Will My Dad Ever Want To Cruise Again?

[parddr]

I was on FOS last June. I would not have been happy if someone had come to me and said you have to move. If those chairs are now reserved for Suite people, let them sit on their Suite balconies.

[MaryZ]

If those chairs are now reserved for Suite people, let them sit on their Suite balconies.

 

Maybe inside cabin passengers should sit on their beds and look at the wall from noon to 2pm each day.

 

This way, the pool deck isn't so crowded with people wanting some sunlight.

 

Then they won't have to rope off chairs for suite guests.

[aloha43]

I was on FOS last June. I would not have been happy if someone had come to me and said you have to move. If those chairs are now reserved for Suite people, let them sit on their Suite balconies.

 

Now that was a really nice thing to say. :mad:

 

Sounds like someone is really jealous.

[kaylorcc]

any of you consider that suite guests are afraid or leary of sitting in these seats because of the scrutiny others put upon them. Everyone is there for the same reason R&R. Do you want to sit where others could be hostile towards you? I have a suite booked and if I am near the pool, believe me it will be in the roped off area. If only based on principle alone, I will do it for those that are afraid to.

 

Oh my. What a brave, brave soul you are. :rolleyes:

 

Seriously, folks. A little less hyperbole goes a long way.

[PandemoniumPrincess]

 

I don't know when these perks started, but we sailed spring break on the voyager and didn't actually notice the perks until about the 2-3 night in. We had to sit up top in the theatre that night because we were late getting to the show, thats where the reserved seats were, in the middle, but RIGHT at the top about 3 rows were reserved. It wasn't where I would have chosen to sit, anyway since they remained empty, probably cause every one was down at the front they opened them up and all the late late comers sat in these supposidly awesome seats reserved for suite people. The teirs at the pool were sectioned off with a nice VIP sign, but they also remained empty for most of the time we walked by, a few more people in the afternoon. I suppose it is so they can see the pool "shows". I haven't sat there before so I don't know if they have a good view I just lean over the balcony at the top, I prefer to sit at the very top by the stacks so I can go sun, shade, sun shade as I please, not to mention it is empty up there and I can read in peace. As far as the Ice show, again not the best seats, at the far corner over on the side, I would prefer to be on the end that way you get head on view of show, although the place is so small I'm sure you can see it wherever you are.

 

PS, how long does one have to sit in a chair to be considered a chair hog? and how does anyone know how long you have been there. It isn't like they mark your tires with chalk like they do for parking...:D Just curious....

[RetireeWannabee]

some of the posts are getting ugly and since i had a few opinions posted here i wanted to let the suite folks know that im not upset with them personally whatsoever and do not think they are rich snobs. Im not looking down at people who book suites and take advantage of the extras that come with them. Its the cruise line im upset with for taking public areas and reserving them for specific class passengers.

ditto!

[RetireeWannabee]

PS, how long does one have to sit in a chair to be considered a chair hog? and how does anyone know how long you have been there. It isn't like they mark your tires with chalk like they do for parking...:D Just curious....

It's the not sitting in the chair that makes you a hog - taking something so that no one else can use it. If you are in the chair, you are not a hog.

 

I think the rule is 30 minutes of unattended chair but it's really the hours of Stuff sitting on a chair preventing A Person from occupying it that qualifies as HOGGING.

[rubrrick]

I was on FOS last June. I would not have been happy if someone had come to me and said you have to move. If those chairs are now reserved for Suite people, let them sit on their Suite balconies.

 

 

Sad to say that I don't know whether this poster meant the statement to be a joke (with so few posts, I can't guess)......or just a very bad slam!

 

There is not a suite available that does not have an overhang..........at least none that I'm aware of. Oh......wait.......I think that the Presidential suites.......and the Royal Family Suites can have nice sun!!

 

But, for most of the "minor suites" like the RS and all of the OS's and GS's are all shaded.

