pmshirl

My blue card says casino vip on it -- so I guess they're the same!

Sorry to hear about your Surgery! Hope all is well!

I'm glad you feel the same way as I do about Ship's that don't have inserts to monitor your play!

I am not a very big drinker ( maybe 3 drinks the whole cruise), but on my Jewel Cruise in Jan 09 ( which was a Royal Casino VIP cruise), one of the VIP members was cut off from drinks, the Host claims she used up all her VIP perks for the free drinks! That was the 1st I was aware that they monitor your drinks!

When I do order a drink in the Casino, they never ask me for my card ( can't imagine how they monitor your drinks), but I tip the server $5.00 for an alcohol drink, and $3.00 for a soda! Maybe thats why he doesn't want my card!:)

I know the woman who was told about her drinks, sat at the bar for hours drinking!

I enjoy playing and if I qualify for anything , so be it. I am not about to spend outside of my means to stay a VIP member! Even though it will be 3 years that I have been a member, and received some nice cash back from playing!

I don't usually get cash on my Seapass card for the casino. After reading in CC some got the 3% waived, I decided to try it on the Jewel. They did allow it on that ship!

I shall see on the Explorer in 44 days!:eek:

Has anyone been invited and activated as a Club Royale member during a cruise - where you can use the benefits right away on the current cruise instead of waiting until the next one?

I kinda was!:D I was on a Back to Back on the Liberty in 2007. On my 1st leg I gambled, but wasn't approached ( didn't even know about the program, it was very new at that time). My 2nd leg, day 2 while playing in the Casino, I was approached by the Casino Host and asked if I would like to sign up! I was given an application to join, and from that day on, I was given free drinks and earned my discounts from that cruise.

My next cruise, I was awarded $1475.00 in cash that I collected at the Casino cage. I can honestly say, when you don't have a card monitor on the Ship you cruise on, I earn wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy less awards than on a card monitored ship. For example, on the Explorer ( which I will be cruising again on in 64 days), they DO NOT have the card monitor. You have to alert the cage each time you go to play and they somehow monitor your play that way!

I gamble just about the same on every cruise! Generally receive $700+ in awards for my next cruise! When I cruised on the Explorer in 2008, and requested my awards, the Royal Casino VIP Dept., claimed I wasn't even on that cruise! I asked how that could be possible when I collected my $950.00 in earned cash from the cage. I also signed many winning slips( close to 5K worth of them) for my payment for winning on slots! When they checked, they admitted I was there but no record of my playing!

They decided to give me $200.00 as earned cash for my next cruise! I wasn't going to argue, but I did ask them to review my prior awards earned on Ships that have card monitors!

I just came off the Jewel in Jan 2009 and my awards earned was $1050.00. They did have a card monitor on that Ship! Just giving you a warning on how it worked for me on Ships that you have to be manually monitored!:(

Good Luck!

The map shown on the Hotel site looks to me like it's closer to Old San Juan than the Pan Am pier, I am not positive, maybe someone else can say for sure.

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/SJUDTDT-Doubletree-by-Hilton-San-Juan/directions.do#localmap

You will be leaving from the Pan Am pier. I am trying to locate the Double Tree Hotel.

Here is a map of a few Hotels by the Pan Am pier. I can't locate the Doubletree. I will look elsewhere and come back.

http://www.hotelsbythepier.com/index2.php?pier=san-juan-pan-am

MBeamTX - Thanks for your help. Yes - I know I "could" get The Caribe Hilton - I know how Priceline works - I "want" the Marriott - ha ha. It just seems that quite a few are getting the Marriott rather than the Caribe and I just wondered if they were doing something specific or not.

 

Canuck

Go back to post 748. I listed there how I got the marriott Stellais for $125.00.

The key is to put in Resorts only ( no star clicked). Put your bid in, I started at 110.00 and if not available, then add Dobalis ( they don't have any resorts at that part of San Juan) then up your bid to 125.00.

That's how I got it!

Good Luck!

just bid on priceline and got this for precruise two nights at 45 a night. average price per usual 238.00 yahoo, feel like i just robbed a bank!!!

