Voom Pricing

[AlohaLivin]

Hello all!

 We have been traveling, a journey that ended in the hell that was the Orlando airport on Feb 2 and ended up in me with the flu from hour after hour in a crowd that resembled the crowds at the Beatles concerts that I have seen on film. But I am semi back and trying to focus on our next two RCL sailings. 

 I realize this topic has likely been discussed here before, but I could not find it in my search so I bring it to those with lots of RCL experience - what the devil is up with the insane discrepancy in the Voom daily rates?! The current rate for our May sailing is 18.99 day for 2 devices (basis Voom), while the same package for the Adventure for November was about $28 per day (to the best of my flu brain’s recollection). WHAT?! I like RCL as much as the next person here,, but that difference seems unfair to me. Some difference is okay, but that difference is ridiculous.

That we are in a full suite for both sailings is adding to my irritation on this issue, since there’s not even a discount for suite guest (much less free on these ships).  And did I just read Voom is part of the key program?! Surely I misread. These facts would seem to really decrease the likelihood many cruisers will bother with suites unless they need a lot of space (at least from my viewpoint, clearly I have not done a scientific survey!). 

And I hope eveyone has be happy and healthy

Lynn

[princevaliantus]

7 minutes ago, 2Beeze said:

Hello all!

 We have been traveling, a journey that ended in the hell that was the Orlando airport on Feb 2 and ended up in me with the flu from hour after hour in a crowd that resembled the crowds at the Beatles concerts that I have seen on film. But I am semi back and trying to focus on our next two RCL sailings. 

 I realize this topic has likely been discussed here before, but I could not find it in my search so I bring it to those with lots of RCL experience - what the devil is up with the insane discrepancy in the Voom daily rates?! The current rate for our May sailing is 18.99 day for 2 devices (basis Voom), while the same package for the Adventure was (to the best of my flu brain’s recollection) about $28 per day. WHAT?! I like RCL as much as the next person here,, but that difference seems unfair to me. Some difference is okay, but that difference is ridiculous.

That we are in a full suite for both sailings is adding to my irritation on this issue, since there’s not even a discount for suite guest (much less free on these ships).  And did I just read Voom is part of the key program?! Surely I misread. These facts would seem to really decrease the likelihood many cruisers will bother with suites unless they need a lot of space (at least from my viewpoint, clearly I have not done a scientific survey!). 

And I hope eveyone has be happy and healthy

Lynn

Is the 18.99 p/d on the Adventure as well? 

[AlohaLivin]

Just now, princevaliantus said:

Is the 18.99 p/d on the Adventure as well? 

 I just looked to be certain ... it was $27 per day

[AlohaLivin]

Hmmm guess the committee met and decided it had previously been answered or it was a stupid question. oh well, I have to crawl back in bed anyway

[mom2mybugs]

Bummer on being suck... Hope you feel better.  No stupid question... People might not have been on or got a chance to answer.  Voom is part of the key which is why a lot of people are picking it up... It's not much more if you are getting it anyway.  It's not worth it to me since I don't usually get voom.  I think rc is notorious for different prices on different ships on drink pkgs and voom.  I assume it's demand that drives the price.  I agree that the high price seems ridiculous...   Jane

[twangster]

Voom prices vary much like drink package prices vary.  No rhyme or apparent reason.  In some cases the two device Voom plan was discounted for select sailings.  Many people myself included took advantage of the great two device sale price.

How Royal decides what Voom will be priced is anyone's guess.  Even the onboard price still deviates between ships.  

For an Adventure booking in October 2019 I see Voom SURF for $17.99 per day for two devices and Voom SURF & STREAM for two devices is $19.99 per day for two device.  You may see something different.  That is still a long way out.  Wait and it will probably go on sale at some point.  

For suites, Voom is included with Sky & Star Class Suites.  Sky & Star Class is only offered on Oasis and Quantum class ships.  Therefore no other ships include Voom with suites (because no other ships offer Sky & Star Class).  It's just like Coastal Kitchen being included for Sky & Star Class suites on Oasis and Quantum class ships.  Other ships don't have Coastal Kitchen.

[twangster]

Michael Bayley fielded the Voom question for non OA/QU ships and suites.  His answer was simple.  They did not include Voom in the pricing models for suites on those ships.  

It all goes back to the fact that nothing is "free" on a ship.  MDR, Entertainment, Windjammer - none of that is "free".  It's "included" in the cruise fare.  You pay for it all - in the base cruise fare.

Many folks who book suites on the older ships have been booking them for years.  Years before Oasis and Quantum came into existence.  They've never had and in most cases don't want Voom.  They like to disconnect and have no use for it.  If Royal changed the pricing for those suites that have never had it and increased prices for all suite guests so that it is included, many guests would be up in arms because now they are paying for something they don't want and won't use.

