phish tales
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from what we hear, this concept will eventually be fleet wide. newly added suite lounges will be for gold seapass card holders only. the concierge lounges will be turned into money producing venues and dia+ will be put with the dia. members in all those newly designed dia. lounges. I saw this coming a year or so back and everyone thought i was blowing smoke. WELL-WELL-WELL
August 3rd, 2013, 06:05 PM
Cool Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Pa---Lehigh Valley
Posts: 1,314
agree Quote:
Originally Posted by RevSmith
Now take a look at the same situation from the point of view of someone who has paid a lot for their OS, etc. and may even have guests that they paid for, and they come into the lounge which they are indeed entitled to and there are no seats because people who are not supposed to be there are occupying those seats. Is that really fair. Or are you only looking at the situation and how it effects you. Walk a mile in others shoes.
i definitely see your point and so does RCL. too many Dia+ now (plus their friends a few try to get in) that Royal Caribbean will soon take care of the CL overcrowding problem. soon(very soon i hope) there will be plenty of seating for gold card only
__________________
We live in Pa.---Lehigh Valley
Favorite--Cruise Line RCCL
Favorite-Ship-VOYAGER CLASS
IF YOU CAN'T RUN----WALK
IF YOU CAN'T SWIM--CRUISE
(or even if you can)
as you can see, I saw this coming August 2013. Hmmmmmmmmm
Now it is finally here and well needed by RCL ...
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Yes new Diamond lounge is on deck 4 to the left of the dining room
New Suites lounge for gold card and Pinnacles is on Deck 17 the former Viking Crown lounge
Existing CL on deck 11/12 will be Wonderland. I cannot confirm if they are still using it as a CL for Diamond Plus presently but our waiter on Quantum from Wonderland is heading to OASIS to help open that dining venue. I believe Dynamic Dining of which Wonderland is part will begin on Oasis March 14.
from what we hear, this concept will eventually be fleet wide. newly added suite lounges will be for gold seapass card holders only. the concierge lounges will be turned into money producing venues and dia+ will be put with the dia. members in all those newly designed dia. lounges. I saw this coming a year or so back and everyone thought i was blowing smoke. WELL-WELL-WELL
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With Dynamic Dining, there is no traditional dining at all. There are 3 or 4 compimentary dining venues to choose from, each with different cruisine, and each has either the same menu each night, or a menu that changes once mid-cruise.
Clarea. on the Quantum there are 5 complimentary venues:
I know this because I did 3 cruises on the Quantum..
American Icon
Silk
Chic
Grande--(formal dress required)
Coastal Kitchen----(gold seapass card holders only)
Actually 6 if you count the Windjammer
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Viking Crown if they don't just go right to the vouchers for D members
I think it would me great if they went totally to the voucher system for dia, dia+ and Pin. increase the amount and allow the card to be used anytime during the day. no more crowded lounges. remember this is MY OPINION.
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Cruises that are either short or the first after changes that allows the crew to practice with passengers, and stress test systems
in all my cruises, I never heard of such a ridiculous thing. now I heard it all.....
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Thanks for your review. I agree with you about not judging a ship by these 2 and 3 night cruises. Too many people are deciding they would never sail on the ship just because of bad experiences on these shake down cruises.
I'm confused---What are shake down cruises????? is that something only seasoned cruisers understand ??
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So i'm a little late on this but better late than never. :rolleyes:
Here is our easy-to-read list of what we liked and didn't like. Your experience may have been different. :)
Liked:
the cabin design, layout, bathroom, bed, toiletries, storage spaces
the balcony size and furniture: recliners and footstools
nightlight in bathroom
newness!
