karen s

Thanks for your review!! Vision was my first RCI ship and absolutely loved her. I'm looking forward to my next cruise on Brilliance out of Tampa in April, glad to here the pier is quick and efficient!

We have questions for anyone that has stayed in Brilliance of the Seas Family Suite #1054. How is the balcony? Can it hold 5-6 people? It looks kind of small. Are there any windows in the bedrooms? How comfortable is the size of the cabin for 5-6 adults? Is noise an issue in this room? Any information would be greatly appreciated!:)

My sister and her family (husband and 3 kids) had this cabin on the Radiance this past July. Not sure if there are any differences between Brilliance and Radiance with the 1054 configuration, but on the Radiance: The Master BR is a good size with its own bathroom and the second bedroom had two twins with 2 Pullmans. The living room had a pull out sofa couch. So yes, 5-6 adults could stay comfortably. There's also a second full bathroom off the living room. There were no windows in either of the bedrooms.

The Radiance balcony was very narrow, but since it's forward on the hump, had a great view. There was only room for a couple of chairs. I know since the move of the concierge lounge in that location, that one of the ships 1054 does not have a balcony, but floor to ceiling windows - I believe it is the Serenade.

This link has a pic of the Radiance 1054 balcony: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1840996

No one complained of any noise issues. I was in GS 1060 and had no noise issues from neither the elevator or above.

It's a great location and was very well laid out. But I think there are differences between the Brilliance and Radiance layout of the cabin, but probably not big differences.

Hope this helps some.

No more Diamonds in December bonus.

Too bad I missed out on that...

Double points are only given to those sailing in suites or solo cruisers paying the single supplement.

Never heard of a C&A December bonus...

What stateroom category? Some rooms have Pullman beds, others perhaps a sofa bed. Even the same category of room will differ...so if you have a specific stateroom, that would help.

Currently on Mariner of the Seas.

I originally picked credit card account and got asked if I wanted to change to cash account. I asked if money had to be put down and the girl said no :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There is daily limit before the account must be settled...more info here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=265&faqSubjectId=337

Hello and help. New to cruising, and CC. My family booked the Liberty of the Seas on Royal Caribbean for the ten day cruise to NE/Canada. Any and all info is appreciated - weather, do we need to dress for dinner, or is it all informal? Sodas? Drinks ? Dining tips? Excursions.... I need it all. Thanks ! We're booked for Aug-Sept 2015.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!!

You can find a lot of useful info for your specific sailing by joining your Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle Roll Call. The Liberty of the Seas Roll Call boards can be found here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=398. Just search for your sail date.

All dining attire is for each evening is "suggested." On a 10 night cruise there are 2 suggested "formal" nights. But you're on vacation...be as formal as you are comfortable with!!! More info can be found here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/whatToKnow/whatToPack.do

Gratuities are automatically added to your on board account daily (~$12 per day per person for a standard stateroom), unless you choose My Time Dining, then you will pay them ahead of time with final payment. You can add/detract from that amount as you deem appropriate, either by adjusting the daily charge or giving more in cash. Do be prepared to tip the baggage porters (~$1-2 per bag) when boarding and the room service worker if utilized.

Sodas are not included with the cruise, but an be purchased by the drink or a soda package (~$7 a day for an adult). You can pre pay for a package or buy one once on board. Water, coffee, iced tea, milk, juice with breakfast are included.

I did a NE/Canada cruise in Oct 13 and the weather was beautiful...just be sure to pack a light jacket for the evenings. It can be quite cool/breezy in the evenings.

You can book excursions pre-cruise or wait until on the ship. If you choose ship excursions, recommend booking a head of time to avoid the long lines at the shore excursion desk once on board. Just explore your sailing's ship excursion brochure and visit the NE/Canada port boards on Cruise Critic to see if any private excursions are more to your liking/cost effective. Just note, if a ship excursion is late, the ship will wait. If on a private excursion...they won't.

Enjoy your cruise!!

Most cruises will divert/adjust sail times/etc to avoid storms....but not cancel outright. You may end up with a cruise to nowhere, but you'll still be on a cruise :o

Just keep your eye on the weather and prepare for the unexpected when sailing the Caribbean/Atlantic during hurricane season.

