Frustrated with Bar Service and Drink Package

[Big_G]

Probably pales into comparison to the cost to get to the middle of the ocean, sea, etc. and still needing an upcharge to eat there. $35 isn't a realistic cost to say that is all you pay for Chops because that's really not what you are paying to just get on a boat to make reservations.

 

...and that's not all you get for your cruise fare either. Just saying, people use the 'meals already paid for' line and it's just silly. What's the cost of an MDR meal out of a cruise fare?

[campingwhit]

We just got off the Adventure of the seas on Sunday March 29th. We bought the premium drink package. It cost is 49pp....804 for the 2 of us including the grat.

There were 1 or 2 bartenders that we had a hard time getting service from. Primarily the women in the Solarium bar. We had no problems finding bar service at the pool bar or the sky bar and the bartenders were great! We also no problem finding a server during the days we were at the pool. This is just my experience but I thought I would pass it on. By the way, go to the Duck and Dog AKA: carlos and carlos....to see Terry Dobson play...he is awesome and a ton of fun!

[indolent]

 

To be clear I think the bartenders are actually working "hard" in many cases, but the process is failing them: from registers that require multiple card swipes, too many keypunches, paper receipts, and the fact that there are too few bartenders. And there's no incentive to smile, be friendly, or deliver good service due to a built in gratuity. Over time that just has to be demotivating.

 

Just off the Navigator, and I completely agree about the process failing them. This was my first Royal cruise, and compared to the two carnival cruises I've been on, it just seemed like they had more "stuff" to do to get drinks out.

 

I had to chuckle at your paper receipts comment. They have that whole Save the Waves environmental campaign, and I couldn't help but think about it when I received 2 feet of paper receipt for every single drink I ordered.

[phade]

...and that's not all you get for your cruise fare either. Just saying, people use the 'meals already paid for' line and it's just silly. What's the cost of an MDR meal out of a cruise fare?

 

No idea, but it is more than $0.00. $35 is just the upcharge. It does not represent the total all-in cost to the consumer. We can speculate, but safe to say, it is more than zero that needs to be added to the $35.

Edited March 31, 2015 by phade

[queenschick9b]

I was on the FOS on 2/8 and there were still plently of pool waiters. I never had a problem getting a drink from about 10:00 a.m. forward on sea days at the main pool. They were fewer server in the solarium, but still enough that there was a very short wait.

 

I had no problems in the other bars on the ship and I think I got to almost all of them :)

[WhiteSoxFan]

Hi There. we are leaving in 19 days on the Jewel of the Seas!! Wanted opinions on the drink package. Reading that bartenders are few. I did the math, would have to drink around 6 cocktails a day (avg. of 10.00 each) to break even. Not including getting bottled water or sodas (not sure what the cost of each is). Want feedback from those that have purchased and if you think it was worth it. I can drink 3-4 drinks an evening. Love vodka martinis. TIA for any feedback/pointers.

 

As someone else pointed out, with the increase to $12 a drink it's more like 4 drinks. Plus you can get bottled water. For an extra $6 you can get pop, juice, premium coffee. I don't include the tip because you'll pay that either way. I think RC is definitely trying to push people to packages.

 

We were on the Jewel the last week of January and I felt there were far less pool drink servers than is typical. Luckily the pool bar was relatively uncrowded.

[legaljen1969]

!9 days in a row... well I couldn't erin that much. But that's me. I've never cruised w/o the premium beverage package but my cruises were for 7 days in length. But my tolerance of doing this for 19 days, I'm not so sure!

 

Anyway, have a great cruise!

 

They said they were leaving IN 19 days, not FOR 19 days. :)

[SW.FloridaPhil]

That's awesome... I wish I could say the same, as I tipped a dollar on nearly every drink last week on Liberty as well (mostly beer, effectively increasing the tip %), and it made no difference at all. For $5-10 a day it'd be well worth it.

 

We sail the Liberty on the 16th of April. Does she have the freestyle soda machines? If you don't mind, what was your impression of the ship/cruise.

[Clarea]

We sail the Liberty on the 16th of April. Does she have the freestyle soda machines? If you don't mind, what was your impression of the ship/cruise.

No Freestyle machines on Liberty.

[SW.FloridaPhil]

No Freestyle machines on Liberty.

 

Thanks Bob.

