You Paid and Princess Listened

[cruzsnooze]

People -- you shot yourself in the foot so to speak when you accepted ridiculous $100 PP prices for a "chef's table" dinner and specialty restaurants and paying for special coffee and special gelato so why would you think the cruise lines will stop putting more pay venues on board. I've been reading where people say they are willing to pay more for higher quality so they dummy ed down the MDR so you could pay more for specialty restaurants. RCL and NCL have some shows that are a paid venue. The regular ice cream wasn't good enough so RCL put in a Ben & Gerry's to lighten your wallet. Coffee needs to be better so they put in Seattles or Starbucks or specialty coffees. Soon we will be paying for a cabin and mediocre banquet meals in the MDR with no extras.

So if people stop using the pay venues they will shrink and/or disappear but as long a people pay why not?

I'm going to take a better look at cruise lines that are all inclusive. When I do the math they are a better price and experience.

[SteveH2508]

Just for info. - the NCL pay for entertainment is only for the venues that include a meal. The rest are included in the base fare.

 

I think that Princess's trial of charging for room service on Regal is going to bite them on the a**e big time. It sets them apart from all of the other mainstream cruise lines who may charge a room service fee at night (often charged to stop the drunken munchies mega-order which gets wasted).

 

$3 for a room service order of coffee and juice in the morning is scandalous - it will have a major effect on my decision as to which cruise line to choose - not because of the money - but because the principle. It is indicative of a corporate mentality which bodes badly for the overall cruise experience.

[LMaxwell]

People -- you shot yourself in the foot so to speak when you accepted ridiculous $100 PP prices for a "chef's table" dinner and specialty restaurants and paying for special coffee and special gelato so why would you think the cruise lines will stop putting more pay venues on board. I've been reading where people say they are willing to pay more for higher quality so they dummy ed down the MDR so you could pay more for specialty restaurants. RCL and NCL have some shows that are a paid venue. The regular ice cream wasn't good enough so RCL put in a Ben & Gerry's to lighten your wallet. Coffee needs to be better so they put in Seattles or Starbucks or specialty coffees. Soon we will be paying for a cabin and mediocre banquet meals in the MDR with no extras.

So if people stop using the pay venues they will shrink and/or disappear but as long a people pay why not?

I'm going to take a better look at cruise lines that are all inclusive. When I do the math they are a better price and experience.

 

I agree with your sentiments here, but for the record, there are NO entertainment charges for any show on Royal Caribbean.

[Bill B]

So true... you have hit the nail on the head.

 

My first cruise was on the Sun Princess (Vancouver - Seward) in 2000. Then there was no auto tipping, no premium dining venues, no coffee cards, no Sanctuary etc. Basically, one's folio at the end of the cruise listed three possible things: drinks, excursions and items purchased at the on board shops. People on Cruise Critic (and the lines themselves) touted cruising as being a much better value than a land vacation because it was (almost) 'all-inclusive'.

 

But, Norwegian had just introduced 'Specialty Dining'... and the slippery slope began. By 2001, Princess had the Stirling Steakhouse...

 

Now, a MDR meal is a shadow of its former self - remember: the menu!... wine stewards... when the waiter had time to actually speak with people at the table and the asst. waiter cleaned the table with a sterling silver crumb scoop? Now, people are clamoring to pay $100 pp for a similar experience.

 

The lines looked at the revenue, and never looked back. Now passengers are 'renting' deck space - the Sanctuary on Princess, Cabanas on HAL... and paying for Room Service.

 

We only have ourselves to blame.

[antsp]

So true... you have hit the nail on the head.

 

My first cruise was on the Sun Princess (Vancouver - Seward) in 2000. Then there was no auto tipping, no premium dining venues, no coffee cards, no Sanctuary etc. Basically, one's folio at the end of the cruise listed three possible things: drinks, excursions and items purchased at the on board shops. People on Cruise Critic (and the lines themselves) touted cruising as being a much better value than a land vacation because it was (almost) 'all-inclusive'.

 

But, Norwegian had just introduced 'Specialty Dining'... and the slippery slope began. By 2001, Princess had the Stirling Steakhouse...

 

Now, a MDR meal is a shadow of its former self - remember: the menu!... wine stewards... when the waiter had time to actually speak with people at the table and the asst. waiter cleaned the table with a sterling silver crumb scoop? Now, people are clamoring to pay $100 pp for a similar experience.

 

The lines looked at the revenue, and never looked back. Now passengers are 'renting' deck space - the Sanctuary on Princess, Cabanas on HAL... and paying for Room Service.

 

We only have ourselves to blame.

 

I thought the Cabanas on the Royal was the scrapping of the barrel, $100 to sit next to a pool, Princess must be laughing all the way to the bank at all the mugs who pay that. The great con will continue like a virus throughout the ship. Whats it going to be like in 10 years time.

