CruisingHogFan

1 hour ago, DWALL said:

We are bringing something to put our door and the doors of our group. What do you guys bring?

 

Looks like Royal finally figured out that people were buying multiple devices under one person vs. one for each person in a cabin. All my cruises are cheaper to book one per person and looks like the overall costs have gone up with StarLink. 
 

Oh well, it is what it is! Reading all these people so butthurt about the drink package sale not working today is free entertainment. 😂😂

On 11/7/2022 at 3:33 PM, Another_Critic said:

If people don't voice an opinion, the upcharges will continue.

Upcharges?? I think 2 meals is more than enough for everyone. 

On 9/30/2022 at 4:49 PM, nlktx49 said:

I've been using EZ Cruise parking in Galveston, and lately they've been increasing their charge. In September it was $121.79 for an 8 day cruise. Just booked for November 5 cruise and it's gone up to $136.40. Both higher than what they charged in April for an 8 day.

 

I've sent a message to them asking them why the price increases and if this is going to continue, haven't heard back. Someone had posted on FB saying that the Galveston Port Authority is now charging the parking lot shuttle vans $25 each time they enter the lot. I can see where that would add up.

 

Perhaps they are trying to get more business for their lot. They are now charging $110 for an 8 day cruise.

 

Does anyone have any info on this? Have other parking lots in Galveston increased their prices?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             EZ Cruise is very good, I'd like to continue to use them. The lot I previously used since 2008 had gone way downhill since the pandemic and is now permanently closed.

Do you honestly not understand why the increase in price in todays economy?? They are small business owners just like a lot of us and have to do what they need to do. 

5 minutes ago, hollon said:

i know the refundable is so expensive. do you get a certificate if you change sail dates or can you cancel 2 months ahead of time without a problem,  the rules have changed over the years. 2024 is so far out, i don't know where my kids will be job wise. 

I don’t think they allow certificates anymore if you cancel but could be wrong.  Many people are stating they are still able to change sail dates, ships, etc. for a $100 per person charge under current rules. 

A least one of the original people have to remain on the booking and the same amount of people as originally booked and no reprice is necessary. 
 

We booked this morning and did nonrefundable because of the $450 price difference. 

I didn’t get one for Icon this morning. First time I haven’t received an invoice. I’m going to wait a couple days before I call

44 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

1AM EDT.

And it opened up for anyone. Was supposed to be limited to crown and anchor today

I wasn’t able to look till 9 am. Booked a Oceanview balcony midship on deck 12 for June 2024. Was $5,200 for 3 people with taxes/port fees. Was only 5 cabins to choose from which seems strange. I feel like they must be holding cabins back. Wonder how much they started at price wise when they opened up bookings.

On 10/17/2022 at 2:19 PM, KelJ said:

 

Free wifi.  Free drinks in the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen (bottled water, soda, beer and wine all day, cocktails in the evening).  You can eat all meals in Coastal Kitchen, but you still need to make reservations for dinner there.  Free appetizers in the evening in the suite lounge.  Free room service for all meals.  Free pressing on the first formal night.  Reserved seating in shows, so no reservations necessary except for adult comedy.   

 

Gratuities are not included.

You have to make reservations ahead of time now for shows even if in a suite. 

3 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Looks interesting but I just know they are going to cram so many people on each sailing it just won't be as relaxing as it is going on a smaller ship.

If you like waiting in lines for everything then I guess it's the ship for you.

Most times I just don't have the patience for stuff like this anymore.

Imagine 3500 kids on this ship. 

 

I think they could just park it somewhere forever and then sell it that way......They wouldn't have to spend money for fuel and they wouldn't have to over crowd the Caribbean islands they are going to. Imagine this ship pulling into an island with 2 or 3 other ships at the same time. It will be over crowded and not enjoyable on the port stops.

Just park it somewhere and sell tickets for the day at a more reasonable price then you are going to see when bookings open next week.

We have found the larger Oasis Class more relaxing then the smaller ships and less lines.

One of these days you might have something positive to say about cruising. 😂😂😂

Since you have Diamond + in your tag line you should know the laws/rules….