[microbubba]

Got off Oasis a couple weeks ago. I will have to agree and definitely made it a point in my guest survey that Bar Service has indeed dropped off. Where there was once 4 or 5 bartenders, there are 2. Where before you couldn't help but bump into someone on the pool deck carrying a tray, calling out "Bar Service? Bar Service?" , there were MANY fewer. Had to flag them down and make them notice you.

This was our first experience with a pre-paid drink package and I've been second guessing ever since. Sure, they DON'T know who has a sticker on their SeaPass or not, however, if a lot of packages sold have already made them a tidy profit and already paid 18% gratuities, why exert yourself?

[finz2u]

There is an old say (sort of):

"Be careful what you ask for, you might actually get it."

I agree that the bar service is not what it used to be. But not too many years ago I remember so many CC members complaining that they were always being asked by bar waiters around the pool if they wanted a drink, and it was annoying. They just "wished" they would be left alone. Now, they're left alone and so many complaints about lack of being asked about drinks.

The consensus seems to be that the Beverage Package is the main reason for slow bar service and unfriendly bar tenders. Do you really want the Beverage Package discontinued so that the Bar tenders will smile because you are now tipping them $2 on a $12 drink? Because that's what seems to be the only answer.

The consensus is that RCCL jacked up the prices of drinks to sell more Beverage Packages and make more money. Yet that leads to worse service. So people are questioning the value of the package. If you can't get enough drinks due to lack of service to justify buying the package they'll lose money.

If we throw out the conspiracy theories and look at reality, RCCL exists to make a profit. After 9/11 the industry changed. Like the airlines, the cruise lines built so many ships that they needed to reduce prices to fill them. Like flying, Cruising today is way cheaper than in the past. So, how do they make money with lower prices and higher fuel costs? Simple, sell stuff on the ship. Drink prices are about the same as you'd find at any resort, hotel, or nice bar. So they aren't "out of line." Upcharge restaurants are, in my opinion, cheaper than on land. You can't go to a Chops quality restaurant on land for $35 including unlimited appetizers and desserts.

But the another way they added to the bottom line was with crew cutbacks. They got rid of wines stewards and many bar servers. This might also be partly caused by so many ships out there that there just isn't enough people to staff all the ships to the old levels. It's a pretty hard job with a lot of sacrifice and little reward.

So, as much as I'd like to go back to the old days, ask yourself this, are you willing to pay higher prices to justify them adding crew members? Seaborne has way more crew per passenger ratio. Also costs $3500 per person for the cheapest cabin in the Caribbean for a 7 night cruise.

You most often get what you pay for.

 

Well said.

[ILCruiser]

This was our first experience with a pre-paid drink package and I've been second guessing ever since. Sure, they DON'T know who has a sticker on their SeaPass or not, however, if a lot of packages sold have already made them a tidy profit and already paid 18% gratuities, why exert yourself?

 

The pool servers on my cruise in January told me that they put in place a program whereby the tips from the beverage packages are prorated based on the number of tickets they turn in, apparently because of complaints about lack of service. So, yes, there is still an incentive for them to serve you.

Edited April 7, 2015 by ILCruiser

[Stu K]

Interesting reading this we had issues getting served on Legend in December so much so we complained on the ship and once home. Got 20% Refund on cruise.

 

Sort of glad it was not just us.

 

Stu K

[Tankminder]

Just off the Navigator, and I completely agree about the process failing them. This was my first Royal cruise, and compared to the two carnival cruises I've been on, it just seemed like they had more "stuff" to do to get drinks out.

 

I had to chuckle at your paper receipts comment. They have that whole Save the Waves environmental campaign, and I couldn't help but think about it when I received 2 feet of paper receipt for every single drink I ordered.

 

HA! I never thought about that "Save the Waves" part either.

 

I think folks are misunderstanding WHY there's such strong incentive to mandate the tip. It's not to support the bartender. If the tip is built in, it works out fine for the bartenders - which I'm happy about. But a guaranteed tip gives RCL the opportunity to then cut down on staffing. Fewer bartenders during off-peak hours, fewer "bar-backs" and waiters. Tips are guaranteed, the bartenders will certainly hustle (and do) and make out, but it lets RCL reduce service level, cost of staffing and increase profits.

[grandgeezer]

There is an old say (sort of):

"Be careful what you ask for, you might actually get it."

I agree that the bar service is not what it used to be. But not too many years ago I remember so many CC members complaining that they were always being asked by bar waiters around the pool if they wanted a drink, and it was annoying. They just "wished" they would be left alone. Now, they're left alone and so many complaints about lack of being asked about drinks.