[Sillyjilly]

People -- you shot yourself in the foot so to speak when you accepted ridiculous $100 PP prices for a "chef's table" dinner and specialty restaurants and paying for special coffee and special gelato so why would you think the cruise lines will stop putting more pay venues on board. I've been reading where people say they are willing to pay more for higher quality so they dummy ed down the MDR so you could pay more for specialty restaurants. RCL and NCL have some shows that are a paid venue. The regular ice cream wasn't good enough so RCL put in a Ben & Gerry's to lighten your wallet. Coffee needs to be better so they put in Seattles or Starbucks or specialty coffees. Soon we will be paying for a cabin and mediocre banquet meals in the MDR with no extras.

So if people stop using the pay venues they will shrink and/or disappear but as long a people pay why not?

I'm going to take a better look at cruise lines that are all inclusive. When I do the math they are a better price and experience.

 

If that helps keep the base cruise price down then I'm all for it. Helps us poor people get on board and allows those with the means to dine and drink better.

[Pythian]

 

I think that Princess's trial of charging for room service on Regal is going to bite them on the a**e big time. It sets them apart from all of the other mainstream cruise lines who may charge a room service fee at night.

 

$3 for a room service order of coffee and juice in the morning is scandalous - it will have a major effect on my decision as to which cruise line to choose - not because of the money - but because the principle. It is indicative of a corporate mentality which bodes badly for the overall cruise experience.

 

I both agree and disagree with the Op. I agree that adding cost to room service is nuts, as is the Princess policy of "members only - pay up front" for the Sanctuary (Not a chance in he** I'm paying for that). But, I'm not against paying extra for chef table or Crown Grill. These are above and beyond and worth the extra 'up-charge' and are really (generally) funded via OBC from stock ownership, veteran status and special booking offers.

[LMaxwell]

If that helps keep the base cruise price down then I'm all for it. Helps us poor people get on board and allows those with the means to dine and drink better.

 

Except when it doesn't. There is no proof that new revenue streams also mean a reduction in cruise fare. In this instance you are paying the same, but now getting less. Doesn't sound so great like that, huh?

 

Like I said elsewhere, I don't enjoy being charged left, right, and center for venues and things to do or places to eat. Of course it is optional and not required, but I used to cruise when costs were spa, drinks, excursion, casino; some ships had one specialty dining spot. No reserved sections of deck. It was much more relaxing. You paid your fare and knew what you got. I find these miniscule charges left and right offensive and take away from a relaxing experience.

 

It won't be long before food in the IC is upcharge. RCI offers a cupcake shop, NCL offers a name brand baked good shop, I believe Carnival does or will be doing the same thing. RCI has free options too like Princess, but seriously, the writing is on the wall. You can eat buffet or MDR and you get 2/3 of the pool deck and that's it. If you want to go any place else on these magnificent vessels pay up sucker. Not good path it is heading in.

[cruzsnooze]

If that helps keep the base cruise price down then I'm all for it. Helps us poor people get on board and allows those with the means to dine and drink better.

Hi Jill, I think the class difference will become too evident with this type of pricing. I remember when we all were in the "same boat" literally when we stepped on board.

[lovevacadays]

I agree with you. The cruise lines will add surcharge venues if people are willing to pay. They are a business for profit which I think some forget. Every corporation including the one I work for has the message to increase revenue and margin. I'm in sales. I start high with my pricing and go down not the reverse. And, if I find the margins I am getting with a particular client doesn't cause them to blink I raise my margins. I have clients that will pay high margins and those on a budget. My goal is to keep a balance of both. I would imagine that is the same for cruise lines.

[MJSailors]

I agree with the OP.

Princess is keeping the fares reasonable,but increasing the cost of a cruise (if that makes sense).

On a TA in 2001 on the QE11-we did not have topay for extra service,meals,coffee or deck space.

It was a wonderfulexperience!

In 2004, on a Princess Alaskan cruise, we experienced the Sterling Steakhouse.We had a wonderful cruise experience.

In 2008, on a Caribbean cruise on the Crown,we experiened a gift of the Balcony Breakfast, dinner at the Crown Grill and a number of lovely days lounging in the Sanctuary.We had a wonderful cruise experience.

In 2013, on a Carribbean cruise on the Crown, we did not use the Sanctuary,but we did have acoffee card since the coffee served at the buffet and dining rooms was the awful syrup stuff.

We did not dine in aMDR because we found the menu offerings to be limited and somewhat unappetizing. We did have two dinners at the Crown Grill,but the rest of the dinners were at the buffet.

We found the nightly entertainment to be limited -Ye Olde Pub Night was fun,but was put on by the cruisedirector and staff with some dancers andsingers.

