Royal Caribbean Dropping 7-8 Day Cruises to Bermuda

[RichNY]

[quote name='tinker']I myself would love to hear them say "that due to all the complaints they have gotten in regard changing the Bermuda itinerary to 5 nights, they are proud to announce that the Empress of the Seas AND the Enchantment will be doing 8 night cruises to Bermuda for the 2006 season!!!!"[/QUOTE]
Amen

[logcabin]

My wife and I went to Bermuda last year on the Empress. Our deciding factor was the balcony. At the time, it was the only ship going to Bermuda with balconies. I know some people find them a waste of time on the Bermuda trip. However, my fondest memories of Bermuda were sitting on our balcony late at night after returning from sightseeing all day. Just me and my wife enjoying the ocean air, a cold beer and a few snacks. It was beautiful. I also enjoyed Kings Warf much more then Hamilton. Much more peaceful, slower pace, etc. Hamilton, although beautiful, was loud, crowded, expensive and not at all peaceful. We won't go back to Bermuda on a 5 day sailing nor without a balcony room. I guess we won't be going back there. Unless, of course, RCCL is listening. Hint, Hint....

Please bring back the Empress......

[Imagolfnut]

I certainly was hoping for a better reply, but at least I got one! I'm sure hoping that RCCL rethinks their deployment of ships and gives us back a 7/8 day Bermuda cruise. There's way too many ships in the Caribbean as far as I'm concerned. But, I guess if they'll let us interchange our member benefits between lines, that's better than nothing. But I still want a RCCL 7-8 day cruise back.

Marge

[Host Kewlguy]

We are only sailing on Celebrity in 2005 to Bermuda because Empress is no longer going there. Bayonne is only 20 minutes from where we live and yet we have no interest in booking an overpriced 4 1/2 day (34 hours in port) cruise to Bermuda on Voyager. It's obvious to me from the letter you received RCC is steering us in Celebrity's direction for our Bermuda "fix." Since they moved Zenith to Bayonne in 2005 they felt having the Empress also going there would hurt Celebrity's business. Plus remember the cruise lines lose a lot of money staying in Bermuda for an extended period of time since they cannot open up the casino's as well as the shops while docked in port. This is not an issue on a Caribbean itinerary when you are at sea every night. Again it's always about "the bottom line" with corporations. Tony

[CRUZINFOOL]

I happened on this thread today and managed to read it all. That was a lot of catching up to do. But it was worth the effort. I appreciate all that you all have written. I was surprised to find so many others with the same impressions about the RCCL changes to the Bermuda cruise
Ginger and I enjoyed our 8 day cruise to Bermuda on the Empress last year probably more than any other cruise we've been on. We've been on 23 cruises to Bermuda and the caribbean, the majority of these to Bermuda. It goes without saying that we are extremely disappointed that RCCL removed the Empress from this itinerary. We agree that a 5 day cruise on the Voyager is not a good match for Bermuda. We haven't cruised on any of the Voyager class ships yet, but are looking forward trying one in the near future (but not to Bermuda on a 5 day trip). I wouldn't look forward to arriving at the Dockyard with 3000 other passengers, so RCCL won't have our Bermuda business until they get back to 7 and 8 day cruise
BTW, the new and expanding ferry fleet has made the stay at the Dockyard much more convenient and enjoyable. We use mopeds to get around the west end and the south shore beaches some times.
I suppose I should send an e-mail to Royal Caribbeans customer relations, but it appears the the response, if any, would be totally generic.
We like the idea that they may return to 7 day cruises in 2006, but can't wait that long. It will be back to Celebrity or Norwegian this year.

[bUU]

If you actually feel strongly about the issue, show it by sending a paper letter. Companies receive emails a-plenty, and recognize the relatively small investment someone needs to make in order to send one.

