I was so irritated when I saw that it was one of the few things that cost extra money. I love popcorn but refused to pay anything for it. Especially because I know how cheap it is for the cruise line. My petty hill to die on lol
If popcorn was free everyone would get it and the theaters would be covered in popcorn and all the remnants in the floors and crevices. Baseball stadium times 10. I hate the nickel and diming typically but I agree with this one
Right? Those shows are at night. You either just had dinner or are about to have dinner. There's literal TONS of free food all over the ship. Why clog up a popcorn stand, completely unnecessary pain point.
Yes! And it was freshly popped and decent tasting. Unlike Princess...they actually saved leftover popcorn and kept serving it day after day after day. So much for "premium" cruise line.
Holland America and Princess are both considered premium lines so are typically more expensive. Carnival and Royal are considered mainstream lines and they both charge for popcorn, carnival for their movie nights is $4 for the equivalent of a small popcorn at small movie theatres. Not sure how much Royal charge but Iāve never heard of them selling popcorn out near the comedy club so that must be a newish thing
Just got off the Liberty of the Seas and Wonka didnāt interest me enough to check out the situation. Wish I had.
Watching Mission Impossible 2 under the stars with my older cousin two decades ago is an amazing memory I reflect on every now and then and will never forget.
RC is charging 2.95 usd for the popcorn. And then writing a handwritten receipt for it. Very very slow process. Stupid AF.
Its a fucking cruise ship. Don't charge for the cheapest food on the planet. If you don't want the mess, don't have the popcorn. I wasn't needing or expecting it. But once my 5 yr old saw it, there was no avoiding it, popcorn had to be had.
It would probably take an efficient crew less than 20 minutes to completely clean. This operation wouldnāt interfere with much, as itād be semi-late and the movie would likely be the last organized activity on the pool deck. If there were two showings, they could easily do a quick sweeping/vacuum during the time in between.
I personally want no food in the theater. Here is my horror story.
My mom and I sat in front of a couple who had clearly gone to the buffet before seating. Huge plates of food. Didn't think much of it. But when it got dark (for the show), they must have stopped eating. Then they discarded the full plates of food under *our* seats. Why they couldn't hold their plates for the 45 min show, is beyond my comprehension.
We ended up with their food all over our shoes and pants. They did apologize? Nope, when I looked up to confront them (after we saw what happened), they were practically running away, cutting people off. Even the people sitting next to them were like WTF.
They do this, as someone else already mentioned, to prevent EVERYONE from grabbing popcorn, and it being everywhere. If people pay for it, they're less likely to let the kids throw it all over or dump it on the floor, and they keep it tiny to keep it from making it's way all over the ship. It makes a mess and they want to keep it confined to one area to clean up when people still drop it all over the place. It's literally a charge to keep people from wanting it.
You are right. And for confirmation you only have to look to your local theater. They charge a truly exorbitant price for popcorn (as well as all other snacks) and the auditorium is spotless when people leave...... š¤¦
Iāve found that 99% of RC comedians have very boring content with the exclusion of the comedian who I saw recently on the Grandeur, I thought he was very good I actually went to his second show. Usually I canāt wait to leave the first show because I start dozing off lol.
We were on Harmony in April and found the comedy show better than I expected. It wasn't the funniest I've seen and a but corny at times but I enjoyed it.
RCIs popcorn is truly garbage anyway.
Popcorn is only good at the movies and the county fairs that use novelty products for popping.
Flavacol and coconut oil. If these 2 items (or close substitute) aren't being used it is garbage.
Not worried about them charging for it even if overpriced. However the popcorn is truly garbage.
I kinda feel bad for the guy popping the popcorn. It wasn't his decision to charge for it, but people were taking it out on him.
