TomC21

I used the TeaCapps bar code scanner from the Apple App Store. There is a free version part within the app.

I recently booked a guarantee balcony on the Independence of the Seas sailing next month. When I printed the invoice it said “obstructed” on it. We were within the final payment window, paid in full, and called it a day. We checked in on the app and it generated a set sail pass with a bar code on the bottom. The Set Sail Pass gave us Deck 8 GTY. No cabin assignment yet. On another cruise forum I read to download a free bar code scanner to see if the cabin number shows up after you scan it. Mine did. It showed a cabin number after a bunch of numbers. It was separated from the other numbers. Something you might consider if you haven’t received an updated cabin assignment. When I inquired if that’s a reliable indicator of your cabin, they agreed. Let us know if you see your assigned cabin with scanning the bar code. If I end up with the assigned GTY cabin, it is not obstructed, and actually a larger superior balcony near the forward elevators. Not a big deal, we’ve had cabins near elevators before.

Thank you!

My wife and I booked a balcony guarantee on the Independence of the Seas sailing next month (just over 30 days out) we completed the check in process on the app, and it shows the Set Sail pass as deck 8 GTY, but no cabin number yet. At the bottom of the Set Sail pass is a bar code. I then read about downloading a bar code scanner app, scan it to see if a cabin number was assigned. I did this and it showed 8246 at the end of the numbers that came up after scanning. Is this going to be our assigned cabin? Can Royal change the room even though it’s showing up on the bar code scanner but not yet showing on the set sail pass?

just wondering if anyone has done this with a GTY cabin, then had them change the cabin.

thank you

Tom

On April 23rd I cancelled our November cruise on the Seaside. Today we received a full credit card refund of our deposit ($398). 

Tom

I cancelled my November cruise a few days ago and was told on the phone it would take (up to) 60 days for a refund. If they’re now saying I won’t get a refund until 60 days after my November sail date, that won’t fly with me. I will dispute after I reach 60 days of my phone call. I was given a reference #

fortunately we’re only out our deposit of $398

FI recently cancelled my November cruise on the Seaside out of Miami. Another hot spot of the country. So I think you’ve answered your own questions. Me personally, taking a cruise out of New York isn't going to happen anytime soon, if at all this year.

just my opinion

Tom

I misstated my response. MSC is allowing those who have booked up to September 30 to choose a FCC to be used by December 2021. Those still within the cancellation window can cancel for full refund but will take 60 days for it to credit back.

I called MSC yesterday and cancelled my November Seaside cruise. Was told 60 days for my deposit to be refunded. Not taking any chances of a second wave of covid19 this fall.

MSC is allowing FCC for sailings until the end of September. I would take that as no US sailings until then or longer. A few weeks ago the CDC closed US sailings for at least 100 days. I cancelled my November cruise and was told to expect a 60 wait for my deposit.

On the same note. I probably can make a Manhattan with an order of whiskey and an order of sweet vermouth, then get a dash of bitters at another bar if I need to?

19 minutes ago, Jembeccatoo said:

We wouldn’t be adding anything not included in the drink, just removing...

I’m in total agreement with you. I just think you will encounter some bartenders not willing to oblige. Can’t hurt to try!

15 minutes ago, Jembeccatoo said:

 

I can only guess that in the eyes of MSC, when we order a Nojito and a shot of rum, it’s equivalent to ordering 2 separate drinks, something they allow.

Now here’s a different take on it...

can I order a Long Island Ice Tea without vodka, rum, gin and cola and create a Margarita by omission?

🤣that would be interesting. It’s the only drink on the menu with tequila! 

My wife and I are also Diamond on Royal and were given Black (which has been changed to Diamond). This status match was given to us back in 2018. I know recently some Diamonds on Royal reported they’ve been given Gold which is 1 tier lower. I believe MSC changed it in 2019.

As the other poster mentioned, click on the MSC Voyager link and navigate the area that tells you the benefits for each level.

Also click on the GenghisQuan link above for status match updates.

Update: It appears Diamond is Gold on MSC

We did a last minute guarantee booking (9/20) for the Mariner sailing (10/25). We received our cabin assignments exactly 2 weeks prior to our sailing next week.