WTG. That's a great price!

Do the San Juan hotels and resorts charges taxes and fees in addition to those already charged by Priceline? Staying at the Radisson Ambassador for 3 nights and don't want any unpleasant surprises?

The only additional fee that you may be charged is for a resort fee! That is around $20.00. Sometimes you can try to get the place to wave it, other times not!

When I got the Marriott Stellaris for $125.00. I was charged the tax of 33.00. I was not charged the resort fee. I origianlly had this same hotel booked on my own and was charged the resort fee, but since mt total for one night was $270.00 ( withh all taxes and fees), I decided to try on Priceline. I just cancelled the one I had booked!

Sorry I can't help you with the Sheraton. I have only been inside their casino and it was a DUMP!

Good Luck

Hotwire is showing 3 * for $93/nite for 1st week in March. Comp breakfast and short walk to beach.

 

Anyone have an idea of what this is?

 

Thanks

When you go on hotwire, it gives you the choices of hotels for the star # you choose. You won't always get one of the hotels they have listed, but that will give you an idea of what hotels they are giving you for that price.

I got a boston 3 star hotel ( it was NOT one of the listed hotels for my price) but I got it for 85.00 a nite and hotels in boston 3 star go for 350-600 a night. I just need a hotel to sleep the night before the cruise, so it worked for me!

:eek: is right!

 

No wonder I didn't understand what was going on! Hey, I'm a CPA. This stuff makes tax law seem logical!

 

OK, I've been researching all my many shore excursions and have an idea of what I'll be spending, and know which flights I'm going to book, so I think I'm ready to bid.

 

I don't sail until 5/17, though. Is it too early? Am I late?

 

I hate to put all this expense my credit card (which, sadly, has a balance due to Fascination cruise and Christmas) and I need to book airfare, which will be around $780 for two. Seems rather silly to book everything now, putting it all on credit card, when I'll have to pay interest on it, negating a lot of the savings!

 

Can I wait to book the hotels or do you think I should go ahead and get started?

 

I just realized that I have enough Priority Club points to book the HEI on 5/16. That would help! I may try to get Sheraton OSJ instead (and keep the points for later). Will go back and read to see what people have bid and what area for that one.

 

I really want Marriott Stellaris for the 2 nights post-cruise, though.

 

I have read the better bidding stuff. It really didn't help me too much, I'm afraid. If people would not only post their winning bids, but tell what they had to select to get that hotel and the description, it would be helpful to us novices!

I went into the priceline website. Entered San Juan (#6), Clicked on resort, don't click on the 2, 3, 4, star area! Placed my initial bid for $110.00. It came back declined. I then added a click on the Dorado ( since there are no resorts in Dorado) , I was able to place another bid! I then bid $125.00 and got the Marriott Stellaris ( which is where I wanted to stay).

Good Luck! As long as they are not accepting your bid, you will not be charged! Once you enter an amount and they have something available for that bid, you will be charged! Then you will find out the hotal you got for that bid!:p

Just got the Marriott Stellaris for June 6, 2009, for $125.00 with taxes = 159.00. I had this same hotel booked for the same date through Marriott for $279.00 ( that was a Gov. discount price). I saved nearly half through priceline!:)

I have never run into this situation myself, as far as only using the points for an OV. I have read on CC from other's that responded and said, they didn't get the C&A credit when using the points for just the OV.

I have upgraded to a balcony ( paid the difference) and received the C&A credit!

Maybe someone can verify by experience, whether the C&A credit is given when using Credit Card points to get the Free OV.

You need to upgrade from the free OV ( and pay the difference) in order to get the C&A credit. If you just book the free OV cruise, you won't receive C&A credits!

You have to pay Something on the cabin to qualify! That is why the upgrade qualifies for the C&A credit.

This is the reason I said you get the best bang for your buck when using the free cruise!

I booked the Liberty 7 nights ( cost for 2 was $2500.00) used 125K points.

If you use the points for upgrades, OBC etc., you use 50K points for a $500,00 value of OBC or $500.00 off cruise price or upgrade.

