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LizzyBee23

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  1. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to CanHardlyWait in SOLARIUM CLOSED FOR ENTIRE CRUISE!   
    I think the difference here is scheduled maintenance vs emergency maintenance. Based on what I read about supplies etc this sounds like it was planned. (Obviously with nothought to the guest).
  2. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to melmar02 in Paper menus?   
    Radiance had paper menus in June.
  3. Thanks
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Holland America vs RCL for Alaska   
    HAL to Alaska on our honeymoon ~7 years ago was one of my first and only non-RCL cruises. It was partially paid for by Carnival loyalists, who actually went with us on Ovation last year. HAL to Alaska was absolutely amazing. The ship didn't have anywhere near the amenities as Ovation, but the experienced crew, and dedication to the Alaska experience, was just top notch. There were also enough amenities to satisfy our needs, and the fact that we were younger and out and about in the evening meant we could form closer relationships with the crew.
    Additionally, the family that tried out RCL for the first time with us in AK this year are actually getting on another cruise right now, a Carnival ship in Port Canaveral. While they were gracious about how awful the experience was on Ovation, they all privately said they wouldn't be booking on another RCL cruise.
    An AK cruise is just such a massive expense for most of us (mitigated a bit if you're a west coaster or Canadian). If I could do it again, I'd stick to HAL even though what drove us to Ovation were some of the things I think may influencing your thought process (we took both of our kids on Ovation). Personally, I'd book for the ship for itineraries in the Caribbean where you'll be able to use the shiny amenities more fully. For AK, I'd book the one that has a better track record of getting you a truly spectacular experience of the ports and the scenery.  HAL is a clear winner.
    Also, if you can swing it, do the one way itinerary, and personally I preferred sailing out of Victoria (versus the RT sailing out of Seattle).
  4. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Ampurp85 in Convince this RCL newbie to give them another shot   
    @FSUFANI don't think anyone can convince you to become a "Loyal Royal" cruiser as the offering is not what you want or expect. First impressions can linger and since your next sailing is Alaska; I am on the fence as to whether you might fare better. I think you should find what works for you, it is your money, time and expectations. Baring the specialty restaurants, I think Carnival has better free food offerings than Royal. However, as a whole, the atmosphere, aesthetics and crowds on Carnival are not for me. I think it is not a general assessment that a line is head and shoulders above the rest but a personal one. 
    Adjusting one's expectations to the current climate is fine. But you don't need to adjust them to accept the worst. 
  5. Love
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Convince this RCL newbie to give them another shot   
    It's been bad since the restart... Not much consolation since you have no comparative points.
    We booked on NCL last minute and had a much better experience with our cheapy, quickie cruise than our last RCL cruise on Ovation.
    Still running out reservations on RCL. Have a cheapie next month and then on Wonder early next year. Haven't given up hope, but at least got over the hurdle of trying out another brand.
  6. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to FSUFAN in Convince this RCL newbie to give them another shot   
    My son convinced me to try RCL for our upcoming Alaska trip on the Quantum. My 3 grown children and spouses are going. His take was all the activities. But they are all in their 30s. I don't see myself climbing the rock wall or riding in bumper cars.
    I joined this board after I booked the Quantum cruise. With all the glowing reviews about RCL, I booked this trip. Now dealing with a little "buyer's remorse" due to the glitches. From being on this board, I figured that RCL was going to be head and shoulders above the likes of Carnival and its not. 
    Again, the Quantum may change my outlook and we have the HAL cruise just 2 months after that for comparison. Maybe, this is the new normal and I need to roll back on the expectations. Either way, I'm not giving up on cruises, maybe just not as brand loyal as some.
  7. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from Neesa in Convince this RCL newbie to give them another shot   
    It's been bad since the restart... Not much consolation since you have no comparative points.
    We booked on NCL last minute and had a much better experience with our cheapy, quickie cruise than our last RCL cruise on Ovation.
    Still running out reservations on RCL. Have a cheapie next month and then on Wonder early next year. Haven't given up hope, but at least got over the hurdle of trying out another brand.
  8. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Moby Dick in Is There a Crack in the Impenetrable Cruise Vaccination Wall ?   
    Not to debate this with you because it would be a political debate.  But, my antidotal evidence is that there are still a lot of people that haven't been jabbed, will never be jabbed and refuse to cruise/travel because of the jab.  So, I believe that if the jab mandate goes away, business would be even better for the cruise/travel industry. 
    Going from zero passenger count to what it is today isn't remarkable.  Bookings were going up from day one, when it was required to wear a mask 100% of the time, excluding in your own stateroom and actually eating/drinking, and you had to be jabbed.  People were just happy to be out and about.  I think people would have cruised if you told them they had to wear "Depends" over their head and give urine specimens ever 3 hours.  JMHO
     
  9. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to BigKarl in Staffing Issues Query   
    Opinion Alert:
    I interpret the staffing problem as one of need to get as much $$ back to the investors as RCCL can.  Fixing the issue is easy but very costly to the investors. Don't bring all of the ships back online if you do not have the manpower to do so.
    Cutting amenities and services along with raising prices dramatically and trying to put every ship back in to service (Including the Mega $$$$ Wonder) was their answer.
     
