R.C.C.L Respond To Immersion Crisis, Please

[CruzinCruzan]

I guess this will depend on the passenger mix. If 80% of the passengers are from Japan, they would have a case for making it a Japanese emmersion. The liklihood is that this cruise will be so popular internationally that no one country will dominate.

 

 

This cruise has been sold out! And so they know the percentage of the nationalities on board at present...still not an Asian immersion for the 14 night cruises departing from Shanghai, China to Singapore and vice versa...BTW these specific cruises do not go to Japan...

 

That does not mean that there will not be Japanese cruisers on board. We have found that the Japanese are in fact avid travelers and are embracing the cruising culture....

[pjbrock]

I deeply resent being changed to an immersion cruise. I booked well in advance to reap a great rate and no fuel supplement and now they have changed to an immersion cruise in Spanish. Who wants to go and not be able to understand the shows etc, It seems that a rate adjustment should be offfered on a similar cruise in English - so we would get the early booking -no fuel supplement rate., which is what I had originally booked. They have been holding my deposit all this time. Seems like a way to get more money for what they have already sold - Will probably cancel and look to change to other lines in the future. We had cruised RCCL almost exclusively but if they don't want my business-why give it to them?

[abridalmaven]

Forging?

Now, Now, I got a slap on the wrist because I questioned the same word. I guess we are supposed to know if is foreign, which is a big leap.:rolleyes:

[Mark_K]

 

Thank you for your reply, but If you read my opening comments you will see that I was referring to cruises on the Independence this year from Southampton, As Ive read too much ballsh.t this thread and others, in fact all the comments did come through the horses mouth so to speak from paying passengers that have already cruised on the Independence, as I stated fact not fiction

The horse's mouth about future plans would be Royal Caribbean. All you are relating is the experiences of those who have already cruised from one port on one ship. This doesn't necessarily say a lot about what RCI's general "immersion" policies will be going forward.

[ddean52]

I look forward to hearing RCCL's plan!:)

[paintedduck]

for those who say i should expect a ship to be filled with passengers from the home port area.....on our empress sailing out of san juan, the captain named the number of pax from each country....90% of the pax were continental U.S. americans, canadians, and brits. of the remaining 10%, only a dozen were from puerto rico. yeah, i know puerto ricans are americans...the captain (RCI) made the differentation.

 

stupid me for thinking (back in december) the first southern caribe vision OTS sailing out of santo domingo following the repositioning canal transit from LA might be similar.

 

thanks for all the good advice to "just get over it". we did, we just cancelled the second portion of our back2back. we do wish RCI had made their decision before we booked air home from santo domingo (booked just a couple weeks ago). it was costly to change.

 

happy sailing to everyone, as there are plenty of choices for us all!

[Hflors]

Just got off the phone with RCCL Reservations. Asked if my upcoming Bermuda cruise was an "immersion" Answer" NO! Thank goodness.

The rep said RCCl has a desk set up to help people affected by this "Immersion" and they are dealing with problems on a case by case basis.

I was just interested if anyone has called (that has been affected) and what RCCL's response was.

 

I even called Celebrity and checked on my upcoming cruise with them. The rep didn't know what I was talking about by "Immersion"

[jzygail]

I guess I'm outvoted, but I still see it as a very poor analogy, because RCI does not appear to have changed anything that was explicitly agreed upon. There is no specific menu or specific entertainment agreed upon, when you book a cruise, so this change doesn't really compare well to a case where you specifically agree on hardwood floors and they change it to laminate . . .

 

If it helps, I don't totally disagree with you, and I wrote it. It's not a perfect analogy, and I will willingly admit that (and my apologies for disappearing during the busiest posting times--I work night shift so my hours online tend to be more like those in the UK than in the US, although there, too, it's an imperfect match :D )

 

I think it works in that to the perspective of those who've been affected by the change after they've paid big money for a cruise, is that it feels like the same thing to them. Agreed that RCI has the disclosure statements and all, but after a long period of operating one way, a sudden change up is inevitably going to cause consternation and dismay in those affected. And clearly RCI understood this, or they'd not have contacted travelers personally about it. The same act that shows that they are *trying* to act in good faith (and I do believe that, btw), also demonstrates that they acknowledge that their previous practice *has* created a situation of a perceived product being switched for another that may appear inferior to that which was paid for.

 

I find myself sympathetic to both sides and if I'm honest, the idea of an immersion cruise sounds like a blast to me. But that doesn't mean I don't see how others might not.

 

I don't really have a side in this; I'm playing the part of Switzerland. Or maybe just troublemaker :D

[Ephraim]

If I booked a room at some american chain hotel in Japan, yes I would expect that enough english would be spoken by the front desk folks so that I would be able to pay my bill and ask directions!