When Sky and Star Class came into existence they rolled it out onto Oasis and Quantum class only and at that time they took the opportunity to include Voom in the pricing model for those classes.  Sky and Star never existed before.  No one used to buy Sky Class and didn't have to pay for Voom.  Therefore no could complain they are paying for something they didn't used to have to pay for because Sky Class had never existed without Voom.

Personally I'd like to see the Voom and the deluxe drink package included in all cruise fares.  Since I tend to buy them, that would be great for me.  For many guests though, they don't want their fare to go up so that I can drink for "free".  Maybe they are recovering alcoholics, maybe they are pregnant, maybe they are 5 years old.  Doesn't matter to me, if everyone pays just a little bit more, I get it for "free".  If Royal said they were going to raise fares by $250 per person and make them all inclusive, Voom and booze, that would be great for me.  However they would have lots of upset people who don't want it.  

They could increase everyone's fare by $50 and everyone gets free photos.  increase by another $75 and everyone gets a free three night dining plan.  Increase by $20 and everyone gets two free t-shirts.  Increase by $60 and everyone gets a watch.  Where does it end?  What if you don't want a watch, photos, t-shirts or specialty dining?  Should you pay more so those who do want it get it for "free"?

That is why suites that are not Sky or Star Class do not include Voom in the fare that you pay.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

Twangbot, I am with you on this one.  I wish that they would charge me just a little bit more and include a few things but....in this very competitive market it's all about getting to the lowest possible fare.  Too bad, really.

[markinct]

3 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Twangbot, I am with you on this one.  I wish that they would charge me just a little bit more and include a few things but....in this very competitive market it's all about getting to the lowest possible fare.  Too bad, really.

Bingo. I believe it's that perceived need to get as low as possible for that "Starting at price".  I wonder if MSC has partially figured this out with their "Experience" pricing? 

[tdcackler]

I'm really interested to see what the new Virgin Voyages do to pricing industry wide. They include wi-fi, specialty dining and all gratuities. Yes, you pay for it in the cruise fare, but I wonder if some of these things will get other lines to see what they might include (even if fares go up slightly).

[twangster]

Just now, tdcackler said:

I'm really interested to see what the new Virgin Voyages do to pricing industry wide. They include wi-fi, specialty dining and all gratuities. Yes, you pay for it in the cruise fare, but I wonder if some of these things will get other lines to see what they might include (even if fares go up slightly).

I doubt Virgin will have any impact to the big three.  Different target audience, different pricing model, different product.  Especially with just one ship.  

MSC is someone to watch.  They plan to crank out ships over the next few years and take on the big three closer in that market.  

[tiny260]

3 hours ago, tdcackler said:

They include wi-fi, specialty dining and all gratuities. Yes, you pay for it in the cruise fare,

You just described Star Class, granted it includes other amenities (The Key, UDP, behind the scene tours and the rooms themselves), so if you ever look at Star Class, remember you are already including pretty much everything.

[AlohaLivin]

It is frustrating that there is such a discrepancy in what you get with a suite on various ships (when prices are vastly different). Definitely not happy to be paying full price for Voom when we pay for a suite and Key folks have it included.  Life isn’t fair, I more than get that as I was widowed very young, but there should be some fairness in fares and what you get for the money (at least if in the long run you want to keep passengers). 

But agree it would be better to spread costs out and add Voom to all fares (drinks too). I cannot imagine the cost for people sailing with teens... ridiculously priced. It still seems super crazy to me that on one cruise it’s 18.99 day for 2 devices and edging close to $30 day for the same thing on another cruise. I don’t mind disconnecting in theory, but with a house sitter in our home and a 93 yo. mother staying plugged in is a necessity “in case.”

Thanks for the input. And I too am anxiously waiting to see the Virgin prices as I love the idea of the extras being included!

[Tdoner]

On 2/10/2019 at 7:53 PM, twangster said:

Michael Bayley fielded the Voom question for non OA/QU ships and suites.  His answer was simple.  They did not include Voom in the pricing models for suites on those ships.  

It all goes back to the fact that nothing is "free" on a ship.  MDR, Entertainment, Windjammer - none of that is "free".  It's "included" in the cruise fare.  You pay for it all - in the base cruise fare.

Many folks who book suites on the older ships have been booking them for years.  Years before Oasis and Quantum came into existence.  They've never had and in most cases don't want Voom.  They like to disconnect and have no use for it.  If Royal changed the pricing for those suites that have never had it and increased prices for all suite guests so that it is included, many guests would be up in arms because now they are paying for something they don't want and won't use.

When Sky and Star Class came into existence they rolled it out onto Oasis and Quantum class only and at that time they took the opportunity to include Voom in the pricing model for those classes.  Sky and Star never existed before.  No one used to buy Sky Class and didn't have to pay for Voom.  Therefore no could complain they are paying for something they didn't used to have to pay for because Sky Class had never existed without Voom.