There was ballroom dancing in the Explorer's Lounge,but with a dj,no orchestra.

Some changes to what we were used to on a Princess cruise.

Nothing really a deal breaker,but when we think about it,a chipping away of a wonderful cruise experience.

Now, the news of a charge for room service.

We enjoy continental breakfast on a balcony,coffee or tea in the late afternoon and a daily replenished

fruit bowl.

Little things,sure. But niceties that added to the cruise experience and our relaxation.

I suppose we could do without the breakfast delivered to the cabin and go to a dining venue.

I suppose we could have afternoon tea in a venue besides our balcony. I suppose we could get fruit from the buffet and carry it to our cabin.

Would we have a wonderful cruise experience? Maybe,but without the feeling of being somewhat pampered.

Sure,these extra fees may help to keep the fares at a level that many people could afford.

But how they affect the service for all those on board is in question.

Passengers may choose not to spend money on specialty dining,deck space,room service etc.

They may be satisfied with compromised service and amenities.

Time will tell as we watch what changes affect the cruise industry.

[billco]

These are above and beyond and worth the extra 'up-charge' and are really (generally) funded via OBC from stock ownership, veteran status and special booking offers.

You might want to leave that out of the discussion or they might be the next to go.

[ONT-CA]

I agree with you. The cruise lines will add surcharge venues if people are willing to pay. They are a business for profit which I think some forget. Every corporation including the one I work for has the message to increase revenue and margin. I'm in sales. I start high with my pricing and go down not the reverse. And, if I find the margins I am getting with a particular client doesn't cause them to blink I raise my margins. I have clients that will pay high margins and those on a budget. My goal is to keep a balance of both. I would imagine that is the same for cruise lines.

 

I totally understand your position as long as you do not lose the customer. Taking widgets as an example, your position is understandable if one cannot do without a "widget". But cruising is not a requirement, it is a luxury. There are many avenues in which to spend one's disposable income for luxury, cruising being one of them. When it becomes evident that the price structure is an attempt to gouge then the customer can and will leave that field and no amount of $399. pp per week is going to bring them running back. Therein lies the contradiction.

[whataboutport]

I really think that the cruise industry in general is wondering how to get new clients on board. A lot of the older generation that cruised back in the "good old days" will not be around for much longer. The people cruising in the future will not know about the good old days and think that's just the way it is. I don't think the cruise industry cares that the older clientele is upset. They won't be cruising for that much longer anyway.

[shredie]

I really think that the cruise industry in general is wondering how to get new clients on board. A lot of the older generation that cruised back in the "good old days" will not be around for much longer. The people cruising in the future will not know about the good old days and think that's just the way it is. I don't think the cruise industry cares that the older clientele is upset. They won't be cruising for that much longer anyway.

 

That's cheerful. :) My younger-than-I-am adult children have heard all about it from me, and they have cruised on their own. Is it their children the cruise lines are after? Gonna be a long wait for them, I guess, since my seven-year-old grand kids have cruised enough to figure out what the "good old days" are.

[cruzsnooze]

I really think that the cruise industry in general is wondering how to get new clients on board. A lot of the older generation that cruised back in the "good old days" will not be around for much longer. The people cruising in the future will not know about the good old days and think that's just the way it is. I don't think the cruise industry cares that the older clientele is upset. They won't be cruising for that much longer anyway.

Yes and No. I'm early 60's so I have 20 - 25 years if I'm lucky to spend my retirement cruising. I am taking 7 cruises this year alone. Can they really start preparing for a new generation 20 years in advance. Also seniors or retirees can take many more vacations per year then families who have to juggle jobs, vacation time, kids and school vacations. I believe the cruise industry needs to capture both markets, young and old.

In some cases ( flame retardant full length coat on ) the cheap prices on some cruises especially when they go to $399 for a 7 nighter attracts a group of passengers that doesn't have the middle class value system or manners. I find that evident when I see baseball caps being worn in the dining rooms ( no not a dress code discussion) and hats worn in the theatre. What happened to hats being worn outside not inside, especially when I can't see over them during a show.

[Luvmyrotti]

I've done the math and it is still cheaper, for a comparable vacation, to do a cruise. Even with paying for drinks, specialty dining and extras, it still makes sense for us to cruise. Plus, we just really enjoy it.

[crackupforlaughs]

Drats... just when we were starting to get time to cruise and convince DH that cruising is fun (his first was the last one we took and he enjoyed every minute of it until he got noro).

 

It's nice to not have to calculate your budget every time you go out to eat or whatever. If we have to start doing that, we'll just do land. I love the IC and the Prego pizza... it is a shame that soda (and soda water!) costs more (or via the soda cards).

