Small touches other lines do that you'd like Royal to do as well

[LMaxwell]

What are some small, simple, or subtle details, design differences, or operational differences you've experienced on other cruise lines that you'd like to RCI copy/implement/improve upon.

 

Princess - One MDR is open on embarkation day for lunch and rooms are open at boarding time (although boarding may not be as early as on RCI). Also on the pool deck there is ice cream (at least on Royal Princess) served by a staff member inside a kiosk. This makes things operate efficiently and CLEANLY. More haste, less waste. Sometimes the ice cream machine on RCI ships looks like a warzone and not appealing, which is kind of off given the limited time it is even open:confused:.

 

Carnival - No kidding, I like their luggage mats. I know RCI beds get "turned down" for the evening and are not made up like when you walk in, but luggage goes through God knows where in transport, I like the heavy vinyl protective mat Carnival gives over the bedding. Simple, effective, practical.

 

I also like their Early Saver type fares. They come with restrictions, but usually are cheaper than regular fare and you can get credited OBC for price drops up until a very, very short time before sailing.

 

NCL - Waterslides, ropes obstacle courses, "Walk the plank" (Exactly like what it sounds - they have a beam hanging out off the top deck and you walk over the side of the ship and a camera snaps your picture too). These may not appeal to an older crowd, but they may keep the kids out of the hottubs and making noise elsewhere!

 

If RCI wants to drive business in specialty dining they should follow NCL's lead with their Ultimate Dining Plan.

 

I hardly think a response of "If you like that, go sail them instead" is appropriate either. I'm not whining about RCI. I'm looking at things other companies do right to enhance the experience and saying RCI should look to incorporate them. I am sure many people here have sailed numerous and various lines and have seen things or ways things are done, that they like and would like to see on RCI.

 

Many of these types of changes would involve minimal (opening MDR section boarding day, making kiosk and employee to serve pool deck ice cream, luggage mats) to moderate in cost (ropes courses, waterslides, etc.). Some drive additional profit for no cost(ultimate dining plan; perhaps some plan similar to Carnivals Faster to the Fun which people go BERSERK TO THE LIMIT over). None of the ideas take away currently free spaces; they create enhancements and add new free and for cost options to reduce crowding.

 

Heck, if you like the thermostat on a Holland America ship it's fair game in here.

[gnocchi_mommy]

The only one I can think of off the top of my head is I wish they had robes like Carnival does.(I just happened to read about robes on another thread that made me think of this)

[DannyDriscoll]

not a bad list, i wont flame you and tell you to go pound sand like the cheerleaders will.

[gnocchi_mommy]

Oh and one other- on Carnival when you move up a level on their loyalty program, if it happens mid cruise- you get upgraded to that level as a curtosy upon checking in/embarkation- whereas on Royal, you don't get to apply those privileges until the next following cruise.

[LMaxwell]

not a bad list, i wont flame you and tell you to go pound sand like the cheerleaders will.

Your endorsement will be printed, framed, and hung post haste:D

[LMaxwell]

Oh and one other- on Carnival when you move up a level on their loyalty program, if it happens mid cruise- you get upgraded to that level as a curtosy upon checking in/embarkation- whereas on Royal, you don't get to apply those privileges until the next following cruise.

 

I didn't know that, I like that!

[DannyDriscoll]

they could do is give better casino comps. maybe even comp cabins for bigger players. They refused to rate me playing at a table if it was under $50 a hand. :mad:

[LissyTx]

I haven't sailed on any other lines (YET) but I'm not sure why they don't have water slides. I get the impression it's to avoid what everyone else is doing, but I sure would like them!

[LMaxwell]

they could do is give better casino comps. maybe even comp cabins for bigger players. They refused to rate me playing at a table if it was under $50 a hand. :mad:

 

Come on, be a sport. I put a lot of thought into this post. Can you go ruin someone elses posting....maybe on a different forum altogether, at least for the evening?

