Secretlyfi

They must keep track of whether each person with a package picked up a cup or not, right?  Otherwise you could go to different bars and pick up multiple and be able to give them to “friends” to use them at the Freestyle machines.

Bermuda is $222 per person on my reservation. Ouch!

2 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Sky Junior Suites (JY)

 

8 per ship except Spectrum that gets 6

 

Oasis class deck 6 @PompeySailor called that right.

Quantum class deck 13

 

 

Darn, this just went from a definite yes to a hard no for me.  Quantum deck 13 right under the pool deck & Johnny Rockets and Oasis deck 6 right over the lifeboats.  It's basically the JS's that probably sold last up to now, with maybe lower prices to get them sold.  Now, they will sell at a premium.  It's a pretty genius move, actually, I have to give them that.  

9 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Yes you can do that.  Don't forget that you have 30 days to transfer to a TA and it can't be past final payment or paid in full.  Group rates get recalled at 120 days prior to sailing.  Getting the group rate is not automatic, the TA needs to move it into the group and then call and get the group rate applied.  If this was a book on board at the reduced deposit you will have to top up your deposit to the full deposit amount as groups does not accept the lower next cruise deposit.

Is it possible to book direct with the cruise line at a non-refundable rate and then transfer to a TA and get a group rate?  I realize it would still be non-refundable, but I was not sure if there were non-refundable group rates or if all group rates are only refundable.   Thanks

Are you able to get group rates if you book directly with RCL and then transfer to a TA that has group space?  In other words if a group rate is lower does your price go down when you transfer the booking to a TA?

The things going on in the MDR drove me away and into WJ or specialties a few years ago. From the questions, to the urging of 10 ratings on surveys, to roving photographers…I had enough. Finally, the increasing frequency of song, dance, speech & applause just got ridiculous. Wouldn’t enjoy that at any land restaurant and it’s no different for me on a ship. I also don’t really get the whole idea of conversing with wait staff about their personal lives - again, something I would never do at any restaurant, on land or at sea.

On 11/11/2022 at 3:28 PM, Jumping Cruiser said:

Anthem of the Seas - Southampton 2024 Itineraries 

*UPDATED WITH MORE ITINERARIES* - On Sale 16th November

 

28th April - 12 Night Transatlantic (NY - Southampton)

 

10th May - 2 Night Weekend Getaway

(Southampton - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

12th May - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Bergen - Olden - Geiranger - Haugesund - Southampton)

 

19th May - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

26th May - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

2nd June - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

(Southampton - Lisbon - Lanzarote - Gran Canaria - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Madeira - La Coruna - Southampton)

 

14th June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Haugesund - Flam - Molde - Stavanger - Southampton)

 

21st June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Stavanger - Olden - Geiranger - Bergen - Southampton)

 

28th June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Stavanger - Olden - Flam - Bergen - Southampton)

 

5th July - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Bergen - Geiranger - Flam - Stavanger - Southampton)

 

12th July  - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Nordfjordeid - Flam - Geiranger - Bergen - Southampton)

 

19th July - 14 Night Mediterranean Cities

(Southampton - Vigo - Barcelona - Villefranche - Civitavecchia - Cagliari - Cadiz - Lisbon - Southampton)

 

2nd August - 9 Night Spanish Flair 

(Southampton - Bilbao - La Coruna - Seville - Lisbon - Vigo)

 

11th August - 14 Night Mediterranean Beaches & Cities

(Southampton - Cadiz - Malaga - Valencia - Palma De Mallorca - Ibiza - Barcelona - Lisbon (Overnight) - Southampton) 

 

25th August - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

1st September - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

8th September - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

(Southampton - La Coruna - Funchal - Lanzarote - Gran Canaria - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Lisbon - Southampton)

 

20th September - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

(Southampton - La Coruna - Funchal - Lanzarote - Gran Canaria - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Lisbon - Southampton)

 

2nd October - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

(Southampton - Lisbon - Lanzarote - Gran Canaria - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Madeira - La Coruna - Southampton)

Looks like several of these itineraries were revised before they were released for booking last Wednesday, although the flyers on loyaltoyoualways were not updated.  They still show these itineraries, rather than the actual ones that are for sale on Royal's website. 

