RESERVED THEATRE SEATING WITH THE NEW PACKAGES

[Level six]

3 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

But in all seriousness, I find it quite laughable about reservable seats as being a perk considering the shows are not always ever filled and there's plenty of seats to choose from.

When??  Every Princess cruise I have been on the "good" shows are packed and we needed to show up 30-45 minutes early.  Even when we cruised post covid with 1/2 full ships the shows were packed.   

[MissP22]

4 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

But in all seriousness, I find it quite laughable about reservable seats as being a perk considering the shows are not always ever filled and there's plenty of seats to choose from.

Not for the production shows we've been to. They've all been jam packed on every cruise.

I'm not cure if reserving seats would make things worse or not, although those people wouldn't have to rush through dinner since they know that a seat would be waiting for them. It wouldn't make it any more crowded unless they reserved seats at both shows for them. 

[SantaFeFan]

6 minutes ago, MissP22 said:

Not for the production shows we've been to. They've all been jam packed on every cruise.

I'm not cure if reserving seats would make things worse or not, although those people wouldn't have to rush through dinner since they know that a seat would be waiting for them. It wouldn't make it any more crowded unless they reserved seats at both shows for them. 

 

Another question is whether the seats will remain reserved as the show begins or be released to people not on the package a few minutes before. What I have observed when seats are reserved for the duration is that if they are at the front of the theater, people who those seats are for will know they don't need to hurry and will show up late and disrupt the performance while making their way to their seats.

 

The only people who win in that situation are the late arriving people whose seats are reserved. The performers and the rest of the audience are negatively affected. 

 

Hopefully the reserved seats will expire a few minutes before the show starts so the late reserve arrivals won't be motivated to interrupt the show. 

[Cruise Raider]

We were onboard the Royal earlier this year when they were testing this.  We were also they when they brought the fitness gurus in .. they were really working those that chose to participate and there were quite a few passengers that did choose to participate.  
 

But, back to the reserved theater seating, there was an area roped off on the port side of the theater from the center aisle and I can’t be sure, but most likely to the end of that row.  I believe it was about 4 to 6 rows of seats on the lower level .. at least the evening I went to the show. It could be adjusted based on the number of the people that have purchased the premier package.  For those with the new premier package, they are offering you a seat without having to go early.  It was not opened to general seating throughout the show.  I see no problem with this whatsoever.  I actually have been skunked out of shows in the past and as cruising returns to normal, I could see myself opting for the premier package as many of the items are of value yo me.  For $5 a day more, I would probably pay for the privilege of having a reserved seat so I didn’t have to go to the theater ultra early to make sure I got a seat.  

I find it interesting that anybody is up in arms about these extra items holding no value as I am sure these extras they are throwing in are just a thinly veiled cover for the price increases they are putting in place.  I personally don’t see where they have a choice … every day living has gone up like crazy here in the Bay Area and most likely where you all live, as well.  Every time I turn around, something else goes up in price.  Why would we expect any different from cruiselines, who are simply trying to achieve some profitability since they were decimated by CoVid?  

The gratuities onboard are just keeping with industry standards and I certainly don’t begrudge them at all for that increase.   
Alas .. I digress!  


 

[paradiselivin1]

Don't have an issue with increased costs of gratuities but I don't understand why they don't simply roll those into the price of the cruise as they are determined in advance when you choose you cabin type. Yes, I know some choose not to tip but expect that is a small minority (at least I hope so).. Isn't that how the hotels do it ~ surely we all pay for their staff as well in some respects..

[Almagetty]

25 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

We were onboard the Royal earlier this year when they were testing this.  We were also they when they brought the fitness gurus in .. they were really working those that chose to participate and there were quite a few passengers that did choose to participate.  
 