[tinker]

Cruzinfool,
I don't think RCCL realizes just how many people loved the Empress to Bermuda cruises who are just like us who feel it was the best vacation we have ever exzperienced. Everything about our cruise was perfect from having 8 nights in Bermuda, the ship itself, an outstanding crew, wonderful service and everyone on the ship agreed and thus a small and utterly happy group.
(I also cringe at the thought of getting on and off a huge ship with 3,000 passengers and even my love for Bermuda would not convince me to book).

I am sure their main goal was to bring more itineraries to the northeast and that is a good thing and it seems they are concentrating more on the 9 day itineraries that the Voyager and Grandeur will be doing in between the 5 day Bermuda cruises. We would consider the 9 day but again, 5 days in Bermuda is just not feasable.

I too need to take Bicker's advice and write a letter and maybe the more letters they recieve, the less generic the responses will become.

[bUU]

My understanding is that cost was a major consideration: Bermuda has in recent years grealy increased the cost of days spent at its ports. As such, longer cruises would either have had to increase in price, commensurately, or become less profitable. Also, I know that I would never consider an 8 or 9 day cruise to Bermuda, but may consider a 5 day cruise, so they could be serving a previously underserved market.

[littlej]

I realize this thread may be a little out of date, but I just found it today. Last week we booked a 5-day to Bermuda on VOS. I've been on a RCCL 7-day to Bermuda 15 years ago, and was very young, but always wanted to go back. Let me tell you, if I had known that they discontinued the 7 and 8-day cruises, I probably would not have booked this one, for the very reasons you discussed. I don't want to give the company the impression that I condone their decision. Only reason I did book this short one was because of the great sale price I found. Definitely would not have paid top dollar for it.

I'm afraid that most people who are "voting with their wallets" and booking the 5-day probably don't know about this development. I wish I had known.:mad:

[tinker]

I am glad to see this topic revisited as I would LOVE nothing other than to book another 8 night for 2006.

Has anyone heard anything about RC's plans for 2006?

[msts]

We were told by the Captian on our NOS cruise Jan 2005 that Royal Caribbean will be doing the seven days cruises and the Celebrity would be seven day and longer cruises. Don't believe that RCI will be doing away with the eleven day Caribbean and 11 Day Southern Caribbean on Empress.

msts

[CruisFran]

Pashaparents!! We were on the Empress 8 nighter last May. Would have re-booked IMMEDIATELY while on-board...but we're told the Empress would NOT be sailing to Bermuda this year....big time BUMMA!!

Now...we are truly hoping RCCL "RETURNS" the Empress for the Bermuda run in 2006. Having done 14 Bermuda cruises, 4 on the Nordic/Empress on the Seas, we can say the 8 nighter was the BEST of them all....all 3 ports, and an extra day in Bermuda...can't beat that combo!!!

VOS is no doubt a nice ship....but 5 night cruise, with only 1 night IN Bermuda!!...NO WAY!!

Hope RCCL reads these boards..and gets the message!!!!!!

[tinker]

We feel EXACTLY the same way CruisFran after our first 8 night on the Empress this past October. It couldn't have been more perfect.

We would have booked immediately also and now considering the October 1 Zenith or Horizon but may opt out for a land vacation this year as not completely sold on Celebrity and new pricing policy.

My dream would be an 8 night on the new and improved Enchantment of the Seas!!

<hint, hint> RC.

[CruisFran]

Boy, we cruise/Bermuda lovers are quite passionate aren't we!!?...LOL

Enchantment 8 night would be cool...but, because of her size, I bet she would be limited to an entire stay at Kings Wharf, she would not be able to dock in Hamilton, or get through the Town Cut in St. George!

[euphscott]

Well - let me try to explain myself as an "ignornant" or "uninformed" vacationer. This is the perfect vacation (VOS out of NJ to Bermuda for 5) for us. Being early in our 30's my wife and I are not far along enough in our careers for loads of vacation time. So, the weeklong vacation twice a year is about as much as we can handle.

