9 things Royal Caribbean CUT since I started cruising!

[@charlesschroeder4062]

Midnight buffet in the 90's was a big deal. Carved ice sculptures, big cakes, viewing period, great food, in the main dining room. You are correct that it has been replaced with grab and go like Sorrento's, Cafe Promenade and other easier things to manage. I'm ok that they don't need to fuss and we don't feel compelled to eat so much at 12:30 am.

[@user-dc2ed2dm8d]

@charlesschroeder4062 I remember the viewing period, and clapping for the beauty of the buffet presentation.

[@firstsgt279]

@@user-dc2ed2dm8d Yup, the Viewing was on nite of the Grand Buffet, was on a formal nite. From 11-12 could go in to take pictures. The Grand Chocolate Buffet was a good night to go also

[@lorimasterson8427]

I miss the midnight buffet, really the idea of it. It was always beautiful, but usually looked better than it tasted, lol.

[@ijshapiro8385]

love the new e-muster drill

[@firstsgt279]

Agree! I do B2B and longer, dont even have to go to Station at all for 2nd 3rd ect in a row Cruises.

[@jeffdinter600]

The cruise lines used to do a midnight chocoholic buffet where they would carve ice and put that ice sculptures around the buffet area and serve different types of chocolate out on the buffet area all kinds of different chocolates to choose from as well as fruit and other things that you could self dip in chocolate fountains

[@williamwatson689]

That was really cruising. Now, just the bare essentials with an amusument park and fake islands with rude cruisers and tons of kids. Especially, Royal Caribbean.

[@JeanHixson]

@@williamwatson689

[@JeanHixson]

@@williamwatson689

[@AxelQC]

The once a day cleaning ticked me off. What they really did is double the number of cabins that stewards had to cover, so it's much harder to get service from your steward. They are still great, but now they are harried and worn out and harder to find when you need them.

[@carlosescobar2170]

This very true however, even though Royal Caribbean is saving money by having less stewards those stewards are making more money. I have cruised 3x since they started this, on Grandure, Harmony, and Icon, and I have not had any issues with cabin service.

[@JoanBaranek]

i remember some of those that are now gone. some i miss others not so much. the one i miss the most was the midnight buffet. it was the challenge of staying awake to go to it😄

[@nancysvideostuff]

I miss the souvenir glasses we used to get with the drink of the day. Also, I miss the after dinner shots that they used to bring around the dining room. We aren't big drinkers, but we did enjoy those.

[@tcortez]

The Schooner Bar glasses fill one of my kitchen cabinets. Now that I think about it, I may have tipped a few more than I thought.

[@bencalebrod]

Free Lobster Tail night in the Main Dining Room is a big one, you could really go to town before and even save 1 or 2 for the next day but now it's pretty much gone (only on 6+ night sailings, 1 free lobster tail only, additional ones $17).

[@ustophl]

And this is exactly why the stopped, people gorging

[@shastah-i1666]

yeah my record was 16 in one sitting.....so yeah, sorry about that ​@@ustophl

[@dlgregory35]

Nothing is free you paid for it in your cruise fare was far from free they simply removed it to save even more money.

[@tooraktoff]

Holland America still has twice-a-day housekeeping, print out all the guest photos, and printed copies of the daily programs.

[@pg6557]

Celebrity too which is hypocritical since they’re owned by Royal Caribbean

[@Eggy5190]

And cost twice as much as :)

[@JoeSmith-gp5dm]

That sounds great but I’m not 80 years old yet

[@pg6557]

@@JoeSmith-gp5dm I’m in my late 50s and went once and it actually wasn’t what you think. It was a general mix of 40s and above and the food was really really good.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

Once a day cleaning worked out fine for us. We stay in a small Interior stateroom, so we are forced to stay organized and tidy.😊 We chose morning cleaning, which worked out perfectly for us. We had the sweetest Attendant. ♡

[@janet1425]

We had twice a day cleaning just last month. We paid a very small price and upgraded to concierge.