account on tv, nav channel, menus, our reservations
dining room food was good (Chic and Silk)
variety in Windjammer: lots of int'l foods too
fresh cookies in Windjammer
Solarium area was absolutely awesome
the ship itself is fabulous
gym had good fitness equipment
Tribute bands were very good and entertaining too
Mama Mia
Two70 lounge was beautiful and functional
Decor all around the ship
Outside seating areas all around the ship
Disliked:
Despite having uploaded a photo and input cc info and a SeaPass that said "completed," we still had to go to a check-in desk since our cc did not "take"
tv screen lit up too much at night when tv was off; couldn't figure out how to change it
like other newer ships, you hear too much noise from other cabins
though we were both on one credit card account, we had to call GS to have our accounts combined, and even though charges then showed correctly, the OBC stayed on the person who had $0 charges so another visit to GS to move the OBC (our experience on other cruiselines combine the accounts w/o your asking when one form of payment is used for both guests)
what was up with no liquor sales! first time on any CTN!
RC logo store was way too crowded all the time (ok, they get a pass on this one since it was a short cruise)
frequent empty silverware bins in the Windjammer
took a long time to clear dirty dishes
slower than slow dinner service (our drinks took 45 min. to arrive!)
not enough photo opps (RC: you missed out on a money maker here!)
multiple times I ordered a cocktail that was on the menu and was told they couldn't make that! (what?!) I think the only place that actually had what was on the menu was Silk restaurant
getting off the ship to leave :p
a lot of upcharge things like bar food at Michael's pub ?!?! Other various places that were for additional fee. I know "nickel and diming" is a sore spot with some people when discussing other cruiselines, but it seems RC is joining that trend.
Random observations:
The port has gotten better finally, though it's stupid you have to make a loop around to get into the parking area.
The ship clearly was understaffed to handle the number of people on board, and it showed in the slow service everywhere.
I loved the ship itself and wish it was staying around longer than springtime, but we have another new one on its way, so it's ok. Would I go on it again? Yes indeed. I've found it best not to judge a ship or cruise line by a 2 night cruise. It wasn't perfect, but I was on a beautiful new ship so I was happy. I hope RC is paying attention to what customers are saying and make improvements to offer a superior cruising experience!
Happy cruising everyone!!
which 2 nighter were you on????????? there were a least 3 of them....
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If traffic is moving, with tip and tax figure close to $100.
Over the past year, the only time it has only taken me 45 minutes is in the middle of the night. Otherwise an hour plus.
do you or anyone know if "share a ride" goes pier to pier?? (Miami pier to Ft Lauderdale pier)
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how much is cab fare from port of miami to fll airport? approx. how long time wise is the drive? thanks
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I wonder how long people will accept being herded around like cattle on Royal Caribbean ships ?
Back in the day it was all a bit of a novelty. Amazing ship, waiter, assistant waiter, sommelier, head waiter and bar staff running around during dinner making you feel special, loads of activities, huge shows and so on.
These days the dining room is stripped down to the bare bones with staff doing everything in their power just to ensure meals are delivered in time. The ships are getting ever bigger but so are the numbers. Gone is the captain's welcome aboard drinks party replaced by a scrum in the promenade where you stand shoulder to shoulder in an attempt to catch a glimpse of someone in a uniform.
As we left our ship a couple of weeks ago at 9.30am we felt guilt for being the last people to collect our luggage. When did it become the norm to get turfed out of bed at 7.00am by someone checking the in suite mini bar! How would you react if a land based resort said you had to be out of your room by 8.00am ?
Loud hailers are the norm as you queue to get on board - actually Southampton were superb mainly because they concentrated on getting the job done rather than earning tips and security isn't measured by the length of the queue. Lets face it you are just one of 50,000 people being pushed through the system that week.
We are loyal to Royal. As diamond plus cruisers we keep coming back and last time brought 19 people on board. But the magic does wear off. Prices seem to be moving ever higher during periods where those with children can travel to the point where last year we went totally the other way and booked a Seabourn cruise for Christmas & the new Year.
