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Royal Missed Opportunity


Razerbkfan

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We just completed our 6th cruise and wanted to offer a general observation.  We love Royal and generally think they do things well in all areas.  However we come back amazed every time how many conversations we overhear that someone didn't know something was available to them on the ship.  For example the last night of the cruise someone eating in the main dining room for the first time.  They didn't know they could order an extra entree if they wanted one or if they have a food allergy the staff will do everything they can to meet their menu needs.  I understand why the company always host a port shopping event early each cruise, to increase their profits.  However I would think the could build brand loyalty by hosting a "newbie" event to offer insights into the ship and the great variety of items available during the cruise.  Maybe they alrady do,but as a still relative newbie we didn't see it on the cruise compass.

Royal shoould recognize that the script for the " newbie show " is already written for them with this blog and all of its great contributors.  We have found so much great information here we always feel at home on whatever ship we are sailing.  We really feel like we are giving back when we can answer a fellow cruisers question.  We also point them here so for their next cruise they will more informed which I think leads to a better cruise experience.

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I totally agree. Or at a minimum send an email with the most common things that people tend to know. Not everyone thinks to do research or don't do the right research. It doesn't help asking a friend because they were just on a cruise. (If you didn't know chances are they didn't either.) I remember there was one little class when I was on about 6 years ago on shopping but my parents had been on a couple by then (I was off to college so they travelled often) and were able to explain things to me but ya so confusing. Then knowing what I knew introduced my wife 2 years ago to cruise for our honeymoon on Norwegian and they don't do the same things so she was pretty disappointed and if I knew that upfront may have gone somewhere else. They need to be more upfront with things for all lines.

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As a newbie who's first cruise is in Nov this year, i can honestly say this site has not only been a massive help but has also and maybe more importantly made the prospect of cruising less stressful. Simple things such as what time we can board ship, information regarding dining procedures or even the fact that disney is better for sailing if you want lots of sex :8_laughing:, any question that is asked is answered in a friendly manner :5_smiley:.  

Should RC do something to help Newbie's settle in? definitely!!! Not every newbie will find or even look for this blog  

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19 minutes ago, Ray said:

As a newbie who's first cruise is in Nov this year, i can honestly say this site has not only been a massive help but has also and maybe more importantly made the prospect of cruising less stressful. Simple things such as what time we can board ship, information regarding dining procedures or even the fact that disney is better for sailing if you want lots of sex :8_laughing:, any question that is asked is answered in a friendly manner :5_smiley:.  

Should RC do something to help Newbie's settle in? definitely!!! Not every newbie will find or even look for this blog  

I couldn't agree more ..... this site, and the people within it (along with Matt's blog), made our first cruise back in '16 so much easier and less stressful.  By the time we boarded, I felt like a seasoned cruiser.  I "Tip My Hat" to all of you.  As for there being a "First Time Cruiser Seminar" --- Love it ..... It doesn't need to be that long or that complicated ..... just the basics --- perhaps with testimonials and ideas from other cruisers....... Heck, they could even invite seasoned cruisers on each cruise to participate and share their stories (and reward them with a little OBC for their time).

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It's not just newbies, either.  Royal is terrible about sharing other amenities, too.  The casino player's program is a perfect example.  Many, many people don't know that they might be eligible for casino rates just for playing casually in the casino.  It also doesn't help that the program has been in a constant state of flux for the past 5 years or so but just the very fact that some might be eligible for casino benefits that they have no idea about, is truly unforgivable.

Many people who are D+ have no idea that they are eligible for a 30% discount on the deluxe drink package, purchased onboard.  That one was TOP secret for a very long time.

I'm sure there are plenty of others.

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4 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

The casino player's program is a perfect example.

I am still honestly super confused on this part. Have read a few posts but still don't quite understand. We don't have any casinos here (supposedly because we are a religious island) so I'm a little off with how they work. I do like to play a little poker here and there but its normally only on the ships that I ever get to play lol. (I have yet to go to Vegas).

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11 minutes ago, LetsTryThisTech said:

I do like to play a little poker here and there but its normally only on the ships that I ever get to play lol. (I have yet to go to Vegas).