 

So, maybe, this poster was just referring to the Presidential Suite.

 

Maybe this poster can elaborate!

 

Rick

[PandemoniumPrincess]

It's the not sitting in the chair that makes you a hog - taking something so that no one else can use it. If you are in the chair, you are not a hog.

 

I think the rule is 30 minutes of unattended chair but it's really the hours of Stuff sitting on a chair preventing A Person from occupying it that qualifies as HOGGING.

 

 

Ahhh thanks.. that makes more sense now.

[NJCruiseGal32]

I know it may not seem like that big of a deal to you and im sure many others. But every cruise we have been on they have sat on the second row (tear thing) and to them thats what they really enjoy its just one of those things that means alot to them. Im sure we will still cruise again but its tradition that they always sit there and if i ever need to find them i know where i can find them. :D Anyone no that facts for sure?

 

I was wondering, given that I am a fellow cruiser with both you & your family on the Oasis of the Seas, 1.2.10 sailing, are you aware that these perks will also be on that sailing as well?

[NJCruiseGal32]

Do you have to be in a GS+ or can you have a Junior Suite and have access to the Concierge Lounge because we are diamond?

 

There's actually a Diamond Lounge provided for diamond members. The CL lounge is rather small, so it's been known for suite guests only on ceartin ships

[NJCruiseGal32]

but to actually have chairs in the public areas reserved for them is a slap in the face for us common folk who are spending our hard earned dollars cruising on their ship. There are other places we could spend our money and not feel like second class passengers.:mad:

 

Question: being a suite passenger myself, I am curious as to why you would consider yourself as "commom folk" or as a "second class passenger" based upon a small selection of deck chairs being reserved soley for suite guests? If this is indeed true, then that would be rather sad.

IMHO, the suite perks should not have such a claim on fellow cruiser's mind's. Just enjoy your cruise.

[NJCruiseGal32]

My own opinion is that I think it's good they reserve prime seating by the pool for suite guests. Along with seating at the shows etc.

We, however, only book aft cabins because we have no desire to be with the masses. We cruise to relax. And sitting near the pool with screaming kids and tons of people isn't our version of relaxation. We did that years ago when our kids were little. If sitting by the pool was that important to me, I'd book a suite. Otherwise....

 

There are so many places in the world to go, perhaps your parents should jump ship, so to speak and check out other kinds of vacations or cruiselines that are more suitable to their desires.

Off hand, I can think of aruba which has everything they seem to like and the resorts have great teen programs (my kids liked it just as much as cruising).

Sometimes it's good to branch out.

Cruising is fun but lots of other things are too.

 

Well said!!

[NJCruiseGal32]

The people paying extra for a suite are getting exactly what they paid for...a suite! It shouldnt entitle them to more extra's than the rest of us on the cruise. Period.

 

From the mouth of a suite passenger I need to just say" GET OVER IT"!

If it bothers you that much, change your cruise destination. To be consumed by such nonsense, is ceartinly not healthy nor is it right.

[Ephraim]

Wow, this is a thread gone wrong. Okay, where is the Donner party going to sit?

[rubrrick]

From the mouth of a suite passenger I need to just say" GET OVER IT"!

 

If it bothers you that much, change your cruise destination. To be consumed by such nonsense, is ceartinly not healthy nor is it right.

 

Some may not have read what I had to say earlier. So, here it is again.

 

"I have read this entire thread, and as both a Diamond Plus member and a suite guest, who for a number of years, has had a suite for the space, and for years has understood that Royal Caribbean charges more for more real estate (ie cabin space) and that there were no other perks attached to a suite.

 

Now Royal Caribbean has decided that maybe suite passengers should be entitled to more. My DW and I will not use the roped off area by the pool, and we probably won't use the roped off area at the ice show.

 

If we wanted butler service, we would cruise on Celebrity, which we also do. We have also cruised on NCL and enjoyed their butler service. Since we started cruising with Royal Caribbean in 2003, we have always understood that the additional money that we have spent for a suite......was strictly for the additional amount of real estate that we rented for a period of time.

