FManke

I guess with at least that hotel, you have to pay, not to pay!

With the move to bigger and bigger ships. Will there come a point when they get to be too big? It seems like the bigger ships are concentrating on moving inward, leaving less and less outdoor space. Does anyone see a point in the future, when you can take an entire cruise and never set foot outside? I guess you can do that now if you wanted. But I mean, have no reason to go outside. Everything you need is indoors. A time when ships that are no longer ships, just barges with hotels built on top.

You said "get it in a good." What does that mean?

Does anyone know if the mini bar service has been discontinued? If not, couldn't you just request that it be emptied and that marked somewhere on your folio? I've done this in the past at hotels. Also, a lot of people state that the fridges don't work so well. I have purchased a water package as my wife doesn't drink a lot of soda and coffee and such, but is it worth it if the fridge can't keep it cold.

If you are on the beverage program that includes a souvenir cup, where can you get it refilled if your ship does not have Freestyle machines? It says at any venue, but of course not all venues serve soda, I presume. All bars and restaurants? We will be on Serenade, does she have any self serve soda fountains?

So the MDR menus across the fleet will be the same? Rotating of course, but you could have the same choice one night on Oasis as they due on Rhapsody?

How would people feel about something like the Disney Dining Plan? You are limited to one appetizer, one soup, one salad, one entrée and one dessert in the MDR. This would surely cut waste. If you would like to "graze" (I know I do) that is what the buffet is for. That's why it's called the Main Dining Room. It's for dining.

What about the idea of limited If demand drops, only those willing to pay the price will be left. Do we think that they are the people abusing the system, ordering half the menu, because it's included? If not, won't the drop in demand cut waste?

If by all accounts, the number of people on a cruise that order room service is rather low, isn't this more of a waste cutting move than a revenue generator?

What if they just did an all night hot dog, pizza thing and dessert thing. That couldn't be too expensive with either food cost or labor. People should expect snack types things late, not full meals. At least I wouldn't. But maybe that's just me.

I agree. You will always have people who are trying to "beat the system" or get as much as they can. You will never be able to totally control it, unless you start to fully charge for room service. Then watch the people ordering two and three meals each from room service fall off. You will have to price the greed out of them.

I think maybe offering a type of "grab n go" place with premade sandwiches, salads, snacks and such might be well received. But then again, it probably wouldn't be enough for some. It might be a nice "included" alternative to room service. And if you wanted something hot, late at night, spend the $7.95.

HA, HA, HA ! I think that is a great idea! People would love that!

Yes, I would like to know also. Although this would cause some anguish with me as I have already chosen half of my meals from the menus posted online! There I go over planning again! :D

Totally agree! This is one way to weed out the people who abuse the system. A certain percentage cruisers will not be willing to "pay" for room service anymore. Everything has a cost, one way or another. The question is just whether you are willing to pay the price. Remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch! At least not anymore.

Which is a better value, a $10 steak or a $15 hamburger? It depends on the steak and the hamburger. It's all about price point and perceived value. If the food and service get better, people will be more than happy to spend the $7.95. If the posts about room service here are honest and I believe they are, the fact that the room service was free or included, might be one of the only reasons people ordered it. People like free stuff, even if it isn't very good. If it's free, it's for me and give me three!

You still get a lot for $7.95. The quality of the new menu will dictate it's value.

I think this is where the small print,"prices subject to change" comes into play.

Related, but off topic slightly. Just curious if anybody knows what kitchen room service comes from? The MDR I presume?

Being that this will be our first cruise, and not really knowing, is there that much of a demand for late night food? Is it like Vegas, are people up truly all night long?

Well, this topic really got the juices flowing, so to speak. I guess what it boils down to, like so many other things, is personal choice. If you like room service, then order it. If you don't, then don't. If you don't mind paying for it, then do. And if you do mind paying for it, then don't. Be mad, don't be mad. The choice is yours. You have the right to feel anyway you want about this and you are not wrong. This is just one of the many choices you'll have while on a RCCL cruise. Happy cruising all!

When I asked this question a week ago, I had no idea a change, albeit small with room service, would come so quickly? Six months left until we set sail and I'm excited to see if anything else happens.

I think what you said about food quality is a key point. If it's just mediocre food, does it make it any better, just because they bring it to you? Same goes for hotel room service for instance. When was the last time you said, "Wow, I really enjoyed that $25 omelet!" You pay for the convenience more than the food.

I thought I read somewhere that they still did them one night during the cruise? Maybe not on RCCL.

Ok, now you are just showing off! Or showing your age! Or both! :D