[@stevecosner8767]

I liked the mint chocolate on the pillows every night. Nice service touch.

[@MW-yj8zk]

I miss the Viking Crown lounge on the newer ships… older ships all have them.

[@johndittmer8488]

In 2019, I had a wedding on the Symphony OTS. Since they didn't rent tuxes on the ship, I had to rent a tux for a week from the Men's Wearhouse in Miami.

[@helciobmello]

I had started cruising just before they have changed housekeeping to once a day. I don't miss the twice a day service, but if we get less service they were supposed to reflect their savings into cheaper fares. Instead they used that to profit even more. Most disappointing.

[@Jglendab8153]

I kinda liked my room to be refreshed in the afternoon. I like to take a nap before I go to dinner.

[@firstsgt279]

Should have Cruised 35+ yrs ago, cost of Cruise then is actually more then what pay today even w/o Inflation. My first cruise, 7nite on Royal, Ocean View Cabin in 1988 total cost $3800. They lost Billions during CV, still Billions in debt and will take them about 10yrs just to get that all back. Last 4yrs EVERYTHNG is more expensive now with cutbacks. Shoot even McDonald's is doing away with Cashiers, have to us online app to order or a Kiosk at multiple stores. Only way get cheaper Cruises is for a 9/11 or Covid type Event. BUT, they'd still had cut back on things, they started doing that about 9/11 happen along with Anthrax scare which Ironically they lost Billions then when everyone was afraid to Cruise/travel for almost a yr. Also that was also year(Sept2001-June2002) Cruising was cheapest ever had been. Paid $9 each for a 5nite Cruise Oct 2001, with $50 port tax each was $118 total for to of us in an OV. Also got Owners Cabin for 7nite for $799 total, me Solo on the then newest and largest Ship in the World Explorer of the Seas, this Dec 2001...

[@MollyVSmurl]

Definitely don’t miss the in previous overwhelming safety drill ! 🎉🎉🎉

[@edwesby5752]

Do you have a Crown and Anchor baseball cap?? If you do then you are a Royal cruiser from many years ago when almost every crusie there was a C&A gift left in the cabin for you. Things like picture frames, luggage tags, luggage straps, and other small gifts were a regular part of Royal cruises for C&A members for years.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

We've sailed on RC ships (Oasis Class) since 2012, and this type gifts were not in our cabin. But then, we always stay in Interior Staterooms on level 6, if possible. Maybe we are excluded from such gifts. We are now Emerald Members. The baseball caps would be AWESOME.

[@mariannegolway7030]

I miss the "little gifts"....

[@stevenlewis-ss2gd]

We recently got off of the Vision. Our room steward serviced our room morning and evening . Got ice twice a day .

[@krispressler1005]

I do miss the tux rentals. I have some wonderful photos of my Dad and husband in tuxes on our first (and my Dad's only) Med cruise. We now just don't get any pictures with a suit jacket due to packing issues.

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

In practice, the Diamond Lounge is no longer a perk. On my last two cruises, I gave up on going, because there was nowhere to sit. Removing Diamond Plus from the conciege lounge was great for the suite / Pinnacle members, but they have not addressed the issue of the Diamond Lounge being unuseable. I'm Diamond Plus, but as far as getting access, I might as well be a first time cruiser. I miss the lamb dishes in the main dining room. The whole new menu thing has been a downgrade. They have eliminated (as far as I can tell) the "A Taste of Mexico" night, which I don't miss at all. I had it twice on one cruise, and swore I'd book specialty dining for any night they were having it on my next cruise. If it had been served in a land restaurant, I would never have gone back. On a side note, I don't how I was denied booking a speciality restaurant on an upcoming cruise because I'm a solo passenger.

[@davee8113]

It’s was always nice the turn down service was done after you went to dinner

[@firstsgt279]

True, after dinner at 1030pm Wife would run back get her pillow mint and read tomorrows program list before the 1045pm 2nd show. Though 35yrs ago most Royal Ship cabins had 2 Couch's that the Room Attendant had to turn into beds at nite. They worked harder back then(15hr days) with 8-10 Cabins then they do with 16+ today(8hrs).

