$3.95 Service Charge for Room Service starting

[jbrambach]

I have not ordered RS on occation when I didn't have small bills and went down to get my coffee myself; very annoying when you want to sleep in;) That's why I liked when they had you sign for room service with a spot for a gratuity:) They should bring that back.

[kooljamming]

Beginning January 2009 there will be a service charge of $3.95 for room service ordered between 12-5am, this includes the gratuity.

 

Dont shoot the messenger please :o

 

BRAVO, BRAVO......WHY NOT:D. Now RCCL has a nutritionist abroad working to reduce obesity. Maybe one less chance of heart disease and diabetics. Maybe one economically, overweight, person will decide it's really not good for their body to eat after midnight. We are on vacation, who is up before 5 am and ready to eat. An observation, most (not all ) of the people who are willing to stuff food in their mouths after midnight are the ones who shouldn't. In this existing nation, there is a huge obesity problem, which is getting worse. So Bravo, because if you are up eating at midnight you should be dancing you azzzz off, literally:D. Shake it, shake it, shake it, now drop it like it's hot, hold it, hold it , hold it, then move it around! Still not hungry just thirst:D

[Cruiserccl]

WOW! Im ALWAYS up at like 3 in morning and i always order room service at that hour! I always do tip so its only like $.95 so really no big deal! Whats next for RCCL? Come on!

[kooljamming]

WOW! Im ALWAYS up at like 3 in morning and i always order room service at that hour! I always do tip so its only like $.95 so really no big deal! Whats next for RCCL? Come on!

 

Maybe include tips as a part of the cruise price. This will end the debate and people will know you truly can't afford the trip until they can account for the tip. Maybe that will happen in the new Nation of Why Not I have been reading about. They want to change the way people think about cruising, maybe they can start with how they think about tipping....WHY NOT:D

JMOP

[pmshirl]

I have ordered Room Service many times after 2am ( and I am 120lbs, so all people eatting at that time are not Obese) . I usually close the Casino up most nights! I have ordered RS and never received my order!

I wonder if they will start paying me $3.95 for the orders I don't receive!:D

 

Looks like I'll be saving money for RS. I always gave a $5.00 tip!:p

 

Heck I was charged $4.24 for fruit punch in the dining room, whats a few more charges for things!

 

Keep up the Good Work RC.

[JeterND93]

NOOOOOOO! I've never used room service before but I was going to start using it on my cruise on the Freedom!! :mad:

[KelJ]

NOOOOOOO! I've never used room service before but I was going to start using it on my cruise on the Freedom!! :mad:

 

Will this really stop you?

[Yvonne]

At first I thought that would be the end of room service breakfast on the balcony, as I really don't want to pay $3.95 to have food delivered that is already paid for, plus give the crew member who brings it a few dollars. Our bill at the end of the cruise is high enough.

 

But then I saw that it was only from midnight - 5 a.m. We don't order room service during those times, so no problem for us. I wonder why it's such a problem for them to deliver room service during those times, that they would implement a service charge for it.

[mndity]

Beginning January 2009 there will be a service charge of $3.95 for room service ordered between 12-5am, this includes the gratuity.

 

Dont shoot the messenger please :o

 

Heck we usually tip $1 per item we order so we just order 4 or more items!!! Still on a cruise so don't worry be happy!!!

[BobBeaSea]

Thanks for the info Liz, you have quite a pipeline of information across the pond. Even Lynnees didn't have it (yet). To paraphrase Gordon, this is just another Constitutional Ammendent in the Nation of Why Not - I would expect the ammendments to keep on comin'.

:D

[xpcdoojk]

At first I thought that would be the end of room service breakfast on the balcony, as I really don't want to pay $3.95 to have food delivered that is already paid for, plus give the crew member who brings it a few dollars. Our bill at the end of the cruise is high enough.

 

But then I saw that it was only from midnight - 5 a.m. We don't order room service during those times, so no problem for us. I wonder why it's such a problem for them to deliver room service during those times, that they would implement a service charge for it.

