Laid-back

We just sailed and got one 24 hour period for each of us as Diamond. You sign up for an account and at the end it shows as no charge.

Thank you

Diamond: $20 off a package OR one free continuous 24-hour period of unlimited internet.

Diamond Plus: $40 off a package OR two free continuous 24-hour periods of unlimited internet.

Thank you very much. Could not find it on the website and the rep was not sure.

Just checked with RCI regarding Diamond, Diamond + internet benefit and received a rather uncertain response. I am sure that this has been discussed countless times before, but it appears that there may have been a fairly recent C&A loyalty benefit change that has discontinued that benefit. Anyone cruised recently to verify if that benefit has been discontinued. If it happens to be still in existence is it one 24 hour period or two? It is no longer listed as a loyalty benefit that I could find.

No.

 

The vast majority of Vision class JS staterooms do not have walk-in closets. I know of a couple of at JS staterooms on Enchantment with walk-in closets.

The two aft corner JS have walk-in. That's it.

"We have had MTD for our last few cruises and think the service and the food is better. Not sure why but it has been true for us."

Have never used MTD before, but the above gives the impression that maybe MTD has a different menu than the MDR. Just curious from those who have used MTD is that the case?

I find it quite amazing the amount of people who have replied and think it's their given right to "pay" and not care ,

 

these staff who as I mentioned do an amazing job - work all day , not an 8hr day with a family to see at night or weekend off or day off that because you have paid for this service then it's fine that they don't get to properly speak to another human , colleagues or customer for more than a yes / Thankyou/ hello .

 

I'm afraid we are not seeing US / UK /Canadian etc doing these lower jobs as they are all working for better wages doing the less hourly jobs of dancing , singing and laughing with the fellow cruisers ,

 

the Asian guy who will Be getting paid far less serving all day in wind jammer didn't get to talk properly than being a subservient human all day , every day , for 7 solid months of his working day ?

 

Yes I understand many cruise lines workers work the same work and shift patterns but they have had time to talk and almost have the confidence to talk that they won't be told off and by talking a mean a friendly few words than "Thankyou I don't need a drink" morning " can I have some water " etc. (P.s to the reply why are you wanting to make friends with the workers and not fellow cruisers I'm the type of person who is happy to make friends with anyone from any background)

 

To me i felt they were not as happy as other workers on other cruise lines , I'm not blaming RC totally at the end of the day maybe they just had a very tiring week but I doubt that's why .

 

I'm very surprised at some of these replies , wether we have paid for a vacation I'd still expect smiley staff , my other all inclusive holidays have had chatty happy staff and our other cruises also , I don't think it's because some are Eastern European either as the Other nationalities were the same .

 

I just find it sad , a little like having a servant and not caring about them .

 

I care and I'd like to think the person providing my wonderful holiday is happy with their life and that's contributing to them having a happy life also

 

Ps- I'm a she :)

 

 

 

 

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As one who has cruised many times with RC I have always found each and every crew to be very congenial and appear to enjoy a short bit of conversation from time to time, especially if you engage them. It would seem that based on the comments on this thread many somehow feel that they are not to engage the crew in any sort of conversation so of course that air is likely felt by the crew member. I enjoy getting to know our room steward because after all he/she has access to everything you have brought on to the ship. I find even the crew members, of all nationalities , in the Windjammer like to engage a bit and most have a very quick sense of humor if so engaged. Plus I enjoy learning a little something about their native lands. I even engage the wait staff at a land restaurant in the harried world of Washington DC and from all appearances they seem to like it. I even know and converse with my neighbors. While I pay for my vacations I certainly do not feel that the crew members are my indentured servants. In the case of the Anthem I would imagine that 2000 kids might make anyone a little harried. Bottom line I agree with you that having some engagement with the crew is part of the experience and I will continue to do so. It always adds to my cruise experience. I do, however, recognize that it is different strokes for different folks. OP just keep on being congenial!!

I cannot see, going back to Royal Caribbean, if the food is that bad, so why go back. You pay for service, and that is what I expect. Oh, well I will have my first experience, and if it is bad. Will not be back. Good sit down service or I am not coming back on Royal Caribbean.

Sure hope that your first experience is not as bad as experienced by many on this thread. I don't come on CC often, but every so often it is fun to see what the complaint of the day is. While I have not had nearly as many cruises as most of those opining, I am always amazed that after visiting CC that on my next cruise I do not have the ship pretty much to myself. Funny though every RCI cruise I have ever been on (15) has been sold out. Just a bunch of folks, like me, who are OK with mediocre to poor food and service I guess.

I am willing to bet that you will have a great time on your first experience.

