Hate to Complain But

[Scott Mcelligott]

On Odessey of the seas  and the Pop Machines are always empty. It's a pain to walk all the way to find one and it only has a few choices 

[HeWhoWaits]

We experienced the same thing on Ovation, Freedom, and Explorer during 2022. Global supply issues hit us everywhere, even on vacation.

[Ampurp85]

The freestyle machines were always empty on Odyssey when we sailed in Nov.

[Lexster]

6 hours ago, Scott Mcelligott said:

On Odessey of the seas  and the Pop Machines are always empty. It's a pain to walk all the way to find one and it only has a few choices 

Yep, had similar issues on Oasis back in May. I don't think they consider them a priority, though they should. If you're going to sell packages, I expect to be able to get what I paid for.

[tjcruisers]

Last cruise found the ice machine in the WJ would work on them, but almost no soda. On the promenade outside of Dasani they were stocked but the ice machine wouldn’t work

[Lexster]

I did even mention all of this on the post cruise survey, so hopefully it's something they will address. The freestyle machines are both simple and difficult to maintain, so I get it being an issue. I also don't know whose responsibility it is to make sure they're filled. Is it the people in restaurant where the machine is located or are there staff members tasked with making sure all of them remain filled? I have no idea.

[rjac]

We were on the Odyssey for the first-time last year for a two-week B2B. Nice ship, but we felt way too many passengers especially for the pools and solarium. i would suspect that the freestyle machines could not handle the number of passengers, or the staff could not handle the replenishing of the machines. Perhaps, more freestyle machines would help. We don't use the freestyle machines and were disappointed in the selection of alcohol choices at many of the bars. I drink bourbon and there was no bourbon on board. Previous cruises there were selections of bourbon. All the Odyssey had to offer was Jack Daniels which is not a bourbon, it is a Tennessee Whiskey, check this link out:  Is Jack Daniels bourbon or whiskey - we have the answer for you (thewhiskycork.com). 

[Lexster]

27 minutes ago, rjac said:

We were on the Odyssey for the first-time last year for a two-week B2B. Nice ship, but we felt way too many passengers especially for the pools and solarium. i would suspect that the freestyle machines could not handle the number of passengers, or the staff could not handle the replenishing of the machines. Perhaps, more freestyle machines would help. We don't use the freestyle machines and were disappointed in the selection of alcohol choices at many of the bars. I drink bourbon and there was no bourbon on board. Previous cruises there were selections of bourbon. All the Odyssey had to offer was Jack Daniels which is not a bourbon, it is a Tennessee Whiskey, check this link out:  Is Jack Daniels bourbon or whiskey - we have the answer for you (thewhiskycork.com). 

The problem is the machines require a water hook-up, so it's not a simple matter to just add more of them without running more water lines. But, yeah, I did find myself just asking bartenders for diet coke which is a disappointment since the Freestyle machines obviously have way more options. I usually get the refreshment package, so I have more choice, but I'd be really annoyed if I got the soda package.

[Floski]

28 minutes ago, rjac said:

We were on the Odyssey for the first-time last year for a two-week B2B. Nice ship, but we felt way too many passengers especially for the pools and solarium. i would suspect that the freestyle machines could not handle the number of passengers, or the staff could not handle the replenishing of the machines. Perhaps, more freestyle machines would help. We don't use the freestyle machines and were disappointed in the selection of alcohol choices at many of the bars. I drink bourbon and there was no bourbon on board. Previous cruises there were selections of bourbon. All the Odyssey had to offer was Jack Daniels which is not a bourbon, it is a Tennessee Whiskey, check this link out:  Is Jack Daniels bourbon or whiskey - we have the answer for you (thewhiskycork.com). 

I've noticed a serious dearth of top (and medium, even) shelf liquors on our last 3 cruises (2 Harmony, 1 Wonder).

There used to be Trace, 4 Roses, and other good choices.

Blame the supply chain or whatever, but I think it's just another example of Royal going cheap.  I have become a 

cruise fanatic, but RC is not too far from losing me, at least for a couple of cruises.  

Get some danm bourbon!

