Royal Caribbean enhances dining reservations for passengers

Royal Caribbean has officially announced an exciting change regarding its dining reservation system that has been highly requested by passengers. The cruise line is taking steps to improve the experience for guests who want to secure dining options before stepping foot on their ships. This improvement comes in response to feedback from cruisers who often find the process of planning their cruise complex, with multiple decisions needing to be made concerning internet access, drink packages, shore excursions, and, crucially, specialty dining.

Many passengers often don’t know what they want in advance, leading to some last-minute scrambling to secure the extras they want for their vacations. Because prices for add-ons are generally higher on board the ship, making decisions before embarking is highly recommended. With specialty dining, in particular, it's essential to book in advance as restaurants can fill up quickly.

The Need for Change in Dining Reservations

For those looking for unique experiences like the Chef's Dinner or the new Royal Railway on the Utopia of the Seas, early reservations are necessary. However, one significant issue has been that passengers who purchase the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) are not able to make dinner reservations until they are onboard the ship.

The UDP allows guests to dine at any specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner each day, with minor exceptions. While this package is popular among guests, the necessity to wait until boarding to make dining arrangements has been frustrating for many.

Current Dining Reservation Process

Passengers purchasing individual dining experiences can secure reservations before their cruise, a flexibility not initially offered for UDP customers. This limitation means UDP guests often find themselves spending their first moments on the ship standing in line to schedule their dining plans, which can extend into a wait of 10 to 20 minutes.

Recognizing the inconvenience, Royal Caribbean has promised to address and rectify this issue. They have initiated a rollout of pre-cruise reservations for UDP buyers, allowing them to plan their dining options ahead of their sailing.

Enhancing the Booking Experience

Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, has spoken frequently about improving the overall booking experience for customers, with the goal of simplifying the process of booking cruises and extras. Liberty pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed consumer behavior, with many adapting to online purchases and bookings.

Royal Caribbean has taken significant steps to remove friction from the booking process. Liberty emphasized that with over 100 million visits to their websites in the first quarter alone, which is double the traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels, the cruise line has significantly enhanced its online systems.

Progress in UDP Reservations

Liberty has expressed a strong desire to give passengers more leisure time on their first day of vacation by allowing them to make reservations before their trip. Today, guests can already book shows on Oasis-class ships and will soon enjoy similar capabilities for UDP reservations.

Some guests are beginning to experience this new functionality. For instance, Nicole Pantalena reported in the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group that she was able to make all her UDP reservations at the time of her purchase for her December sailing on the Allure of the Seas.

Testing New Technology

Royal Caribbean is known for conducting tests of new technology before fully implementing changes across the fleet. This careful approach allows the cruise line to explore potential improvements in real-time and gather feedback from passengers.

As the cruise industry continues to adapt and evolve, customer satisfaction remains a top priority for Royal Caribbean. The introduction of pre-cruise UDP reservations is one way the cruise line is responding to feedback and enhancing the overall guest experience.

What This Means for Passengers

The shift to allow pre-cruise reservations for the UDP represents a significant step forward in improving the dining experience for guests. This change will likely reduce the stress of planning dining upon boarding and enhance overall enjoyment during the cruise.

This development signals that Royal Caribbean is committed to listening to its customers and making necessary adjustments to the booking experience. Such customer-centric policies are crucial as the cruise line aims to provide memorable vacation experiences for all passengers.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean's recent announcement regarding pre-cruise dining reservations for UDP guests highlights the cruise line's commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction. As they continue to streamline the booking process and incorporate passenger feedback, guests can look forward to more enjoyable and hassle-free dining experiences on board.

FAQs

1. What is the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) on Royal Caribbean?
The UDP allows guests to enjoy lunch and dinner each day at any specialty restaurant on board, with a few exceptions for certain restaurants that may have an additional charge.

2. Can I make dining reservations before my cruise with the UDP?
Yes, Royal Caribbean has begun rolling out the option to make dining reservations for UDP guests prior to embarking on their cruise.

3. What should I consider when booking dining options on Royal Caribbean?
It is advisable to book specialty dining and any unique experiences ahead of time, as they can sell out quickly, especially for popular time slots.

4. How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced Royal Caribbean's booking system?
The pandemic has increased the reliance on online booking, prompting Royal Caribbean to improve its digital systems to enhance the customer experience significantly.

5. What impact will pre-cruise UDP reservations have on guests' experiences?
By allowing pre-cruise reservations, guests can enjoy a smoother boarding process and maximize their leisure time, avoiding the rush to secure dining slots upon arrival.