[@user-dc2ed2dm8d]

Johnnie Rockets was complimentary. Midnight Chocolate Buffet.

[@TR_145]

When was Johnny Rockets complimentary? Certainly not in the last 15 years.

[@user-dc2ed2dm8d]

@TR_145 My first cruise was 2004.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

I think Johnny Rockets has changed. Now you have to give up your First Born to eat there.$$$ 😅

[@clbert7460]

The midnight chocolate fountain!!! The once a day cleaning is as the CEO mentioned RCI moving to a more “hotel like” model. So I did as well. And so it was fine with me. I tip only those who provide me with direct services, I don’t tip the front desk or maintenance at a hotel. The cruise lines need to pay their employees appropriately and stop hiding behind gratuities. Be transparent and upfront…Make them service charges and add them to the cost so people can see the real cost of a cruise.

[@478Johnnyboy]

I just went on a royal cruise in Oct. My first cruise ever and I really don’t like Royals nickel and dimming you. You can pay $6000+ for 3 people to cruise and still have to pay for basics like wifi separately which is $365 for 3 people for 7 nights (1 device)…on the Black Friday sale so its even more normal price mind you is insane. There is no reason why you should have to pay for wifi but they know they can get over on people. If you paid $1500/night for a high end hotel you are never thinking will I have wifi? Hell even a $100/night hotel its included. So why are they still charging for that. Outside of getting over on people to make $$$. Which I get its a corp but charging for wifi is wild to me. I fully get charging for drink packages, dining packages but the wifi charge which is a hotel and even motel basic is crazy. After you’ve already paid THOUSANDS to go.

[@GrayShadow13]

One thing I wish RC would do is have more live bands/shows playing the bars during the day hours. Not everyone wants to just hang at the pool for 8 hours. Whenever they do a trivia in Schooners now for example, at say 11 am or 1 pm, it is PACKED and people sitting on the floor and overflowing out of the bar area because there isn't anything else going on. This happened every time during my last 3 cruises. Doesn't matter if it is a cruise or port day, have something going on in the bars that all mostly sit empty all day otherwise. You could do a 1/2 hour trivia while band sets up then 2 hours of band, then another trivia or 2 (let them go longer if the crowd is there) to fill up the afternoon or give time for a different band to set up.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

We totally agree. These RC cruises are not what they used to be.

[@stephaniepelc1618]

Bring back the chocolates on the pillow😋

[@janet1425]

We had chocolates each night...concierge class is the way to go!

[@shastah-i1666]

E-muster is amazing! My wife is handicapped, it's so much easier now. Plus there were always a few (usually drunk) people holding up the process for way to long....

[@JohanMsWorld]

I liked when the midnight and farewel buffet where a thing much more than a midrat snack. They used to have ice sculptures and extravagant plating that was a real eye threat more than anything.

[@ArleenHarr]

In 1994 on Song of America, the waiters came around with a " carousel" of different salad dressings. Diamond Lounge is now the Crown Lounge & Diamonds are not allowed during Happy Hour if there's too many Diamond +. I miss the breakfast and lunch in the MDR that was half served and half buffet.

[@firstsgt279]

Shoot I made Diamond back in 90's was no Diamond Lounge, we had Concierge Lounge and were first on and off the ship. Was no D+ or Pinnacle, Diamond was the top tier. BUT back then at most 8-10 Diamonds on the newest/largest Ships. Crown and Anchor became too successful as Cruising became cheap enough for almost everyone to afford. My first cruise in 80's $3800 for 2 of us in OV Cabin. Back then Cruising was for what they called the Newlyweds and Almost Deads. At 22-23 yrs old was only 2 othe passengers younger then us. Then by time took my Kids half the sailings 3rd and 4th passenger were more expensive then passenger 1-2. Then Royal added Voyager, all the Cabins that could hold 3-8 passengers, Kids Club, Ice and Roller Skating, additional Restaurants, Royal became a Family Cruise Line.

