LSSloves Posted March 15, 2014 #1 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Royal is quickly tarnishing my impression of their image and cruising as of late. First with raising single supplements, then the lessening of balcony discounts if you upgrade after the 6 month mark, the no longer being to book many desire rooms because theyre triples and quads, now the gutting of the NextCruise program. Add that on top of the addition of staterooms on refurbished ships and reduction of public spaces, the drawn out deployment process, and their recent 1+ hour wait times, they're losing their once golden name, in my eyes. Funny how much of this started with the mixing up of their executive team. A few more straws and they will be on the verge of losing a once very enthusiastic and loyal passenger :(. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsealin Posted March 15, 2014 #2 Share Posted March 15, 2014 You are so right. I talked to the corporate office yesterday about the room booking situation and they really don't care. They have no plans to change it. We will be looking elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coralc Posted March 15, 2014 #3 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Royal is quickly tarnishing my impression of their image and cruising as of late. First with raising single supplements, then the lessening of balcony discounts if you upgrade after the 6 month mark, the no longer being to book many desire rooms because theyre triples and quads, now the gutting of the NextCruise program. Add that on top of the addition of staterooms on refurbished ships and reduction of public spaces, the drawn out deployment process, and their recent 1+ hour wait times, they're losing their once golden name, in my eyes. Funny how much of this started with the mixing up of their executive team. A few more straws and they will be on the verge of losing a once very enthusiastic and loyal passenger :(. With the very recent change to cruise certificates, I was trying to recall all the unpopular and unpleasant changes that Royal Caribbean has made lately. I couldn't remember all of them! Thank you for the very thorough summary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSSloves Posted March 15, 2014 Author #4 Share Posted March 15, 2014 With the very recent change to cruise certificates, I was trying to recall all the unpopular and unpleasant changes that Royal Caribbean has made lately. I couldn't remember all of them! Thank you for the very thorough summary. I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or genuine :p. I'm just feeling let down by them as of late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coralc Posted March 15, 2014 #5 Share Posted March 15, 2014 (edited) I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or genuine :p. I'm just feeling let down by them as of late. I'm not being sarcastic. I think their recent changes and business decisions are disappointing and not at all consumer friendly. Edited March 15, 2014 by Coralc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theminnow Posted March 15, 2014 #6 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Looks like the loyalty program is a one way street. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted March 15, 2014 #7 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I'm not being sarcastic. I think their recent changes and business decisions are disappointing and not at all consumer friendly. With a deep sigh, I agree with you. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheilaSailAway Posted March 15, 2014 #8 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I, too, have been hearing a lot of grumbling lately regarding RCI & their changes. And, I'm currently looking at other cruise line loyalty programs to see what else is out there. :rolleyes::(:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julia’s Journey’s Posted March 15, 2014 #9 Share Posted March 15, 2014 We are booked on our first royal cruise, after reading about the changes doesn't seem like it will keep us from going back to Princess which is who we mostly cruise with. Was planning on buying some ncc but probably not now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - Oy, excuse the auto correct ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelplus Posted March 15, 2014 #10 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I hate to say but I'm on the opposite side. I love Royal Caribbean and of course like any business they must do whats right at certain times. Perhaps Royal is not the cruiseline for you and thats fine. I love the service I get on Royal and the staterooms are not meant to be your Penthouse suite unless you go for the Royal Suite. With regards to single supplements I would look for a cruise where they either reduce it or waive the supplement. You may find ac chartered cruise for singles or a large block of cabins that allow you to book it as a single person and not have to pay the surcharge. You know you can always stay home or go on the cruiseline that had engine problems. The choice is yours.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerman2 Posted March 15, 2014 #11 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Travel plus So u r saying that RCCL doesn't experience problems. A little far fetched to even remotely think they don't . All cruise lines/ships have issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2thesea Posted March 15, 2014 #12 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Travel plus So u r saying that RCCL doesn't experience problems. A little far fetched to even remotely think they don't . All cruise lines/ships have issues. yep…….how soon we forget? Fire on board just for the most recent. Seems that all the cruise lines are making adjustment of some sort. The happens all the time and will continue to change based on the majority of the cruise passengers and what the cruise line believes is most important to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilyclub Posted March 15, 2014 #13 Share Posted March 15, 2014 (edited) I hate to say but I'm on the opposite side. I love Royal Caribbean and of course like any business they must do whats right at certain times. Perhaps Royal is not the cruiseline for you and thats fine. I love the service I get on Royal and the staterooms are not meant to be your Penthouse suite unless you go for the Royal Suite. With regards to single supplements I would look for a cruise where they either reduce it or waive the supplement. You may find ac chartered cruise for singles or a large block of cabins that allow you to book it as a single person and not have to pay the surcharge. You know you can always stay home or go on the cruiseline that had engine problems. The choice is yours.:D I haven't seen any complaints about staterooms. Adding stateroom to diminish previously public space is a different story. Edited March 15, 2014 by bilyclub Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted March 15, 2014 #14 Share Posted March 15, 2014 (edited) Forgive my ignorance....what is being gutted in the NextCruise program? :confused: Edited March 15, 2014 by Aquahound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilyclub Posted