As long As GOS has been the topic of much discussion so far this week, Lets continue but on a different note... Question for Debate is, If they were to ever replace GOS in Baltimore, what ships in the current fleet could be candidates? This certainly by no means is aimed negatively toward the GOS. I have cruised her and she is a beautiful Girl.(minus her wrinkles):D. As someone wrote in a prior post "How many times can you cruise the same ship?" So are we ready for a replacement or are we good for the years to come with GOS? Dan

The Key Bridge will probably dictate the options and there are likely not many within RC.

I am surprised you rave about the scenic railway tour. We were seriously contemplating this for our IOS cruise in September and then I read mostly awful comments on trip advisor about this tour. I have since decided to go on a van tour for 4 hours.

As I said different things for different folks. A van tour is probably fine also, but you won't see the areas that the train does and most likely you won't have entertainment with the van. Likely you can not get up and walk around in the van either. However I watch Trip Advisor and have reviewed a lot of things on there, but I found that even on that site not everyone likes the same thing. That is what keeps a lot of different things in business I guess.

We enjoyed the train that is all I can say.

It sounds like a lot of you are just ok with receiving crappy service from a company that you've have spent a lot of money with. I don't understand that.

 

I've seen reponses of "You can expect that kind of crappy service from all cruise lines" Really? I can't believe you all are ok with this.

 

Those of you that have been to St. Kitts on AOS or any other ship with RCI have any of you done the Senic Rail Tour?

I don't see where anyone has replied to this so I will. We have done the St Kitts rail and thoroughly enjoyed. The train does a loop around the old sugarcane fields so you get to see parts of the island that you would not see by car or bus. The train has both enclosed and open air sections with the open air being on the upper level. You go through some areas with houses where the kids get delight running out to wave at the train. They serve refreshments on board and when we went there was a group of young ladies who went from car to car singing native songs. To us that was very entertaining. Plus they were extremely friendly and would answer questions about St Kitts. Don't know if you have little kids or not but when we went there were a number of children on board and they seemed to have a great time. For us it was one of the better excursions we have booked on any of the islands, but we are not huge sun worshipers so do not normally spend our time laying on a beach. I don't think that you will be disappointed, but then likes are different for everyone. I would not recommend waiting until you board the ship to book because it was definitely full. I realize that RCI holds back reservations, but I was glad that we did not take the chance.

Web sites are certainly not something I would judge anybody on totally so have a fun cruise.

There were ladies stationed in each car to give a running commentary also. We learned a lot about St Kitts.

Sorry to hear that so many things were below par. However, after many cruises I can say that some things seem to go wrong on most of them no matter the line. Generally they are not too significant so they are forgotten pretty quickly. I guess that is why there are so many different cruise lines out there, as different people have different needs and expectations. It is inexcusable on any cruise line for staff members to be snooty and when something is advertised, correctly or incorrectly, there are definite ways to handle the issue with becoming snooty. It certainly appears that this particular person needs a little re-education. If you included the incident with names, as you did here, on your post cruise summary I feel pretty sure that the particular individual would mend her ways in the future.

The main thing is though that you seemed to have had a good time and if your experiment with Royal Caribbean resulted in your not wanting to do further business with them, you at least gave them a shot. As you realize if everyone only liked the same cruise line can you imagine how the supply and demand would drive the prices for that one cruise line. Every line has something to offer and you have now determined that RC does not provide what you desire or expect.

This is always a debated topic.

 

What with shifting age demographics, multi-cultural cruisers (with different types of wardrobes) and other considerations, do you think that dress codes should be done away with?

 

Let's take a poll!

 

To make it easy, please start your response with "Yes" or "No" and your demographic (20s, 30s, 40s, etc.). I'll start for us.

 

"Yes." 40s/50s

 

Start phasing them out. I'm thinking that the current dress codes won't be able to last much longer anyway. Most of the younger demographics tend to dress casually.

 

Also, other cultures do not necessarily subscribe to "suit" as either casual or formal wear for men. It could be caftans, kilts, Bermuda shorts, etc.

 

There are also economic realities; more and more airlines charging for baggage means that extra suitcase/weight will cost you. Many travelers want to travel light, become more minimalist in packing and only bring a carry-on. During port-intensive cruises many people don't have the energy to dress up for dinner after a long day of sightseeing.

 

While I am "old school" and think people should be dressed appropriately, the sad reality is that we live in a society where quite a few people think it's OK to go out in public in their pajamas and slippers, in a bathing suit or shirtless.

 

If the cruise lines went to more casual dining experiences, with simple restrictions like most businesses' "such as "must wear a minimum of a top, bottom and footwear" then it might simplify things. This is what's required by most restaurants nowadays. Ships could have one or two "nice" restaurants with a surcharge for those who want to pay the premium and dress up.

 

They'd also save a heck of a lot in service manpower, uniforms, linens, dish washing, etc. (Of course, it's doubtful the savings would be passed on to customers! :-))

 

That's my opinion. What's yours??