That said, we live in Texas and have never been to NYC or Bermuda. We have also wanted to sail on a Voyager class ship. So, for us, this is a perfect confluence of vacation items. We will spend 3 days in NYC playing tourist prior to the cruise. We will have the opportunity to see a Voyager class ship, and visit Bermuda all in one reasonably economical vacation.

So, yes, I am willingly buying a cruise vacation that is clearly substandard for some, but for others of us - it's perfect.

While I feel bad that a handful of you have lost your personal favorite, it's hardly the end of the world and the changing landscape of travel is not out to get you. The change is economic in nature. Don't ever forget that cruise lines exist solely for the almighty dollar. While it's nice to talk about customer service and a company looking to please it's customers, if the profit is in a different direction than some of it's loyal following, they will shift. And just doing the math in my head, sending VOS on shorter calls probably is a much larger profit center than a much smaller ship in the Empress for example. Follow the dollar...and enjoy your alternatives!

[bUU]

I don't think the change is only a reflection of a change in what customers want, but also reflects a change in how much Bermuda charges to make port there! :)

[Charles4515]

[quote name='euphscott']perfect confluence of vacation items. We will spend 3 days in NYC playing tourist prior to the cruise. We will have the opportunity to see a Voyager class ship, and visit Bermuda all in one reasonably economical vacation.

So, yes, I am willingly buying a cruise vacation that is clearly substandard for some, but for others of us - it's perfect.

shift. And just doing the math in my head, sending VOS on shorter calls probably is a much larger profit center than a much smaller ship in the Empress for example. Follow the dollar...and enjoy your alternatives![/QUOTE]

I have been to Bermuda several times. Also been on Voyager class a few times. Sure you will be seeing New York and spending a few days on a Voyager class ship but the port stop in Bermuda is a very poor. Kings Wharf is not the Bermuda I am interested in. They built some stuff there for cruise ship passengers. It is worth a couple hours of time to see the Maritime museum and that is it. St. George and Hamilton are the only ports I want to go to in Bermuda. The Voyager cruise to Bermuda is pathetic. If I book Bermuda this year it will be on NCL Crown if the Zenith is to high. heck, flying to Bermuda would a lot better than wasting time on a cruise to the Dockyard.

[euphscott]

Well - again - some of you may find King's Wharf as "pathetic" (Bermuda tourism board won't be calling any time soon..) but for a first time visitor to Bermuda it will be perfect. And while it's nice to please everyone, it cannot (and will not happen).

As for seeing the other ports - I commute further than the distance to those ports from King's Wharf on a daily basis. I suspect I can make my way and salvage my vacation! :)

[Charles4515]

[quote name='euphscott']Well - again - some of you may find King's Wharf as "pathetic" (Bermuda tourism board won't be calling any time soon..) but for a first time visitor to Bermuda it will be perfect. And while it's nice to please everyone, it cannot (and will not happen).

As for seeing the other ports - I commute further than the distance to those ports from King's Wharf on a daily basis. I suspect I can make my way and salvage my vacation! :)[/QUOTE]

I did not say King's Wharf was pathetic. I said the Voyager cruise to Bermuda is pathetic. That is because it is so short and docks at the the port that is the lessor of the three. The Voyager itself is a very good shop. I just think the itinerary is poor.

There is stuff at the Dockyard and it is not pathetic just kind of touristy. The Maritime Museum though is very good. I heard the snorkel park has reopened. Also you can take a bus to the South Shore beaches. Horseshoe Bay is wonderfull. You could also take a the ferry to Hamilton. I think you can make your way. But it is far from perfect for a first time visitor. The NCL Crown itinerary is the perfect one for the first time visitor since it does all three ports, St. George, Hamilton and Dockyard.

