Royal Caribbean has recently increased prices for menu items at Portside BBQ, a dining option available exclusively on Oasis of the Seas. This includes significant increases to its bestselling menu item, the Signature Combos, and Pitmaster Special.
Signature Combos
The Signature Combos at Portside BBQ now cost 36% to 42% more. Previously, a two-cut meal with two sides and a dessert cost $12.49 but now costs $16.99. Additionally, the three-cut Signature Combo is now priced at $21.99, compared to the previous price of $15.39.
The Pitmaster Special had the highest increase of all at 50%. One Pitmaster Fave, two sides, and a dessert could previously be had for $9.99. Today, you’ll need to shell out $14.99.
By the numbers
Unfortunately, the prices of individual menu items have increased as well. For instance, ordering cuts of barbecued meat has gone up from $3.89 to $5.99.
If you want a side, it will cost you a dollar more, from $2.99 to $3.99. Getting a Pitmaster Fave, where you can choose between chicken and turkey wings and sandwiches, is now $9.49 instead of $6.49.
Even the price of drinks was not spared from the hike, with a few cents added to the cost of water, which now stands at $3.99, while domestic beers ($7.49), imported beer ($7.99), and the non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer ($2.99) remain unaffected.
“That Percentage Is Crazy”
Cruisers were naturally bothered by the round of increases, with one netizen referring to it as “crazy.”
“An increase is not unexpected, but that percentage is crazy!” posted a user from Connecticut.
Others who got wind of the news mentioned that prices were being raised without any noticeable improvements in service, “RC can get away with just about anything, and pax will still book. Raising prices and lowering services didn’t sway future bookings. …Bet there’s lots of back-slapping and handshakes going on in the boardroom these days while they try to figure out how much their bonuses are going to be.”
“Is Royal going to follow the new normal … increase price, decrease quality and quantity,” asked another online user.
Carnival’s BBQ Joint Remains Complimentary
Meanwhile, a small minority thought that the prices were justified. “We found it to be a great-tasting meal. It was the best deal on the ship… It’s probably still a “deal” with the price hike,” wrote a Canadian observer.
Responding to the news on Facebook, one comment said, “Interesting that Carnival has their BBQ free, and the quality is about the same…hmm.” That commenter referred to Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse, a multiyear partnership with Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri.
After receiving backlash over a survey asking if people would be willing to pay for Sorrento’s Pizza, the line announced it would remain free last week.
As the cruise industry experiences a resurgence after the global lockdowns, many cruise lines have been raising prices in light of unprecedented market demand. We’ve yet to see how high they can go and how much cruisers are willing to pay.
In July, Disney Cruise Line announced they would raise prices onboard some of its specialty venues.