  10. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to BowTieBrigade in Staffing Issues Query   
    Yes, the escape rooms and laser tag were advertised over covid, despite them being closed. I eventually learned through these forums that they were not operational, but not before deciding with my kids to book a sailing on a ship that featured those activities. Needless to say, they were very disappointed that the distinguishing features of the ship we chose would not be offered. And disappointment is not what Royal should be chasing when trying to pull its business back from insolvency. 
  11. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to need2cruz in Staffing Issues Query   
    I do think Royal should be more honest about certain things.  For example, I am taking 3 of my teenagers on Liberty next month for their 1st cruise.  One of the things they were looking forward to was watching outdoor movies.  The movie screen has been broken for almost a year on Liberty, but they still advertise on their website how you can, "Watch a Dive-In Movie on the 220 square foot movie screen".   If they have no intentions of fixing the screen, don't advertise it and get families hopes up.
  12. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Moby Dick in Staffing Issues Query   
    Let's get out of the giggle weeds for a moment.  Let's forget for a moment that there is/was a global pandemic and a global supply chain interruption.  Let's say it very clearly and down to the basics:
    If I go into a fast food hamburger joint and I attempt to order the most expensive hamburger or my favorite hamburger on the menu and I'm told that it isn't available, for WHATEVER reason, I have the option to order something else or leave the establishment and not pay a thing for entering the restaurant.  I know, before I buy, that an/the item I wanted is not available.  
    Not so on a cruise if the cruise line isn't up-front and totally transparent.  You've already spent the money, you've already entered the establishment and are locked in and can't just walk out.  You don't know that an item isn't available until you want to use it, or consume it (example: draft beer in the English Pub), or buy it.  And you won't get a reduction of the cruise fare that you already paid for because of the lack of availability, it "ain't" gonna happen.  You may be lucky if you are a squeaky enough wheel and get a minor discount on a follow-up cruise.  
    The pandemic and supply chain has nothing to do with doing the right thing, period.
  13. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to BowTieBrigade in Staffing Issues Query   
    But that’s not what anyone is expecting. We’re expecting transparency and truth in advertising. Don’t highlight restaurants and features that aren’t open. Let us know what we’re paying for. That’s all. 
  14. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Done in Staffing Issues Query   
    Unfortunately I had to book cruises to use expiring FCC's.  I didn't feel I had a choice.  I had no crystal ball to foretell the future.  This announcement of the cessation of FCC expiration dates was salt in the wound. 
    My mistake was letting greed get in the way of common sense.  I jumped on the 125% FCC offer instead of a 100% refund.  If I was allowed a do over I'd take the cash refund.  I never imagined the cruise restart came with the need to accept less and assume the position that we should be happy we are cruising at all. 
  15. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from Neesa in Staffing Issues Query   
    @10-42, I think you've found the core of the strategy for RCL: if they advertise a venue is closed or unavailable, then a ship full of people will feel like they're missing out (and personally I think it's the right thing to do). If they don't advertise it and let it come out only once people go looking for it, only a subset of the full ship of people will feel like they're missing out. Maybe RCL is making the decision that it's essentially cheaper to buy off unhappy customers with FCC's or OBC's while hoping the majority of them remain ignorant of the scale of the problem.
    Foolish, in my mind, but I value honesty and transparency and am not a customer with malleable expectations.
  16. Love
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from Moby Dick in Staffing Issues Query   
    @10-42, I think you've found the core of the strategy for RCL: if they advertise a venue is closed or unavailable, then a ship full of people will feel like they're missing out (and personally I think it's the right thing to do). If they don't advertise it and let it come out only once people go looking for it, only a subset of the full ship of people will feel like they're missing out. Maybe RCL is making the decision that it's essentially cheaper to buy off unhappy customers with FCC's or OBC's while hoping the majority of them remain ignorant of the scale of the problem.
    Foolish, in my mind, but I value honesty and transparency and am not a customer with malleable expectations.
  17. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Staffing Issues Query   
    @10-42, I think you've found the core of the strategy for RCL: if they advertise a venue is closed or unavailable, then a ship full of people will feel like they're missing out (and personally I think it's the right thing to do). If they don't advertise it and let it come out only once people go looking for it, only a subset of the full ship of people will feel like they're missing out. Maybe RCL is making the decision that it's essentially cheaper to buy off unhappy customers with FCC's or OBC's while hoping the majority of them remain ignorant of the scale of the problem.
    Foolish, in my mind, but I value honesty and transparency and am not a customer with malleable expectations.
  18. Thanks
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Moby Dick in Staffing Issues Query   
    When I stay/buy a hotel room, I'm paying for a clean bed, clean bathroom, hot water, and a few other amenities.  When I stay in a hotel, I pay anywhere between a +/- hundred to +/- three hundred dollars a night.  When I have a booking in a hotel and upon check-in I find things to be substandard, I can go to the front desk and refuse the room, cancel and get a credit back on my C.C., believe me, I know this to be true.   
    When I buy a cabin on a cruise ship for X amount of days, which is a CLOSED/CAPTURED society after it starts to cruise, includes much much more than just a clean bed, clean bathroom, hot water, and a few other amenities, but for thousands of dollars more.  A cabin on a cruise ship includes, which is advertised heavily, several different kinds of shows, several different restaurants, several different kinds of adventures and excursions.  What I expect from a cruise line is to be honest and upfront.  If the Northstar isn't going to be operating throughout the cruise, so state in advance.  If a particular eating venue isn't going to be open throughout the entire cruise, say so in advance, if a show isn't going to be offered, say so in advance.  If the cruise is short handed to the point that many/all venues and activities are impacted in one way or another, so state in advance.   If most or all mentioned is true/happening, don't continue to hide it, don't require full price as if nothing is missing, and be up front with it.  There is one quick way to lose loyal customers, which is the backbone of almost every business, and that is to be dishonest with them.  And BTW, once the cruise ship leaves the pier/dock, you can't just say you unsatisfied and check out.  
  19. Thanks
    LizzyBee23 reacted to bobroo in What's going on with royal?   
    I think nearly everyone prepares for a cruise right? Have you ever noticed how many new pairs of shoes shoes you see on fellow passengers on Day 1? In my case going on a cruise also means putting at least $100 into a cash register at Kohls. If Kohls does not have the shoes or dress pants or flip flops or polo I am looking for....I go to a different  store. I think it is entirely fair for Royal to prepare for an upcoming cruise in the same way. If they forecast a reasonable need based on upcoming passenger volume for more labor, potato flour, or Jack Daniels and they can't obtain this items from their normal vendors....then they too need to go to a different store.
    We all can accept some shortcomings. You can blame it on COVID, supply chain issues, or unexpected demand. But the OP is bringing up a different situation. The OP (and lots of chatter I hear from other places online) is that for the high price that is being paid for todays cruise fares and onboard spending; there are too many shortcomings. So many shortcomings that they can no longer be overlooked and people are getting upset. 
    This needs to stop, pronto.
     