On the other hand, If I did a train tour accrose Europe, I would have almost zero expectation, of anything other than the cultures, customs..etc of the country I was visiting! Please , lets not forget where the majority of rccl's traditional income comes from! This fact may bother you but a fact is a fact

 

Exactly. And RCI is saying that English is the second language on the ship, just not the first.... exactly as that you would expect at that hotel in Japan.

 

Traditional is exactly the problem when that income starts to dry up. This wouldn't be necessary if Americans were filling the ships, but they aren't. Asking a company to lose money isn't a reality.

[travel guy]

If you want a U.S. experience then please travel within the U.S.

 

Otherwise it is a big world out there with people like you and me who really aren't scary! As I have traveled to different parts of the world it has opened my eyes to many things. There really isn't much difference between people other than languages and cultures. It also has made me realize how fortunate we are living in the U.S.

 

Our country would be even greater if more of us traveled and experienced the world. So-called "enemies" would become friends. (except for the most extreme nuts who use religion as an excuse to murder people)

[aloha of the seas]

Just got off the Rhapsody's repositioning from Shanhai to Seattle. We had stops in South Korea and 2 ports in Japan where one third of our passengers left the ship. The casino removed the craps table in lieu of more bacarat tables for the Asian players. The game room was converted into a High Rollers room which was closed once we left Japan. The menu in the dining room had 4 entrees of which at least 3 had an Asian flavor every night of the 17 day cruise. In addition the menu also had an Asian selection which duplicated one of the entrees. Even the Windjammer had a large amount of Asian selections. Nobody told me that there would be this much Asian influence. I understand we are starting in Asia, but we are going to Alaska. we did not even have Baked Alaska for desert on this cruise.

 

After we left Japan there were some Asians onboard, but the largest groups were aussies, kiwis, brits, yanks and canadians. I do not think they were catering to there passengers.

[abridalmaven]

7 years ago we did not have Baked Alaska either.:eek:

[jzygail]

7 years ago we did not have Baked Alaska either.:eek:

 

The only time I've ever had Baked Alaska was on a ski trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Maybe if I cruise from Asia to Alaska, I can get wienerschnitzel and Black Forest cake. ;)

[I LOVE SUITES]

The horse's mouth about future plans would be Royal Caribbean. All you are relating is the experiences of those who have already cruised from one port on one ship. This doesn't necessarily say a lot about what RCI's general "immersion" policies will be going forward.

 

The point I was making was quite simple, Instead of reading a lot of rubbish on this thread and others about my forthcoming cruise, I spoke to passengers that have already sailed on the Independence, so from the horses mouth perspective I got all the answers that I required without the hysteria and mis information and informed everyone that was sailing on the Independence this year from Southampton through my post.

 

As for RCI's "Immersion" cruises policies lets just wait and see what information comes from the horses mouth instead of second guessing.

[I LOVE SUITES]

We are sailing on the Jewel June 4 to the Baltics. Based on our "roll call" or lack there of, I expect the ship is filled with large portion of Europeans. While this is not an immersion cruise, I would NOT be upset if it was. Little background - this is our 25th cruise, 5th (2 Transatlanitcs and 2 Meds) from a foreign port. Sailng out of Venice listening to the Italian music of Andrea Bocelli was and experience of a lifetime. When I sail out of a foreign port, I expect the meshing of many cultures, immersion cruise or not. It's what makes life exciting and opens us up to new experiences. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have these adventures, we should seize the day.

 

Passengers now on immersion cruises sailing out of the UK are worried about not having the same cruising experience. They're worried about language - people from England speak English. They're worried about entertainment - most every cruise I've been on has had international entertainmet and is usually very good. They're worried about the type and quality of food - I'm sure there will be choices (anything would be an improvement over the American offerings we had on the Explorer in January). They're worried about smoking - have you tried gambling in the casino on a Voyages class ship.

 

I'm going to get flamed for this but, GET OVER IT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Well put, enjoy your cruise.

[I LOVE SUITES]

29 days!!

 

Dean and Alice enjoy your cruise in 29 days, I look forward to reading your post about your experiences on board an Immersion Cruise. :)

[thecruisechick]

:D Go with an open mind and you may very well enjoy yourself, unless of course you really don't want to enjoy yourself. It's really about what cruising throughout Europe is about, new cultures, customs and food. Have fun! :D

 

Read this: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2619

[cruisePRN]

:D Go with an open mind and you may very well enjoy yourself, unless of course you really don't want to enjoy yourself. It's really about what cruising throughout Europe is about, new cultures, customs and food. Have fun! :D

 

Read this: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2619

 

only if you understand the language or learning doesn't happen :eek:

[fourel]

I love your answer. This is the first time I've encountered this type of cruise and it has made me curious. A total reversal experience. I hope that someday I can enjoy an immersion cruise.