This year we have done the same. Greeted by name as we went in for breakfast on the first morning, dining when ever you want and with whoever you choose, everything all found onboard and I do mean everything. Champagne (not fizzy wine) and caviar included! No fighting for sun loungers, drinks brought to you when you wanted. Truly living the dream.
This Christmas we looked around and would you believe it Seabourn was actually cheaper then Royal Caribbean when we priced up a suite. The standard cabin on Seabourn Sojourn is somewhere between a Junior and a Grand Suite.
I'm not looking to stoke up an argument or troll for responses but genuinely asking the question, how do others feel about being herded around like cattle and fighting for sun loungers ?
Henry :)
able seaman, i do many cruises on royal and i love them all. i see things are changing but they are still wonderfull. IMHO, if i felt the way you do, i would run from royal and never look back. there will alway be another dia+ member to fill your seat in the concierge lounge. happy cruisin---
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We are well into D+ with aspiration of being Pinnacle one day. Did our first Celebrity last year.............WOW had a great time. We usually love the Oasis class, its amazing CL, restaurant, pools and everything about it, but the celebrity ships are so calm and wonderful....Being reciprocal Elite, they only give you Elite status if you are D+, was just ok. It was the free beverage package that was so nice.......along with the great ship and better food and more attentive service culture.
Still love RCi, but have two Celebrity cruises booked in the next 4 months.
Somehow we feel way more calm and rested after a Celebrity cruise.
We never tried Celebrity. we are way too busy doing Royal...
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any one can give us info for a 1 night pre cruise stay near MIA in a hotel that offers shuttle to Miami pier and hopefully a good breakfast ??
Thank you in advance...
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Go see the Loyalty Ambassador. They have all the pins.
I don't think the LA has all the pins. it would suprise me if he/she did. if the LA does not have your pin, he/she will look up your eligibility and have the proper pin mailed to your home address.
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Listed below are the current coupons that can be found in the C&A Ultimate Value Coupon Book for Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor Members. Current coupons have no expiration date, but instead have a Version # assigned.
Gold Members
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Beverage Discount (purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free).
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Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% Discount.
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Premium Brand Coffee - 25% discount on any coffee beverage.
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Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake
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Photo Discount - Buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.
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Internet Discount - $5.00 USD credit or 10% off any internet package purchase (whichever amount is greater).
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1 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupon
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1 Casino Credit $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificate
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Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free Single Jackpot Bingo Card.
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Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.
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Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
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Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.
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Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrush tattoo and receive a free gold color upgrade.....a $2.00 USD Savings.
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Pets At Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.
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RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
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SPA Credit - 10% off any one spa or salon service.
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Britto Collectible - 10% off a Britto Tubed Poster
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C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)
Platinum Members
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Beverage Discount - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.
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Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% discount.
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Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.
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Premium Brand Coffee - buy any coffee beverage and get a second one free.
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Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.
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Photo discount - buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.
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Internet Discount - $7.50 USD internet credit or 15% off any internet package purchase (whichever amount is greater).
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Wash & Fold - $5.00 USD off a $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).
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Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USDor more.
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2 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupon.
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2 Casino Match Play $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificates.
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Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive 1 free strip of three Jackpot Bingo Cards.
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Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.
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Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
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Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.
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Airbrush Temporary Tattos - purchase any size temporary air brush tattoo and receive a free sparkling glitter upgrade - a $3.00 USD savings.
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Pets At Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.
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Tuxedo Rental Discount - 10% off any tuxedo rental package.
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RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
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SPA Credit - 15% off any one spa or salon service.
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Britto Collectible - 10% off one Britto Collectible
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C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)
Emerald Members
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2 Beverage Discount Coupons - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.
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Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% discount.
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Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.
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Premium Brand Coffee - buy any coffee beverage and get a second one free.
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Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.
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Photo discount - buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.
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Internet Discount - $10.00 USD internet credit or 15% off any internet package purchase (which ever amount is greater).
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Wash & Fold Coupon - $5.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ night sailings only).
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Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.
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3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.