 

However, I do see a lot of waste with food when people order many different things, take one bite, and move on to the next item. When I want to try different things, I at least ask for an appetizer portion or, even better, a "taster" portion.

 

And, I agree with whoever said it: our daughter has cruised with me and she is now in her teens, so if they are hoping there won't be memories, they will need to wait a very long time. She loves being able to go to the different food venues and pick some things not having to worry about cost.

[Northender]

I've done the math and it is still cheaper, for a comparable vacation, to do a cruise. Even with paying for drinks, specialty dining and extras, it still makes sense for us to cruise. Plus, we just really enjoy it.

 

I agree with you, Doreen . Princess already charges for Pizza room service. When the breakfast that we order, on a rare occasion, is delivered we always tip the service folks. What I feel bad about is, now will some cruisers decide not to tip because of the upcharge?:eek:

 

It was just a matter of time for Princess to start charging for Alfredo's. The one on the Royal was really another dining venue like Crown Grill, etc. The best pizza outside of Venice.:)

 

We did the Chef's Table a few times, but once they upped the charge to $100pp, we opted out. We really enjoyed the CT but thought that was a little much. JMHO. We do the Crown Grill every cruise and Sabs once in awhile. The MDR is fine for us most nights.:)

 

Unfortunately I think the people who will suffer in the long run are the staff. Princess will survive. They will still get my cruising money.:D

[swedish weave]

Many who fuss about the upcharges for various items will gladly pay double or quadruple for a balcony or suite compared to the cost of an inside cabin.

 

I remember when none of the cruise ships had balconies. The price of an inside cabin was more than the cost of a balcony is today.

 

Things that the cruise lines are charging for now didn't exist a short few years ago, so if you want them, pay for them and the cruise lines will gladly take your money and keep adding pricey venues.

 

Hopefully these things will help keep the base price of cruises low !!!

[geoherb]

Every time I've compared the mainstream cruise lines to the luxury ones the mainstream ones win big time in price--at least for us. One of the differences is that we're just glad to be able to take a cruise and will book an inside cabin or obstructed view a lot of the time. I realize that the luxury lines offer a much better experience in terms of food and service.

[shredie]

Things that the cruise lines are charging for now didn't exist a short few years ago, so if you want them, pay for them and the cruise lines will gladly take your money and keep adding pricey venues.

 

 

Room service?

[whataboutport]

I agree with you, Doreen . Princess already charges for Pizza room service. When the breakfast that we order, on a rare occasion, is delivered we always tip the service folks. What I feel bad about is, now will some cruisers decide not to tip because of the upcharge?:eek:

 

It was just a matter of time for Princess to start charging for Alfredo's. The one on the Royal was really another dining venue like Crown Grill, etc. The best pizza outside of Venice.:)

 

We did the Chef's Table a few times, but once they upped the charge to $100pp, we opted out. We really enjoyed the CT but thought that was a little much. JMHO. We do the Crown Grill every cruise and Sabs once in awhile. The MDR is fine for us most nights.:)

 

Unfortunately I think the people who will suffer in the long run are the staff. Princess will survive. They will still get my cruising money.:D

I totally agree with the bolded. The staff again will get the short end of the stick. People will justify not tipping bc of the surcharge.

[SeaTheWorldBySea]

Every time I've compared the mainstream cruise lines to the luxury ones the mainstream ones win big time in price--at least for us. One of the differences is that we're just glad to be able to take a cruise and will book an inside cabin or obstructed view a lot of the time. I realize that the luxury lines offer a much better experience in terms of food and service.

 

Ditto! Cruising is not about food and service for us and we usually always book inside or obstructed OV. It is about seeing the world and meeting some of the best people who live in it.

 

Having said that - we have booked our first ever balcony on the Regal next year (obstructed). They have no OV cabins and not very many insides. I do get seasick and had to get an obstructed view balcony to be low and midship. I was looking forward to breakfast on the balcony and will likely still do it a couple of times - but much less often than we would have. I also looked forward to Alfredo's on the Regal and that will now be only once or twice on our 23 day cruise. I am disappointed about their implementing these charges - especially the way they did it.

Edited May 25, 2014 by SeaTheWorldBySea

[EdmPair]

May I invite all to cast your thoughts back to the Grand Age of Ocean Liners like the Titanic. It was sold by classes and there were separate dining rooms and decks depending what ticket you bought. And not so long ago, there have been perks for the highest end cruisers on all lines.

 

I guess as long as I feel I am getting good value for the product I but, I am happy. People 10 years ago made their choice and people 10 years from now will make their choice. You may not want anything about the 'good old days' to change but they have and will.

 

Given the size of the ships and the inventory of cabins afloat, the lines all have to chase a wide demographic of age and income. Certainly they are looking forward in their plans but hardly want to 'orphan' existing clients.

 

Later,

M