[DannyDriscoll]

Come on, be a sport. I put a lot of thought into this post. Can you go ruin someone elses posting....maybe on a different forum altogether, at least for the evening?

this was actually serious. :( this is a thing id like to see changed that some other lines do.

[LMaxwell]

this was actually serious. :( this is a thing id like to see changed that some other lines do.

[Yorkvillain]

Carnival - No kidding, I like their luggage mats. I know RCI beds get "turned down" for the evening and are not made up like when you walk in, but luggage goes through God knows where in transport, I like the heavy vinyl protective mat Carnival gives over the bedding. Simple, effective, practical.

 

That long green cloth is Royal's version of the luggage mat. The stateroom attendant always takes it off at night when they turn down the bed.

[Yorkvillain]

I want to try that "Walk the Plank" thing on the Breakaway/Getaway so badly.

[ASeaPrincess1]

Princess is a little more generous with internet minutes for Platinum and Elite members.

They also offer free laundry to Elites. This would be a nice perk, since Royal Caribbean doesn't even have laundry facilities on their ships.

You can even buy bottles of liquor for your stateroom.

I won't mention the little mini-bar set-up for Elites and suites. Oh, I just did....;)

I am not a Princess cheerleader, but those things are a little nicer to have, especially laundry on longer cruises.

[lisiamc]

My suggestion wouldn't cost anything, except maybe in lost sales opportunities: Fewer announcements, especially for bingo. Many other lines seem to do just fine on one announcement per day, maybe RCCL could give it a try.

[Wilda]

Laundry rooms...every other deck with ironing boards.

[madelk]

Princess is a little more generous with internet minutes for Platinum and Elite members.

They also offer free laundry to Elites. This would be a nice perk, since Royal Caribbean doesn't even have laundry facilities on their ships.

You can even buy bottles of liquor for your stateroom.

I won't mention the little mini-bar set-up for Elites and suites. Oh, I just did....;)

I am not a Princess cheerleader, but those things are a little nicer to have, especially laundry on longer cruises.

 

The laundry idea - would be REALLY nice if RC could add a couple of DIY laundry rooms at reasonable cost - couple $$ a load.

 

I'm sure there's other things that I'd like but I haven't sailed a wide variety of lines yet :)

[Miamia65]

Oh and one other- on Carnival when you move up a level on their loyalty program, if it happens mid cruise- you get upgraded to that level as a curtosy upon checking in/embarkation- whereas on Royal, you don't get to apply those privileges until the next following cruise.

 

I like this idea too, after all once you are on the ship you definitely going to finish it and reach the next loyalty level.

[racerxspeedy]

What are some small, simple, or subtle details, design differences, or operational differences you've experienced on other cruise lines that you'd like to RCI copy/implement/improve upon.

 

Princess - One MDR is open on embarkation day for lunch and rooms are open at boarding time (although boarding may not be as early as on RCI). Also on the pool deck there is ice cream (at least on Royal Princess) served by a staff member inside a kiosk. This makes things operate efficiently and CLEANLY. More haste, less waste. Sometimes the ice cream machine on RCI ships looks like a warzone and not appealing, which is kind of off given the limited time it is even open:confused:.

 

Carnival - No kidding, I like their luggage mats. I know RCI beds get "turned down" for the evening and are not made up like when you walk in, but luggage goes through God knows where in transport, I like the heavy vinyl protective mat Carnival gives over the bedding. Simple, effective, practical.

 

I also like their Early Saver type fares. They come with restrictions, but usually are cheaper than regular fare and you can get credited OBC for price drops up until a very, very short time before sailing.

 

NCL - Waterslides, ropes obstacle courses, "Walk the plank" (Exactly like what it sounds - they have a beam hanging out off the top deck and you walk over the side of the ship and a camera snaps your picture too). These may not appeal to an older crowd, but they may keep the kids out of the hottubs and making noise elsewhere!

 

If RCI wants to drive business in specialty dining they should follow NCL's lead with their Ultimate Dining Plan.