But, back to the reserved theater seating, there was an area roped off on the port side of the theater from the center aisle and I can’t be sure, but most likely to the end of that row.  I believe it was about 4 to 6 rows of seats on the lower level .. at least the evening I went to the show. It could be adjusted based on the number of the people that have purchased the premier package.  For those with the new premier package, they are offering you a seat without having to go early.  It was not opened to general seating throughout the show.  I see no problem with this whatsoever.  I actually have been skunked out of shows in the past and as cruising returns to normal, I could see myself opting for the premier package as many of the items are of value yo me.  For $5 a day more, I would probably pay for the privilege of having a reserved seat so I didn’t have to go to the theater ultra early to make sure I got a seat.  

I find it interesting that anybody is up in arms about these extra items holding no value as I am sure these extras they are throwing in are just a thinly veiled cover for the price increases they are putting in place.  I personally don’t see where they have a choice … every day living has gone up like crazy here in the Bay Area and most likely where you all live, as well.  Every time I turn around, something else goes up in price.  Why would we expect any different from cruiselines, who are simply trying to achieve some profitability since they were decimated by CoVid?  

The gratuities onboard are just keeping with industry standards and I certainly don’t begrudge them at all for that increase.   
Alas .. I digress!  


 

Thanks for the sharing what you observed!

[jagoffee]

16 hours ago, Sox Fan Cruiser said:

As someone said, I assume it will work like Celebrity. When in a suite we let someone know if we are attending the show and they reserve seats. But you have to let them know ahead of time. You can’t just show up and expect seats. 

You may be surprised to know that it has never worked that way for us in Celebrity.

There is a relatively small section of seats in the first couple rows on the Starboard side of the Balcony section.  They open up the seats to everyone around 10 minutes before the show.  The seats are far from the best seats in the theater.  It is only on Chic nights (Princess’s formal equivalent). We  have never had to let someone know, although we are sometimes asked.  Your butler try’s to escort you.  More marketing than anything else IMO.

 

Even when staying in a suite, we seldom use this “benefit”.  Of course Celebrity has much larger theaters and finding a seat for a show is not usually an issue.  We like other seats better and usually arrive early if we attend a show.
 

It may work totally different for Princess.  Perhaps they will require a reservation.  Although I suspect it is marketing base.  They are probably trying to find ways to attract people to the high level package that offers questionable value.
 

[Guest ldtr]

1 hour ago, paradiselivin1 said:

Don't have an issue with increased costs of gratuities but I don't understand why they don't simply roll those into the price of the cruise as they are determined in advance when you choose you cabin type. Yes, I know some choose not to tip but expect that is a small minority (at least I hope so).. Isn't that how the hotels do it ~ surely we all pay for their staff as well in some respects..

A couple of reasons.

for the passenger

1. increasing cost of fares means a higher trip value is used for insurance costs.

2. must all be paid in advance of cruise

 

for the company

 

It is now revenue and payments to the crew expenses, has some impacts in the accounting system and some payroll tax implications. Compared to now where it is neither income nor expense to the cruise line. Basically it flows to the crew outside of corporate accounting.

 

for the crew

 

may result in higher taxes depending upon their country of residence.

 

then you get into the competition aspect vs non cruise travel alternatives.

Edited December 7, 2022 by ldtr

[Wishing on a star]

I am still assuming that it will be by reservatons actually made by the guests.

If this is a perk for suite guests on Celebrity, I am thinking that the number of people who have this  perk will be a lot more than the number of suite guests. Lets say, 20 percent of 3000 passengers would be up to 600 onboard.  I don't know about Celebrity, but do not think that Celebrity is dealing with anywhere near that many people with this perk?

 

It will be interesting to see how they work this out.

I am guessing, as mentioned, a block of a number of rows, in the center main floor section, how ever many seats over from either the Port or Starboard aisle.  But not, total front, from aisle to aisle.

 

Just for me, I don't see us getting the Premium or Premier package.  If we did want to catch a show, we would plan there to get there pretty early.

