Goodtime Cruizin

My DW found a pretty good product, I think it's called Wrinkle Free. Anyway, it's a small aerosol can that removes wrinkles. It actually worked! Spray it on, come back in a few minutes and presto! No wrinkles... and no ironing either. :)

I agree with Goodtime Cruzin' - during the promo that ended the 15th we were able to get an E1 on NOS with no port fees/taxes, prepaid gratuities (I always do this for budgeting - was not a promo or anything), balcony discount and the drink promo for about $1880 for the two of us. Day after the promo ended (4/16) same cabin is $1820 w/port fees and taxes - nothing else. So, I think I got a really good deal AND it's only about 7 and 1/2 months out:).

 

Luck and flexible dates is what I put it down to:D

Good for you! It can't always be done, but if you work at it and study a bit, you can take advantage of some of the promos that RCL offers up.

What is so strange? I book cruises with RCI because I feel I get good value, and cruise experience, for my money. Though there are certainly cruises that I have not booked with RCI because I felt the pricing for those weeks was not a good value. I rarely book ship sponsored tours because I don't feel I'm getting that same good value and I get a better experience, often for less money, doing things on my own. We don't book specialty dining as that food is not worth the extra cost to me. I rarely purchase RCI's transportation from the airport to the ship for the same reasons I don't buy tours through them. It doesn't have to be all or nothing does it?

Nailed it. Everyone that cruises on any ship, not just RCL, have choices and decisions to make that enhances their personal needs and these decisions form their opinions of a 'value'. Many factors go into the equation to determine one's value on a particular cruise and a particular item. My value may not be what others consider as a value. When I don't see a value in a particular item or thing, I typically makes decisions based to avoid it. Or I learn to create a value elsewhere in an effort to stay on budget. As an example, I do not buy RCL sponsored excursions. I buy non-sponsored excursions, or I do a self guided day in an effort to save money that can be used on items for the ship, i.e. alcohol/drink pkgs, meals, and casino. I avoid Bingo and rarely do I buy pictures. I shop for TA's that offer OBCs and lower pricing than RCL is displaying. I recognize that liquor is a biggee on a cruise, but does anyone follow or chart the cost of excursions. They have had increases as well, but few threads discuss this.

I haven't seen them discounted except for the (questionable) sale you mentioned above. I say questionable, because of the loose usage of the term "sale". They jack up the rates to cover the cost of the (fill in the blank). In this case, it was 50% off the second alcohol package. Previously it was "free" OBC. Before that, half off certain passengers (2nd, 3rd, 4th... who knows).

 

Point is, they've raised the a la carte pricing for alcohol on the ships very recently. They also raised the gratuity for alcohol purchases. As of yet, the price of the packages hasn't increased, but I'd probably bet that the package price increase isn't far off. We went ahead and purchased ours for our upcoming November cruise so that if they do raise prices before then, at least we're paid at the current rate.

I'm sure most of what you posted is correct in that the discounted Premium Pkgs are offered to higher priced cruise fares. But... this is not the case for all of of the cruises. we were able to take advatnage of a newly released sail date of the southern Caribbean that offered a very respectable cruise fare and the BOGO50. Granted the cruise date is close to two years away, but nonetheless, we were able to take advantage of it. :)

The tax on alcohol is a Texas state tax. RCI has no control over this.

The tax is for those that are residents of Texas only and this went into effect Jan 1, 2014.

Hmmmmm I wonder why the doubting Thomas's haven't returned.

If you're speaking to me, I was traveling all day. I did not leave the thread. I'm thankful that someone finally posted an image.

My point in my earlier posts was there was one line commentaries about $14 & then $15 drinks being the norm. I requested some support of this and no one provided it but quickly attempted to blast me for asking. Which BTW, this doesn't bother me in the least.

Someone correct me, but typically speaking, the drinks on the drink menu have always been a higher price than a standard Crown, Jack or Makers type of drink. At least this has been my experience.

As far as saving for my drinks on my future cruises. I've already purchased the drink pkgs. It works for us. Finally, someone mentioned Chilis. Their margarita they call Presidente' uses 1800 tequila and last week's price was $10.50. IMO, paying a $1.50 more for something very similar while at sea, on a beautiful cruise ship, while on vacation, is not really that much out of line. But each to their own.

This site and it's many, many threads offer images of cruise compasses, etc of recent cruises on multiple ships. Until I see something that shows $14, now recently.. $15 drinks, I'll believe as I wish. You can do the same as well.

I think as far as RCCL is concerned there are now three passengers:

 

1. Diamond or above members like us that don't drink all day: Spend little $$ on drinks, throw them a few freebies if we must..........

 

2. Package people: Give them what they demand, but don't go out of your way to serve them. They've already paid...... Oh, and price their cruise higher up front to pay for the package.:D

 

3. Fools who are willing to pay 8-15.00 for a drink...........:rolleyes: Profits Baby!!

Now this thread is up to $15/drink. By page 40, we'll be reading about $22 per drink. :eek:

That list bears no resemblance to the drinks prices on our recent Rhapsody cruise. All cocktails were $14, and there were less than 20 listed in total, although the bar staff would make others on request.