[Nathan adams]

Coke sucks anyway. Need to upgrade to Pepsi. 

[Xaa]

7 hours ago, Lexster said:

Yep, had similar issues on Oasis back in May. I don't think they consider them a priority, though they should. If you're going to sell packages, I expect to be able to get what I paid for.

On our December Oasis Cruise, I was worried, but the machines were stocked really well I thought.  I'm a soda package guy and drink a lot of it.  I could see a few times when a few flavors were out but then replenished next time I visited.  With the package, I do expect them to be stocked and reliable.  They are really great machines in terms of the variety of offerings.  I suppose that might also be its downfall to some degree.

[BrianB]

Not really a supply comment, but…

I always thought it was somewhat impractical for me to purchase a soda package because I didn’t want to lug around an RFID tumbler just in case I wanted to use a soda machine. I thought it would be better if the machine accepted my SeaPass card and I could just tap and use a glass or paper cup when I wanted. But, I’ve also noticed many times where machines are not operating…and they are few and far between. Just my opinion.

[ScottD]

21 minutes ago, BrianB said:

Not really a supply comment, but…

I always thought it was somewhat impractical for me to purchase a soda package because I didn’t want to lug around an RFID tumbler just in case I wanted to use a soda machine. I thought it would be better if the machine accepted my SeaPass card and I could just tap and use a glass or paper cup when I wanted. But, I’ve also noticed many times where machines are not operating…and they are few and far between. Just my opinion.

I got the refreshment pkg for my trip next week...i don't plan on carrying that cup, I'll just hit the bars and cafes for sodas when i need one, then maybe on my way to the pool or at the end of the night I'll fill the big plastic cup up. 

[RorySC]

9 hours ago, Floski said:

I've noticed a serious dearth of top (and medium, even) shelf liquors on our last 3 cruises (2 Harmony, 1 Wonder).

There used to be Trace, 4 Roses, and other good choices.

Blame the supply chain or whatever, but I think it's just another example of Royal going cheap.  I have become a 

cruise fanatic, but RC is not too far from losing me, at least for a couple of cruises.  

Get some danm bourbon!

During my last 4-5 sailings, they have not had Crown Royal, but 1 time I found it for sale downstairs in the store. When I asked the gentleman working the store why? He said he was asked that question countless times, and had no answer to that question. The bar manager said something about supply chain issues, and during Covid...I bought that line. But not anymore. I don't see it as a price issue, because the price of drinks and or beverage packages are a sliding scale to cover the fluctuation.

[Xaa]

1 hour ago, BrianB said:

Not really a supply comment, but…

I always thought it was somewhat impractical for me to purchase a soda package because I didn’t want to lug around an RFID tumbler just in case I wanted to use a soda machine. I thought it would be better if the machine accepted my SeaPass card and I could just tap and use a glass or paper cup when I wanted. But, I’ve also noticed many times where machines are not operating…and they are few and far between. Just my opinion.

I expected to use the RFID cup less than I ended up doing.  We got in a pretty good routine to grab the cup as we were leaving the room and right to a convenient machine during the day.  In the evening, I never carried it.  The soda cup is better quality than I expected and did keep the soda cold.  I would get the soda package whether there were Freestyle machines or not because I'm a soda-holic, but I do enjoy the self service aspect and the ability to get my Ginger Lime Diet Coke.  

[barjpoe]

9 hours ago, Nathan adams said:

Coke sucks anyway. Need to upgrade to Pepsi. 

Sorry, I don't like your favorite.

[Blulady]

I don't think this is a supply chain issue.  I remember being on Anthem in 2018 and the machines were constantly out of soda.  

[Lexster]

19 minutes ago, Blulady said:

I don't think this is a supply chain issue.  I remember being on Anthem in 2018 and the machines were constantly out of soda.  

Agreed, I'm pretty sure it's a staffing issue.

[ScottD]

27 minutes ago, Lexster said:

Agreed, I'm pretty sure it's a staffing issue.

Those things require constant assistance in a high volume setting. These are supposed to alert someone\somewhere when a supply runs low, who can then replace the box when necessary. This is how they were designed to work, not sure if this is what happens on the ships, and even so- if it does, they obviously don't have people dedicated to keep up with it. 