15 hours ago, Jumping Cruiser said:

Anthem of the Seas - Southampton 2024 Itineraries 

 

28th April - 12 Night Transatlantic (NY - Southampton)

 

10th May - 2 Night Weekend Getaway

(Southampton - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

12th May - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Bergen - Olden - Geiranger - Haugesund - Southampton)

 

19th May - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

26th May - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

2nd June - Discover the Canaries (12 Nights)

 

14th June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Haugesund - Flam - Molde - Stavanger - Southampton)

 

21st June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Stavanger - Olden - Geiranger - Bergen - Southampton)

 

28th June - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Stavanger - Olden - Flam - Bergen - Southampton)

 

5th July - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Bergen - Geiranger - Flam - Stavanger - Southampton)

 

12th July  - 7 Night Norwegian Fjords

(Southampton - Nordfjordeid - Flam - Geiranger - Bergen - Southampton)

 

19th July - 14 Night Mediterranean Cities

 

2nd August - 9 Night Spanish Flair

 

11th August - 14 Night Mediterranean Beaches & Cities

 

25th August - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

1st September - 7 Night Spain & France

(Southampton - La Rochelle - Bilbao - La Coruna - Le Havre - Southampton)

 

8th September - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

 

20th September - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

 

2nd October - 12 Night Discover the Canaries

 

Is this information available for the Jewel sailings from Amsterdam (dates and ports)? Thank you so much!

On 10/23/2022 at 9:02 PM, T-2 said:

Secretlyfi, your search skills are phenominal.  I never ever found that map of the cabin layouts.  It is such a huge help as its always a relief to know what is above and below you.  Plus I value TAs time and like to be set to go, not waffling trying to make decisions.  Now we will just wait to see what they say all those beautiful cabin colors equate to- as there are some new cabin categories to tempt everyone.  But I was able to pick out my first 10 pair choices (need 2) to try for depending on how long it takes to get through, the phones are going to be hopping.  Cannot shout out thank you loud enough for the help, THANK YOU!

You're welcome, no problem.  I know it's been a few days and maybe you've already made your choice, but wanted to let you know that Royal has the normal, easier to read deck plans on their website now, with all the square footage and descriptions for each cabin type.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/icon-of-the-seas/deck-plans/2250/07

47 minutes ago, T-2 said:

Secretlyfi, I had tried that link a couple days ago but my McAfee balked at it and wouldn't let it open.  I am hoping for something like that, just was surprised I hadn't seen anything released by RCCL and wondered if I should count on something like that being released in time for member bookings?

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/ships/deckplans-hub/Icon_2250_v2023.pdf
 

Try this, the deck plans from Royal Caribbean’s website.  Picture is very tiny but zooming in, you can see all the room numbers and sizes. Hope that works.

50 minutes ago, T-2 said:

Not sure if I missed something as never tried booking on opening day.... but as almost Diamond Plus I'd like to try.  If you know what level you want to be on and the sail date you want, how do you then tell your travel agent (Big Box) the connecting rooms you are trying for.  We might like something similar to what we have on the Wonder in just a few weeks but I am sure the room numbers and layouts might be different plus there are some new interesting categories, depending on where they are, we might consider rather than our standing Oasis class locations.  Does anyone think there will be cabin layouts posted before they become available tomorrow?  Or is this more like only getting a guarantee category and not actual cabin numbers?   We are so Excited to be trying out this new ship, she blows us away, and I would love to wrap the reservation and give it to my grandson as one of his birthday gifts next week.  Do we think that might be the next big announcement, cabin locations?

The link in post #2043 has deck plans and lots of room details. Should provide exactly what you’re looking for.

On 9/10/2022 at 3:22 PM, meadowlander said:

10-15 minutes? Wow! You have much more patience than me. I would have made a right turn at the intersection than made a quick left into the Starbucks and CVS parking lot so I could turn around and head to the terminal by making a right onto Goldsborough, if I ever encountered such a backup.

 

I was at that intersection recently at 10am on turnaround day, nowhere near the spectacle you encountered. I was on the ship at 10:35 (25 minutes earlier than my boarding time). I feel bad for those who may have waited 15 minutes to make a left turn. I do not want to imagine what a delay that would cause for crusiers using Goldsborough Drive who came behind you.

 

To the OP, ignore the road signs that indicate 440 is the route to Cape Liberty. Chosin Few Way is the route to use.

Up to you.  This was today’s turnaround day delay at 10:30. You can only do the Starbucks trick once you reach the corner and as I said, it’s a long line of cars to get there. Chosin Few is 1 lane in each direction.