 

If you haven't cruised on RCI in the past month or so then perhaps it is you that needs the reality check! :rolleyes:

Can you or anyone support this claim with bar menu prices or images thereof? If not, then I stuggle to find this to be accurate.

And this thread is apparently about customers upset about the new pricing - they have a right to be upset if they wish - don't like to hear the complaints? Don't read or respond to the thread in the first place. This is CRUISE CRITIC as you said, people are criticizing the cruise line. This isn't CRUISE CHEERLEADERS, after all.;)

I'm not cheering anything. Again, this is not Cruise Complainers...and there is a difference in a critique and a complaint.

Webster defines...

Critque - a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.

Complain -express dissatisfaction or annoyance about a state of affairs or an event.

If someone wants to critique something, be about it, but to endlessly complain is silliness gone amuck. Stating "$14 drinks in a plastic cup" is simply fanning the flames of complaining and is not factually supported. It's also not a critique, it's a complaint.

I just booked a RCL cruise w/ a JS cabin, A Southern Caribbean itinerary on Adventure for Oct 2016 for less money than I paid for a Western Caribbean itenary, D1 Balcony in March 2013 out of Galveston. My newest booking gave me 50% off the 2nd premium pkg and I also recv'd $300 OBC. My point is that yes, pricing has gone up but discounts are in play as well if you do your due diligence. In this case, comparing the two cruises, I will be getting more value in my cruise in 2016 than I did in 2013.

I'll also add, while I understand that others can and do differently, seldom do I ever tip less than 20% anywhere, anytime, unless the service is just flat out bad. An increase from 15% to 18% is not an issue for me.

For those of us who have yet to sail and see the prices for our selfs, here is a little overview of what the current prices of drinks are.

Thank you for bringing something to this thread that's real. There is a tremendous amount of over exaggerating in this thread. I have read that some are paying $14 for a drink in a plastic cup. I don't know about anyone else, but I find that bit of information baseless and factless.

If you can't afford to drink on a cruise, don't drink. This is Cruise CRITICS, not Cruise COMPLAINERS. There is a huge difference from critiquing and complaining.

Open this link and read the prices. Again thanks for posting these prices and bringing this thread a reality check.

Value is a BIG word. Value is also in the eye of the beholder. If you're not happy with RCL, then quit sailing with them. It's really quite simple.

I'm currently on a biz trip traveling across the country and checked into a Comfort Inn Suite for $95/night plus city, state taxes. It offers a window view, a coffee maker, fridge, microwave, a desk & king bed, full size shower. I could have got a room two buildings down for $59 but chose not too. Why not save the $36? I'm not a big spender, but I'm also not a penny pincher. I felt there was value at the Comfort Inn. Others, maybe not.

Look, I'm pretty sure that somewhere RCL has skimped a bit. But guys, IMO you simply can not find the same 'value' than what RCL is offering. I currently have three booked cruises with JS accommodations for less money than my balcony cabin cost me in 2013. The prices have gone up but there are good cruises w/ great itenaries out there if you look & study.

As far as Smoked Salmon goes, I personally have never booked a cruise based on this need. What I have done is to stop buying excursions via RCL. I've applied this savings on other goodies such as the beverage packages and two nights per cruise at Specialty Dining. That's my value. Yours may be different. So whatever it is, enjoy your cruise. :)

Good luck.

This link says $55 per person per day for the Ultimate Package.

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf

 

Prices that match this link have been referenced in various threads on this and other forums.

 

 

I'm on the April 24th sailing of the Quantum. I'm looking at my Cruise Planner now and the prices are:

 

Ultimate $64.90 per person, per day

Premium $57.82

Select $41.30

Replenish $24.42

 

The prices went up even higher?!

 

These are not prices with the 18% gratuity already added. I'm looking at it right now - the small print says 18% will be added on top of these prices. Suffice it to say I clicked "Cancel" and got out that item out of my Cruise Planner shopping cart.

 

 

Granted the drinks are way overpriced, and not necessarily the strongest, but exactly how many drinks do they think the average person that buys these packages consumes? These prices are crazy...its as if the entire ship is going to Mini-Bar pricing. Are they trying to get us to drink more from the mini bars in our rooms? Sheesh....

I think the 18% is added. Do the math. $55. x 18% = 64.90

BTW, my cart still shows $55/day, plus 18% gratuity.

Ok, so not trying to get flamed here... I am honestly dumb on this this.

 

I was looking at a cruise that went to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao because those are places I have never been.

 

After mapping them and seeing their location and talking to my husband we started to hesitate because of how close it is to Columbia (Now there may be nothing wrong with Columbia and we may completely ignore, but we have heard bad things about lots of drug activities. I apologize if this information is inaccurate, but that is why I am here asking to get more information.)

 

So, anyways... are these islands safe? Or am I being paranoid?

I live in Houston. Traveling to these places might actualy improve my safety. ;)

I will just ask you -- who was the Activity Manager on board working as the assistant to the Cruise Director? I can't read the small print on the pictures you have provided.....thanks!