 

Royal Caribbean is trying now to give more to suite passengers, and maybe it will backfire on them, and maybe not. I think that the best way to convey your feeling to Royal Caribbean is to use the comment cards. The do read and make notes, and make changes when enough comments have been made."

 

 

Now, to quote "From the mouth of a suite passenger I need to just say" GET OVER IT"! "

 

I'm having a hard time understanding where you feel superior to anyone else on any Royal Caribbean ships.

 

Unfortunately.......this kind of statement is what pulls people apart.

 

We enjoy the overalll experience of Royal Caribbean.......and do not feel, that just because we have a suite.....that we are any different than anyone else that crusies with us.........whether in an inside cabin.......or a balcony, or the suite next to us.

 

Rick

[rednancy1]

Some may not have read what I had to say earlier. So, here it is again.

 

"I have read this entire thread, and as both a Diamond Plus member and a suite guest, who for a number of years, has had a suite for the space, and for years has understood that Royal Caribbean charges more for more real estate (ie cabin space) and that there were no other perks attached to a suite.

 

Now Royal Caribbean has decided that maybe suite passengers should be entitled to more. My DW and I will not use the roped off area by the pool, and we probably won't use the roped off area at the ice show.

 

If we wanted butler service, we would cruise on Celebrity, which we also do. We have also cruised on NCL and enjoyed their butler service. Since we started cruising with Royal Caribbean in 2003, we have always understood that the additional money that we have spent for a suite......was strictly for the additional amount of real estate that we rented for a period of time.

 

Royal Caribbean is trying now to give more to suite passengers, and maybe it will backfire on them, and maybe not. I think that the best way to convey your feeling to Royal Caribbean is to use the comment cards. The do read and make notes, and make changes when enough comments have been made."

 

 

Now, to quote "From the mouth of a suite passenger I need to just say" GET OVER IT"! "

 

I'm having a hard time understanding where you feel superior to anyone else on any Royal Caribbean ships.

 

Unfortunately.......this kind of statement is what pulls people apart.

 

We enjoy the overalll experience of Royal Caribbean.......and do not feel, that just because we have a suite.....that we are any different than anyone else that crusies with us.........whether in an inside cabin.......or a balcony, or the suite next to us.

 

Rick

 

Rick,

 

Beautifully said, as usual. :)

 

I echo your sentiments.

[rubrrick]

Rick,

 

Beautifully said, as usual. :)

 

I echo your sentiments.

 

 

Thanks Nancy!

 

I need to email you two. We need to get together!!

 

Rick

[CruznTom]

Some may not have read what I had to say earlier. So, here it is again.

 

"I have read this entire thread, and as both a Diamond Plus member and a suite guest, who for a number of years, has had a suite for the space, and for years has understood that Royal Caribbean charges more for more real estate (ie cabin space) and that there were no other perks attached to a suite.

 

Now Royal Caribbean has decided that maybe suite passengers should be entitled to more. My DW and I will not use the roped off area by the pool, and we probably won't use the roped off area at the ice show.

 

If we wanted butler service, we would cruise on Celebrity, which we also do. We have also cruised on NCL and enjoyed their butler service. Since we started cruising with Royal Caribbean in 2003, we have always understood that the additional money that we have spent for a suite......was strictly for the additional amount of real estate that we rented for a period of time.

 

Royal Caribbean is trying now to give more to suite passengers, and maybe it will backfire on them, and maybe not. I think that the best way to convey your feeling to Royal Caribbean is to use the comment cards. The do read and make notes, and make changes when enough comments have been made."

 

 

Now, to quote "From the mouth of a suite passenger I need to just say" GET OVER IT"! "

 

I'm having a hard time understanding where you feel superior to anyone else on any Royal Caribbean ships.