 

I am sure that normal cruise passengers (ie adults) order room service in the middle of the night on occassion, but I imagine, that during spring break that the number of these orders increases. I mean think about it a room of teenagers, that can order free food at 2am.....;)

 

jc

[shipshape sam]

Can I see a show of hands for anyone that has ordered room service after midnight and before 5am?

 

jc<---- hand is not raised

 

jc<---- imagines 95% of the food ordered at this time occurs on spring break or summer cruises....:D

 

We have on occasion. When there are still public venues open and for some reasonable time afterwards, I think there should be free access for food whether a small area you go to or room service.

 

For late seating, you don't get finished eating till 10pm to 10:30 pm and you might want a snack after midnight just based on when you finished your dinner.

[DrivesLikeMario]

With all the major price reductions lately, RCI has to make up the money somewhere. I knew this was coming! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[astrohip]

Sounds like the passengers are the ones being unreasonable.

 

When do you think the crew should have some time off? Doesn't midnight to 5 a.m. sound like a time they should get a break and not have to deliver milk and cookies to someone (and may not get a tip to boot)?

Why are we unreasonable? Based on the content of your post, you're not even talking about the small fee, you're talking about no RS at all. And based on the responses in this thread, there are *lots* of people who order in the wee small hours. If they offer, then they offer it. And the crew is not working 24/7. Some do RS during the day, and others work at night.

Come on folks, all that spitefulness does not solve anything. Try to eat as much as you can from 5 a.m. to midnight and let it go!

Ridiculous comment. Eat more now so we don't have to use RS later? I don't think anyone on these cruises is starving :D. They're ordering late night munchies because (1) they can, and (2) they want to.

 

No spitefulness involved. Just a hedonistic cruise way of life.

 

You can't have your cake and eat it, too. Low fares, price reductions, discounts, OBC and no charges to make up for the loss. Then there's smuggled booze, water, soda and heaven knows what else.

 

RCI is a business not a charity!~

No one said else wise. I have -zero- problem with them charging what they want. Heck, I'm in two GS, so I'm sending a bundle their way:eek:. But I am here for me, not them.

 

 

Maybe one economically, overweight, person will decide it's really not good for their body to eat after midnight. We are on vacation, who is up before 5 am and ready to eat.

Totally offensive post (IMHO :D). We can eat what we want, when we want, and how much we want. If we want to kill ourselves by overeating, then so be it. It's not our role to decrease serving hours so someone else will be healthier. That's too Big Brother for me. And if someone is up before 5AM, then who cares. Why would you say "who is up before 5AM?" Why do you care?

 

I'm 160 when wet (male, 5'9"). I know how to manage my eating. I didn't make it to 53 yrs old with a cholesterol of 167 by pigging out at midnight choco buffets. But in this country, I could if I wanted to.

 

I'm trying not to come off to *sshole-ish, but there are way too many posts where people are judging other's lifestyle. We can argue about a 3.95 charge all we want (and really, we've wasted more time than it's worth), but when you drift into telling me how to live my life, I gotta protest.

 

/RANT OFF/

[shipshape sam]

Kinda confused how room service costs any significant money to cruise lines if the food is prepared when ordered ( one has to assume there is not a large number of orders coming in). I would hope they do not have 'club' sandwichs sitting around for someone to order. As to labor, I would assume those individuals could be doing some meaningful work till a room service order comes in. Guess you can argue that a piece of bread not delivery to a passenger at 2:00 am is a few cents saved, but charge them $3.95 ( if that is correct) and it makes cents (pardon the pun).

 

If the number of room service orders is large, that would indicate to me at least, that room service is a wanted amenity by a sufficient number of passengers. If it is small, maybe it is because they make it difficult. I have ordered after midnight and it takes a long time. I personally would prefer a place on ship I could go and get something to eat, but the cruise lines have not provided for that. Those cruise lines that have, for ex being able to get a piece of pizza, cup of coffee would work for most people.

 

If I remember correctly, on the Zuiderdam in 2007 everything closed up and the cruise line made the point to passengers that the only way to get food after a specified time was via room service.

[2112]

So now RCCL is getting yet one step closer to becoming EasyCruise. Folks, get used to it. Changes for turn down service are coming soon along with charges for checking in bags. It all starts with nickel and diming for stuff most people don't care about and slowly snowballs. I wish they would bump up the cruise cost by $50 and stop with the nickel and diming, even if it cost me more in the long run.