I felt bad for those expecting a Bermuda cruise last summer and ended up in Canada with just flip flops and shorts :eek:

My family is going on our very 1st cruise on Enchantment of the Seas in June. I like to plan things but I'm having a hard time "planning" for this cruise because I really have no idea what to expect.

 

I've never been very interested in going on a cruise but it was a generous gift from my in-laws and am sure we'll have a wonderful time.

 

The cruise was paid for by the in-laws and any extras will be paid for by ourselves. Not sure exactly what's included and what's out of pocket, don't know what to add, so confused! :confused: Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated!

 

Thanks!

Anxious 1st Time Cruiser

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You've definitely come to the right place for all the info you could ever need for your cruise.

Be sure to join your Roll Call in the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle Roll Call board for you particular sailing. The Enchantment Meet and Mingle Roll Call boards are here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=259

My biggest piece of advice....don't get sucked into Bingo!!!

Enjoy your cruise and be warned...it is addicting!!!

I'm not familiar with the Grandview Train, but the Goldstar train ride from Anchorage to Seward is breathtaking!!! I also like the fact that on the Goldstar cars beverages are complimentary and there's an outside viewing deck.

Personally, I would prefer to arrive earlier....I like to enjoy every minute of my cruises beginning with Day 1! Since we arrived before 11:30, embarkation was super fast!!

I gather that the list of concierge services that 'Karen s' has listed is really for those eligible for the CL. The concierge who serves those only qualified to be in the DL, probably doesn't provide this same list of services.

Yes, that list was for CL services for suite guests.

Below is what was in an email from the concierge about a week out from sail date on my cruise last month. It is very similar to other emails I've received prior to sailing in a suite.

As a special VIP guest you are offered exclusive amenities and services not available to other guests onboard Explorer of the Seas. For your

convenience, here is a brief summary of those services:

· Use of the Concierge Lounge, located on Deck 9 aft and the over flow lounge the 19th hole bar on deck 14

from 5:00pm to 8:30pm daily for cocktails .

· Spa Bathrobes for use onboard.

· Upgraded amenities for the bathroom.

· Complimentary Pressing on the first formal night (available for the outfit you will wear on the first formal night)

· Continental breakfast served in the lounge daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

· Suite guest’s private breakfast at Portofino restaurant 7:30am to 9:30 am during port days and 8:00 am to 10:00 am while at sea. Also during lunch time at the Windjammer

Café, meal can be also enjoyed inside the Portofino dining area

using the main entrance of the restaurant. (Please see your service personnel for directions).

· Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup served in the Concierge Lounge on deck 9 aft and 19th HOLE, on deck 14 every evening

before and after dinner from 5:00pm to 8:30pm.. an over flow lounge is set up on deck 14 in the 19th hole bar for your enjoyment

· Daily menus displayed and pre-ordering for your dinner wine.(Concierge Lounge, Deck 9)

· Full Dining Room room-service privilege (available when Dining Room is open)

· Reservations for our specialty restaurant, sports activities, Explorations!, Salon and Spa appointments

(depending on time availability), etc.

· Arrangements for private parties.

· DVD's and Games for PS3 for your use while onboard ( Can be borrowed during the Concierge posted hours)

· Limited VIP lounge chair set-up near the pool bar area between decks 11 & 12.

· Port& Shopping advice.

· Business services such as faxes, copies, etc.

· Limited VIP seats for production shows and ice shows. (Please show Cruise Director’s staffs your gold colored SeaPass card at

the entrance 20 minutes prior to the show).

· Please refer to your muster station number for your assigned Ice Spectacular show time or see your Concierge for more information.

· As a special VIP guest, we are pleased to offer you access to the Barefoot Beach Club & Cabanas, a private beach located in Labadee.

Located on Barefoot Bay, this exclusive experience is only available to our suite guest with gold colored sea pass cards. Simply show your

sea pass card to the Island Concierge at the entrance.