 

Unfortunately.......this kind of statement is what pulls people apart.

 

We enjoy the overalll experience of Royal Caribbean.......and do not feel, that just because we have a suite.....that we are any different than anyone else that crusies with us.........whether in an inside cabin.......or a balcony, or the suite next to us.

 

Rick

 

There is so much I can say that means nothing. We only book a balcony but we spend what we want to in the Casino every night of the cruise. We don't get the same respect as the Suite passengers but we always have a wonderful time. Bottom line, I'm guessing we spend as much or more as the Suite passengers. I've read too many reviews from Suite passengers talking about how they just cruise for the enjoyment of the Suite and the perks. So be it, more perks for Suite passengers and less for us, we will just move on. Not a problem. :)

[hazence]

There is so much I can say that means nothing. We only book a balcony but we spend what we want to in the Casino every night of the cruise. We don't get the same respect as the Suite passengers but we always have a wonderful time. Bottom line, I'm guessing we spend as much or more as the Suite passengers. I've read too many reviews from Suite passengers talking about how they just cruise for the enjoyment of the Suite and the perks. So be it, more perks for Suite passengers and less for us, we will just move on. Not a problem. :)

 

The problem here is that RCCL KNOWS how much revenue a suite booking provides them...they have that money in hand before sailing; the amount an individual MIGHT spend on board cannot be determined and cannot be "depended upon."

 

RCCL is trying,in a tough market, to compete for those big dollar bookings. Anyone willing to outlay the cost of a suite has a broad spectrum of choices....across many lines. As often said here, RCCL has a great family product...but not that great dining or suite"perks." Some "luxury" cruisers might forego the latter and choose a suite experience on RCCL to cruise with extended families. But having to get up at 6AM to get a seat at the pool is a dealbreaker. And at that pricepoint..they have lots of alternatives.

 

The RCCL "experience" is not easily replicated on other lines for those spending less. RCCL knows this. That has all been factored into the decision.

 

RCCL has made a smart choice here in this economy...broadening their appeal to those who spend more upfront. The bird in hand.... Of course, if possible suite cruisers come here and read the type of remarks in this thread and perceive a hostile enviorment, why choose RCCL? It's a VACATION remember?

 

In that case, probably more cutbacks will have to occur...and necessitate a further lessening of the cruise experience of those who remain. So find another seat and enjoy your own vacation and let others enjoy whatever the cruiseline sees fit to offer them.

 

RCCL is not defining YOUR social status. They are trying to survive in tough times.

[seashiner]

You analogies just don't fit the situation. People buy the car that they want. Does someone give them a bigger car for a perk because they bought a bigger house? Do they have reserved parking at the mall for people who drive up in a lexus but not in a Volks Wagon? People buy the steak that they want. No one gives you filet mignon because you buy more groceries than the next person. Do you get to use a reserved check-out lane because you bought that filet mignon instead of hamburger? You pay for the seats behind home plate. No one reserves it for you because you buy more beer at the stadium. Do they have reserved restrooms for only folks with seats behind home plate?

 

I am not particulary arguing one side of this issue or the other because as I have stated I am still on the fence about it. But I don't see your amalogies as fitting or helping to make a stand for the perks in question at all.

 

 

I was trying to find the best analogy for this page... and you hit it right on. I have been in the suites as well as the inside staterooms... Just because I am down on my luck one year doesn't mean I shouldn't have a right to choose to get up extra early to get my favorite seat at the pool.. The perk we enjoyed the most was coming back after a day at port and finding strawberries in our room, and having the conceirge lounge to hide out before dinner.. these are sensible perks for paying a higher price.. it doesn't not affect the quality of the rest of the patrons vacations. I would definatley not want to be the ones sitting in those reserved seats at a public location.. what kind of friends will you make there? I think cruise ships are a great way to meet and make new friends from all of the spectrum.. to separate people because of the financial ability is ridiculous. Send me strawberries, an coupon for a dinner or a free photo... Don't segragate

 

:cool::cool::cool:

[aloha43]

Now Royal Caribbean has decided that maybe suite passengers should be entitled to more. My DW and I will not use the roped off area by the pool, and we probably won't use the roped off area at the ice show.