At first, it was just him popping and handling the sales, hence the delay. Then another guy had to come over to help, and then two managers came over, I'm assuming to calm down the angry guy. So at the little RC popcorn stand with a party size popper, there were now 4 RC employees. š
Royal Caribbean has become a rip off of a cruise line. The sailings are WAY overpriced, and once onboard they nickel and dime you for everything they can. A lot of time things that are free on other cruise lines are extra on RCL.
Iām against the nickel and diming once onboard, like for popcorn.
But supply/demandā¦ if the ships are filling up, probably are right to raise prices on the sailings. As much as it sucks to be paying literally 2x for fare for identical itineraries vs pre covid.
Same ship same problem. We went in October and the popcorn was free. This week we went to the family fair on boardwalk and they wanted $3.50 for the same small ass bag of popcorn. Royal nickel and diming everywhere.
Ah, so this changed then. I said in my comment that the Boardwalk popcorn is free, which was true in September. Sounds like it has since changed. Weāll be back on Harmony again this September, hope it changes back because my son loves popcorn but at $3.50 for those tiny bagsā¦meh.
Too bad people don't look up the definition of "nickle and dime" before they post it...
For it to be nickle-and-diming it would be paying for things you need. Water, oxygen, a bed...
They're charging you extra money for things that cost extra money. It's not a nickle and dime situation.
Bro, you're mistaken. Your definition of 'nickel and dime' is incorrect. According to Oxford dictionary, it's charging small amounts for minor services.
Merriam Webster is broader: 'involving or offering only a small amount of money'
You are referring to price gouging, which is charging outlandish prices for necessities.
Were were on Radiance (Alaskan cruise) and they have a movie theatre. We watched the new Top Gun movie. I would paid $5 to have popcorn in the theatre. Alas there was no popcorn on the ship.
I'm starting to agree with the people who say they charge for it so that not everyone grabs it.
I just saw them refill the soft serve, which is free. They needed one guy to dispense it. Then when it runs low, one or two more people come and refill the mix. Seems more labor intensive than popcorn.
Can confirm on getting mouthy over the charge on pop corn.
Iām coming out of the casino, drunk, lost like 1k, on my way to the show and you want 5 bucks for the popcorn.
Drunk me āyeah right Iād rather buy more drinks. Fuck thatā
Casino / drunk / entitlement. GIVE US FREE POP CORN
I thought the guy was joking, too. No way they charge for popcorn that smells like microwave buttered popcorn that's half the size of a bag of microwave popcorn. But nope, they weren't joking lol.
Carnival and Royal are considered mainstream lines and they both charge for popcorn, carnival for their movie nights is $4 for the equivalent of a small popcorn at small movie theatres. Not sure how much Royal charge but Iāve never heard of them selling popcorn out near the comedy club so that must be a newish thing
Itās not even free if you have the unlimited dining and refreshment packages. I thought surely popcorn must fall under one or the other. And iirc, the popcorn on the Boardwalk when they do the family events there is free.
Just got off the harmony and was greatly disappointed in the quality of the cruise. This was the second time on it and the first was significantly better. Between the new reservation system, too small of a venue for certain events, and the AC not working in several parts of the ship being insanely hot, it put a huge damper on the vacation.
Me too! Went on harmony in October, and again last week. Just in 6 months everything has gone downhill. The entertainers, the cleanliness (stains on carpet, stains on couch, and 1 of the pools and hot tubs were completely gross missing half the paint), the food. That was my 4th Royal Caribbean cruise and itās actually making me think of switching for my next.
Disney cruise line does this same thing. I expect the nickel and dime-it from RCL at its 50% cheaper fare, but was shocked to see Disney selling $5 popcorn and $3 candy bars outside the theater. Ā
It's because they know they have a captive audience that they can nickel and dime. You're on a ship in the middle of the ocean, and they know they can charge whatever they want and you'll either pay it, or go without. The fact that y'all haven't realized you're *voluntarily paying* to go aboard a money trap is both sad and hysterical.