3 x 50k points will only get you $1500.00 and you are using 25K extra points to get $1500.00 worth

125K points gets -7 nite free cruise value $2500.00

150K points used for OBC, Upgrades, etc. =$1500.00 ( 50K points per 500)

Yes, you can book a suites and pay the difference. I booked a balcony , got the cruise for 2 for free, received the credits. You have to pay the port taxes and fees on the free cruise!

I have never had to cancel using the certificate. My understanding is once you request the certificate it MUST be applied in the 6 months. I don't think you would get the points put back to your account if you cancelled that cruise, you applied the certificate to.

I can't tell you if you transfer your booking to another cruise, if the certificate will transfer on to the new cruise!

You can use the CC point certificate for an already booked cruise, or a new one. You call the # on the back of the card. You get the best bang for your buck if you apply it for the free cruise!

When you receive the certificate, you have 6 months to apply it to a cruise ( don't have to take the cruise in the 6 months just apply the certificate to a cruise). You mail the certificate ( after making a copy) to the address on the certificate. Takes about 10 days to get the certficate after requesting it.

Good Luck!

There is a code on the F&F coupon ( usually two letters and a few numbers(, my codes started with the 1st two letters of the Ship I received the Next Cruise coupon on, such as LB 077 from the Liberty Ship)that links into your Next Cruise Resi Number. On the F&F coupon is your Master Booking # , the La's Name etc.

You must 1st obtain the next cruise confirmation ( by booking a next cruise while ONBOARD a cruise, they can not be purchased any other way), after you have a confirmation, you then can book a cruise. Yes, you can cancel the already booked cruise and purchase the Next Cruise on a future cruise and then use it to book the cruise you are cancelling. If you do go that route, remember prices change on cruises( which means if you book the cruise in say 2 months the price may have increased and you now have to pay that new price and the OBC you will receive from your next cruise could be less than the increase of the new booking, a certain cabin may not be available ( thats if you want the same cabin you have now and are cancelling), so these are all things to consider before cancelling your cruise and re- booking. Good Luck.

Cruiser Steph: Your OBC will be $200.00 for that length.

Patti: Your Welcome. I have received that letter with each one of my Next Cruise Confirmations. Also, all my Next Cruise Confirmations, or any letter regarding a Next Cruise Confirmation only ever had the $100.00 charge on it (never the amount you stated are on all of them $198,000.00).

Sunny Az: They have changed the 3 yr expiration date, to now a No Expiration date. As long as one original name from the cpnfirmation is booked on Next Cruise Booking (see number 5 in my report), it states the confirmation is still valid. As far as the BOA credit card free cruise, I would call 1-800-526-9723, that is the phone number that I have on one of my LA Next Cruise booking papers for reservations and question. I have received OBC on free cruises(when using my BOA points) but I upgraded my cabin and still had a balance owed for the cabin. Good Luck.

The Next Cruise can not be used on any other cruiselne. I will try to copy and paste the Next Cruise Confirmation letter. Here it is:

NextCruise Booking Confirmation Letter

Dear Valued Guest:

Thank you for creating a NextCruise account.

Attached, you will find a confirmation for the NextCruise account made recently while onboard one of our

ships.

NextCruise is a brand new addition to our future cruise sales program. With a NextCruise account, you have

now secured the ability to receive an onboard credit in the value of $50-$200 per stateroom. The actual value

of the onboard credit is determined by length of voyage and will be applied when you select a ship, sailing date

and category.

Please note, the NextCruise confirmation does not list a ship, sailing date, category, price, stateroom number,

dining preference or taxes/fees. This is a generic booking that will remain open until you decide on your

preferences. Once you select a ship, sailing date, and category, you will be subject to paying the applicable

fare(s), remaining deposit, and all taxes/fees

Cruise Charges Guest #1 Guest #2 Guest #3 Guest #4 Total

Cruise Fare

Payment deposit of $100 per person is due at time of booking and is non-refundable. Balance of full deposit will be due when actual ship, sailing date and

category is selected.