Hope you are not suggesting paper plates and napkins.:) Might be heading that way though.

And RCCL has probably raised the price on it 15% since I posted this photo 20 mins ago. :)

Looks like the Rhino boats in St Maarten.

We are sailing on the Quantum Nov. 23rd and this will be our first time sailing out of Bayonne. Is there enough parking or do we need to get there real early for a spot? Also, how does the system work there? Is there a drop off area, shuttle buses, walk to ship, etc. ? Any info would really be a help. Thank you.

There is a drop off area where you unload your luggage and then drive around to park. I have only been there for the Explorer, but there was ample parking and a very short walk to the "terminal". You board a shuttle to the ship, very short distance, but you are not allowed to walk to the ship. Maybe the Quantum procedures will be different. A very easy experience though from my experience.

Thanks, I did not know you could create a booking by phone and still have full website access.

I sure don't but maybe that is a benefit given to our neighbors to the north. Just looked at my booking and no control other than making payment.

I'm afraid I don't understand all this. I call the main number and talk to whoever I get, if I can't get a hold of my vacation planner at RCCL. They always help me with price reductions and anything else I want to ask about. I've also called C&A or the 24hr #. They are always willing to help. I guess I am confused about the OP's statement.

 

 

Gwen :)

Not trying to be confusing. Main difference is that when booking directly on line you can do anything you want with the booking. When you book via a RCI Cruise Planner you can only do certain things on line without going through some Cruise Planner (may not be the one you signed up with, but it still takes a phone call). As I said not a gigantic deal but since I like to do things myself I just did not know that doing something over the phone negated some of the wonders of the RCI website. :):):):)

You do lose some website functions when you book with an RCI Cruise Planner, but you can still make payments on your cruise using the website. You would not have that ability with a TA booking.

That is true but can not change rooms or cancel on line. Not a big deal, just did not know that. I guess I thought that RCI was RCI.

I just booked a cruise with one of RCI "Cruise Planners". Although I have booked many Royal cruises both on line and with a TA this is the first time that I ever used a RCI Cruise Planner. I broke from my normal mode of operation because I had a specific question about the cruise and decided that while I was getting the answer to my question I would just go ahead and book the cruise. Possibly a mistake. I did not know nor did I ever give a thought that booking with a RCI Cruise Planner is exactly the same as booking with any TA, in that you lose control of your booking except through this Cruise Planner. May not be a big deal, but I, like many others, like to have control of my booking. So I have learned if you use a RCI Cruise Planner any changes you may wish to make requires going through them. Not too thrilled about that, but I will survive. Just thought I would pass that little tidbit along for any who might be interested in knowing and did not already know a possible downside to using a RCI Cruise Planner.

Check out this thread:

 

Aft Junior Suite on Grandeur - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

 

 

This might answer some of your questions.

 

 

When I started this thread, I had the wrong cabin #. I am in 7150, corner aft.

 

 

Gwen :)

 

 

Both corners on 7 deck have walk-ins. No walk-ins on 8 deck because you bump against the two RFS.

Casino for the 19 year old.

That would probably keep him or her well occupied, for sure.

The demographic depends on the time of year. There were 600 children on the sailing over spring break. :eek:

True, but in my experience those numbers are generally not 19 yo kids. Little kids have Adventure Ocean.

Anyone know if on Grandeur to Bermuda (Aug 15) if they will have stuff to keep older teen (16 & 19) engaged and occupied?

Bungee Jump (which is open on an irregular schedule) on front of ship and rock wall. GOS is a very nice ship but in my opinion is not well suited to active teens. I have sailed on her many times and usually it is a much older crowd. Oops now that I think of it the Bungee Jump is on the Enchantment, but GOS does have a rock wall.

Very informative piece of work. Thanks for posting!!

We are currently booked on the Legend Feb, 27th 2015 cruise. I know it is a small ship but we liked the fact that it is a 10-day cruise that fit perfectly with my teen boys Springbreak. Now we are hesitating. We are looking at the Indy cruise leaving the next day for an 8-day cruise. It is bigger and tend to have more for the kids.

 

Should we switch cruises? Maybe the Legend is for an older crowd or since it will be Springbreak (for canadians), my boys should not be bored , make friends and keep busy.

 

Convince us we made the right choice. Thank you in advance.

Have cruised on the Legend and while it is a very nice ship, in our opinion, it definitely is an older crowd, as many longer cruises are, and truthfully I think teenagers would be bored out of their skulls. The rock climbing wall and miniature golf is it. No comparison to the larger ships. Great ship and we loved it and the itinerary is not the normal Caribbean one.

The benefits the OP lists are Gold C&A benefits and have nothing to do with being in a Suite.

 

 

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They have must have changed the benefits for first time cruisers as Diamonds did not use to get all of that. I stand corrected since I am sure that you know.