StephPS79

I'm most likely only booking an offer with a $50-$100pp deposit. I've cancelled one or two, the smaller deposit doesn't hurt as much. I'd have to be really, really sure before I booked a $500 deposit, and probably would do like 3-4 months out at the most. That's just me, though.

Casino offers, free* balcony. Non-casino offers, not really anything good. 40% off cruise rates, which should be consider the typical fare lol. There's pretty much no reason to book without at least that offer.

Upcoming cruise in February, I got an email notification and in cruise manager, probably over a month ago, well in advance. Last cruise in June last year, I got a phone call the day before. I feel like last minute cancellations are filled with phone call offers.

There are many different offers, so in this case, I am going to fault her for not reading thoroughly. An offer that includes it for you and guest will say "for you and a companion." There are some that work this way, there are some that don't, and the ones that do still exist. The fine print on most offers will tell you DOU is for the VIFP person only.

What type of procedure info are you looking for? You purchase it like an excursion, there are some details there.

Are you asking about onboard spending, or the cruise fare? You can buy cruise cash on the website, which goes on the account for onboard spending, and also stop by guest services to make any payment on the onboard account, I think there are also kiosks on a lot of ships that allow you to make payments.

Already booked Celebration for 2024, soonest we could fit something in!

I agree with kdr69, most people think it's just the amount of money spent/lost. There seem to be a lot more factors that go in to it. It helps to be friendly with the casino host and pit-boss, they really can get you on the offers list. If you're playing table games, be friendly with the dealer, even develop rapport. Have a good time! Woo them with charm! And then other things, like time spent at a table, yes money lost is a factor, but they also look at how you're betting. You can tell when the pit-bosses are coming around rating, and they really do watch your play and how you're betting. Basically, they are looking for degenerates who will spend all day at the casino, and drop a hundo on a hand. (that's a joke, people. we spend a lot of time in the casino. And as mentioned, lose (and win) some pretty big hands). Slots is pretty straight-forward, but slow. The slots are hard to woo. 😆

I totally agree, tables are intimidating. That's why I generally stick to slots lol. And that's why it's generally a slow climb. Just a note, you may still get offers on RC if you don't hit the tier points limit, just not instant certificates, there is a website for RCs casino where we get random weekly limited sailing offers. It's best to sign up for marketing offers to get these though.

Going on our 4th RC casino comp in September. Same advice - if you're table playing, make sure you are being rated by the pit-boss, and bet big when they are watching!

Yeah, that's not going to do it lol. While I don't think you have to "lose" a large amount, you have to put in some decent time. Make sure you are being rated if table playing. If you aren't doing some moderate betting, it's probably not going to get too far. Slots tell you your points, and it can be a slow climb. While I never hit their points requirement, I still get rebooking offers. I tend to probably spend about $400-$500, and get interior offers. The fiance gets balcony offers, primarily from blackjack, but she bets big - $100-$200 a hand, especially if a pit-boss is watching (it's pretty obvious). Still haven't found our way to free drinks anywhere on board, but maybe after our February cruise! 🤣

Yes, you should get the option to apply OBC at checkout. And yes, you pay when you purchase.

Ah, I remember those $10 offers! I couldn't take advantage of any at time time, but I did book them out and they were correct. Some nice cruises too. That was fun to see.

Never had a problem getting an Uber on Embarkation day, but we usually stay in Miami Beach. You would definitely need 2+ though, so not sure it's the best option. We usually book the Miami tour with airport drop-off for debarkation day, so not sure, but I can't imagine it would be hard to get one. Pricey, yes. I would probably second the private transportation idea, book a large taxi van or something. All things considered, pricing probably won't be too different, and less hassle.

Pretty sure if you have a casino offer booked under your husband, you'll be charged additional if he doesn't sail, even if he "no-shows." I think you'll probably lose more than just OBC, it will probably be repriced. The offers state clearly that the person must sail for the offer to be valid. At this point, if it were me, and with that in mind, I would contact Carnival ahead of time.

In those days, it was also the more wealthy that could afford to cruise. A cruise was not something the average everyday person could afford. There are still lines where this is the case. Carnival is not one of them. It sounds like you have outgrown Carnival. If you are looking for a top-dollar experience, provide top-dollar to one of the luxury lines. Accept that Carnival is no longer this experience.

I'm looking right now at booking this similar cabin on Celebration deck 14, actually have a hold on 14529 right now. We actually don't spend a ton of time on the balcony, so only mildly concerned. What month were you cruising? It would be for February 2024, so I'm thinking it wouldn't be too bad, but wondering when you went - thanks!

Took the words right out of my mouth!

Interesting, thanks! Not sure I'd enter anyway, with my luck on slots, but we'll see what happens.

Coincidentally, we are booked for the Sept. Mariner sailing, from an instant certificate from our past November cruise. I'd assume the tournament is open to everyone? Since we didn't technically receive the invitation offer...

I wish you the best of luck in this endeavour!

This is the issue here. I went on my first cruise in 2018. The room was cleaned once daily. I thought, hey, someone cleans my room - great! The first time I went on RCI, they cleaned the room twice, and it was just too much, if I'm being honest. I only need 1 set of towels a day. I really don't understand the fuss with the twice a day thing. I can't imagine a cruiser's experience is changed all that much if the room is cleaned once a day.

This is helpful, thank you!

That's what I was hoping customer service could help with (or, what I initially thought the wedding planner could help with.) I have all the booking numbers, and want to pay for all the reservations, didn't think it would be a problem. Didn't think I would have this much trouble getting them to take my money lol. I see what you're saying though.

This is helpful to know, thank you! I will buy them ad gifts and then email to see see if they can accommodate us together. Thank you for the info.