[@mrsbuford100]

When I stay in a suite, i find the twice a day cleaning annoying. I like to pop in and out of my room, and it's frustrating to come back and can't go in.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

✨️We've always loved the 2 FORMAL NIGHTS. We can only book one cruise a year ($$$), so, much thought and excitement is spent on looking, shopping, and planning for those special outfits. ✨️Hubby always wears a stunning black suit with white shirt and tie to match my gowns. ✨️I always wear a beautiful floor-length evening gown on those two nights, with just a dash of sequins. ✨️We hadn't sailed for a few years due to covid. We sailed this year on the ICON. On the formal nights, there were still the long evening gowns and such, but many ladies in the very young crowd wore micro-mini dresses that barely cover (😳), with bare back and plunging necklines, and lots of sequins. It took me a while to realize this was the new version of formal attire. 😊✨️

[@BoardroomtoBounceHouse]

The ships definitely aren’t as formal as they once were and people in general are just so casual all the time now!

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

@BoardroomtoBounceHouse I agree. We have noticed the difference. But part of it is what people now consider and call "formal." It has evolved. But, if you want to dress formal on the two formal nights, do it. And you watch....people will look at you with respect, and smile. We do. We will never give it up. On the non-formal nights, I wear casual long maxi dresses and skirts. Even then, I want to look and feel pretty.

[@dlgregory35]

It is far from forml attire it is a complete lack of any sort of class and the men look even worse no idea how t dress themselves.

[@sf3413]

I miss multiplug outlets! Too soon? 😂 But seriously, miss those good 'ol times of multiplugs.

[@bethbounds2873]

I do miss the Champagne Bar. I hate the robotic bar that took its place.

[@travelingon7458]

Room service has the best burger, wings Cobb salad and when you order pizza, you get a whole pizza. I understand why they started charging because people were just ordering anything and then not eating it too wasteful!

[@firstsgt279]

Agree, was on Panama Canal 16nite Cruise in Sept and got CV 3rd day. Room Service was good!. Good Burger, shoot even the Cheese cake was better then get in WJ or Main Dining. When Room Service was free for everyone would see whole trays food people would order, then many wouldn't even be there to eat it when it came

[@Lanterns7056]

Midnight Buufet on RCL also had carved ice sculptures

[@danmac2925]

And chocolate items!

[@Buffalobill77]

I miss turndown service, on my last cruise it seemed like the hallways full of dishes at night. I think that’s because they weren’t cleaning rooms at night

[@tobiebrave]

I’m so old I remember skeet shooting off the stern of the ship! Did that in my honeymoon on Song of America in 1984. You could also hit golf balls off the stern! Can’t say I miss either of those but I do kinda miss the days when the only option for dinner was the main dining room so you really got to know your table mates.

[@kennethbtrevias9567]

Midnight Buffets, Skeet Shooting and the occasional Toga Parties for a start.

[@denisepatrizio3604]

I remember when they left a deck of cards, caps, key chains etc on your bed during the cruise. I always thought.midnight buffet should be.lunch on a at sea day. That way no waste of food. Ice sculptures were great with the food sculptures too. We go back to 1980s for cruising. I like twice cleaning for the purpose of a make.up bed and clean towels.

[@wzupmane]

E muster for the win!

[@fafolguy]

Never rented a tux for a wedding or formal event? High school prom? Lol, you sleep on sheets and use towels that have been in MUCH more intimate places on strangers than a suit!

[@patriciareynolds1800]

I actually prefer once a day room service. I always ask for later in the day because I sleep until 9 or later.

[@davee8113]

Ask for as late as 4 pm for room service attendant this way your room is clean you come back from dinner

[@TheBruceGday]

I bought flowers on board on my last cruise in 2019. It was nice to do for my wife.

[@alexisbrown9697]

I miss Johnny rockets being included in cruise fare. Back when I started cruising, early 2000’s, it was new to RCL ships and it was so good. Apple a la mode was 👌

[@ST52655]

Carnival has cut a lot of stuff since we started cruising years ago. Now we’re going to try Royal Caribbean next year.