     
     
  20. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from Snowchaser in What's going on with royal?   
    I specifically avoided saying it was an RCL only issue. It may very well be cruising in general, but the "wrong place, wrong time" defense isn't going to convince people to get back onboard when RCL seems to be actively burying their head in the sand over the issue.
  21. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to bobroo in What's going on with royal?   
    If only there was a way for Royal Caribbean to know how many guests were going to be aboard in advance....let's say... a month out.
    <shakes head disapprovingly>
     
  22. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in What's going on with royal?   
    Sure, but not with Royal. We're kind of locked in for our next few reservations, but my in laws were brand hoppers before and said they'll essentially be crossing RCL off the list after our experience on Ovation. Who knows if we would have fared better on HAL or NCL, but it is what it is. We plan at least half of our vacations with them, so I suppose after our cheapy cruise in Nov on Radiance we'll just have to see.  Thankfully the two after that are on refundable deposits.
  23. Like
    LizzyBee23 reacted to Rob&Ana in What's going on with royal?   
    We found a similar situation on Serenade of the Seas a few weeks ago. MTD line with reservations was very long at least 40-60 min for some people to get a table, lots of shortages and many bars closed because they had half the bar staff on board. The crew did an amazing job but I felt they were overworked and the managers and top officers were pitching in to help reset tables etc. We had an amazing 3 weeks aboard but maybe the solution would be to not load the ships up so much....maybe at 70% capacity.
    I hope they are able to get more staff as the ones on board were being worked quite hard.
  24. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from SemperMom in Staffing Issues Query   
    COVID isn't new, though. If they can't react to it, they shouldn't be sailing with the number of people they are (or advertising a product they have no hope of actually delivering).
  25. Like
    LizzyBee23 got a reaction from CruiserNic in Staffing Issues Query   
    COVID isn't new, though. If they can't react to it, they shouldn't be sailing with the number of people they are (or advertising a product they have no hope of actually delivering).
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