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3 Casino Match Play $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificates.
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Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.
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Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.
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Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
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Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.
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Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrushed tattoo and receive a free sparkling glitter upgrade, a $3.00 USD Savings.
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Pets at Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea package which includes a pet and outfit.
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Tuxedo Rental Discount - 10% off any tuxedo rental package.
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RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
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SPA Credit - 15% off any one spa or salon service.
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Britto Collectible - 10% off one Britto Collectible.
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C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)
Diamond Members
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Beverage Discount - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.
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Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 20% discount.
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Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.
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Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.
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Photo Discount - Get 10% off a Digital Photo package or a custom created PhotoBook.
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Complimentary Photo - Free any size photo of your choice from printed photograph selection on display (cannot be a reprint or special request).
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Free Internet Minutes - 30 minutes of free internet use.
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Internet Discount - 20% off any internet package purchase.
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Stateroom Phone Discount - $2.00 per minute stateroom phone rate (75% discount).
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Wash & Fold Coupons per book - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).
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Wash & Fold Coupons per book - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (8+ nights sailings only).
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Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.
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3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.
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3 Casino Match Play $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificates.
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Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.
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Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 15% discount.
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Art Auctions - 20% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
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Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 15% discount.
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Airbrush Tattoos - 10% off any temporary tattoo purchase.
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Pets At Sea Discount - 15% off your Pets at Sea Package which includes a pet and outfit.
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Tuxedo Rental Discount - 15% off any tuxedo rental package.
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RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
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SPA Credit - 20% off any one spa or salon service.
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Britto Collectible - 15% off one Britto Collectible
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C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)
Diamond Plus & Pinnacle Club Members
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Specialty Restaurant First Night BUY ONE GET ONE FREE - (Offer includes Chops Grille, Portofino, 150 Central Park Avenue, Solarium Bistro, Giovanni's Table and Samba Grill. Valid for both pre-cruise and shipboard reservations, on ships with participating specialty restaurants. Only one guest needs to be D+ Subject to availability and valid to dine only on the first night of the cruise. You must redeem certificate at the time of purchase. Photocopies not accepted).
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Beverage Discount - (purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.
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Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 25% discount.
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Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.
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Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.
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Photo Discount - Get 10% off a Digital Photo package or a custom created PhotoBook.
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Complimentary Photo - Free any size photo of your choice from printed photograph selection on display (cannot be a reprint or special request).
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Free Internet Minutes - 45 minutes of free internet use.
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Internet Discount - 25% off any internet package purchase.
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Stateroom Phone Discount - $2.00 per minute stateroom phone rate (75% discount).
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Wash & Fold Laundry Service - one free $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ nights sailings only).
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Wash & Fold Coupon - $10.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (8+ night sailings only).
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Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.
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3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.
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3 Casino Match Play $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificates.
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Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.
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Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 15% discount.
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Art Auctions - 20% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
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Fine Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 15% discount.
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Airbrush Tattoos - 10% off any temporary tattoo purchase.
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Pets at Sea Discount - 15% off your Pets at Sea package which includes a pet and outfit.
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Tuxedo Rental Discount - 20% off any tuxedo rental package.
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RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
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SPA Credit - 20% off any one spa or salon service.
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Spa Treatment - Book a Signature Spa Service while the ship is in port and receive a complimentary add on treatment from the following list.....Frangipani Scalp Massage, Relaxing Hand Massage or Sole Delight Foot Massage.
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Britto Collectible - 15% off one Britto Collectible
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C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)
Revised 5/28/2012
thanks Patti, I see the 4+ days is still there. I printed a copy of this and I am taking it along on my 5 day b2b cruises.
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Beverage Discount (purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free).
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The coupon may say 4+ nights, but with the offers being loaded onto your SeaPass card now, are you sure that this particular coupon will be offered on your 5 night cruise.
they changed how you get your benefits (loaded on sea pass). they did not change the benefits them selves. same benefits, same regs. only delivered in a new way....