[MissP22]

3 hours ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

Another question is whether the seats will remain reserved as the show begins or be released to people not on the package a few minutes before. What I have observed when seats are reserved for the duration is that if they are at the front of the theater, people who those seats are for will know they don't need to hurry and will show up late and disrupt the performance while making their way to their seats.

 

The only people who win in that situation are the late arriving people whose seats are reserved. The performers and the rest of the audience are negatively affected. 

 

Hopefully the reserved seats will expire a few minutes before the show starts so the late reserve arrivals won't be motivated to interrupt the show. 

I would hope they would release them but what would happen if the people showed up late and there wasn't any room?

There's just to many questions to speculate at this point in time.

 

If there's something we definitely want to see, we'll just make sure we get to the DR or buffet early enough and show up at the show lounge to reserve our seats in person.

We never make a big affair out of dining anyway. 

[Cruise Raider]

34 minutes ago, MissP22 said:

I would hope they would release them but what would happen if the people showed up late and there wasn't any room?

There's just to many questions to speculate at this point in time.

 

 Not meaning for any disrespect, but I certainly hope they wouldn’t release the seats for the show.  It defeats the whole purpose of paying for the perk.  If you have a reserved section for seat, you should be able to show up right at the beginning or even in the middle of the show if you choose.  
The same goes for when Club Class is not full … they don’t open it up to others just because there are a lot of empty tables.  
I would be fine if they reduced the section based on the number of passengers with the premium package.  That seems like the sensible thing to do.  
 

but you are right, too many questions to speculate.  

[MissP22]

2 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Not meaning for any disrespect, but I certainly hope they wouldn’t release the seats for the show.  It defeats the whole purpose of paying for the perk.  If you have a reserved section for seat, you should be able to show up right at the beginning or even in the middle of the show if you choose.  

I hear you.

It's also only my opinion but I think the reserving of seats will also encourage other people to save seats for their friends which has been frowned upon. 

[Cruise Raider]

1 minute ago, MissP22 said:

I hear you.

It's also only my opinion but I think the reserving of seats will also encourage other people to save seats for their friends which has been frowned upon. 

Oh yes, I’ve seen actual fights in the theater over this.  I have no problem with people saving a seat for their travel mate that is using the restroom before the show, but it can get out of hand when a group of 20 people come wandering in 30 minutes later to seats that were saved by one couple.  

[MissP22]

Just now, Cruise Raider said:

Oh yes, I’ve seen actual fights in the theater over this.  I have no problem with people saving a seat for their travel mate that is using the restroom before the show, but it can get out of hand when a group of 20 people come wandering in 30 minutes later to seats that were saved by one couple.  

I just think of it as pre show entertainment. 😁

 

[Steelers36]

22 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 Not meaning for any disrespect, but I certainly hope they wouldn’t release the seats for the show.  It defeats the whole purpose of paying for the perk.  If you have a reserved section for seat, you should be able to show up right at the beginning or even in the middle of the show if you choose.  

 

And I disagree.  I think it is fair if the eligible folks are informed that their seats are held up to X time on the clock and after that, no guarantees.  The shows are not all that long for one thing.  IMO, it is similar to not holding a dining res forever for a no-show.  You get 10 mins and that's it.  I'd say 5 mins after show begins max (if not right at show time).  Option:  There is usually a CD intro piece and then the main performer.  I'd go with keep seats until CD spiel is over.  I'd even release SOME of the seats early and just keep a few back for late arrivals.  

 

I think folks should have the courtesy to show up on time as it is disruptive to the entertainers and some audience members in the vicinity.

 

another option - keep some seats held in the back row for late arrivals.  If late, you don't get the prime seats, or go find something on your own.

 

[Cruise Raider]

27 minutes ago, MissP22 said:

I just think of it as pre show entertainment. 😁

 

😂 .. that’s the best!   Thank you for the laughs!  