[Ampurp85]

The new cup is much smaller, it holds the same amount of soda as the blue plastic cups now. I have seen staff refilling the freestyle machines on Oasis, it is a bit of an ordeal. It also appears that staff in general are very green and new, the casino host on Oasis couldn't tell me basic information. I imagine that for the crew who stocked up the machines they probably haven't gotten a routine down.

[Carlos A.]

3 hours ago, BrianB said:

Not really a supply comment, but…

I always thought it was somewhat impractical for me to purchase a soda package because I didn’t want to lug around an RFID tumbler just in case I wanted to use a soda machine. I thought it would be better if the machine accepted my SeaPass card and I could just tap and use a glass or paper cup when I wanted. But, I’ve also noticed many times where machines are not operating…and they are few and far between. Just my opinion.

This!

SeaPass with RFID would be a better option than carrying around the plastic cup.

[Jolly Ogre]

2 hours ago, Blulady said:

I don't think this is a supply chain issue.  I remember being on Anthem in 2018 and the machines were constantly out of soda.  

On our Dec Oasis sailing the machines were constantly out of Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, and the root beers.  Fortunately I don't drink those flavors and the one I do drink was always available. 

[FSUFAN]

3 hours ago, Lexster said:

Agreed, I'm pretty sure it's a staffing issue.

Post-Pandemic hangover.  Coming off of Covid was pretty much a full restart with onboarding new employees, training, recruiting and more.  I know they are working hard to backfill open positions.  I've stated in other threads that the "fit-n-finish" is not there... Yet. 

It's pretty easy to tell the new hires from the veterans.  Our last room steward was gold and definitely a vet.  The server in the MDR was most likely a new hire. He was lost half of the time, missing items and orders, and his assistant was a ghost not to be found for the most part. Water glasses sat empty; drinks guy didn't show a couple of nights.  

Now cruise prices are starting to rise, and I hope the level of service does as well.

[BMW Hoosier]

22 hours ago, HeWhoWaits said:

Global supply issues hit us everywhere, even on vacation.

I call BS. My local Wendy's has plenty of Coke. 

[Lexster]

3 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

The new cup is much smaller, it holds the same amount of soda as the blue plastic cups now. I have seen staff refilling the freestyle machines on Oasis, it is a bit of an ordeal. It also appears that staff in general are very green and new, the casino host on Oasis couldn't tell me basic information. I imagine that for the crew who stocked up the machines they probably haven't gotten a routine down.

Yeah, had a friend who worked at a restaurant that had the Freestyle machines. He hated working on them. Some aspects are simple and others are difficult. The flavors are like ink cartridges in a printer, but there are still like four or five steps to changing out just a single flavor.

[Villageidiot]

3 hours ago, Jolly Ogre said:

On our Dec Oasis sailing the machines were constantly out of Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, and the root beers.  Fortunately I don't drink those flavors and the one I do drink was always available. 

Out of Dr Pepper ? Cue the Geico gecko doing the dramtic "I have a flat tire". That's my favorite drink.

[jbrinkm]

On 1/20/2023 at 6:48 AM, BrianB said:

Not really a supply comment, but…

I always thought it was somewhat impractical for me to purchase a soda package because I didn’t want to lug around an RFID tumbler just in case I wanted to use a soda machine. I thought it would be better if the machine accepted my SeaPass card and I could just tap and use a glass or paper cup when I wanted. But, I’ve also noticed many times where machines are not operating…and they are few and far between. Just my opinion.

On 1/20/2023 at 10:29 AM, Carlos A. said:

This!

SeaPass with RFID would be a better option than carrying around the plastic cup.

There's a funny video of a kid smashing his cup, pulling the chip out, and taping it to his SeaPass card. I'm tempted... but this is the first time we've gotten a refreshment package and I'm kind of looking forward to having the cup as a souvenir.