Just FYI,

you can go to guest services on the ship and have on board credits transferred to another sea pass account. My wife and I have done this several times in the past. Sometimes we forget to order double occupancy credits and chose single occupancy credits when redeeming our visa points. They would end up on my wife’s sea pass account. Easy enough to fix at guest services. They just subtract from one account and transfer them to the other ( we both have separate on board accounts, different credit cards).

25 minutes ago, tomservo said:

 

Is it any different/better than what you can order from room service or get from the Windjammer? Or just a nicer place to enjoy it?

Its very limited to pastries, salmon, breads, bagels, juice, coffee, specialty coffee and the like. A limited continental type of breakfast. And yes, a nice place to enjoy. I usually just go there for the specialty coffee and head to the windjammer.

Congrats!

we've been diamond for about 5 years. We take advantage of the free evening cocktails (there is a list to choose from) in the dedicated Diamond lounges. Usually between 5:00-8:30 on most ships. They also load your seapass daily with 3 additional drinks to be used at most bars on the ship during the same time frame of 5:00-8:30 (same list).This way you don’t have to stay in the Diamond lounge to enjoy a free cocktail. They usually have hors d’Oeuvres in the Diamond Lounge and a decent continental breakfast in the morning with cappuccino/espresso machine. Additional discounts apply for other things like booking a new cruise, free 24 hour basic internet per person, a free photo per person, discount drink coupon, buy on get one drink coupon. Some ships have Diamond and up private events.

On September 20th as a last minute decision, I booked a 3 night cruise on the Mariner for the  October 25th sailing (my birthday cruise🎂🚢). At the time, there weren’t a lot of desirable cabins left and decided on a balcony guarantee. This was the first time I’ve ever booked a guarantee cabin. Yesterday (2 weeks from sailing) we were issued our stateroom and couldn’t be happier with the location on deck 8. So I’m assuming that a two week period is an indicator on cabin assignments. Again, I know assignments will be based on supply and demand and the upgrade program. I wouldn’t sweat it on cabin assignments, although I did check daily but knew they would send me an email when it got assigned. Word of advice, don’t print your GTY set sail pass and GTY luggage tags until you get the actual cabin assigned. It will save on reprinting.

From what I understand, you don’t get your Sea Pass Cards until you’re able to access your cabins around 1:00pm. What do you use if you want to get a drink prior to that time? Your printed Set Sail Pass? It’s been awhile since we’ve sailed Royal.

thanks

Tom

After logging into my Royal Caribbean account I did some mock bookings for my October Mariner cruise. I wanted to find out the prices and the availability of cabins. Within hours I was called by a person who said he was a senior cruise planner with Royal Caribbean, and asked if he could assist me with making a reservation. We went over the availability of cabins and the costs. I told him I wasn’t ready to book yet, but would contact him if I decided to move forward. Long story short, I booked on the Royal Caribbean website because the price wasn’t any different from what he offered me. A few days later he called me back to follow up and I told him I booked on their website. He sounded disappointed and told me he could have offered me something to book through a cruise planner. Has anyone been offered something above and beyond by booking a cruise through a Royal cruise planner?

thank you 

We are currently 29 days from our sailing on the Mariner. A few days ago we received a booking statement from Royal Caribbean  that assigned us to deck 8, but no cabin number. It looks like there’s a few cabins still available to book, so I’m assuming they’ll wait until they sell additional cabins before we’re assigned. We are deck 8 XB (balcony). Not concerned, but it would be nice to know where we are assigned. Our luggage tags are available to print without the cabin numbers on them.

also long time Royal Caribbean cruisers 2002-2019

long time Cruise Critic member too, but something happened to my account and had to create a new one.

8 hours ago, mjldvlks said:

We've played the guarantee game a few times and have never been disappointed. As a committed "price snob" it's kind of in my wheel house. In the old days, we used to get assigned almost immediately and then played the switch within category game.

 

We have one booked for Oct 19, about 27 days out and still unassigned.  I figure the upgrades get assigned last. A theory I made up to make waiting more palatable. 

Does Royal still allow the “switch within category” game once you receive your cabin assignment?

thanks

Tom

I recently booked a GTY balcony cabin on the Mariner sailing October 25th. How soon do they usually assign the cabin. I’ve never done a guarantee cabin before, as this was a last minute decision.

thank you

Tom

Ate’

Thank you!