[@lorimasterson8427]

I think they used to have in the 90's a late night buffet. At least they did on Carnival (I actually used to like Carnival, waaaay back then). It was a small area from 2-3am for breakfast food and one ship had crepes. That was great! Leaving the casino around 2:30 and eating breakfast before going to bed...😋

[@oldlineaviation2830]

It is funny how you mention the Mouse. They suspended that during the lifting of COVID restrictions. It was glorious for the two cruises I took when muster drills were in effect. When resumed, it was a downer. I've been on thirteen Disney cruises, those two virtual muster drills were great. I have one RC and one DCL next year. I'm looking forward to the virtual muster again.

[@learnmesomethin5102]

The removal Connoisseur Club. It was a good place to have cigar and enjoy a Scotch. It had nice leather furniture and wood finishes. Very similar look to Michael's Club on Celebrity just not as elaborate

[@timm1328]

I’ve been cruising with RCCL since 2001, and I remember the midnight buffet. I rarely ate at it, but with the ice sculptures and vegerable sculptures it was a lovely thing to look at. I miss it. I have only sailed once in a non-suite, that was in Feb 2024, and I did miss the twice daily room cleaning. I do not miss the muster drill, although I do wonder what would happen if a real emergency were to occur. I miss the tuxedo rental and the “real” formal nights. It was so much easier that packing a suit and having to lug a garment bag. Room service should be provided gratis; I have used it on occasion. I do really miss the champagne bar. Portofino’s was better than Giovanni’s. I also miss the card/game room that used to be on the Vision and Radiance Class ships.

[@carlosescobar2170]

My first in 1998 on Sovereign of The Seas I was able to go to a venue and grab an absolute delicious burger at like 1am after a good and I had been playing in the casino for hours. It was a great memory. My first cruise ever and having a great snack at 1am was awesome.

[@GLOCKDPLUSFlowriders]

You can get hot oatmeal (porridge) or grits delivered to your stateroom included in Continental Breakfast.

[@michellebembry4273]

Midnight buffet free lobster (husband) twice a day room cleaning but e muster drill a plus

[@mikishad1058]

I do miss lobster. The new muster drills are fantastic.

[@TheBruceGday]

The old Viking Crown Longe up on the funnel on older ships was unique and fun. Nice views. Where I had my first drink.

[@shenablount2644]

I remember being 10 yrs old on my first cruise going to the midnight buffet. As a kid who loved seafood, I was in heaven!

[@abelquintuna7280]

WOWBands are on their way out too. Just got off the thanksgiving sailing on odyssey OTS and they said it was no longer an option. Zone Zero was also removed so it sucked knowing that there were now TWO entertainment areas closed on Odyssey.

[@andrewtse29]

Same cruise!! The ball drop was fun! I saw some people with bands but it’s not advertised as big as when they launched Oasis class ships

[@Bryan-ve5ck]

Do miss the flower sales. We cruise on our anniversary and she got her favorite flowers..can't say what I got.

[@jenniferhessler2964]

Loves the main dining room menu before theme nights. Food was much better

[@kathybrem880]

Agreed

[@71intothevoid]

I'm sorry but I miss midnight buff,a lot! It was just such a great event... it was much more than just grabbing food. It usually entailed ice sculptures, some amazing decors and just a great party vibe.... they should bring it back.

[@randyhamilton8673]

Duck in the main dining room first cruise I had on Royal was at 96 and I remember eating like four ducks which was great and also probably not great lol🦆

[@Jglendab8153]

I kinda enjoyed my room being refreshed in the evening while I’m at dinner. 🍽️ I’m one of those individuals who need my afternoon nap before I begging the evening fun.

[@Tom-tk7kw]

In spite of all the cutbacks, Royal has stepped up price gouging, especially on the new Icon class. Frankly, I don't personally believe most cruisers get any more actual cruise enjoyment on Icon than on Oasis class ships, although Icon fares are dramatically much more costly. Some may disagree, but I prefer the value offered on the Oasis class far more than Icon class.