[SantaFeFan]

35 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

 

And I disagree.  I think it is fair if the eligible folks are informed that their seats are held up to X time on the clock and after that, no guarantees.  The shows are not all that long for one thing.  IMO, it is similar to not holding a dining res forever for a no-show.  You get 10 mins and that's it.  I'd say 5 mins after show begins max (if not right at show time).  Option:  There is usually a CD intro piece and then the main performer.  I'd go with keep seats until CD spiel is over.  I'd even release SOME of the seats early and just keep a few back for late arrivals.  

 

I think folks should have the courtesy to show up on time as it is disruptive to the entertainers and some audience members in the vicinity.

 

another option - keep some seats held in the back row for late arrivals.  If late, you don't get the prime seats, or go find something on your own.

 

 

Based on the direction Princess is taking with their newest class of ships, I'm willing to bet that those seats will remain reserved for Premier package buyers and will never be released to the lower class passengers. It will also include suite passengers as well as one of the privileged groups allowed there. Princess is clearly embracing the class format for it's upcoming ships with their exclusive Reserve Collection and Signature Collection areas and restaurants, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if a prime section of the theater is permanently blocked by railings for the exclusive use by those willing to spend additional money to be treated better than the rest of the passengers. 

 

Money talks, and under John Padgett's leadership, Princess is apparently listening. 

 

Edited December 7, 2022 by SantaFeFan

[Steelers36]

4 hours ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

Based on the direction Princess is taking with their newest class of ships, I'm willing to bet that those seats will remain reserved for Premier package buyers and will never be released to the lower class passengers. It will also include suite passengers as well as one of the privileged groups allowed there. Princess is clearly embracing the class format for it's upcoming ships with their exclusive Reserve Collection and Signature Collection areas and restaurants, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if a prime section of the theater is permanently blocked by railings for the exclusive use by those willing to spend additional money to be treated better than the rest of the passengers. 

 

Money talks, and under John Padgett's leadership, Princess is apparently listening. 

 

I do accept your points as valid and have to agree, particularly when I think about the Sphere Class ships.  Maybe they will be some sort of test ground for a "class system".

 

Of course, another challenge will be that some number of folks will prefer to sit elsewhere than their special "cage".

[slug33ukuk]

THERE ARE NO "RESERVED SEATS.....on Princess ships......we did one recently and NEVER reserved a seat and never saw seats "reserved" in any way shape or form.....we just turned up and walked in....sat on any seat available. and we arrived at various times...sometimes 30 mnts   sometimes 10 mnts before start.

[SargassoPirate]

I take a more low-key approach to cruising and have found that it works for me.  When it comes to dining, I avoid the crowds by eating breakfast early in the buffet or the MDR, lunch in the MDR, and hardly ever eat dinner in the MDR since the buffet is less crowded and more quiet.

 

For entertainment, I enjoy the strings, guitar, and piano music around the ship in the evenings while enjoying a wee dram or three.  If I feel so moved to see a production show, I take my wee dram with me and stand or sit at the back.  If it's overamplified or the singers are screeching, I beat a hasty retreat for s stroll on the promenade.

 

Fortunately, there are lots of options and many ways to enjoy being at sea.

[MissP22]

1 hour ago, slug33ukuk said:

THERE ARE NO "RESERVED SEATS.....on Princess ships......we did one recently and NEVER reserved a seat and never saw seats "reserved" in any way shape or form.....we just turned up and walked in....sat on any seat available. and we arrived at various times...sometimes 30 mnts   sometimes 10 mnts before start.

It a new package that Princess is introducing.

https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/plus-premier-cruise-packages/

[Cruise Raider]

16 hours ago, SantaFeFan said:

 

Based on the direction Princess is taking with their newest class of ships, I'm willing to bet that those seats will remain reserved for Premier package buyers and will never be released to the lower class passengers. It will also include suite passengers as well as one of the privileged groups allowed there. Princess is clearly embracing the class format for it's upcoming ships with their exclusive Reserve Collection and Signature Collection areas and restaurants, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if a prime section of the theater is permanently blocked by railings for the exclusive use by those willing to spend additional money to be treated better than the rest of the passengers. 