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Here you go, hope this helps you from 2010;)
Happy Days!
this is what I needed. my concern was that we are doing a 5 night cruise and I was glad to see they do it on a 5 night. the coupon says 4+ nights.
thanks again..
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before they started loading the dia+ ammenties on our sea pass cards, we use to get a coupon book on the bed or desk as we arrived in our cabin the first day. the coupon I am interested in reviewing is the one for the complimentary bag of wash and fold. does anyone have a copy of that coupon so i can read the restrictions on it. we are cruising soon and it would be helpful if I can see a copy of that coupon.
thank you in advance-----Mr. Phish Tales.
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I'm thinking the same thing and wonder how long it will be before the dress code is changed. I can just see it a couple who didn't bring any formal clothing finding there isn't any room at any of the other 3 dining rooms for when they want to eat and then walking past a half empty Grande that they can't get into because they don't have the proper clothing.
I just find it hard to believe that there will be enough people who wish to dress formally that will be able to fill all the slots in Grande for an entire cruise. I assume the first and last nights may not have the formal dress code.[/quote
the rules for this dining state "formal wear is required for reservations".
IMHO if you want to dine there---bring formal clothes.
if you don't want to bring formal clothes (and this is your preference) make resv. else where.
my wife and I made reav. at the Grande and I am packing my tux...
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I just had a nice chat with the C&A desk. Like MTD, Q is prepared for the walk-up crowd at each venue... of course based on availability. All 4000 people on board cannot walk up to the Grande all at 6pm and expect to be seated, yes? They have left a lot of open seating at each venue, so even though your planner might say nothing avail in Chic until 9pm, they likely actually do... on every single sailing.
I told her that I had booked all my dining, that I'm happy with timing and venues. I let her know as a solo I wish to know whether I'll be seated with others or alone. She told me as booked on the planner that I'll be seated alone and therefore my seat and time is guaranteed... BUT, just like MTD, walk-ups will be seated first come first serve and be asked if they wish to be seated alone or with others in larger tables just like it is right now in MTD. SO she asked me to see the Maitre-D when I show up and ask to be seated with others, which will then be able to free up a table for 2 for someone else :D
Hope this info helps those of you who were concerned that you would never meet or sit with other people, or you had to pre-book every single meal. If anyone else has any other "first-hand" info from RCL regarding this please share. Thx CC family :)
hoopster---all 4000people walking up to the grande to be seated will never happen. the grande is formal wear only. you can't get people to get dressed formal when they should (conventional formal nights) so sure as h*** they will not do it on a ship where they have the " no formal night" option. this should be fun watching guests get turned away at the grande because they are not wearing a jacket and tie. :):)
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My view. Yes, mine. Let me tell you about my weekend on the Vision of the Seas.
I went on this ship thinking it had some issues because it seems people have been putting it down lately. Well, I won't say they are wrong. I'll just say I think RCI heard their complaints and made some corrections. Some corrections. One or two things still didn't go right, but I'll get to that in a minute.
Embarking this ship at Port Everglades was a pleasant surprise. We arrived inside the terminal building at 10:45, checked in, and walked right on to the ship. No lines. No waits. No crowds. Nothing. It was awesome.
We went straight to the Diamond Lounge....very nice by the way....on deck 6 near the Some Enchanted Evening Lounge to get a wake-me-up cappuccino. Then we made our way to the Windjammer for lunch, which was already open.
The ship looks fantastic. She is spotless and still looks fresh out of dry dock. Kudos to the crew for keeping her looking so nice.