[@firstsgt279]

Midnight Buffet was a Big Deal, had tons of great food. Carved Ice and Foods. Reason ended was waste and cost, more food in weight was thrown away then ate. Wasnt due to additional places to eat as most Royal Ships still didnt have them yet. After ended they'd bring food to you in Casinos, Bar, Dance Clubs. Then WindJammer as place to eat has been around about 40yrs, in addition even back in the 90s there was 24hr Pizza. hot dogs, hamburgs, french fries. 2-Use to get free Soda Pop with your meals. 3-wasnt 2 times a day in 70-90s, room attendants would go in your cabin 8-10 times a day, every time you left your Cabin, they worked about 16hrs a day. But 30yrs ago most cabins had 2 Couches that turned into beds at nite, no bedding in their during the day, additional work for them. At nite had turn down service along with Mint on your pillow. 4-was actual Flower Shop onboard, could order fresh flowers everyday sent to your room. Also they had shops and sold everything to wear onboard. You in theory could get on a ship with no bags and buy everything down to underwear, sox and shoes. 5-Until 16ish yrs ago Diamond was the Top Tier, was no D+ or Pinnacle. As Diamond you had access to Concierge Lounge and Originally was no Diamond Lounge until 2000's. Being a Diamond you were also first on and off the Ship. 6-Fresh Fruit in your room every day. 7- Main Dining, was a 5 Course meal that took almost 2hrs to eat. 2 nites of Formal with Suit or Tux, 2 of Semi Formal with Suit or Sport Coat with Tie and 3 nites was Smart Casual with slacks. No Jeans, shorts, tshirts or tank tops. Shoot even WindJammer no swimwear allowed even with cover up. You had to go change clothes to eat in there. Nice was WJ as a Buffet had huge trays like shore restaurants carry your food and drinks. 8- Smoking allowed all over the ship, eve had ashtray for every 2 chairs on the open decks and in public lounges. 9-Use to be able hit Golf Balls and Skeet Shoot off open Deck into the Ocean, even 30yrs ago it was biodegradable Balls. Ended about 9/11. Guns on Ships then a no no... Good Video, thx

[@annewallace3474]

Hotels only do “once a day” but don’t charge. RCL still charge as much, actually more, but we’re getting less service.

[@andyl9920]

A midnight buffet would be great. They should bring it back. I liked the twice a day for stateroom cleaning too

[@joeln6861]

Used to love the Viking crown lounge when it was 360 degrees (think Majesty of the Seas from the 90's). Now if there is one, it is a high level perk (and not 360 degrees anymore).

[@GLOCKDPLUSFlowriders]

Very disappointed no more "Tutti" salad in MDR on sea days. We discovered this on this year's Halloween cruise 😢

[@TheBruceGday]

Midnight buffet was awesome! Not the same as getting pizza . A definite loss.

[@thedoublet4301]

I remember as a kid the midnight buffet was still a thing. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cookies, ice cream.

[@krakenjack22]

The reduction to once-per-day stateroom service was a big loss. The cabins just are not as clean as they used to be, and we never get to know our attendant like we used to. Of all the cut backs since 2022, this one still hurts.

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

💥We cruised on the ICON this past May, 2024. We hadn't cruised for 5 years due to COVID, and a bout with cancer. 🔸️We were SHOCKED at the differences. Our main shock was the shows. All, except the ice show and the comedy show, were very disappointing. 🔸️Every one of them had (what we call) "Dancing Like Half Time at the Super Bowl." (Think Beyonce). 🔸️No matter what kind of show, there was the very *same* dancing as in "Half Time" to include such things as extremely LOUD music, laser lights, singing >so loud< you could NOT understand the words of the songs, outfits like Beyonce wears, etc. EVERY SINGLE SHOW....the same. 🔸️Imagine that kind of dancing in 'The Wizzard of Oz' .... In that Broadway play. (Is nothing sacred?) What does "Half Time" dancing have to do with The Wizzard of Oz..!!!?? 😵‍💫 But, there it was.