March 15, 2014 #15 Share Posted March 15, 2014 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2008360 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2thesea Posted March 15, 2014 #16 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Forgive my ignorance....what is being gutted in the NextCruise program? :confused: I didn't read all the details but believe they are lowering the OBC and that OBC would also be impacted if you change the travel date once your home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carliegirl Posted March 15, 2014 #17 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I agree that the customer service is also suffering. I was thinking of booking a TA with them, now not so sure. I have had to hold for a cruise specialist far too long, like hours. I did not expect that from RCCL. This was going to be just our second time on RCCL. I am now rethinking about booking with them. I can understand a wait especially with all the so called specials they are offering. Doesn't sit well with me if no one can answer the phone. I guess they don't need or want our business. :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted March 15, 2014 #18 Share Posted March 15, 2014 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2008360 I didn't read all the details but believe they are lowering the OBC and that OBC would also be impacted if you change the travel date once your home. Thanks. I didn't see that thread. Those changes really suck. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruzerci Posted March 15, 2014 #19 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I agree with almost everything you said OP. We aren't affected by the single supplement, but all of the changes, cutbacks, and the change of attitude the past year are rubbing me the wrong way. Crusing with Royal Caribbean doesn't have the edge over other vacations for us anymore. We have two cruises booked for this year that we will still take, but I don't know if we will sail with Royal Caribbean next year, for the first time in over ten years. We will probably opt for resorts or AI's next year and maybe try Celebrity. I used to think Royal Caribbean could do no wrong, not so much anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy Posted March 15, 2014 #20 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I was intending to book the Navigator for right after Thanksgiving or early December when we're on-board in three weeks. However, the prices have shot WAY up for the category I'm interested in, so I may have to broaden my horizons. I'm actually thinking that what I may end up booking while I'm on-board is a Celebrity cruise in AQ for a LOT less money than a GS on the Navigator, 2 new ports, more OBC, and a free drink package! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaofwonder Posted March 15, 2014 #21 Share Posted March 15, 2014 I'm on navigator and I am agreeing with these sentiments. We'll still cruise with Royal, but are lowering expectations. I can understand why the long term cruisers grumble so much. Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motorman23 Posted March 15, 2014 #22 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Royal is quickly tarnishing my impression of their image and cruising as of late. First with raising single supplements, then the lessening of balcony discounts if you upgrade after the 6 month mark, the no longer being to book many desire rooms because theyre triples and quads, now the gutting of the NextCruise program. Add that on top of the addition of staterooms on refurbished ships and reduction of public spaces, the drawn out deployment process, and their recent 1+ hour wait times, they're losing their once golden name, in my eyes. Funny how much of this started with the mixing up of their executive team. A few more straws and they will be on the verge of losing a once very enthusiastic and loyal passenger :(. People need to vote with their feet if it matters to them. The only thing execs of companies understand is gross profit. If the inc per cruise drops they will investigate otherwise they won't care. Mike Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvscruising2007 Posted March 15, 2014 #23 Share Posted March 15, 2014 They are making business decisions and as someone posted, if you are dissatisfied, you make your business decision by booking with another cruise line. After reading about these booking changes, I believe that they are counteracting from those of us who are always looking for discounts and price drops and those who are trying to beat the system. Prices are just going to go up like in the real world. Have you been to a grocery store lately? Cruising is still a great bargain. And no matter what cruise line you sail, there will be things you don't like, and things you love. All of the cruise lines will need to make changes in order to improve their bottom line. And they are in business to make money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dln929 Posted March 15, 2014 #24 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Royal is quickly tarnishing my impression of their image and cruising as of late. First with raising single supplements, then the lessening of balcony discounts if you upgrade after the 6 month mark, the no longer being to book many desire rooms because theyre triples and quads, now the gutting of the NextCruise program. Add that on top of the addition of staterooms on refurbished ships and reduction of public spaces, the drawn out deployment process, and their recent 1+ hour wait times, they're losing their once golden name, in my eyes. Funny how much of this started with the mixing up of their executive team. A few more straws and they will be on the verge of losing a once very enthusiastic and loyal passenger :(. I no longer think one need to be exclusive to one line because in the end you face disappointment. It seems like every cruise line is scrambling to cut costs while at the same time still haul in enough passengers to fill the ship to capacity. Something's gotta give. We've found a nice balance--and happiness-by sailing the Royal Caribbean family. We go on RCI, X, and Azamara and mix it up often enough that the cruise experience never becomes stale. Plus the three lines have reciprocal benefits so we win. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topo Gigio Posted March 15, 2014 #25 Share Posted March 15, 2014 They are making business decisions and as someone posted, if you are dissatisfied, you make your business decision by booking with another cruise line. After reading about these booking changes, I believe that they are counteracting from those of us who are always looking for discounts and price drops and those who are trying to beat the system. Prices are just going to go up like in the real world. Have you been to a grocery store lately? Cruising is still a great bargain. And no matter what cruise line you sail, there will be things you don't like, and things you love. All of the cruise lines will need to make changes in order to improve their bottom line. And they are in business to make money. Agree with you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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