The rooms were ready at 1, like always. We had 7578, a D1 balcony. It was a nice, spacious room with a huge couch and comfy bed. I only have 2 minor gripes. One, they still have shower curtains on VOS and the shower feels small, even for a cruise ship. Two, I did not like the balcony. VOS balconies are not private and large gaps in the dividers enable you to see everything on your neighbors' balconies. Actually, make it 3 complaints. Unless you stay up very late every night, don't book this room. The Centrum noise is loud. The band plays until midnight, even on the last night
Time for a neighbor complaint. Right off the bat, while still in port, she lit up. Guest Services did an excellent job with this. Yes, I complained, just like I promised I would on past threads. They gave her a warning and it stopped....or so I thought. Then, on day 4, I received an unexpected phone call from GS saying they found an ashtray on her balcony table filled with butts. She was fined $250. They offered me a 50% off specialty dinner for my inconvenience, which floored me! Since I did not make the second complaint and thought she had stopped, I declined the offer and thanked them. Good job GS!!!
Speaking of cigarettes, what's with the e-cigs? I'll admit, I know little about them, but I did think it was against their policy to smoke them in areas regular smoking is banned. If so, there was zero enforcement. People had them everywhere, including in Chops. No one said anything. I wasn't really bothered, so said nothing...just making an observation. It kinda surprised me nothing was said in Chops.
Back to the good. If you go on this ship, don't miss the Centrum shows. They were excellent. Even the Thriller Dance was pretty cool. The CD staff really goes out of their way to have fun. The energy is really high, and all the live bands were excellent. The young lady who sings nightly in the Centrum has an excellent voice and was spot on when singing covers of Alicia Keys, etc.
The comedian was hilarious. I don't remember his name, but I recognized him from Oasis. He was spot on with his Carnival jokes and I gotta say, it was justified. We tied up next to Paradise in Cozumel and that ship looked awful. The comedian had a good time with that one.
Two bands played on the pool deck...a calypso band and a salsa band. This made for less gaps in the live entertainment.
They added a Quest style game to the sea day on the pool deck. It was called The Hunt. It was very entertaining to watch.
Giovanni's Table as excellent and despite eating there on night 3, they still honored our D+ BOGO. That was a nice surprise that we didn't even ask for. Chops was meh. Chops has a new menu that is very limited. We had one service issue in Chops. The waiter would not honor our free specialty coffee and said it was no longer a D+ perk. I didn't argue it because I didn't feel like it at the time. Plus, we did want to leave because a really obnoxious large party had just come in...the same party who had the e-cigs.
There were A LOT of Pinnacles and Diamond Plusses on board, including a few of the very top cruisers. The CL used the Viking Crown as the overflow, which worked out perfect. It was a really nice event. We chose to sit by ourselves each night and enjoy a couple drinks together. Despite that, we met and were reacquainted with a lot of C&A members, most of who were really nice. It seemed everyone was having a really good time. I know some of you post and lurk here so to you, I say thanks for some really nice conversation. And D, thanks for your back when we had to set that rude moron straight at the R bar. ;)
All in all, it was a fantastic cruise. I really liked the Vision and I highly recommend it. One of the things I love about RCI is, they have a tendency to keep their old ships looking better than new ships on other lines. That was definitely the case here.
aquahound, did the Vision load the 3 drinks per day on your seapass card for diamond and above ???
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as a first timer on MSC, i already find problems. the check in web site keeps posting "website busy, try again in a few minutes" it has been doing this for the past 1/2 hour.
what a way for a first timer to get to like their product. it starts off confusing. it this the norm for MSC. WOW ----what a disappointing start....
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looking for hotels (clean) that offer stay and cruise packages...
cruising out of baltimore port in Jan. 2015.. thanks in advance..
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we are all different and have different taste in music. I love the old country music and hate loud head banging music. for my taste, that stuff really, really sucks. remember---this my taste and I know it is not for everyone. :):):)
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If there is a need for a prioriy line at customer service, it should only be for gold seapass card holders. ( I am refering to the suite guests). they paid the high premium cruise fare for this extra privilege. so if you want to join their line, book a suite.............
Current Concierges continued
in Royal Caribbean International
Posted
are you saying that the Gr. has no concierge in the Concierge's Lounge ?????