Personally I'd like to see the Voom and the deluxe drink package included in all cruise fares.  Since I tend to buy them, that would be great for me.  For many guests though, they don't want their fare to go up so that I can drink for "free".  Maybe they are recovering alcoholics, maybe they are pregnant, maybe they are 5 years old.  Doesn't matter to me, if everyone pays just a little bit more, I get it for "free".  If Royal said they were going to raise fares by $250 per person and make them all inclusive, Voom and booze, that would be great for me.  However they would have lots of upset people who don't want it.  

They could increase everyone's fare by $50 and everyone gets free photos.  increase by another $75 and everyone gets a free three night dining plan.  Increase by $20 and everyone gets two free t-shirts.  Increase by $60 and everyone gets a watch.  Where does it end?  What if you don't want a watch, photos, t-shirts or specialty dining?  Should you pay more so those who do want it get it for "free"?

That is why suites that are not Sky or Star Class do not include Voom in the fare that you pay.  

I'd probably never know the price was increased by 250. Bring on the free drinks!!

[SpeedNoodles]

1 hour ago, 2Beeze said:

It is frustrating that there is such a discrepancy in what you get with a suite on various ships (when prices are vastly different). Definitely not happy to be paying full price for Voom when we pay for a suite and Key folks have it included.  Life isn’t fair, I more than get that as I was widowed very young, but there should be some fairness in fares and what you get for the money (at least if in the long run you want to keep passengers). 

But agree it would be better to spread costs out and add Voom to all fares (drinks too). I cannot imagine the cost for people sailing with teens... ridiculously priced. It still seems super crazy to me that on one cruise it’s 18.99 day for 2 devices and edging close to $30 day for the same thing on another cruise. I don’t mind disconnecting in theory, but with a house sitter in our home and a 93 yo. mother staying plugged in is a necessity “in case.”

Thanks for the input. And I too am anxiously waiting to see the Virgin prices as I love the idea of the extras being included!

Viking Ocean Cruises has a lot of the extras included as well (not that I'm steering anyone in any direction! Loyal to Royal! But itineraries being what they are, I could have a wandering eye some day).

[AlohaLivin]

Just now, SpeedNoodles said:

Viking Ocean Cruises has a lot of the extras included as well (not that I'm steering anyone in any direction! Loyal to Royal! But itineraries being what they are, I could have a wandering eye some day).

I hear you. I am loyal, but if you aren’t back then I start eyeing your competitors. Fair in love and cruise lines

[Balsam]

I actually like the NCL idea.... "Here are 5 things that other lines charge you extra for. We charge a bit more, but you get to pick three of them.".

As everyone has different priorities, everyone gets to pick the ones that they want. Personally, things like overprices photos that will go home and sit in a drawer are a waste for me. Shore excursion credits are a waste if you use third party tours anyway.

Beverage packages on the other hand are always welcomed  along with dining and internet.

A cruise line could take the whole concept further and add in options like arcade or casino credit, ship tours or programs like "The Key".

[Traveler]

The Voom price I guess is also driving by the capacity and the demand , for example , on my cruise from Japan to China they are selling Voom currently at 18$ for one device !

[twangster]

5 hours ago, Traveler said:

The Voom price I guess is also driving by the capacity and the demand , for example , on my cruise from Japan to China they are selling Voom currently at 18$ for one device !

Perhaps satellite costs are more expensive in that region.  

[Traveler]

Just now, twangster said:

Perhaps satellite costs are more expensive in that region.  

Could be , although when I was on Hong Kong cruise to Singapore I paid normal fee , many things are different in China based cruise   (they are charging for activities which are usually not charges in other cruises) 

[twangster]

2 minutes ago, Traveler said:

Could be , although when I was on Hong Kong cruise to Singapore I paid normal fee , many things are different in China based cruise   (they are charging for activities which are usually not charges in other cruises) 

Very true.  The NorthStar ride is longer, goes over the sides of Quantum, but is charged in Asia.  Different market, different marketing and expectations.  

[Matt]

20 hours ago, twangster said:

I doubt Virgin will have any impact to the big three.  Different target audience, different pricing model, different product.  Especially with just one ship.  

MSC is someone to watch.  They plan to crank out ships over the next few years and take on the big three closer in that market.  

I tend to agree. Virgin is aiming itself towards the premium cruise market, as opposed to the mass market cruise line.

MSC is the real dark knight option, since it's playing aggressively with pricing and options. Unlike say Bahamas Cruise Line that wants to takeover the "bottom feeder" title, MSC wants in on the big mass market cruise line market share while still playing the same game.

[JLMoran]

1 hour ago, Matt said:

MSC is the real dark knight option