Final payment date will be assigned when actual ship, sailing date and category is selected.

REMARKS

Traveling with booking numbers(s):

· Non-refundable deposit will be applied to actual ship, sailing date and category, when selected.

· The spelling of the guest(s) name above must match their proof of identification during ship check-in formalities.

· Guest will receive an onboard credit in the value of $50 - $200. Onboard credit value is based on length of sailing and will be assigned per stateroom, when ship and sailing

date is selected. Onboard credit only applies to guest staterooms listed on this confirmation. Guest forfeits the onboard credit if booking cancels.

Royal Caribbean NextCruise Terms and Conditions

1. You can apply the value of your NextCruise account against the cost of a Royal Caribbean International cruise. A NextCruise booking is not valid on any other cruise lines,

including any other affiliates of Royal Caribbean International.

2. A minimum of one person per booking must be 21 years of age or older and all guest(s) must satisfy Royal Caribbean International's requirements for passage.

3. Pricing, availability, and dining time to be determined at time of selection of ship and sailing date, and is subject to change.

4. Final payment is due 60 days prior for 1,2, 3, 4, and 5 night sailings; 70 days prior for 6 or more night sailings, and 90 days prior for holiday sailings. (These refund dates are

subject to change without notice.) If ship and sailing date is selected within the final payment period, full balance will be due immediately.

5. Full Names are required at time of booking. Changes to the reservation may be permitted, subject to availability and any other restrictions and applicable cancellation charges.

At least one name on the original booking must remain the same.

6. This confirmation is non-refundable and has no cash value.

7. To apply your NextCruise account balance against a specific ship and sailing date contact your Travel Agent.

8. Your NextCruise account balance cannot be used for cruises chartered by third parties and may not be used for certain customized group programs (i.e. value add groups).

9. Your NextCruise account balance is not redeemable for cash.

10. If your NextCruise account balance is applied to an actual ship and sailing date, and then the booking cancels, the guest may request a refund, less the value of the initial value

NextCruise Confirmation - Guest Copy

UNITED STATES Restrictions:

11. Any tax liability, including disclosure, connected with the receipt or use of NextCruise is the recipient's responsibility.

12. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to substitute ports, change itineraries or substitute ships on all itineraries as more specifically provided in the Royal Caribbean

International guest ticket contract and brochures.

13. Offer valid only to residents of the United States and Canada. A NextCruise account shall have no expiration date.

14. A NextCruise account may be transferred to another guest (Applicable only to Canadian Citizens).

15. The provisions of Royal Caribbean International's Cruise/CruiseTour Ticket Contract (copies of which are available online at http://www.royalcaribbean.com) are hereby incorporated

by reference. IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE CRUISE /CRUISETOUR TICKET CONTRACT CONTAINS IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHTS OF PASSENGERS. Among

other things, any disputes between you and Royal Caribbean International must take place in Miami/Dade County, Florida and must be filed within a certain period of time. By

purchasing/redeeming this certificate, the purchaser/holder agrees that prior to being allowed to board the vessel, he or she must sign Royal Caribbean Internationalss applicable

cruise/cruisetour ticket contract and be bound by all such terms and conditions.

This may help those that are still questioning things.

I have used several Next Cruise Certificates, and received all OBC (from Stockholder, TA OBC, etc.). I also changed my cruise to another cruise and kept the original booking number and my Next Cruise Cert. was still kept and applied on that changed cruise, with the OBC's. I will mention, on both occasions when I bought the Next Cruise Certificates (2 on the Liberty Ship) and (2 on the Freedom Ship), I was never offered the 2 certificates for friends. I don't know if this was overlooked, or if I was suppose to request them. I was not aware of the friends certificates, and most likely would not have used them anyway, but if the LA does not offer them to you, then Ask them , because they were not offered to me.

Another note: I never had to turn in the original certificate when I booked my Next Cruise, my TA's name was listed on my Certificate, I gave my TA the booking number and I received the OBC for the cruise. The certificate states you will receive the OBC 48 hrs after booking the cruise, determined by the lenght of stay of the cruise.