· The Barefoot Beach Club & Cabanas (if rented) offers complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment (floating mats &

snorkeling equipment) in addition to an upgraded lunch menu and service from Suite Beach Attendants.

· For the ultimate way to relax in luxury, why not reserve one of the cabanas for the day? Featuring beautiful views and dedicated cabana

attendant’s service. The cabanas at Barefoot Beach Club are a not to be missed experience. Reservations are limited so please contact

your Concierge for more details & charges.

The Concierge Lounge is a private area accessible on a 24-hour basis, with your suite key you will have access. The Concierge Lounge

has been designated a smoke-free area. We respectfully request that guests observe a Smart Casual dress code when visiting the lounge

(no swim or pool attire is allowed, footwear is required at all times). To ensure all our guests are able to enjoy this exclusive lounge we require that all guests 20 years and younger must be well behaved and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

For any DINING ROOM REQUEST please reply to this email and I'll be more than happy to assist you .

Please contact the HOSPITALITY DESK after clearing the security check at the terminal for a quick check in

You don't earn the points until you complete the cruise.

It takes a few days post cruise until your status in updated in the C&A system. Congrats and enjoy your cruise!!

What does the different categories mean - D1, E1, etc.

Of course staterooms are divided amongst the broadest categories of Suite, Balcony, Oceanview (no balcony), Inside...but within that, there are a variety of sub categories that are differentiated by a slight variation of location and size. If you look at your specific ship and each stateroom category with their sub categories, you can get a feel of the differences. As I said, some are very slight.

Every time I book a cruise, I come here and read the member reviews. And every time the last few are negative- for whatever ship I'm going to be on. I just booked the Grandeur a few days ago, so you see where this is going. Every time I second guess myself after reading reviews and worry a little I should have chosen another ship. And every time I sail, I forget the reviews and have an awesome time despite earlier fears! So you would think I would either just stop reading them, or just stop worrying when I do- but here I am again, worrying. Someone please tell me you had a recent fabulous experience on the Grandeur!

 

Does anyone else have a love-hate relationship with the member reviews section?

The same exact cruise is going to generate different individual experiences, so don't second guess yourself. If you go with an open mind that every cruise is going to be personal/different based on individual expectations/experiences, then you won't be disappointed. If I based my cruise ship/itinerary selection on some individual reviews I've read, I'd probably never sail. The only important review is my own...

Just my opinion :o

Happy cruising no matter where the seas may take you!!

Not an extreme reaction at all in my opinion, and certainly not "whining" as you put it.

 

As a customer, I am simply expressing my dismay at the constant inconsistency of a company who expect people to pay many thousands of dollars for a suite and expect them to be content with whatever benefits they decide to provide on a whim for as many hours, days, weeks or months as they see fit. It's chaotic and unprofessional, and if people don't "whine" about it, it will continue.

 

Perhaps you think it's reasonable for the customer to accept the ever changing terms applied to overpriced suite accommodation without notice of a start date or an end date. I don't think it's good practice.

I have always sailed in a suite on RCI and other than no more chocolates and now the 3 drink coupon on the sea pass card during the CL "happy hours", it's always been consistent...except, where are the slippers??:p I haven't been on Oasis/Allure, but on my visit to Labadee last month, we were offered the floating mat for free at Barefoot Beach without having a cabana, and no, no open bar. And there was no open bar with our cabana on our visit in 2012.

The only time we ever got a (single) bottle of champagne in a suite was on Voyager during our Med cruise in the Royal Suite in 2006 on the first day. And I've been in 8 suites (OS, GS) in the following 8 yrs since, and no champagne.

Oasis class ships may have different/evolving suite perks in the CL with the changes going on during dry dock...but on the class of ships I've sailed on, they've remained relatively the same. The addition of gold sea pass cards years ago have actually improved suite perks overall - preferred seating in the theater, ice show, pool deck, WJ for breakfast/lunch on some ships, etc. IMHO :o

Just be sure to do your research on your specific ship, because from what I've experienced, even same class ships have some different ship nuances for gold pass bearers, i.e. on Brilliance the WJ Verandah was reserved seating for gold pass bearers during breakfast/lunch, but on Radiance, the WJ Verandah was the 24 hr coffee station due to the addition of the hot dog stand on the other side of the pool deck outside the WJ. Did any of these differences detract from my cruise experience? Heck no. Loved each and every minute of each one and can't wait for the next...