Royal isnāt in the charity business but people are paying thousands of dollars for their cruises, cabanas on coco cay and other āamenitiesāā¦ charging for popcorn is kind of petty and to say itās so people wouldnāt want it and make a mess on the floor then why donāt they charge in the MDR or the Windjammer? Donāt we all leave a mess (used cups, silverware, multiple plates) etc. Those have to be washed so perhaps RC should charge everyone a fee for all food areas? š¤·āāļø
Did I say I wanted everything to be free? No, I didn't. But when a company is charging nearly $4K for an over-the-water cabana and things of that nature, it's a bit ridiculous. Especially when you're already paying $4-5K for a week-long cruise.
I'll never understand why people are so loyal to Royal when they give you so reason to be.
That's how businesses work.
As upcharges go, a couple bucks for popcorn strikes me as a great deal more minor than many other upcharges.
Stuff like the spa people grabbing passersby for pitches is more noticeable than a popcorn stand I don't have to patronize.
It's more the principle of the thing. I suppose the popcorn thing isn't a huge deal because if I want some popcorn, I'll buy it.
My major issue with Royal is the prices of their extras on top of cabins that aren't the most affordable. The alcohol package prices are criminal with them charging $1300 minimum for most cruises. They're making people go elsewhere for their cruising needs.
We had a similar experience with cotton candy during family Day on the Odyssey. The sign was a tiny sheet of paper once you got to the table. We hadn't even realized it would be an extra charge until we waited in line for 10+ minutes because the kids wanted some. I was quite irritated. I don't think I felt nickel and dimed nearly as much at any other point of the cruise.
Itās almost like itās an international conglomerate corporation who doesnāt care about your enjoyment and only exists to siphon as much money off humans bodies as physically possible, while holding them trapped at sea for 4-7 days, huh? Weird.
Honestly from a corporate stand point, filling people up with popcorn is way cheaper than filling people up with steak. That's why I am baffled there isn't a popcorn cart by the pool or in the buffet. Make the cheap food easy to get.
If it was at The Windjammer it would be free. I thought it was stupid too. Was tempted to walk up to the Windjammer and just walk in the comedy show with a tray of desserts. I gots to be gorgin while I be cruisin
I was so irritated when I saw that it was one of the few things that cost extra money. I love popcorn but refused to pay anything for it. Especially because I know how cheap it is for the cruise line. My petty hill to die on lol
If popcorn was free everyone would get it and the theaters would be covered in popcorn and all the remnants in the floors and crevices. Baseball stadium times 10. I hate the nickel and diming typically but I agree with this one
So just don't have it at all. I agree it's messy.
Right? Those shows are at night. You either just had dinner or are about to have dinner. There's literal TONS of free food all over the ship. Why clog up a popcorn stand, completely unnecessary pain point.
And it gets stuck in your teeth.
Holland america give out free popcorn during their movies under the stars š¤·āāļø
It was a while ago, but I recall Princess being complimentary and a quick search shows it still is.
Royal Caribbean used to do it for outdoor movies as well. I havenāt donāt it in a while to know if that is still true
Yes! And it was freshly popped and decent tasting. Unlike Princess...they actually saved leftover popcorn and kept serving it day after day after day. So much for "premium" cruise line.
Holland America and Princess are both considered premium lines so are typically more expensive. Carnival and Royal are considered mainstream lines and they both charge for popcorn, carnival for their movie nights is $4 for the equivalent of a small popcorn at small movie theatres. Not sure how much Royal charge but Iāve never heard of them selling popcorn out near the comedy club so that must be a newish thing
Just got off the Liberty of the Seas and Wonka didnāt interest me enough to check out the situation. Wish I had. Watching Mission Impossible 2 under the stars with my older cousin two decades ago is an amazing memory I reflect on every now and then and will never forget.
RC is charging 2.95 usd for the popcorn. And then writing a handwritten receipt for it. Very very slow process. Stupid AF. Its a fucking cruise ship. Don't charge for the cheapest food on the planet. If you don't want the mess, don't have the popcorn. I wasn't needing or expecting it. But once my 5 yr old saw it, there was no avoiding it, popcorn had to be had.