 

Rick

 

But wouldn't "not" using the chairs contribute to the problem? Do you intend on sitting at the pool area? (No offense to you in particular. :))

 

If you don't use the intended chairs that are being saved for you, but do sit somewhere else, isn't that like using double the chairs? :confused:

 

I think that if RCL is going to offer perks like that, they need to change how they are doing it.....take away the roped off areas, and maybe save chairs only for the suite passengers that actually ask for it. That may alleviate some of the problem here.

[rubrrick]

But wouldn't "not" using the chairs contribute to the problem? Do you intend on sitting at the pool area? (No offense to you in particular. :))

 

If you don't use the intended chairs that are being saved for you, but do sit somewhere else, isn't that like using double the chairs? :confused:

 

I think that if RCL is going to offer perks like that, they need to change how they are doing it.....take away the roped off areas, and maybe save chairs only for the suite passengers that actually ask for it. That may alleviate some of the problem here.

 

I should have been more accurate in my statment. We don't use pool chairs at all. But, I have to agree with you, that some may use other chairs, when they are entitled to the "roped off" area.

 

I personally don't like this perk, as Royal Caribbean, in the past, has had public areas open for everyone. That is something that I have enjoyed about cruising with them.

 

If I wanted to cruise on a line of different classes, it would be on Cunard, and just for that reason, we refuse to cruise with them.

 

Rick

[hazence]

I was trying to find the best analogy for this page... and you hit it right on. I have been in the suites as well as the inside staterooms... Just because I am down on my luck one year doesn't mean I shouldn't have a right to choose to get up extra early to get my favorite seat at the pool.. The perk we enjoyed the most was coming back after a day at port and finding strawberries in our room, and having the conceirge lounge to hide out before dinner.. these are sensible perks for paying a higher price.. it doesn't not affect the quality of the rest of the patrons vacations. I would definatley not want to be the ones sitting in those reserved seats at a public location.. what kind of friends will you make there? I think cruise ships are a great way to meet and make new friends from all of the spectrum.. to separate people because of the financial ability is ridiculous. Send me strawberries, an coupon for a dinner or a free photo... Don't segragate

 

:cool::cool::cool:

 

By your own statement here, you have been in suites and inside staterooms. So who would I meet in those seats? Some years...YOU! You have made the point that suite customers and inside customers are often the same folks, making different vacation choices in different years.

 

RCCL is not seating you there having investigated your net worth...but by the vacation choice YOU MADE that year.

 

So therefore, your point about "segregation" is silly. No one is segregating you...when you can sit there ANY year you make that vacation choice.

 

Anyone can make great friends there...as they can anywhere on the ship. And, even when you get up early, I might make a choice to get up earlier...so you have no guarantee of a certain seat....unless you provide RCCL with the extra PLANNED revenue to do that for you.

 

May we all meet in the roped off area some day.

[aloha43]

I should have been more accurate in my statment. We don't use pool chairs at all. But, I have to agree with you, that some may use other chairs, when they are entitled to the "roped off" area.

 

I personally don't like this perk, as Royal Caribbean, in the past, has had public areas open for everyone. That is something that I have enjoyed about cruising with them.

 

If I wanted to cruise on a line of different classes, it would be on Cunard, and just for that reason, we refuse to cruise with them.

 

Rick

 

I have to agree with you there....I really don't like it either.

 

But if it is offered to me as an incentive to book a more expensive suite then I will use it. But after hearing from some of the people here, I really feel guilty using it, when I really shouldn't have to.

 

But if I don't use it then I am utilizing double chairs and that doesn't help at all.

 

I just wish everyone can just be happy that they are cruising!! :D