tonyfsu21

5 minutes ago, DoomSlayer said:

Like it or not, these decisions to build floating amusement parks is Royal's (And other cruise lines) attempt to take market share and revenue away from traditional vacation destinations like Disney, Universal, and other parks.  Icon is a perfect example of this, and I have no doubt Royal will be successful in this.  This works well for shareholders and families that would already be considering amusement park vacations.  These families generally spend a lot of money on vacation and will be a huge revenue generator for Royal.  They may lose a few, once loyal, customers that do not appreciate the changes, but the number of new passengers will certainly outweigh the loss of existing customers.  Businesses call this churn, and as long as the customer churn results in positive revenue, businesses will take the risks and continue to introduce change in attempts to generate even more revenue.  Also, a big trend in most business is more self-service (through technology) and less hand-held personalized service (as this is costly). As an investor, I appreciate it when companies are innovative, competitive, have increasing revenue streams.

Currently, die hard cruise traditionalists have choices by choosing older ships that accommodates their no-frills vacation expectations, but as time goes on and older ships are sold, updated, or decommissioned, they will be forced into adapting or abandoning cruise life.  Yes, we can romance about the old days of cruising, but at the end of the day, we just need to accept that the industry is going to change.  Cruising used to be seen as "an old person's vacation", but by making these changes, cruising has become more inclusive and is quickly becoming a "family vacation".  We saw a similar conversion in Las Vegas.  It used to be just a destination for gamblers and buffet enthusiasts.  In the 90's and early 2000's, the Vegas strip began a huge transformation and started to become a family destination.  Prices went up, demographics changed, and more customers were attracted which brought in a lot of money to the casinos outside of gambling revenue.  As long as the majority of customers are willing to pay the new prices, the change will occur.

Personally, I love these changes in the cruise industry.  I am a proud grandpa and happy to take my kids and grandkids with me knowing that everyone will have a great time on board.  I am the grandpa that loves to surf and boogieboard on the flow rider with the kids and grandkids (and I am getting good at it).  I am the grandpa that loves seeing the "fright" on the kids' faces as they zipline over the boardwalk.  I am the grandpa that loves trying to teach the grandkids to ice-skate in the middle of the ship on sea days.  I am the grandpa that loves snorkeling and beach time with the kids in various ports.

I guess in summary, you are not wrong to fell as you do.  If you find a cruise line that is a better fit for your expectations, then by all means, try it out and possibly change your loyalty alignment.  Royal will more than likely continue to push forward with technology and enhancements regardless of how you fell about it as an individual -- they will not remain loyal to those that cannot adapt to these technology changes over time.

100% on point! I could not agree more with this statement. 

5 minutes ago, JFCruise said:

I understand why the Compass is slowly going away, even if I don't like the idea of having to use my phone during a cruise - and being under 40 with a kid, I'm probably part of the target audience of RC.

I've had a couple of cruises in the past year - and while I did have to sometimes use my phone around the ship, we tried to limit it as much as possible.

Going to the pool? Leave it
Dinner? Leave it, unless we predict the kid will be fuzzy and -yes - we're gonna lend it to him so he can play some games instead of running around the MDR.
Excursion? Take it, because obvious.
Show with a reservation? Take it
Late night wandering/bar-ing/casinioing? Leave it

I'm also of the idea that - unless there is a situation at home that requires it - I'll never get the internet package. And I'm also a firm believer in Traditional Dining. Screw having to wait in line, I'm on vacation.

I would like to shut the phone off but I’m wrapped up in technology. Between texting the kids and wife on the ship, checking the Ring cams at home and responding to some quick emails the internet package is a must have. 

1 hour ago, Ryan79 said:

Right now, you will be paying a nice premium just for the honor and privilege of being able to say you sailed on Icon. If that is something you need, then go on Icon

The OP mentioned all things equal so this shouldn’t be considered. 

44 minutes ago, ConnieSZNZ said:

All Things Being Equal, destinations and money; for two people, besides Costal Kitchen, are there noticeable differences between these cabins? Thanks. 

Symphony Junior Suite

Icon Balcony 

Icon for the win. JS is a glorified balcony without any great suite perks making it noticeably better. The Icon is going to be the ship to be on in 2024. 

26 minutes ago, Freegirl said:

As I always tell my kids (and my elderly mother) - the ability to adapt to change is the key to happiness.

 

This is very true. Once you face the reality that things are going in one firm direction and that technology is only going to get more advanced then you can begin to accept & adapt. 

2 hours ago, RCVoyager said:

After our poor experience on the Carnival Mardi Gras last month, my wife and I have talked several times about what we didn't like.  I think the biggest overall disappointment is the evolution that has come not just to Carnival, but all of mainstream cruising.  We don't want an "app" we have to schedule everything we do.  In fact, other than touching base with the people at home once or twice during the week, we want to put our phones in the safe and leave them there.  We don't want "My Time Dining".  We much prefer the same table with the same waiter and assistant, a paper menu in a nice folder, at the same time each night.

We like a daily ship newspaper and schedule on our bed each night and announcements delivered by the Captain at noon each day.