On 1/20/2023 at 10:17 AM, Ampurp85 said:

The new cup is much smaller, it holds the same amount of soda as the blue plastic cups now. I have seen staff refilling the freestyle machines on Oasis, it is a bit of an ordeal. It also appears that staff in general are very green and new, the casino host on Oasis couldn't tell me basic information. I imagine that for the crew who stocked up the machines they probably haven't gotten a routine down.

I wonder if this depends on the ship and/or sailing? I was reading another thread (may not have been on here) where people were posting their current cups and very few were still those small, cheap ones. Some have the old style big ones still or have gone back to them since those little ones.

[Ampurp85]

20 minutes ago, jbrinkm said:

There's a funny video of a kid smashing his cup, pulling the chip out, and taping it to his SeaPass card. I'm tempted... but this is the first time we've gotten a refreshment package and I'm kind of looking forward to having the cup as a souvenir.

I wonder if this depends on the ship and/or sailing? I was reading another thread (may not have been on here) where people were posting their current cups and very few were still those small, cheap ones. Some have the old style big ones still or have gone back to them since those little ones.

These are the new cups, very well made but holds less liquid. Think the same size cheap cups made in the material  of the older cups. I will post a picture.

[Ampurp85]

This is old cup on left and new one on right

[Keanoknick]

12 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is old cup on left and new one on right

They gave us the "old style"  the one on the left a couple of weeks ago on the Adventure.  It was the only style I saw.

[Ampurp85]

I got the new one on Oasis but old one on Grandeur. It might have something to do with supplies. Oasis sold a lot of drink packages, so I can see then transitioning to the new ones before smaller ships.

[jbrinkm]

Thanks, @Ampurp85! Glad you were able to post a pic, even with the bad internet. The new one does look slightly smaller but maybe not as much as first appears, because the base is wider? I really like them both - definitely better than those cheap plastic plain colored ones that some people were showing. The new one may be more stable to set on a table? 

[Lexster]

My only gripe is the cup doesn't hold much soda, especially if you put ice in it. I know it's unlimited, but there's usually a line at the freestyle machines, so it's not convenient to just keep refilling.

[ultimate_ed]

On 1/22/2023 at 10:01 PM, Ampurp85 said:

This is old cup on left and new one on right

 

That's interesting.  My Symphony sailing the week before Christmas, we got the "old" style cups.  Never had issues with the freestyle machines being out.

[Psycho and Barb]

On 1/19/2023 at 1:35 PM, Scott Mcelligott said:

On Odessey of the seas  and the Pop Machines are always empty. It's a pain to walk all the way to find one and it only has a few choices 

You can get free Pop at any bar if you have the package...No need to walk all over the ship.

[Reigert2008]

Let's take a moment to send good thoughts to those on Liberty who don't even get a Freestyle machine. 

 

 

It baffles me why Liberty doesn't have a Freestyle machine.  Maybe she will get one or two soon!

[Ampurp85]

2 hours ago, Psycho and Barb said:

You can get free Pop at any bar if you have the package...No need to walk all over the ship.

 You can get coke, sprite and diet coke at any bar. If you want root beer, any flavored soda, etc you will be out of luck. Many people get the package for freestyle choices. So when they are out, it's a pain.

[jbrinkm]

44 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

 You can get coke, sprite and diet coke at any bar. If you want root beer, any flavored soda, etc you will be out of luck. Many people get the package for freestyle choices. So when they are out, it's a pain.

+ if you want Coke Zero, which many think has a far superior taste to Diet Coke

[Keanoknick]

13 minutes ago, jbrinkm said:

+ if you want Coke Zero, which many think has a far superior taste to Diet Coke

I've usually had good luck getting Coke Zero at most bars.   Now just need them to start stocking Dr Pepper Zero

[BennyandBo]

46 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

 You can get coke, sprite and diet coke at any bar. If you want root beer, any flavored soda, etc you will be out of luck. Many people get the package for freestyle choices. So when they are out, it's a pain.

I don't think so. I think most get the package for cost savings. 3 sodas and your even for the day. If in restaurants your stuck with Coke, diet Coke, sprite etc. Most places it's a basic 3 or 4 to choose from anyway. The additional freestyle choices I think are just a plus to those who order with meals out anyway.