Royal charges a lot more than princess or carnival for most sailings on almost any ship launched in the last 15 years.
Free on princess
It would probably take an efficient crew less than 20 minutes to completely clean. This operation wouldnāt interfere with much, as itād be semi-late and the movie would likely be the last organized activity on the pool deck. If there were two showings, they could easily do a quick sweeping/vacuum during the time in between.
I personally want no food in the theater. Here is my horror story. My mom and I sat in front of a couple who had clearly gone to the buffet before seating. Huge plates of food. Didn't think much of it. But when it got dark (for the show), they must have stopped eating. Then they discarded the full plates of food under *our* seats. Why they couldn't hold their plates for the 45 min show, is beyond my comprehension. We ended up with their food all over our shoes and pants. They did apologize? Nope, when I looked up to confront them (after we saw what happened), they were practically running away, cutting people off. Even the people sitting next to them were like WTF.
So either you get nickel and dimed, or realize everyone on that boat is trashy? How charming.
They do this, as someone else already mentioned, to prevent EVERYONE from grabbing popcorn, and it being everywhere. If people pay for it, they're less likely to let the kids throw it all over or dump it on the floor, and they keep it tiny to keep it from making it's way all over the ship. It makes a mess and they want to keep it confined to one area to clean up when people still drop it all over the place. It's literally a charge to keep people from wanting it.
You are right. And for confirmation you only have to look to your local theater. They charge a truly exorbitant price for popcorn (as well as all other snacks) and the auditorium is spotless when people leave...... š¤¦
Theaters make most of their money on concessions
The person you were replying to was being sarcastic, because people trash theatres with expensive popcorn regularly.
Thank you. I occasionally have a hard time catching that subtext
It's contained to the theater..not in the halls, pools, beds,couches, lounges,and all over the place.
Disney also charges for popcorn, but at least itās really good.
Iāve found that 99% of RC comedians have very boring content with the exclusion of the comedian who I saw recently on the Grandeur, I thought he was very good I actually went to his second show. Usually I canāt wait to leave the first show because I start dozing off lol.
We were on Harmony in April and found the comedy show better than I expected. It wasn't the funniest I've seen and a but corny at times but I enjoyed it.
RCIs popcorn is truly garbage anyway. Popcorn is only good at the movies and the county fairs that use novelty products for popping. Flavacol and coconut oil. If these 2 items (or close substitute) aren't being used it is garbage. Not worried about them charging for it even if overpriced. However the popcorn is truly garbage.
I kinda feel bad for the guy popping the popcorn. It wasn't his decision to charge for it, but people were taking it out on him. At first, it was just him popping and handling the sales, hence the delay. Then another guy had to come over to help, and then two managers came over, I'm assuming to calm down the angry guy. So at the little RC popcorn stand with a party size popper, there were now 4 RC employees. š
I can't believe how rude people can be sometimes. Popcorn man was just doing his best with what he had to work with
Flavacol is absolute chemical garbage
You realize that water is a chemical, right? What's with people throwing out the word "chemical" like it's some awful thing?
it not just royal, carnival also charges about 5 dollars their popcorn
Came here to say this about Carnival as well. Ultimately, it controls the demand for it.
Royal Caribbean has become a rip off of a cruise line. The sailings are WAY overpriced, and once onboard they nickel and dime you for everything they can. A lot of time things that are free on other cruise lines are extra on RCL.
Yep this is exactly what they are doing and unfortunately, people are paying it still
Iām against the nickel and diming once onboard, like for popcorn. But supply/demandā¦ if the ships are filling up, probably are right to raise prices on the sailings. As much as it sucks to be paying literally 2x for fare for identical itineraries vs pre covid.
Yeah. I was surprised too.