We were on the Explorer Christmas Cruise, and first to utilize the new Pier 1 for debarkation. Explorer is still in excellent shape, and from what I could tell from debarking from the new Pier 1 at Cape Canaveral, it looks awesome!!!

Just wish they would have told us prior to sailing that we were disembarking at a different pier!!! RCI did a great job though getting everyone back to their vehicles as necessary.

And although EX hasn't gone through dry dock refurbs, it has the Freestyle Soda Machines in the Promenade and Windjammer...no Dr. Pepper withdrawals for my DD this time!!!

I am booked on the BOS GS 1060 for April, and although we (my Mom and I) stayed in the Radiance GS 1060 this past July (and loved it!) I can't remember if the beds came apart to two twins. Although the BOS and ROS are sister ships, does anyone have first hand knowledge if the BOS GS 1060 beds can be separated?

And FYI, for anyone booked on the Explorer OS 1320 - the bed cannot be separated. Thankfully I was sailing with my two adult daughters, so it wasn't a problem.

Happy cruising!

This is the same thing that we experienced when we did Explorer in September.

Thanks, good to know!!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks! Just looked different than in the past and wanted to make sure.

I last sailed in July 14 and it was still a requirement to sign the Set Sail Pass to authorize the on board expense account. However, for my cruise next week, I have printed the Set Sail Pass and my on-line check in shows complete, but there is no place for a signature on the Set Sail Pass - is this new?

Just don't want to show up with the wrong documents.

Thanks!!

Karen

Jenn, are you saying there is no kids club? Or just no nursery?

There is the Adventure Ocean Kid's Club - just not the Royal Tots nursery.

Karen

Hi all!!!

 

This is my first post on the forum! I have really enjoyed looking around and reading, so thanks to everyone who has been posting so that I can learn and read.

 

So my parents bought our immediate family (11 of us) a Christmas cruise for our gifts this year. :D We will be leaving on the Explorer of the Seas on 12/23. We are so excited! It will be my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law, their two girls (13yrs and 9yrs)and my family (me, husband, 6y/o girl, 4 y/o boy, 10 m/o girl!). So it makes for quite an eclectic crew. My family jokingly calls me the "cruise director" as I am usually the person in charge of the putting together and planning of the trips.

With that being said, I was wondering if it is possible to get the daily Cruise Compass from some recent previous sailings? Does anyone have one? If so, could you upload it here or some other option?

I know it will be the Christmas sailing so there will be I'm sure some obvious differences in parties/celebrations, however, I really was hoping to have a general idea of the days to allow for each family to choose some activities that they would like to do so that we can all have a great time. Coordinating for time together, time apart, and all that. If not, I figure we will bring highlighters and try and have a nightly meeting on things that catch our eye going into the next day.

 

Any suggestions from others? We plan on using the kids place/ nursery a good bit as to get some adult vacation time as well.

 

I guess that about covers it for now! I so appreciate any help! :)

I will also be on this sailing - our Meet and Mingle thread is here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2032528

There's already some Explorer info there, so join in and help make this a fantastic cruise!!

Karen

I reached 140 pts on my last cruise this past summer and had no idea about the blocks and did not receive it on board (according to C&A they are supposed to be delivered to your cabin during your milestone cruise).

After hearing about them on CC, I called C&A and was mailed one in a few weeks.

Here's the fine print from the C&A Member Benefits notes:

4 A commemorative gift will be delivered to you during the sailing on which you attain your 140, 210, 280 and 350 cruise points and on every 70 cruise points thereafter.

Karen

Saved $850 today on my April 15 Brilliance cruise. We originally had $400 OBC, but with the new BOGOHO sale, we have $300 OBC and the $850 savings off the 2nd guest price for a GS. And no, could not combine the C&A balcony discount on the original or new booking price specials.