[@stevenlewis-ss2gd]

The days of unlimited lobster on formal night is gone. Only allowed 1 now.

[@bencalebrod]

And I think it's only on 6+ night sailings now too.

[@btab5332]

Never knew you could rent a Tuxedo so I don't miss it nor do I miss the mid-night buffet or the in-person muster drill, which I hated and was a total waste of time.. But I do miss the evening turn down. Still a thing on Celebrity.

[@ashleylongstreet4755]

The champagne bar is still on allure until they go in to dry dock. I was just there in September and I liked it a lot! Not sure if this is an unpopular opinion opinion but I really liked the samba grill and hope they don’t get rid of it

[@suzannewhite9777]

it's a good thing that we didn't need to evacuate because I forgot where my muster station was the next day.😂

[@andrewtse29]

I just got back from Odyssey of the Seas and I realized the cleaning twice a day was omitted. TBH it wasn’t a big deal for us as I rather have a near bed and night than morning. What I did miss most was the cruise compass on paper. Yes I understand the save paper point but the appt doesn’t always give you all the details and the information. Also hard to navigate some of the timing of when things are open or closed. RCCL relies on us to use the phones but some of my older family members prefer having hard copies. And yes I’m also aware of obtaining copies at guest services but I rather have it everytime they make my bed. Also, those towel animals! Did they get smaller. I miss those full size ones. It was fun to see a different animal every night. Lastly, don’t like how we don’t have option on when to leave the ship. You are now just just randomly assigned. My family cabin was next to each other but they gave us one at 6 and then the other at 8. Doesn’t make sense!! I do miss more food options. Where was seafood night? Did we use to have two menus at dinner with RC or was that at a different cruise line?

[@tonyintrevado8960]

Cruising 22 years. Pricing easily doubled and service/entertainment/food quality dropped at least by half! Not happy.

[@garysteinert8040]

I don’t know about the midnight buffet, but in the US Navy, “mid rats” was the best meal.

[@PeartDisicple481]

I love the diamond club. I am diamond plus now I simply love it 4 drinks. A today.

[@alwayswatching69]

Did they remove being able to have multiple entrées per meal in the main dinning room? I had a fun time on sky pad as an adult. The parents realized it was for more than just kids.

[@georgelomarro4677]

Still can have multiple entrees. But on Lobster night you are limited to just one. So ask for the "surf and turf" on lobster night. Our waiter brought us the steak entree with a side of lobster.

[@ModernMyths]

When I started, there was 3 things I remember that they don't have now. 1 was a boxing ring on Freedom of the Seas. It was mostly to do a personal boxing training. The other actually was Dreamworks had "How to train your Dragon" and "Kung Fu Panda" instead of Shrek and Trolls. And the 3rd was that they had actual plugs you could put your Ipod in and it would play your music while in your room. Now, instead of those plugs, all I see are the old 1990 phone wall jacks you plug dial phones into. XD

[@karenedge1777]

Didn’t really have a problem with once a day room cleaning until RCCL increased the tipping charges more than once. Why should I pay more in tips when I get half of the service? One of the last cruises I went on, I did not even meet my cabin steward until the 2nd day! I tried diligently to make contact the first day with no success. Filed a complaint and RCCL just blew it off, saying “he came to your room but you weren’t here.” That was a lie because I left a note on my whiteboard requesting a few items, like a blanket and feather pillow. The cabin service has gone downhill in attentiveness. Too many rooms for a steward to manage does not warrant an increase in tip charge.

[@mariebrooks7341]

I like the once a day cleaning and get my cabin done in the morning so that I am out of the way and they don't have to come back that day. I like the e-muster drill. I really miss the smaller ships more than anything. I loved the Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas. Just the right size and had all the stuff that I like to do. I don't do any of the water activities so the larger ships are really nice HOWEVER smaller is better for me. I now cruise on Celebrity sometimes for the smaller ship and no water activity.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Midnight buffets were a complete waste of food.

[@lorimasterson8427]

It looked better than it tasted!

