captainannoyed!

I am just off the Jewel, and noticed that Rita’s has been completely removed and replaced with Windjammer seating. I’m thinking this is recent, because I just did a search here and didn’t see any posts about this. IMHO, this is probably better. Rita’s seemed like a half finished concept. I’ve been on all of the Radiance Class (except the Radiance itself) over the last two years. Rita’s was rarely open, and just sat dark. I think the idea could have been interesting had it been fully executed. Anyway, figured I’d post in case anyone is interested.

I can easily believe that. It seems like they’ve got 100% occupancy pretty aced. But if you have flexibility and live in FL I do feel like that’s the basis of opportunity.

While I subscribe to early booking being most advantageous form pricing and the ability to take advantage of (increasingly unusual) price drops before final payment, I will agree that booking last minute / post final payment date can offer deals. However, I would argue that the savings come with other costs. First, the cruise you want may sell out - and this happens a lot. Second, if cabin location / choice matters to you this is unlikely to give you the vacation you desire. Think about it. What cabins are likely to remain unsold? The ones everyone else doesn’t want. Cabin location matters a lot to me, and I’d never book a GTY because of that, and playing kamikazi with last minute cabin availability isn’t for everybody. True, a great cabin might show up via a last minute cancellation. But if I want to gamble, I’d rather do it in the casino than my cabin. Third, airfare. Last minute airfare tends to be higher than further out. If you have to fly to your cruise, the savings on a last minute cabin fare could be more than eclipsed by the cost of the flight. Fourth, everything I just wrote goes out the window if you live in Florida. If you can drive to multiple major cruise ports, have an openness to destinations, and don’t have a preference in regards to cabin, you can game the system. As far as I see, cheap last minute cruise opportunities would rank as the number one reason to move to Florida. I have to believe that I the few days before the cruise, aside from the requirements to have a set passenger list 48 (?) hours before sailing, there’s got to be a last minute spot to be had at big savings.

I agree with the other responses regarding booking early. From everything I’ve seen in the last few years the best rates are at the opening of booking. I haven’t seen a pice drop on any cruise I have booked in the last few years, but many price increases. So, there’s every reason to book early with a minimum deposit. In the event a price drop does happen it can only help you.

I have no interest in the mega ships. Radiance class is my favorite, though I will sail Freedom class. But RCCL lost me Oasis and larger. I’d rather just go to an all inclusive resort than have to walk those halls.

It’s outside the Windjammer, near back of ship.

I’ve been on several Radiance class ships in the last few years. Rarely is Rita’s open. When it is it is just drinks.

After nearly 25 years of cruising with Royal, and wanting this suite, I finally have the Royal. To make the suite even ‘sweeter’ is that on this cruise I will hit diamond plus, as well as these things all happening on my favorite class of ship, Radiance. My question to the forum is to people that have stayed in a RS on a Radiance class since the pandemic has subsided. I have heard many rumors over the years of perks not mentioned on the official RCCL website, such as dinner at the captains table, etc. If you feel comfortable please share your experiences if there was anything outside the official listed perks. TYIA

Ok, thanks for the info!

Thank you for the quick response. Okay, i will see with everyone else if they continue the program. I already have two cruises planned and am not looking to book my next just yet.

Thank you so much for your quick response!

Hi everyone! I think I saw an article recently that said that Virgin will match loyalty levels from other cruise line loyalty programs. Does anyone know if this is correct? Thanks!

I haven’t booked a JS in years, and have one in a few months. My question is does JS category get to use the Suites check in line? I think so, and it appears like it on the RCCL web site. But I don’t want to try to use that one if JS is excluded. I’m already aware that JS doesn’t get the Suite Lounge. Thanks.

Hi everyone! I know that in the past suite guests (GS and up) had an extra hour 'grace' period regarding assigned boarding time (early arrival). I can't find it on the RCCL web site, but was hoping to confirm with anyone here that this is still in place. Thanks for any replies in advance!