[bktx1]

Especially a British one. I am looking for a U.S. departure for a British immersion cruise. What could be better. . . fantastic ship, British ale, Indian curry, and a refined culture? Especially the British ale . . .

[jkwmarin]

We are first time cruisers with RCCL, but we have cruised with other lines. Our very experienced cruise agent knew nothing about the Feb. 28, 2009, Asia cruise with RCCL being an "immersion" cruise when we booked with her as well as booking airline tickets. She was later informed by RCCL that the cruise in question was being aimed towards Asian citizens since it was leaving from Singapore and ending in Shanghai. She then called us to find out what we wanted to do. We felt that such a cruise might be weighted too much in favor of Asian travelers and not aimed at a truly international client base. Certainly the cruise line can market their cruises as they see fit. But they are obligated to keep their independent cruise agents, and by extension, cruise purchasers informed about key aspects of such cruises. We chose to cancel the Feb. 28th, 2009 cruise once we heard of the news. Since we canceled the cruise and also the plane tickets we had to pay a $500. penalty to the airline for the cancellation. Since this all occurred we were contacted by an RCCL representative who asked that we reconsider and led us to believe that the cruise was not now being marketed specifically to Asian passengers and that he would make some efforts on our behalf to get us back as passengers and "maybe" refund our $500. air cancellation fees. He also inferred that there might be some other perks involved to get us back on board. It would be interesting to note if others on this site have had similar experiences with calls from RCCL to encourage them to reconsider. We are still thinking about it.

[cruisePRN]

We are first time cruisers with RCCL, but we have cruised with other lines. Our very experienced cruise agent knew nothing about the Feb. 28, 2009, Asia cruise with RCCL being an "immersion" cruise when we booked with her as well as booking airline tickets. She was later informed by RCCL that the cruise in question was being aimed towards Asian citizens since it was leaving from Singapore and ending in Shanghai. She then called us to find out what we wanted to do. We felt that such a cruise might be weighted too much in favor of Asian travelers and not aimed at a truly international client base. Certainly the cruise line can market their cruises as they see fit. But they are obligated to keep their independent cruise agents, and by extension, cruise purchasers informed about key aspects of such cruises. We chose to cancel the Feb. 28th, 2009 cruise once we heard of the news. Since we canceled the cruise and also the plane tickets we had to pay a $500. penalty to the airline for the cancellation. Since this all occurred we were contacted by an RCCL representative who asked that we reconsider and led us to believe that the cruise was not now being marketed specifically to Asian passengers and that he would make some efforts on our behalf to get us back as passengers and "maybe" refund our $500. air cancellation fees. He also inferred that there might be some other perks involved to get us back on board. It would be interesting to note if others on this site have had similar experiences with calls from RCCL to encourage them to reconsider. We are still thinking about it.

 

I think you did the right thing. If you're so torn about a cruise then don't go, it should be something you can't wait to do. You spoke with your wallet and your feet, that's admirable. I'm doing asia in Jan 2009 only a month sooner then your cruise on Azamara, an RCL product. see if they'll move you over to that sailing which they say is NOT an immersion cruise.

[Ms Understood]

JKW The 2/28/09 trip is the cruise we are booked on. We got the phone call about it being an imersion cruise. Intended to cancel but waited a bit to really think about it. We could not find another one with this great itinerary so decided to stick with it and hope for the best.

Now we are being told "just kidding about that imersion thing,"only the short cruises from here will be imersion cruises. Will be very intersted to find out what incentives they offer you to come back.

[editor@cruisecritic]

Interesting point Ms. U. I checked in with Royal Caribbean again today about Raymond Reeves' cruise (he opted out of the 2/28 trip, no bonuses offered and plus he just didn't want an immersion cruise). So the word I got today completely ignored my direct question: was his long cruise on 2/28 an immersion? and why did the RCI Web site not refer to it as such -- and was told just shorter than a week cruises qualify as "immersions". The 2/28 Asia cruise wasn't mentioned.

 

I'm thinking that RCI is in the midst of an internal firestorm and trying to figure things out. Anticipate changes (they've already backed away from Indy immersions) -- keep posting here and we'll keep up with news items as necessary.

 

Thanks.

 

Carolyn

 

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

 

JKW The 2/28/09 trip is the cruise we are booked on. We got the phone call about it being an imersion cruise. Intended to cancel but waited a bit to really think about it. We could not find another one with this great itinerary so decided to stick with it and hope for the best.

Now we are being told "just kidding about that imersion thing,"only the short cruises from here will be imersion cruises. Will be very intersted to find out what incentives they offer you to come back.

[bikn4fn]

This may be a "dumb" question, but what is an immersion cruise? I've been reading the posts here, but can't seem to make the connection.

 

Thanks