 

Money talks, and under John Padgett's leadership, Princess is apparently listening. 

 

I’ve been cruising with Princess since the 1990’s in very cabin type they offer.  While I must admit that traveling in a suite did provide a much nicer cabin and some additional perks, I have rarely been treated by the staff / crew differently than while cruising in an inside cabin.  The biggest perk for me while cruising in a suite cabin or club class is access to a table for dining without making a reservation.  If I pay more for that privilege, I would expect to receive it, just as flying first class or the VIP seating at a concert.  If the VIP seats at a concert are not taken at the start of a concert, they generally don’t allow someone with general admission tickets to jump over the rope and use those seats.  
When I upgrade to the premier package, I drink nicer wines.  I will also not have a problem with taking advantage of reserved seating if I’ve paid for that benefit.  I really don’t see that as classism.  

[Wishing on a star]

It might be a little bit of classism, but the bottom line is usually 'you get what you pay for'.

There have always been things like this.  Perks for Elites.  Perks for Suites.  And, that seems to be a given anyhow.  

 

All of this is sheer  speculation.  It might start out one way, and then be tweaked.

 

Where I have seen this before, there was a one section on either the right or left of the center front, in from the aisle.  With limited seats down the other side, the other aisle, which are left available for general seating.  So, while the number of these seats available for the general audience, non-perk passenger, is tiny.  There  are at least some available.  Which would be taken and covered with peoples 'stuff', like pool chair hogs, way way before showtime.

 

I don't know if they will have a clear policy about if and when they open up any unoccupied seats in the reserved section.  But, I hope that they DON'T open them up, unless there is a clear understanding that you should be there at least five or ten minutes before anything begins. 

 

I can just see it now,  right as the thing starts, and the Cruise Director is up there doing his thing, or the music begins, or the lights are down, all of the sudden there is a commotion as a number of people try to make a mad dash for those seats on the third row, crawling in over 14 people in from the aisle.

 

It should be, reserved is reserved, period.

Or it should be reserved only until 5 or ten minutes before anything begins,

[SantaFeFan]

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

I’ve been cruising with Princess since the 1990’s in very cabin type they offer.  While I must admit that traveling in a suite did provide a much nicer cabin and some additional perks, I have rarely been treated by the staff / crew differently than while cruising in an inside cabin.  The biggest perk for me while cruising in a suite cabin or club class is access to a table for dining without making a reservation.  If I pay more for that privilege, I would expect to receive it, just as flying first class or the VIP seating at a concert.  If the VIP seats at a concert are not taken at the start of a concert, they generally don’t allow someone with general admission tickets to jump over the rope and use those seats.  
When I upgrade to the premier package, I drink nicer wines.  I will also not have a problem with taking advantage of reserved seating if I’ve paid for that benefit.  I really don’t see that as classism.  

 

The very fact that you can buy your way to the front of the line is classism. On airplanes, they even call it "First Class". This rush by cruise lines to give preferential treatment to people who can afford it is an unfortunate trend. In the past, paying more got a person a better cabin, but all other aspects of the cruise was equal. Now, dedicated spaces and restaurants, priority seating in the theater, being moved to the front of the line for boarding and embarkation, has sprouted like weeds. Every year the few gain more amenities and benefits, while the average passenger sees more and more cutbacks and eliminations of what they enjoyed in the past. 

 

And of course, those of you who can easily afford it will defend this new trend and comment on how the rest of us should accept it. That in itself is a form of classism. 

[Homosassa]

19 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

 Not meaning for any disrespect, but I certainly hope they wouldn’t release the seats for the show.  It defeats the whole purpose of paying for the perk.  If you have a reserved section for seat, you should be able to show up right at the beginning or even in the middle of the show if you choose.  
 

Oh, dear!  Wander in in the middle of the show?

This  would smack of the height of entitlement and a complete lack of knowledge of theater etiquette.