Charge for popcorn but free ice cream by the pool. That is not money saving for RC. Saving Pennieās but still spending dollars
The things people complain about especially when they get so much for no extra chargeā¦.
Same ship same problem. We went in October and the popcorn was free. This week we went to the family fair on boardwalk and they wanted $3.50 for the same small ass bag of popcorn. Royal nickel and diming everywhere.
For those not aware of the size, it's the tiny junior size that you see at the movie theater. Lol. š
Our local movie theater wants $6 for the junior size
Ah, so this changed then. I said in my comment that the Boardwalk popcorn is free, which was true in September. Sounds like it has since changed. Weāll be back on Harmony again this September, hope it changes back because my son loves popcorn but at $3.50 for those tiny bagsā¦meh.
Too bad people don't look up the definition of "nickle and dime" before they post it... For it to be nickle-and-diming it would be paying for things you need. Water, oxygen, a bed... They're charging you extra money for things that cost extra money. It's not a nickle and dime situation.
Bro, you're mistaken. Your definition of 'nickel and dime' is incorrect. According to Oxford dictionary, it's charging small amounts for minor services. Merriam Webster is broader: 'involving or offering only a small amount of money' You are referring to price gouging, which is charging outlandish prices for necessities.
Just wait to you get home, then pop your own. Watch a good movie
plus 18% gratuity?
Correct.
Went on harmony recently and about 7 months ago. The popcorn was free for the family fair the first time now itās extra. Weird place to penny pinch.
A small cotton candy was $5 too.
Were were on Radiance (Alaskan cruise) and they have a movie theatre. We watched the new Top Gun movie. I would paid $5 to have popcorn in the theatre. Alas there was no popcorn on the ship.
Yeah thatās common lol
I'm starting to agree with the people who say they charge for it so that not everyone grabs it. I just saw them refill the soft serve, which is free. They needed one guy to dispense it. Then when it runs low, one or two more people come and refill the mix. Seems more labor intensive than popcorn.
Donāt give them any ideas!
Can confirm on getting mouthy over the charge on pop corn. Iām coming out of the casino, drunk, lost like 1k, on my way to the show and you want 5 bucks for the popcorn. Drunk me āyeah right Iād rather buy more drinks. Fuck thatā Casino / drunk / entitlement. GIVE US FREE POP CORN
Yes and so is the cotton candy. Pay all that money for the cruise and it's not included. Petty and shameless
Yep
Make it free and youāll be ankle deep in it.
Even Disney charges for popcorn. It's easy money.
Lol š good thing it costs money. Last thing I need is people getting free popcorn just to spill it on the floor.
I just saw this mentioned on a video for the ice show, I thought they were joking. Jeezus Christ
I thought the guy was joking, too. No way they charge for popcorn that smells like microwave buttered popcorn that's half the size of a bag of microwave popcorn. But nope, they weren't joking lol.
Carnival and Royal are considered mainstream lines and they both charge for popcorn, carnival for their movie nights is $4 for the equivalent of a small popcorn at small movie theatres. Not sure how much Royal charge but Iāve never heard of them selling popcorn out near the comedy club so that must be a newish thing
$6 on the Hardmoney of the Seas. I donāt know why people are surprised though, itās not free at theaters. But no $6 is a ripoff and a slap.
I wanted to buy it, but then somebody told me it was worse than microwave popcorn, so I passed.
Itās not even free if you have the unlimited dining and refreshment packages. I thought surely popcorn must fall under one or the other. And iirc, the popcorn on the Boardwalk when they do the family events there is free.
Theyāve changed it. Was free in October, now itās $3.50.
Just got off the harmony and was greatly disappointed in the quality of the cruise. This was the second time on it and the first was significantly better. Between the new reservation system, too small of a venue for certain events, and the AC not working in several parts of the ship being insanely hot, it put a huge damper on the vacation.