[abridalmaven]

When we went to Bermuda a few years ago we were next to the X ships. They look like tankers to me and you could not pay me to go one. Now before I get jumped all over my son did Alaska 2 weeks before we did he was on a X ship, we were on RCI. It was his honeymoon. He was bored to death ( and coming from a honeymooner that is really saying something) and we had a ball. We compared videos and he said he will never do an X ship again, and he also said the food is overhyped, they ate in port as much as possible, that anyhere they ate on land was better. So to each their own.

But I do wish the Voyager would stay longer than 34 hours. The Kings wharf did not bother me, it IS a SMALL island. The Empress is a nice ship, but I like the bigger ones better.

[tinker]

Gee, I really don't want to see this thread turn sour.
As they say, To each his own, and ANY cruise is a great cruise. Each and every ship, itinerary and cruiser's situation are different and bickering gets us nowhere.
Those of us who have been to Bermuda mostly agree that only having 36 hours there is not our preference but for those who have never been there, any amount of time on this beautiful island is to be cherished.
THEN, they too will be like us and clammering for MORE, MORE, MORE.

So lets be nice, happy cruising to all not matter what you choose and enjoy each and every minute of it!

[AuntieBon]

[quote name='tinker']Gee, I really don't want to see this thread turn sour.
As they say, To each his own, and ANY cruise is a great cruise. Each and every ship, itinerary and cruiser's situation are different and bickering gets us nowhere.
Those of us who have been to Bermuda mostly agree that only having 36 hours there is not our preference but for those who have never been there, any amount of time on this beautiful island is to be cherished.
THEN, they too will be like us and clammering for MORE, MORE, MORE.

So lets be nice, happy cruising to all not matter what you choose and enjoy each and every minute of it![/QUOTE]


Here Here!

[Imagolfnut]

I guess if the larger ships could fit in the ports and stay longer, we'd all be happy. But, Bermuda being the small beautiful island that she is just can't handle the mega ships - and probably doesn't want to. I still shudder at the thought of 3000 people descending on the Wharf at one time and clambering to spread out over that tiny island!! I think there's major risk of getting trampled!! OUch!

I guess I'm just spoiled. I've been to Bermuda many times - all on smaller ships and for 7 days (Song of America, Nordic Empress, Horizon, and the renovated Empress). Each was comfortable, and friendly, and could stay in all three ports. This thread got started because those of us who experienced the 8-day sail to Bermuda, with a whole extra day to spend on that beautiful island, would just love to have the opportunity to do it again! The longer the stay in Bermuda, the better!!! It doesn't even have to be RCCL; just somebody give us back that extra day in Bermuda!

Sorry - 5 day Voyager just doesn't cut the mustard!!

I am so hoping that in 2006 one of the cruise lines will hear our plea!! In the meantime, I just might have to become a landlubber; though I have to admit I'm reconsidering the Zenith - anything to get me back to Bermuda - but definitely NOT VOYAGER for a 36 hour stay (definitely not cost effective).

For you first time Bermuda cruisers going on the 5-day Voyager, I guarantee that once you get a taste of Bermuda, you won't be satisfied with an over-nighter unless you just enjoy the experience of being onboard ship and don't care how long you're in port!

I'm still a "destination" person and the ship is my mode of transportation. My brothers are the other way around - they love the "ship experience" and couldn't give a hoot about where it goes or for how long. To each his own!

Me - I just want my 8-day Bermuda cruise back!

PS - By the way, I find Kings Wharf delightful - and it's very easy to get to Beaches or other parts of the island from there via taxi, bus, or ferry! The new snorkel park is nice, and we had a great time parasailing - both just a short walk from the ship.

[tinker]

Has anyone seen or heard any of RC's intineraries for Bermuda in 2006?

[BobMartha]

I am interested as well - hoping that RC is going there in 2006 - and yes longer the 5 days. If anyone heas heard any "inside info"...please share!!!!!

With Celebrity selling off one of their ships - Horizon I believe - which sailed their every summer and raddisson is not sailing there in 06...there would appear to be a lot of open "slots" for ships.....