It's easy. Click on the google link, when it opens click on the image, it will then open in full size!

We chose the Adeventure due to the ports. Looking forward to this cruise but it's a long way off! Oct 2016

Also the hassle of another line and/or time spent buying on the ship. But the big issue is a potential price increase.

I think you are thinking of the "Ultimate Package" which includes everything from both the Premium and the Royal Replenishment. The Premium Package is $44 + 18%= $57 per day. This pricing is fleet wide, not ship specific.

Premium Package is $49/day/person plus 18% gratuity,

Ultimate Package is $55/day/person plus 18% gratuity.

Also, there's a myth that the types of alcohol are different between the two packages. This is not the case. There is not a 'Top Shelf' type of drink offered by the Ultimate pkg vs the Premium pkg. The difference between the two pkgs are the unlimited amount of Specialty Coffee drinks.

Someone posted on another thread that the drink packages now come with daily limits (ala carnival). Anyone know if this is true?

Not true.

Hi There. we are leaving in 19 days on the Jewel of the Seas!! Wanted opinions on the drink package. Reading that bartenders are few. I did the math, would have to drink around 6 cocktails a day (avg. of 10.00 each) to break even. Not including getting bottled water or sodas (not sure what the cost of each is). Want feedback from those that have purchased and if you think it was worth it. I can drink 3-4 drinks an evening. Love vodka martinis. TIA for any feedback/pointers.

!9 days in a row... well I couldn't erin that much. But that's me. I've never cruised w/o the premium beverage package but my cruises were for 7 days in length. To me it's worth the purchasing the pkg as my math shows that it takes a 1 morning Bloody Mary, 2 afternoon beers, 1 wine at dinner, 1 after dinner drink, plus 1 or 2 drinks at night time. Some days more, some days less. But my tolerance of doing this for 19 days, I'm not so sure!

Anyway, have a great cruise!

Ok I have been reading all the past few days that it is very hard now to get drinks from the bar at the pool now that they have cut back on bartenders and pushed the drink packages.

 

We usually only drink at night but I get the Coke Package so I can have cold drinks by the pool on sea days. My past couple cruises the bartenders already seem irritated or bothered by those of us only getting Cokes from the bar presumably because they are not being tipped for a Coke the way they are for a $10 drink.

 

I can only assume that will be worse now that there are reported waits on most ships for bar service :(. In a way I feel like I wasted money now that I read that Independence of the Seas does not have Freestyle machines. This stinks, I probably will not get my moneys worth now that there will be lines and no freestyle machine.

Hmmm. This is only conjecture on your behalf. Unless I've missed something, RCL has not releasedany official statement as such. I'm not sure when you assume that this occurred, but if your cruising anytime during spring break, there are, will be, and have been "waits" on every cruise I've taken during this time frame. Having said this, I do think that Fountain Sevice Cola machines should be set up at and around the pool.

There are certain sites that watch cruise fares and some even send out alerts etc. Google is your friend!

Our cruise in January 2016 is almost $1' date='000 more for the identical cabin then we paid - booked May 2014, I think the earlier you book the better - long wait though....[/quote']

 

This is what we find to be true as well. We booked a Oct 2015 cruise in early May 2014, a Feb 2016 cruise in early May 2014 and just booked a Oct 2016 cruise last Friday. We won't book another until this time next year and it will be for an early 2017 cruise date.

 

Selections of cabins are more readily available, plus if RCL does happen to offer some sot of promotion that will drop the price below our booking rate, we'll simply re-book it for the better rate. But I don't see this happening.

Lot of chatter on the boards w.r.t RC pricing and NCL being cheaper, we already cancelled 2 RC cruises, one of these due to a personal matter, however we have been looking at Silver Seas and also really researching Haven Suites on NCL.

(yes we know SS is expensive:))

 

We are D+, with a little way to go to be PC, being young we have time to climb to the higher tier, and easily could get there before we are in our 50's if we so choose to.

 

So jumping to another line just means we start all over again with a new program

Having already sailed a few other lines, will be no big deal

We will still continue to sail RC, but will look out for the best perks and value for money that happens to be on offer at any given time.

 

If RC did another ORIGINAL REAL BOGOHO, we would certainly jump on it!!

 

Happy Days!

Well actually, we just booked a cruise on the Adventure w/ the WOW promotion as we compared it to the two cruises we booked during the 'original' BOGOHO sale. It was actually cheaper and it also offered a 4th port day. The cruise isn't until Oct 2016. I think as someone else posted, I believe the key to the whole deal is to book well in advance as soon as the sail dates come available. Then just sit back and watch the rates go up, all the while the complaints follow along. My point is, there are some pretty good pricing out there if you book well in advance and take advantage of the promotions that RCL offers.

We booked a cruise out of SJ. With the 1/2 off of one fare, 1/2 off the premium pkg, plus $100 OBC, this cruise is cheaper than any cruise we've done so far and the two we have booked. And this reservation is for a JS, previous cruises were balconies.

I think it really depends on the date(s) and the ship. Anyway, we were able to take advantage of it.