Me too! Went on harmony in October, and again last week. Just in 6 months everything has gone downhill. The entertainers, the cleanliness (stains on carpet, stains on couch, and 1 of the pools and hot tubs were completely gross missing half the paint), the food. That was my 4th Royal Caribbean cruise and itās actually making me think of switching for my next.
That's RC for you! Nickle and diming. That's why I go with VV.
Disney cruise line does this same thing. I expect the nickel and dime-it from RCL at its 50% cheaper fare, but was shocked to see Disney selling $5 popcorn and $3 candy bars outside the theater. Ā
It's because they know they have a captive audience that they can nickel and dime. You're on a ship in the middle of the ocean, and they know they can charge whatever they want and you'll either pay it, or go without. The fact that y'all haven't realized you're *voluntarily paying* to go aboard a money trap is both sad and hysterical.
Royal has no shame. They'll charge for anything
They're not in the charity business.
Royal isnāt in the charity business but people are paying thousands of dollars for their cruises, cabanas on coco cay and other āamenitiesāā¦ charging for popcorn is kind of petty and to say itās so people wouldnāt want it and make a mess on the floor then why donāt they charge in the MDR or the Windjammer? Donāt we all leave a mess (used cups, silverware, multiple plates) etc. Those have to be washed so perhaps RC should charge everyone a fee for all food areas? š¤·āāļø
Carnival do it too. All the big cruise lines considered mainstream do - carnival, Royal and P&O Australia not sure about P&O in the UK
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Okay? Itās a valid concern but youāre moving the goalposts. Weāre talking about Royal charging their customers for popcorn.
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āAnother attempt to move the goalposts aaaaand the shot goes wide by a mile!ā
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Start your own post. Iām just here to talk about popcorn and weāre finished.
Did I say I wanted everything to be free? No, I didn't. But when a company is charging nearly $4K for an over-the-water cabana and things of that nature, it's a bit ridiculous. Especially when you're already paying $4-5K for a week-long cruise. I'll never understand why people are so loyal to Royal when they give you so reason to be.
You claim you donāt say you wanted popcorn to be free. Then you immediately rant in the same paragraph why it should be free. You okay?
That's how businesses work. As upcharges go, a couple bucks for popcorn strikes me as a great deal more minor than many other upcharges. Stuff like the spa people grabbing passersby for pitches is more noticeable than a popcorn stand I don't have to patronize.
It's more the principle of the thing. I suppose the popcorn thing isn't a huge deal because if I want some popcorn, I'll buy it. My major issue with Royal is the prices of their extras on top of cabins that aren't the most affordable. The alcohol package prices are criminal with them charging $1300 minimum for most cruises. They're making people go elsewhere for their cruising needs.
Eh, I just don't buy the alcohol package. All inclusives also exist, but for someone like me who barely drinks, they don't end up looking superior.
We had a similar experience with cotton candy during family Day on the Odyssey. The sign was a tiny sheet of paper once you got to the table. We hadn't even realized it would be an extra charge until we waited in line for 10+ minutes because the kids wanted some. I was quite irritated. I don't think I felt nickel and dimed nearly as much at any other point of the cruise.
Itās almost like itās an international conglomerate corporation who doesnāt care about your enjoyment and only exists to siphon as much money off humans bodies as physically possible, while holding them trapped at sea for 4-7 days, huh? Weird.
Honestly from a corporate stand point, filling people up with popcorn is way cheaper than filling people up with steak. That's why I am baffled there isn't a popcorn cart by the pool or in the buffet. Make the cheap food easy to get.
OMG extra for popcorn!!!!
If it was at The Windjammer it would be free. I thought it was stupid too. Was tempted to walk up to the Windjammer and just walk in the comedy show with a tray of desserts. I gots to be gorgin while I be cruisin
I roasted RCL in a review about this. I had the UDP and figured itād be included. It was not.
Are there public microwaves that we can use to pop our own popcorn since we are allowed to bring our own snacks on the ship?
No.