dacsmom

15 hours ago, ndabunka said:

If the upsell is $410pp then isn't it 4X $410 since you have 4 people or does PP only apply to the 1st two in the cabin?  My wife and I are traveling with our 16 year old son  and ignored all upsells to this point due to understanding that they would charge for EACH person.  Not just the 1st two in the cabin

From the FAQ page: The RoyalUp℠ offer amount is per person for the entire duration of the cruise. Offers are based on two occupants per stateroom - only the first and second guest will be charged.

On 4/30/2019 at 2:24 PM, Ashland said:

Well I agree this is disturbing not being able to bring fresh baked items onboard (thinking about Holy Donuts in Portland Maine)...Then why have some been able to bring onboard birthday cakes or so they have posted?

 

I've had no trouble bringing fudge (selected than bagged or boxed) from Juneau and Ketchikan from the candy shops there.

Well, somehow my Holy Donuts managed to disappear before I got back to the ship. The thought about just tasting one really did not work for me. 

Pixels and ifly are the only things to book online. NorthStar is only available to book on the ship. 

10 hours ago, tigergrl0204 said:

So I understand that Royal has suites/pinnacles board first (also including a few other loyalty ranks, of which I can't remember). Since we are first time cruisers, would it take awhile before we'd be allowed to board?  We have the key, but being a family of 5 (had to pay for 4 of us) I'm not sure how much earlier we'd board before most others. The additional time on the ship and carry on drop off are one of the few perks that I'm seeing to be of value.  We are cruising on Symphony in May. Thank you!

One of the other perks is on the last day, after you have had the Key breakfast is the individual escort off the ship. No waiting in the usually long lines snaking off the ship and through customs. You are escorted to your bags and then to a separate line. That to me is worth the price of the key. Although having to buy it for four people adds up to quite a bit of money.

NorthStar is only available for booking onboard. Ifly is open for booking and Pixels is the only show that is available for booking.

Both ships are wonderful and you cannot make a bad decision between the two, but I would definitely choose the Freedom itinerary.

Sounds like a great deal and a wonderful way to chase Pinnacle, I like the aft cabins. Congrats and have a wonderful cruise. 

Have your TA get you on a waitlist and have them check again around final payment date. Many times MTD will open up again as people cancel.

18 minutes ago, gottagoacruzn said:

Hi guys, will be goin on the Enchantment May 6th, been thinkin of doin the Chef's Table, right now don't want to put anything on the cc card, so am goin wait til I get on the ship first an see what happens. Think maybe the 3rd night would be good, or maybe the first night, since there's nothin happenin on the ship that night. Haven't done that before. Any suggestions?

 

Virginia

You do not get your choice of nights. On the Anthem in September it was only offered on two nights. Some ships it is only on one night.

13 minutes ago, Ashland said:

Am I still the only one that thinks the "Key" is actually a rip off and completely unnecessary  

I got it at $19 and thought that was a great deal. Between the Internet and lunch at Chops, it really did not cost me much more. I would not get it at $37 since I have most of the other perks. For some first time cruisers it may be worth it to them. I do not think it is a rip off and unnecessary at all, I think it gives people options just like the drink packages. For some they think it is a rip off, while others will not sail without it. It is a personal preference.

NCL blows RCI out of the water with the Thermal Suites, I especially like the snow rooms, different saunas, and the large thalasso pools. Some are ok on RCI, but nothing like NCL.  I get a pass once in a while on RCI but do not have really high expectations. 

It is a very good deal. It is only for nights one and two. I have heard of a very few people moving the second night to a different day, but not many. Night one is assigned to you and you can go to any restaurant and have it changed if you do not like the choice. 

5 hours ago, ScottVV said:

Also keep in mind that every time you buy something, you have to take it off and put it back on.... EVERYTIME you want something...  That could be a pain in the butt at times..  Just my two cents..

I rarely took mine off on the Anthem, I just laid my wrist on the scanner and went on my way. Bars, gift shop, etc. You could take it off if you wanted to, but why?

10 hours ago, gonole1972 said:

The difference:  People get on Carnival to get as drunk as they can as fast as the can - RCCL cruisers get on to have a cocktail, relax, and unwind.

Not my experience at all.

I cruise between RCI, Carnival, and NCL. Each line has its strong points. I like RCI entertainment better, I like the food on Carnival a bit more. You can't beat Guys Burgers on Carnival. I have never had a bad cruise and I like to switch things up. Have a great time. If you have a chance, try out the Oasis class. It is definitely a unique experience that no other line has yet. Although I am really looking forward my cruise on the Mardi Gras in 2021, that may come close.

Pre cruise sales are better than purchasing onboard. Unfortunately you may have waited too long, I usually find a pretty good price about 3-6  months out. It can not hurt to keep checking your cruise planner though, you might get lucky.

You cannot access the website within three days of sailing. No problem, it will just take you an extra minute or two at the port. Just have your passport or BC and you are on your way. Have a great cruise.

Yes, in China sailings only. Rumor has it that it is being replaced during the repositioning next month. I love the land based restaurants, I wish they would keep it. Here is the description form the Website.

Dip into a unique shared dining experience. With roots in Chinese culture, Hot Pot at Solarium Bistro features a style of dining where you cook your meats and vegetables right at the table in a simmering pot of stock — or a “hot pot.” We’ve combined contemporary decor with tradition. Togetherness has never been so tasty. Fee applies.

I had the drink package on the Anthem in September. I walked up to JR, ordered my milkshake, and walked away with it. Repeated several times during the week. I ever ate there, just enjoyed the milkshakes.

Escape to the future was a lot of fun. I went to Two70 right away and booked. The spots fill up fast.

I loved Bernard's Tours and had a wonderful time. 

 Your cabin steward will bring you one, they have the RCI logo on them. If you really want to bring your own pack it in your checked luggage.

I don't think of it as nickel and diming at all. It gives people a choice. 

The lunch menu at chops is limited. The lunch that is included with the Key is all that is offered during lunch. Did you see a different menu somewhere? 

5 hours ago, SakeDad said:

If you look at pics of the VI they have multiple configurations. Some are much more roomier than others. I have also heard the screens put off unwanted heat in such small cabins. I think until, and if, they become a hit they will stay cheaper.

No unwanted heat in by cabin on the Anthem. I loved my virtual balcony and would book one again.