[Cruise_Couple]

So now RCCL is getting yet one step closer to becoming EasyCruise. Folks, get used to it. Changes for turn down service are coming soon along with charges for checking in bags. It all starts with nickel and diming for stuff most people don't care about and slowly snowballs. I wish they would bump up the cruise cost by $50 and stop with the nickel and diming, even if it cost me more in the long run.

 

YES!!! Just build it in... quote me a fair cost... then give me a cruise during which I do not have to think about money! Other than alcohol, cruises should be all inclusive at least as far as ship board life is concerned.

[Maraprince]

If there was a venue other than the Promande Cafe open after midnight to get cup of coffee/tea or a light snack without such a limited menu like on other lines, passengers wouldn't find it necessary to order room service. Second sitting passengers barely finish dinner by 10:00 or 10:15 PM. Then they are off to a show, casino or a lounge. Before you know it, it is midnight.

 

There are passengers who take medication who need to eat something with it. Or like one of my cabin mates who rises at 4 AM everday and is not willing to wait until breakfast service starts at 7 am in the buffet area.

 

If passengers are abusing room service during these hours, of course they should be charged an extra fee. What constitutes abuse? Ordering more food that the number of passengers assigned to the cabin. We've seen teenagers at the Promenade Cafe repeatedly go back and order and order and then leave the food untouched on the table just so they can sit with their friends and socialize at the top of their lungs while denying other passengers a space to sit.

 

During the course of a 9-12 day sailing we typically order room service 2 or 3 times max. Usually, we do it if we have a very early tour and are pressed for time in the morning or if we come back late after a tour. We are second sitting and have a diabetic in our group who must eat regularly or else risk medical complications.

 

Don't punish everyone for the sins of the few!

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[abridalmaven]

Can I see a show of hands for anyone that has ordered room service after midnight and before 5am?

 

jc<---- hand is not raised

 

jc<---- imagines 95% of the food ordered at this time occurs on spring break or summer cruises....:D

And I am sure they did not leave a tip either.:eek:

[shipshape sam]

YES!!! Just build it in... quote me a fair cost... then give me a cruise during which I do not have to think about money! Other than alcohol, cruises should be all inclusive at least as far as ship board life is concerned.

 

I too like the thought of inclusive, but not gouged to cover the potential waste. It is a balancing act for cruise lines (businesses)

 

We use to provide a manual with our product. It cost us a fair amount of money to produce and even more to keep updated for each of our customers as we released new versions. We put it on-line and quit providing and had no complaints. Thus, we saved money, but did provide an appropriate alternative.

 

That is the rub to me. They charge for speciality coffee which is fine to me as long as I can get a regular cup, that is going upscale for a fee. Same with Speciality dining (unless as some would swear to that they are dumming down the MDR). Our last cruise the food was very very good in MDR.

 

Guess I am saying, cruise lines do have to continue to, and I think we want them to, review their product offering and update/change as needed. The issue becomes when they change that something that we like personally. For example, I don't care if they got rid of C&A gifts. I am Diamond and leave most of them in the room when we leave. Others anticipate the gifts.

 

What would be interesting is to know a little of how they make decisions on what to change/delete and yes, what to ADD in services/amenities.

[kooljamming]

Why are we unreasonable? Based on the content of your post, you're not even talking about the small fee, you're talking about no RS at all. And based on the responses in this thread, there are *lots* of people who order in the wee small hours. If they offer, then they offer it. And the crew is not working 24/7. Some do RS during the day, and others work at night.

 

Ridiculous comment. Eat more now so we don't have to use RS later? I don't think anyone on these cruises is starving :D. They're ordering late night munchies because (1) they can, and (2) they want to.

 

No spitefulness involved. Just a hedonistic cruise way of life.

 

 

No one said else wise. I have -zero- problem with them charging what they want. Heck, I'm in two GS, so I'm sending a bundle their way:eek:. But I am here for me, not them.