We are forced to live our lives on our phones and laptops.  Vacation is a way for us to get away from technology.

Several years ago, we had to come to grips with the idea of automatic gratuities.  We didn't like it at first because some passengers took advantage of the workers by poorly tipping or not tipping at all.  We adapted and now see that is better.  We still be sure to bring a few extra 20s on board for those we recognize for good service.

To us, this new way of cruising is not better.  We will, in all likelihood, become "former" cruisers rather than adapt.  There are lots of land based vacations out there.

Technology does not make the cruise line better able to serve its current customers.  It allows the cruise line to jam more people onto the ship and "serve" them with less staff.  Sad to us.

As an additional rant, who in their right mind builds a new cruise ship without a Shuffleboard Court and an unusable walking/jogging track but with a roller coaster at sea that can't be used most days?  Carnival, that's who.  The others are sure to follow.

Anyone agree?  Or are we just spoiled Americans?

 

Unfortunately cruising as we knew it is over. Just like everything in 2023, you either accept technology and leverage it or you live under a rock for the rest of your life. I find some aspects of the new cruising to be way better than the old version. If you want to disconnect then put the electronics in the safe and enjoy your vacation. It’s going to be very difficult though to do anything “extra” w/o either pre booking activities/dinners exc without your phone. If you think a land based vacation is any better, you are very wrong. Most of this change that you dislike is based on corporate greed so regardless of whether you are on a ship or land based vacation the result will be the same. My advice is to just be a sheep and go with the herd and enjoy your “new” cruising experiences! 

15 hours ago, steverk said:

I've sailed on Allure and found it really isn't my cup of tea. 

On the good side, the play, aqua show and ice show were all spectacular.  There was always activity and the ship did a great job of keeping the crowds spread out.

On the other hand, it was a long hike to wherever I wanted to go. The shows repeated several times to allow everyone to see them.  However, this limited the total number of shows to see.  The Windjammer and elevators were always crowded.

My adult children liked Allure, so it's just a matter of taste. Overall, I prefer a Freedom or Voyager class vessel. 

Allure is old news in regards to Oasis Class. I would have a hard time judging the ship class based on Allure alone because it’s severely in need of a refresh. 

7 minutes ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

I may or may not be correct here but…I think @Oldguyis asking more for how to carry some of the bills around perhaps while in a bathing suit, etc.   Not so much for getting on board but while walking around onboard.

For a girl it’s easier as I typically will have a small bag with me poolside.  I also have a phone case that looks more like a book cover and it has slots where I can fold up a few bills.  So men….do you have pockets in your swim trunks?

 

The only thing worse than wet money is no money at all. A backpack solves all problems. There’s not many thief’s looking to get booted off a cruise ship for stealing a 10.00 stack of singles used for tipping. 

15 minutes ago, ChessE4 said:

I always wear a pouch under my shirt with extra cash and id/CC. It keeps stuff safe when traveling or in port. Too many people are pick-pocketed, sometimes electronically. I feel safe on the ship but it's getting there that's risky. Backpacks can be lost in 2 seconds.

Remember that the aliens gave us AirTag technology. It is basically impossible to lose something in 2023 unless you want it to get lost. 

28 minutes ago, Oldguy said:

We plan to take cash, for tips, with us.  Might be a bunch of $1.00 bills, to thick for my wallet.  Once in our cabin, they will be stored in the safe.  But what's the best way to carry onboard? 

 

 

Backpack. 

23 hours ago, Neesa said:

@tonyfsu21 Is it El Cid in Cozumel? We walked over & experienced it once before. Very clean but not well organized.  Their pool was super small for the property. The food was surprisingly good but the chairs & such when we went were not in the best shape. To get into the ocean water it took taking some rocky stairs as well as to return. It wasn't bad if you wish to walk over for a quick beach day without the bother of a taxi ride & it's cool lying on the beach and viewing the ships. Personally I might return if I'm feeling a lazy day in Cozumel, super lazy. LOL! 

The day pass included towels but when we arrived they were all in the "laundry" so I would bring my own next time. It was okay at best in my humble opinion, I liked Nachi better but I've yet to visit any additional beach clubs in Cozumel yet. We were told about the bar hop as well, people were talking about it on Nachi but that's not particularly our thing. 

Paradise is on our radar for next time. Do you have their website to share?

I looked it up and the beach club is called Del Mar Latino. I have heard some good things about it but never tried. The only downside for us is adults only. 

11 hours ago, Neesa said:

This 100% put so well. I was going to type this same thought but erased it because I could not communicate it well,  I feel the exact same way....

I try to be careful with my words through voice or typing, my grandmother always said to me "speak with soft & tender words because some day you may have to eat them."  I'm old & I still remember this from over 50 years ago. I try not to be careless as one never knows what someone else is going through & maybe it is translated wrong. I never want to hurt with my words so I love when someone else can communicate what I'm thinking like @tonyfsu21 did here

I graduated from FSU and I can barely spell so I’m elated you actually think I can communicate. 

