Recently, Royal Caribbean International sparked controversy by initiating a “steak fee” on some of their ships. Now they have decided to take the experiment fleet-wide.
This is admittedly a “special” steak, a 10-ounce Filet Mignon, normally served in their alternative specialty steakhouse — Chops Grille. The steak will carry a $14.95 surcharge; the Chops Grille is normally $25 per person. And the filet will now be available in the main dining room of all of Royal Caribbean’s ships.
The cruise line says that this will allow everyone to enjoy the special “Chops Grille Filet,” especially those with children, or passengers traveling with a group. And they say it will not affect their other “complimentary dinner entrees,” which include a regular sirloin steak.
Clearly, Royal Caribbean thinks this new steak option will be viewed positively, and/or the increased revenue will make up for any grumbling. And no doubt some passengers will appreciate the extra choice, even with the charge.
What worries me is the phrase “complimentary dinner entrees.” Didn’t they ALL used to be complimentary? Especially in the main dining room. What’s next? A special jumbo shrimp cocktail fee? A charge for that farewell dinner lobster? A nominal extra surcharge for a dessert souffle?
Royal Caribbean, along with other cruise lines, already charges for things like Ben and Jerry’s ice cream during the day. But one of the biggest selling points of a cruise vacation has historically been the relaxing, put-away-your-wallet, all-inclusive aspect. Even though shore excursions, drinks and other things cost extra, that “order whatever you want” concept during meals has been a big part of the experience.
Cruise lines already compete with rapidly growing land-based all-inclusives, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico. And these resorts generally include dining room choices, alcoholic beverages and more. In tough economic times, I have to wonder: If these surcharges are the wave of the future, will they wash a number of potential cruisers back to land?
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