The consensus seems to be that the Beverage Package is the main reason for slow bar service and unfriendly bar tenders. Do you really want the Beverage Package discontinued so that the Bar tenders will smile because you are now tipping them $2 on a $12 drink? Because that's what seems to be the only answer.

The consensus is that RCCL jacked up the prices of drinks to sell more Beverage Packages and make more money. Yet that leads to worse service. So people are questioning the value of the package. If you can't get enough drinks due to lack of service to justify buying the package they'll lose money.

If we throw out the conspiracy theories and look at reality, RCCL exists to make a profit. After 9/11 the industry changed. Like the airlines, the cruise lines built so many ships that they needed to reduce prices to fill them. Like flying, Cruising today is way cheaper than in the past. So, how do they make money with lower prices and higher fuel costs? Simple, sell stuff on the ship. Drink prices are about the same as you'd find at any resort, hotel, or nice bar. So they aren't "out of line." Upcharge restaurants are, in my opinion, cheaper than on land. You can't go to a Chops quality restaurant on land for $35 including unlimited appetizers and desserts.

But the another way they added to the bottom line was with crew cutbacks. They got rid of wines stewards and many bar servers. This might also be partly caused by so many ships out there that there just isn't enough people to staff all the ships to the old levels. It's a pretty hard job with a lot of sacrifice and little reward.

So, as much as I'd like to go back to the old days, ask yourself this, are you willing to pay higher prices to justify them adding crew members? Seaborne has way more crew per passenger ratio. Also costs $3500 per person for the cheapest cabin in the Caribbean for a 7 night cruise.

You most often get what you pay for.

 

The answer to your question is YES! I wasn't given the option. RCL was never Seaborne, and never will be so that comparison isn't valid. They've turned cruising from a Hilton/Mortons atmosphere to a Motel 6/Sizzlers one. That's o.k., we used to think of cruising as a total vacation, now it's just transportation and a place to sleep. We go for the ports so that's where we spend all our money. We spend 0 extra on the ship as everything is overpriced. They go back to the way things were and so will we. In the meantime, the hundreds of dollars we save, can go for more cruises. They make cutbacks to increase profits, and we make cutbacks to keep our finances under control.

[Laney219]

Agree 100%. But I just added a dollar each time and when I needed a drink they were there. They knew my name and most nights in the casino they already knew my folio number and didn't even ask me for my card. It's actually really affordable to upgrade your experience. So if I added $5-$10 per day in extra bar tips it was worth it to me. People gave me funny looks when I would walk up to a crowded bar and the bar folks would drop everything and wait on me. Those folks leave their family for months on end for the $$$

 

TOTALLY AGREE!! Had a drink package included for a sailing and gave an extra dollar a drink. Had servers in every location knowing what I liked :)

[Justmekaren918]

Just off Liberty and I saw regularly was drink carts rolling around offering drinks and sodas! I believe they had one stationed off the main bar! If you see it use it to free up other bar for complicated use of ice machine drinks! I never waited long and always gave a $1 with drink, so I never really cared to find a favorite bartender! No need to do bar tips last day eveyone paid!

[Mikew0805]

Recent reports of a decline in bar service is ballyhoo. Never had a problem with getting drinks at any bars. Never saw a bartender bat an eye while serving someone on the soda package.

 

Then your not paying close enough attention. Sometimes they are downright rude, and never come back with the order, or avoid you completely when they know you have it, even if you are requesting service, especially in the theater. I am not going to feel bad for a service, and gratuity that has already been paid for.

 

This has led to a couple reimbursed packages. I would rather have the line address the issue, but that does not seem to happen.

 

Never had the alcohol packages, and never will as I only drink 3-4 total alcoholic beverages in a entire cruise.

[bogofman]

My last few cruises, I've noticed a big drop off in the happiness of the bar staff. this is on both Celebrity and RCI, with some exceptions.

 

Pool bar staff seem to be particularly grumpy ( and this is from different nationalities )

 

Coming from the UK I'm not bothered about very good service (not used to getting it :-) )

 

I find the comment made by many posters sums it up 'surley' and everything is too much trouble rather than the other way around.

 

I'd have though that once the cruise line have either given out Free drinks packages or sold them to passengers. Its in the interests of the cruise line and hence their staff to avoid wherever possible to serve drinks

(and increase profit)

The 18% is already taken and will be pooled to give out to the bar staff.