7 minutes ago, HeWhoWaits said:

There ARE options for half the per day cost nearby but we've never parked at Port Everglades (our only experience there involved staying at a nearby hotel and using Uber).

I still vote parking at the terminal considering OP looking for:

1. Safe

2. reasonable (depends on what “reasonable” means)

3. Convenient

4. Near the terminal

There are other options but they are arguably not as safe or convenient as parking inside a secure port facility 100 yards from the entrance to the terminal. 

Terminal. I can’t imagine it gets safer then this.

Look for more options to spend money and less options to save. This process will start with the flagship Icon of the seas which will standardize Mr Liberty’s vision. 

1 minute ago, Neesa said:

 

Yep. It’s very obvious. I 100% consider the loyalty program to be the best in the industry but that doesn’t necessarily mean legacy cruisers are actually valued. I do not believe Mr Liberty considers Pinnacle Grandma the long term gameplan as she rolls through the promenade like she owns the place (and gets everything for free). Mr Liberty wants money to feed the Royal Caribbean beast and that money is not coming from Pinnacle Grandmas 30 cruises per year in an inside cabin sipping her free rose with the captain. 

On 10/31/2023 at 8:14 PM, LandstromCruise said:

Seems like Mr. Liberty is tone deaf and I worry about the long term success of Royal with him at the helm. Why would you release this after just coming out with the news of record profits and making $1B last quarter. I totally get that they lost a crap ton of money during the stupid shutdown and have loans and stuff to pay back. But seriously, maybe do this like 2 months from now instead right after telling everyone how you are swimming in profits and are now going to find a way to take more of their money. 

I don’t think long term success should be a concern considering the record number of people willing to pay these prices. I hate to say it but RC doesn’t care about loyalty or the legacy cruisers. The market caters to the new money cruisers and the families willing to spend exponentially more then the legacy cruisers complaining about the MDR or the $2 increase in gratuities. The new cruisers will buy the drink packages, pay for the overwater cabanas and spend tons of money in the casino. The gameplan is laid out and it’s pretty black & white. 

4 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

After looking at some Paradise Beach videos and even discussing what day bed we would want because the club looked good, my wife tells me she's actually OK if we don't do anything just for the sake of getting off the ship, lol. Maybe we'll just be enjoying Wonder and CocoCay some more and putting the excursion money back into the general cruise fund.

I still go back and forth on the best beach club in Cozumel. We have been to all of the big 3 several times and Paradise might be the best all around. Never had an issue at any of them but I suppose it’s hit or miss and heavily dependent on individual experiences. The only one we still haven’t tried is the small resort beach club located close by the pier (can’t recall the name but it gets good reviews).  

2 hours ago, bretts173 said:

Already in my calendar. The idea that people will be charged for sitting in a deck chair in the solarium or on pool deck other than a reserved private areas is preposterous. 

Email Liberty and ask him yourself if it’s so preposterous. 

12 minutes ago, RCARD said:

I agree with those that have expressed disappointment with the changes.  Increasing gratuities is fine (a sign of the times) but when reducing services at the same time it's a recipe for disaster.

Now that former CFO is in charge, expect more of this ......

RCL reported Net Income for the third quarter of $1.0 billion compared to Net Income of $33.0 million or $0.13 per share for the same period in the prior year.

Just wait until Liberty starts charging for the “premium” deck chairs (yes, the same deck chairs will be premium). The people will be in an uproar if they are this upset about a paltry $2 increase in daily gratuities! Coming to a theatre near you in Q1 2024 says a birdie I know from the crown palace in Miami. 

Glad to pay it for a hard working crew. A few extra bucks should be no big deal to anyone who is fortunate enough to afford a vacation. At least this increase is for a good cause. 

46 minutes ago, bretts173 said:

Easy throw away line, I'll stump up 1K to say your wrong 

Bring it. 

1 minute ago, Rackham said:

Is that sea day or port day pricing? 

You need to get with CEO Liberty on that because they are still on the fence about that one. Mark my words, you will be paying for a deck chair in 2024. 

1 hour ago, TXcruiser33 said:

We've been really lucky with our RU bids! We start with a "free" cruise offer from the casino usually a balcony or jr. suite. Then we submit offers to several suites, and so far i think we've won every time. I say "won" because of course this makes our free cabin not free at all?!? But, we're very happy to pay a little to cruise in a beautiful suite. So far, we've won RU bids for a crown loft (twice), and royal crown loft (once), an owners suite (once) and grand suites (twice). I think our bids are usually in the mid'range.....

 

We sail almost always on a Holiday which changes everything especially Thanksgiving and NYE on Oasis class ships. Hoping for the best but it’s probably not going to happen. I normally use free casino cruises for weekend voyages on Freedom which is a little easier to upgrade from JS to GS or OS on a random weekend. 

1 hour ago, bretts173 said:

How is paying going to help. Still going to stop people who want to and should be able to use them doing so. Let's go on a cruise dear but we can't sit on a chair because they are only for the elite 

$25 for the day. If you think that’s elite then call up CEO “up charge” Liberty and voice the concern because it’s coming.