[@zekegrimm3775]

Please bring back the Sweet Red Cabbage! It was terrific as an App, with Dinner, and even as a desert! Paired Wonderfully with the Duck! Oh yea, bring back the Duck as well.

[@morninglight67]

So did you buy a tux for your wedding, any other wedding you were a groomsman in, or even prom? I'm not thinking tuxes are necessary for a cruise, I just don't think tux rental is any weirder than even sleeping in sheets that hundreds of other people have used.

[@morninglight67]

I would've thought DreamWorks maybe got canceled when they got acquired by Disney.

[@TR_145]

Except Dreamworks isn't own by Disney.

[@morninglight67]

@TR_145 looking further DW was distributed by Disney 2009 to 2015. Owned was a misstatement.

[@corrosive69]

on all the heavy metal cruises there's a midnight buffet!!

[@MysteryShadow1969]

Classics on the Main Dining Room Menus!! Also the nice, classy Clear Crystal Block Milestones. The new ones look cheap and tacky. Like a postcard encased in plastic....

[@boysrus61]

There is so much food everywhere, no. midnight buffet needed IMO. 2X a day services, nah. I like every 2 days... but then again, I am pretty neat. I LOVE on line Muster Drill. I feel like the fancy dinners have turned into a big waaaa waaaa. We sat in our fancy wear next to a man in overalls and a bow tie. He thought he was so funny. I always go to the Diamond lounge and appreciate the coffee and continental breakfast. I have never used the room service so I am indifferent to the charge. I feel like the evening buffet meal is themed and fabulous and the Main room is delicious so I have been on 11 cruises and actually never eaten in a speciality restaurant.

[@user-mh9kv6bo4w]

Get rid of Formal nights. When I was last on the cruise there was more than 50% of people who wore casual clothes on formal nights.

[@TheTiffiny777]

They also cut the vitality cafe on utopia :(

[@RussLuvs2Cruise]

I am a big fan of the savory bites in the MDR, that unfortunately are no longer available.

[@davee8113]

You wonder if venues like Playmakers for quick bar food but at a cost so they save money

[@user-lj1zs3wl5l]

📸✨️We had a BAD experience on the ICON this year. The PHOTOGRAPHERS were the worst we've EVER experienced in all our time cruising. ▪︎ We always make an effort to have our pictures taken throughout the cruise, and love the experience. ▪︎ Generally, we have SO MANY great photos to choose from that it's hard to choose. But on the ICON, only one (1) photo was nice. ▪︎ The rest were usually out of focus, taken way too far away, or something like this. Very very amateur. We ended up choosing only 3 photos, with 2 of them being flawed, but we chose them anyway. ▪︎ ⛵️⚓️We are sailing on The Harmony of the Seas in May 2025, and are looking forward to returning to the Oasis Class once again. Praying like crazy that the photographers are as great as they used to be. At least they have FOCUS where you can clearly view your photos on a nice size screen. >>>They don't have that on the ICON

[@dan81275a]

Many of these cuts haven't affected me, but I feel like the quality of the food in the MDR has really suffered. I now avoid it and opt for the specialty restaurants. As far as Sabor is concerned, I will be going on Liberty in May 2025. I made a reservation at Sabor with my Unlimited Dining Plan. I hope Sabor will still be there in May.

[@laveetamerritt9799]

I really miss the midnight buffet.

[@Plum_bird]

People rent tuxedos for weddings, our funerals all the time, but I get it if you’re not comfortable with it.

[@mariawiggins5750]

You got the casino buffet that's open at night only

[@brucerosner3547]

I don't know if RCL did this but Celebrity had flaming table side Cherries Jubilee preparation. Also the modern baked Alaska dessert is a joke compared to what it once was.

[@hansgustaf540]

Oh yes - the dining room was dark and some waiters surprised us with a parade presenting the famous dessert. Last October I missed this on the Explorer. We had Baked Alaska on the menu. I was disappointed they cancelled the traditional parade. 😢

[@stevengower]

MSC has a midnight buffet