A Royal Tarnishing

[LSSloves]

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 :(.

[gypsealin]

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.

[Coralc]

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.

[LSSloves]

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.

[Coralc]

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

[theminnow]

Looks like the loyalty program is a one way street.

 

Craig

[Merion_Mom]

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. :(

[SheilaSailAway]

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:

[Julia’s Journey’s]

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 ;)

[travelplus]

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

[beerman2]

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.

[2thesea]

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.

[bilyclub]

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

[Aquahound]

Forgive my ignorance....what is being gutted in the NextCruise program? :confused:

Edited March 15, 2014 by Aquahound

[bilyclub]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2008360

[2thesea]

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.

[carliegirl]

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:

[Aquahound]

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. :(

[kruzerci]

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.

[Cindy]

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!

[seaofwonder]

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

[Motorman23]

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

[luvscruising2007]

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.

[dln929]

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

[Topo Gigio]

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!