 

It might be on the bar staff team briefing agenda.

1. only serve drinks to customers who specifically ask for a drink

2. serve lowest possible grade of drink unless customer asks for a specific brand.

3. etc etc

 

or am I too cynical?

[Justmekaren918]

My last few cruises, I've noticed a big drop off in the happiness of the bar staff. this is on both Celebrity and RCI, with some

The 18% is already taken and will be pooled to give out to the bar staff.

 

It might be on the bar staff team briefing agenda.

1. only serve drinks to customers who specifically ask for a drink

2. serve lowest possible grade of drink unless customer asks for a specific brand.

3. etc etc

 

 

or am I too cynical?

 

It has dawned on me! I worked my tips of giving a dollar every time served! I believe the dollar usually gets pooled or at least up at the pool bars! I am wondering if a little different elsewhere? I am not sure I like the dollar as I go, because in the long run they maybe getting potentially a bit less and sharing :( ! Previous trips I was tipping my favorites at the end and not everyone. I wasn't finding my favorites this trip; then again I was barely drinking this trip and finishing my 2 bottles brought.

 

I know once you start the $1 they will expect every time, or they will turn!

 

Speaking of tips? Anyone tip the WJ table clearer? I was talking to a waiter/clearer who brought it up! He mentioned they rotate staff through WJ for that reason! No one gives tips! I never really thought about it! Mostly they clear they don't bring me anything!

[icsys]

I was on Navigator a couple weeks ago. Drink prices have been raised and automatic tip is now 18%. Martinis are now $12 plus 18%. So $14.16. The drink package includes the 18%. 4 Vodka Martini's will get you to break even each day. And remember....that includes top shelf...Belvedere, Grey Goose, Ketel One, etc.

 

The drink package is well worth it if you like to drink on cruises.

 

The per drink price has been jacked up to make the alcohol packages appear well worth it!

Not too long ago you needed at least 6-7 drinks to 'break even'.

Those 4-5 drinks that now 'break even' would have cost around $30-$40 back then.

Now you can drink less to feel you are getting your money's worth but still pay $50 plus per day.

 

The pool servers on my cruise in January told me that they put in place a program whereby the tips from the beverage packages are prorated based on the number of tickets they turn in, apparently because of complaints about lack of service. So, yes, there is still an incentive for them to serve you.

 

Not so sure about that.

On our last cruise, I sometimes got a $0 receipt to sign, and sometimes, especially at the pool bars, no receipt at all.

If they needed to turn in a receipt to get a share of the pooled 'package tips' I would surely get a receipt every time?

Maybe its an individual ship thing. On our last Indy cruise, no receipts were given out at all to those on a package.

Edited April 8, 2015 by icsys

[Cruisin'Kim]

I had the premium package ordered for our cruise in January, then cancelled it...so on the fence with this. I do enjoy my drinks on the ship, but my package and my husbands beer & wine package came up to almost $900 - never spent that much on booze on a cruise, but perhaps we would with the price increases... I think I'll wait until we get on board to decide on mine.

[jakenashleysmom]

It has dawned on me! I worked my tips of giving a dollar every time served! I believe the dollar usually gets pooled or at least up at the pool bars! I am wondering if a little different elsewhere? I am not sure I like the dollar as I go, because in the long run they maybe getting potentially a bit less and sharing :( ! Previous trips I was tipping my favorites at the end and not everyone. I wasn't finding my favorites this trip; then again I was barely drinking this trip and finishing my 2 bottles brought.

 

I know once you start the $1 they will expect every time, or they will turn!

 

Speaking of tips? Anyone tip the WJ table clearer? I was talking to a waiter/clearer who brought it up! He mentioned they rotate staff through WJ for that reason! No one gives tips! I never really thought about it! Mostly they clear they don't bring me anything!

 

The servers in the windjammer get an even cut of the tips you pay to the "dining staff/waiter", somebody was playing you. As for the bar staff, they don't know if you have a package until you hand them your seapass, so unless you are waving around your coke sticker like a crazy person they will give you the same service as anyone...just saying don't blame the drink package for poor individual service.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

[LMaxwell]

just saying don't blame the drink package for poor individual service.

 

 

I am of the view point that there is now less staff to serve. So, yes, while an individual staff member may not know if a guest has the package or not until they have ordered, the company has made the decision to reduce overall staffing levels. Once RCI is paid for these packages it is in their best interest to have service slowed down as opposed to sped up.