate decision makers.

 

How can they say the Nellie's cabanas should never have had access when they established a process to identify the Nellie's cabana occupants for having lunch at barefoot(the wrist bands and escorts to the barefoot lunch area). It is not like this was an advertising mistake because the upgraded lunch at Barefoot has been one of the amenities ever since Nellie's cabanas were ready for occupancy, not some recent misprint. They did not recently roll out the Nellie's Cabana policies and are quickly correcting an error.

 

Telling people they regret having made upgraded lunch one of the benefits of spending your money for a Nellie's cabana does not change the fact that those that paid before the change had contracted for one thing when they paid and now are not being given all they paid for.

 

I wanted the upgraded lunch not for the food, but for the location. Dragon's Cafe, Cafe Labadee, and Columbus Cove Cafe are not nearby. Location can mean a lot to people with mobility issues or young children.

[Ocean Boy]

Did anyone else notice that this thread got moved to the "Private Islands" board? Now there is about as much chance of anyone new showing up on the thread as if it had gone to the float-a-way lounge.