I know in the past, cruises from the Northeast have diverted to Canada instead of heading South when there were storms.  Would be interesting to see how the very different Covid vaccine & testing requirements for Canada would be handled, since none of the passengers would have been expected to comply with them, based on their booked itinerary.  Interesting times. 

1 hour ago, DaniMSCRoyal_85 said:

Next Princess Ship Set to Be Named Sun Princess, Debut Spring 2024

 

 

Sun Princess debuts 6 months later than Icon, but their video includes lots of design features and some itineraries went on sale today. Come on Royal, catch up already!

3 hours ago, scooby1 said:

It won’t be on either of those days. It’s the Queens funeral on the 19th which would be inappropriate, RCL has black logos on social media in respect. 
 

Also it would be lost in the news on that day as a very very minor footnote. It will be later in the month at the earliest. 

I read the Sept. 25 sailing is supposed to have a travel agent program on board that week. I had also read about the Icon reveal being a media event on board Oasis in September. Could that be when it is (also that’s the last September sailing)?

On 8/30/2022 at 4:00 AM, meadowlander said:

Were you planning on using 440? From what I read, there should be no impact as the closure is in Jersey City not Bayonne. 

 

The best route to Cape Liberty from the NJTP (avoids 440) is to stay left as you pay the toll at exit 14A.  Go up the ramp, follow signs for '440/Chosin Few Way'. Go right onto Chosin Few Way where it splits from 440. Chosin Few Way to the end (no traffic lights). Left on Goldsborough Drive to the terminal.

 

You could use either 440 or Avenue E when you exit the NJTP but Chosin Few Way is the best and easiest route. 

 

The only issue I've had with Chosin Few Way is that at the end, making the left onto Goldsborough takes a while, particularly on a cruise turnaround day.  Lots of cars going both ways on Goldsborough and waiting for a gap to get across was stressful.  It's a stop sign, not a light and it took me a good 10-15 minutes, waiting behind a line of cars all trying to make that left (this was at 10am on a turnaround day). 

I've found 440 from the Turnpike/Route 78 exit much quicker. One light shortly after the toll booth and then no lights until you get to Goldsborough which has a left hand turning lane and a green arrow.  

For the OP, the construction zone is North of there, just past the Turnpike.  It's in Jersey City, just starting at the Bayonne border.  You won't encounter it between the Turnpike/Route 78 and the cruise port.

I think I remember reading there was supposed to be a media event for Icon held on Oasis sometime in September.  Anyone know if that's happening or postponed?  I also agree it's questionable whether they are really on schedule to release itineraries on Sept 12, which is less than 10 days from now.

Should we expect the Icon itineraries to be released on September 12?  I was thinking that could be the only remaining "7 Night Caribbean" for Fall 2023-Winter 2024, shown in the opening schedule below.

29 minutes ago, flamingos said:

I missed this - where did you find that?

 

Post #1 of this thread

I'm thinking the cruise line needs to announce the new post-August 14th testing requirements within the next day or so, because those leaving on Monday the 15th need to know if they need to go for testing starting this Friday?  Or is that expecting too much advance notice from Royal Caribbean?

7 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

I guess that's a perk of booking through a TA.  Refundable rates at a cost that is less than Royal's refundable rates.

Are refundable deposits possible through a TA for suites also?

Spot on, SG65CB, that is exactly my question.

My husband & I each have an FCC from a cancelled cruise and will be applying them to a September cruise in a few months when final payment is due. The total of the 2 FCC’s covers all but about $600 of the final payment and the balance will be charged on our credit card. My question is, what if he later decides not to go (elderly parent issue), but I still go, solo? If he’s a no-show at the terminal, do I have to hand them my credit card to pay the amount from his FCC?  
 

If this is a risk, is there a better way to handle this? I don’t suppose his FCC can be transferred to me, could it?

Went to take a close up look tonight…

Also, the government of Bermuda issued new Outbreak Restrictions on Tuesday of this week, which include travel rules for immunized people.  It requires applying for Travel Authorization 1-3 days before going there, upload of a negative pre-arrival test result, an arrival PCR test and quarantining upon arrival until receiving negative results of the arrival PCR test.  Sounds like a complicated pre-cruise experience.  Their Outbreak Restrictions also include a curfew, alphabetized shopping schedules and restaurant take out or delivery only.