Cruise line has always handled it this way. You didn’t follow the instructions 

8 hours ago, BND said:

Kind of like the people who cruise a lot on the same ship and go to all the trivia and know the answers so they can win a stupid key chain.  

I had a guy yell at me because he thought I was looking at his trivia card on our last cruise. He was seriously ticked off and his wife had to settle him down. Probably didn’t help that I couldn’t stop laughing over it all. 

We received a metal cup last June. We didn’t even use it and I’ve throw so many of the plastic ones away or just leave them in the room if  unopened as we never use them. Guess I just don’t see what it matters. Can get a soda in a can at almost any bar and don’t need it for alcohol drinks 
 

20 minutes ago, Perky1 said:

When I went to book this popped up as their cancellation policy

yes, but that’s under the 7 days policy. Anything over 7 days is full refund with no fees. 
 

I called and if the ship doesn’t make the port/late for some rare circumstances they will refund since it would be out of the guest control.

They have over 22,000 reviews and ranked number #1 tour guide for many years so I’m not worried and still plan to use them when we go. 

On 8/15/2022 at 5:53 PM, Perky1 said:

My research on ABC tours is they are highly recommended but I don’t like their cancellation policy.  For that reason we are looking at doing Around Aruba Tours for the same type of tour. 
 

@genealogyfan - was the Natural Pool hard to get to.  We have a couple with bad knees and unsure footing…do you think we could do it?
 

What is your concern with the cancellation policy?  Can get a full refund up to 7 days out if you end up wanting to cancel. 

41 minutes ago, jerseygirl3 said:

So basically the vaxxed are screwed with having to still test, but unvaccinated are a welcome aboard. 😡

Exactly! Seems like this is more of a step backwards. I personally think allowing lots of unvaccinated people onboard will backfire….

To be able to wear the pin everywhere you go of course!!! 

1 hour ago, AltarEgo said:

Your money, your choice, and the shareholders of RCL stock appreciate the choice you made.

Well since I own stock I guess I appreciate myself! 😂

Drink prices onboard are comparable to our local restaurants. $15.34 per drink so it’s basic math if you will save money or not.
 

We personally save hundreds by buying the package vs paying per drink at the current prices so it’s a smart choice for us.

16 hours ago, AltarEgo said:

They failed with you. And, they failed with us. If more people would stop paying the inflated prices for the DBP the prices would come down. Don't expect to happen anytime soon though, because RCCL's onboard revenues are way up right now.

Still just 7-8 drinks at price point to break even on the package. Not hard to do at all even with the 4 free ones so we will continue on to purchase the package. 

5 hours ago, jaygatsby27 said:

good link.  Thanks!   I am less likely to buy a package with these ugly cups.  

I don’t understand the fuss about a cup? We just leave ours in the room the last day and last two cruises we never even took the plastic off. I’m sure they are just thrown away by the staff once opened.

We still buy the drink package and come out way ahead even with the 4 “included”drinks. It’s easy to have around 10 alcoholic drinks per day plus you get all the other non alcoholic options and bottled water. As long as the drink package stays under $120 or so per day we will buy it as it’s a costs savings for us as most drinks are $15 dollars now after gratuities.

1 hour ago, flamingos said:

I'm seeing $65 for all three of the Voyager cruises in late August-September. Last I checked it was high $70's, but I stopped looking months ago.

 

I think it has to do with no one buying them.

People are buying them just like aways and it’s the same type sales of pre covid. Of course they will be more now compared to last year. No reason to no think they should be with inflation. 

24 minutes ago, Ilandguy said:

Are these prices including the 18 % grat ? At checkout 

no, or at least not for mine. Still a good price 

7 hours ago, karl_nj said:

 

In the future you may want to consider tipping a bit above the base service charge if your room steward or wait staff does a great job.  The base service charge is really just part of their salary, and not really an extra tip/bonus.

 

Since, as you know, it’s embarrassing as a society and if you really can’t afford to tip maybe you shouldn’t be going on a vacation to begin with and save your money.

 

Maybe reread what I posted a little slower since that is exactly what I said we do on every cruise.

And yes the gratuities should be mandatory and built in the cruise fare then people wouldn’t be able to remove.