 

I hardly think a response of "If you like that, go sail them instead" is appropriate either. I'm not whining about RCI. I'm looking at things other companies do right to enhance the experience and saying RCI should look to incorporate them. I am sure many people here have sailed numerous and various lines and have seen things or ways things are done, that they like and would like to see on RCI.

 

Many of these types of changes would involve minimal (opening MDR section boarding day, making kiosk and employee to serve pool deck ice cream, luggage mats) to moderate in cost (ropes courses, waterslides, etc.). Some drive additional profit for no cost(ultimate dining plan; perhaps some plan similar to Carnivals Faster to the Fun which people go BERSERK TO THE LIMIT over). None of the ideas take away currently free spaces; they create enhancements and add new free and for cost options to reduce crowding.

 

Heck, if you like the thermostat on a Holland America ship it's fair game in here.

 

 

 

I like your thread and list, but my biggest issue is the lack of dispenser for ice, water, lemonade... out by the pools. Why is it such a problem to get some ice??

 

Basically - Every ship should have a "Wipe out" café by the pools, along with closer bathrooms. RC forces you to walk thru the Windjammer on most ships to get anything for yourself. The windjammer is already busy enough.

 

The Carnival options are much better in this regard. I miss this every RC cruise. Ironing stations as well (Princess).

 

Thanks

[dixieva]

Carnival has a basket of sample size stuff in your room upon boarding. Like toothpaste, razor, chewing gum etc. which is nice.

 

And also Carnival has the best showers! They are shaped differently (sort of hexagon shaped) and you can actually shower in there without being attacked by the shower curtain.

 

And lastly, Carnival casino comps are great. I never get anything from RCI but on Carnival we have gotten small cash comps and a large fruit, wine and cheese and crackers basket. Very nice!

[micmacmissy]

Good thread! The little things really can make a difference:

 

1. When you come back from shore excursions, they should have a tent set up on the dock with water, lemonade, and some sofas to relax in, like they do on Celebrity.

 

2. Stop with the announcements. Celebrity has one a day...it's plenty!

 

3. Stop with the beach towel check out system.

 

4. (pipe dream, I know) Stop with the excessive shopping promotions and the stupid sidewalk "sales". Really cheapens the ambiance/experience!

[Clarea]

Good thread! The little things really can make a difference:

 

1. When you come back from shore excursions, they should have a tent set up on the dock with water, lemonade, and some sofas to relax in, like they do on Celebrity.

 

2. Stop with the announcements. Celebrity has one a day...it's plenty!

 

3. Stop with the beach towel check out system.

 

4. (pipe dream, I know) Stop with the excessive shopping promotions and the stupid sidewalk "sales". Really cheapens the ambiance/experience!

Towel checkout has been gone for a while now.

[mrobstad]

I'm five points from diamond, but my "go to" line is now NCL. The newer ships treat solos like humans, with studios priced at 150% (as opposed to 200%), a studio lounge with amenities, and a dedicated solo activities director. The newer ships have a multitude of speciality restaurants, some for a fee, and now outside dining at those restaurants (Getaway). They are pretty generous with upgrades, and the slides (6 on Getaway) are awesome. They also have private areas for adults only on ships that have many attractions for kids. The entertainment is also awesome! It's hard for me now to see third rate comedians and magicians, and high school singers and dancers. At the Legends show, there was a Steven Tyler performer whom I would swear was Steven Tyler himself! I've not been on the new Oasis class, but even with those ships, solos are treated poorly.....by the way, the studios and high end suites (Haven) are the first categories to sell out on NCL.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[micmacmissy]

Towel checkout has been gone for a while now.

 

Awesome! Now they can get to work on my other 3 suggestions! ;)

[Clarea]

Awesome! Now they can get to work on my other 3 suggestions! ;)

Unfortunately, one downside is that more towels seem to be left on loungers now, so it's even harder to find an open lounger.

Edited June 9, 2014 by clarea