 

 

 

Totally offensive post (IMHO :D). We can eat what we want, when we want, and how much we want. If we want to kill ourselves by overeating, then so be it. It's not our role to decrease serving hours so someone else will be healthier. That's too Big Brother for me. And if someone is up before 5AM, then who cares. Why would you say "who is up before 5AM?" Why do you care?

 

I'm 160 when wet (male, 5'9"). I know how to manage my eating. I didn't make it to 53 yrs old with a cholesterol of 167 by pigging out at midnight choco buffets. But in this country, I could if I wanted to.

 

I'm trying not to come off to *sshole-ish, but there are way too many posts where people are judging other's lifestyle. We can argue about a 3.95 charge all we want (and really, we've wasted more time than it's worth), but when you drift into telling me how to live my life, I gotta protest.

 

/RANT OFF/

 

A big harsh but none the less the truth. I don't agree about killing ourselves by over eating is OK. Maybe big brother but in the real world there are changes in the way food is sold and prepared to address this problem. Obesity in American is NOT an individual problem but a national one. Schools no longer provide certain snacks. A country with a questionable health care system but raging rate of heart disease and diabetics, as a result of obesity is not good, in my opinion. I mistakenly thought most people are sound asleep at 5 in the morning...my bad:D

[CruisesOnMyMind]

So now RCCL is getting yet one step closer to becoming EasyCruise. Folks, get used to it. Changes for turn down service are coming soon along with charges for checking in bags. It all starts with nickel and diming for stuff most people don't care about and slowly snowballs. I wish they would bump up the cruise cost by $50 and stop with the nickel and diming, even if it cost me more in the long run.

 

I hope it would not be to the extreme of EasyCruise. However I would rather keep the initital price low and then I get to choose the extras I want to pay for over and above.

The late night charges for room service also does not fit into my schedule so no a big deal for me.

 

YES!!! Just build it in... quote me a fair cost... then give me a cruise during which I do not have to think about money! Other than alcohol, cruises should be all inclusive at least as far as ship board life is concerned.

 

Is this not what RCCL started out with all being built in, now are starting to add extra charges on top. If we went with a fair cost again (of course it would be higher) to include all, it would only take another year or two to have them start adding on extras again on top of that.

[shipshape sam]

A big harsh but none the less the truth. I don't agree about killing ourselves by over eating is OK. Maybe big brother but in the real world there are changes in the way food is sold and prepared to address this problem. Obesity in American is NOT an individual problem but a national one. Schools no longer provide certain snacks. A country with a questionable health care system but raging rate of heart disease and diabetics, as a result of obesity is not good, in my opinion. I mistakenly thought most people are sound asleep at 5 in the morning...my bad:D

 

Yeah, but so is stupidity a national problem. And there are a lot of poor people also. I am not sure the policy (if it is implemented )is in place because people are fat or just because obesity is rampant in the US that makes for a good policy change by the cruise line.

 

They are not my parents. Surely you don't want the cruise lines to implement a policy to make sure you are in bed by 10:00pm so you get a good nights sleep and up early for that mmmmmmmmmmm good breakfast to start your day and your daily walk on the pool deck? :)

[xpcdoojk]

A big harsh but none the less the truth. I don't agree about killing ourselves by over eating is OK. Maybe big brother but in the real world there are changes in the way food is sold and prepared to address this problem. Obesity in American is NOT an individual problem but a national one. Schools no longer provide certain snacks. A country with a questionable health care system but raging rate of heart disease and diabetics, as a result of obesity is not good, in my opinion. I mistakenly thought most people are sound asleep at 5 in the morning...my bad:D

 

And yet life expectancy is increasing in the USA.... not that this has anything at all to do with this thread. So basically we can accurately edit this post down to most people are asleep at 5 in the morning, and remove the remaining goobly gook? I am sure you agree. ;)

 

jc

[madforcruising]

And yet life expectancy is increasing in the USA.... not that this has anything at all to do with this thread. So basically we can accurately edit this post down to most people are asleep at 5 in the morning, and remove the remaining goobly gook? I am sure you agree. ;)

 

jc

 

 

I agree jc,

or as kooljamming loves it so much just say "WHY NOT" mind your own business;):p:D