Unfortunately, poker is one of the FEW games in the casino that is not a "rated" game.  That means that you will receive no credit or points whatsoever for playing poker (I'm talking about a live game here, not a poker variant like Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em or 3 Card Poker...those games DO count).  So if you sail and play only poker, you will not even be automatically enrolled as a member of Club Royale.  If you want to become a member of Club Royale and get information on how the program works (or WILL work once they get it all implemented) I recommend you go to the casino, introduce yourself to the Casino Host/Hostess and tell them you are interested in being a member.  They will tell you what is required to qualify for membership and/or incentives.

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3 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em or 3 Card Poker...those games DO count)

So it's a good thing these are my preference lol.

 

4 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I recommend you go to the casino, introduce yourself to the Casino Host/Hostess and tell them you are interested in being a member.  They will tell you what is required to qualify for membership and/or incentives.

I will have to try and do this. Thank you.

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I think the original post brings excellent points, and I am a firm believer everyone should research where they vacation.  After all, an informed/educated customer is likely to lead to a better experience overall.

That being said, the argument against it is the thought "I have to go learn all of that just to cruise? Seems like a lot of work. I just want to sit at the pool and drink!" Or something like that.

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My wife and I meet a couple on our lats cruise in October that was the same way, we had multiple conversations with them throughout the week about what was and was not included in the cruise fare, told them about his blog, Crown and Anchor, Next Cruise, dinning etc..

But they struck me as a couple that didn't mind sitting down and having a conversation about stuff, but they probably wouldn't have gone to a seminar to discuss what is and isn't included in their fare, just my opinion. It's like if you put it in front of their face and force them to read it, they will, but otherwise they won't seek the knowledge out.

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On 1/25/2018 at 1:47 PM, Razerbkfan said:

However I would think the could build brand loyalty by hosting a "newbie" event to offer insights into the ship and the great variety of items available during the cruise.  Maybe they alrady do,but as a still relative newbie we didn't see it on the cruise compass.

On my first cruise on Enchantment a few years ago, a ship tour was listed in the Cruise Compass, and my wife and I took advantage of it. I haven't seen it since. Now that I have completed five Royal Caribbean cruises, I laugh a little at needing a tour back then, especially on a small ship, but it really helped save some time and get some insider tips from the guy doing the tour.

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On 1/30/2018 at 10:40 AM, DunkelBierJay said:

On my first cruise on Enchantment a few years ago, a ship tour was listed in the Cruise Compass, and my wife and I took advantage of it. I haven't seen it since. Now that I have completed five Royal Caribbean cruises, I laugh a little at needing a tour back then, especially on a small ship, but it really helped save some time and get some insider tips from the guy doing the tour.

We did that same tour on Enchantment...our second time on her, because we missed so much the first time around.  Shoot, I totally missed the Viking Crown Lounge, I thought it was some exclusive VIP place.

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On 1/25/2018 at 1:47 PM, Razerbkfan said:

We just completed our 6th cruise and wanted to offer a general observation.  We love Royal and generally think they do things well in all areas.  However we come back amazed every time how many conversations we overhear that someone didn't know something was available to them on the ship.  For example the last night of the cruise someone eating in the main dining room for the first time.  They didn't know they could order an extra entree if they wanted one or if they have a food allergy the staff will do everything they can to meet their menu needs.  I understand why the company always host a port shopping event early each cruise, to increase their profits.  However I would think the could build brand loyalty by hosting a "newbie" event to offer insights into the ship and the great variety of items available during the cruise.  Maybe they alrady do,but as a still relative newbie we didn't see it on the cruise compass.

Royal shoould recognize that the script for the " newbie show " is already written for them with this blog and all of its great contributors.  We have found so much great information here we always feel at home on whatever ship we are sailing.  We really feel like we are giving back when we can answer a fellow cruisers question.  We also point them here so for their next cruise they will more informed which I think leads to a better cruise experience.

Even for "Oldbies" it would be nice to have an orientation. Each ship has unique qualities and niches. Plus, like other lines do, it would be nice to have an option to learn about the history and culture of a port, without the heavy handed sales pitch. I do have fun in the expensive watch stores: "So, is your store here because they manufacture these watches in Jamaica?" "no." "Oh, so your corporate office must be here. Jamaica must be the BUSINESS home for this watch." "No." "So, these must be specific watches that have a strong cultural or historical tie to Jamaica?" "no. Please leave my store." It never gets old.

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