SWACruising

My eDocs that I printed today for our cruise in 3 weeks still shows the old rules under what you are allowed to bring. Will be interested to see if I have to bring that out at boarding and if they will honor it or decide to hold onto 2 bottles for the cruise to return to me at the end. We have 2 rooms booked with 1 adult in each.

The following is directly from the RCI website describing the 3 Night Dining Package that's available to purchase. What's Included Dinner at three specialty dining venues. For restaurants with a la carte pricing, you’ll receive a $20 food credit, which can only be used once a day. For ships with this venue, Izumi Sushi is a prix fixe menu or $34.99 food credit. For ships with these venues, Teppanyaki/Izumi Hibachi is included, with a $15 surcharge, and Chef's Table is included, with a $49.99 surcharge. These will be charged once onboard. If a la carte restaurants would count as one of your three, why would the limit be $20 when the specialties start at $35 with most over $45? I don't see how it would be pushing the limits when the daily cost of the 3 Day is still higher than the daily cost of the UDP. Maybe someone onboard or going soon using the 3 day dining can verify

On our cruise in September we were on Ovation and did not purchase the UDP because we were in a suite and wanted to try Coastal Kitchen. After a couple days, we decided to purchase the 3 night package to mix it up. We had been going to Fish & Ships for lunch and was previously charged for those meals (lobster). When we went after purchasing the 3 Day, we were given a check at the counter which showed no charge due to the dining plan. Was not expecting that but we ate 3 dinners at specialty restaurants and at least 2 no charge lunches that should have had a fee otherwise. After that happened, reading the description took on a different interpretation for me. Do you remember ever using an a la carte restaurant in addition to specialty dinner on the 3 day plan? Hopefully someone else has insight.

That has not been our experience and the description could be interpreted otherwise

You're able to do both in the same day, same as the UDP. Think of it as UDP for 3 specific days

I don't enjoy single player craps. Give me a full, loud table and I'm in my happy place.

Unlimited Dining Package

It's not a la carte or specialty restaurant for the day but essentially UDP for the 3 days you choose. We have used both most days when we have done the 3 day as opposed to the UDP.

Do you receive a separate casino card or is it recognized on your seapass card?

Connecting balconies or side by side balconies with the divider between balconies open would be the cheapest option. 2 bedroom suites will generally be at least double or more than 2 balconies.

This is misinformation. You only need to wear the cape and have the scepter if you're ordering a drink with the voucher on your first Dimond cruise

The first 4 for each is comped. To get any value out of the drink package you would need to go beyond maybe 5 more each per day (10+). Thankfully my kids, not drinking age expand my 4 to 8 or God forbid 12. It's all about the math

Same for us. You lose the ability to make reservations ahead of the cruise but doing all reservations right when you get on for the week has never been a problem.

Yes

The Buffalo Trace effect

You'll see anything from suits to shorts with the majority somewhere between. Enjoy

Exactly, if that's the case, order, close my tab. Order again. Seems like a bad interpretation and not the norm. Half a roll is not a meal. UDP in 56 days so we will see

Last time I had it at Chops, the ribeye was too thin a cut. A thicker cut makes all the difference. The strip was twice as thick and better and at home I'll take a ribeye over any other cut every day.

I think you're spot on. Service started in 2020 when cost were certainly more negotiable.

We booked 2 of the onboard FlowRider surf lessons for our cruise already at $69 each. My son really enjoyed the FlowRider on our last cruise so more access would be nice. The Key at full price seems a bit much for 4 of us but the discounted rate including wifi makes it interesting.

Currently the Key is $100 more per person for the cruise over the price for 4 device internet ($700 vs $300). Debating on whether the flowrider, wall climbing private time is worth it for our 2 kids. Does anyone know if it's 1 time for an hour each activity or do they offer multiple times? I understand it's probably bad hours and port days but honestly never followed it. We are Diamond and have UDP so some of the other benefits are marginal. Appreciate any insight.

Southwest does fly to Miami, just many less flight options out of there compared to FLL

We were on Oasis last March that had a Pittsburgh Steelers backers group on board. Large group, maybe 1000-1200. It ended up being no big deal other than seeing lots of Steelers gear. Some venues would be booked at times for meet and greets but since we were not with the group, the other venues would be less crowded during those times. I believe either Coco Cay or another island or possibly both, there was a beach area rented out for a group event. Again this never was an issue whatsoever and this is coming from a Bills fan 😂

My kids, 13 and 16 loved it

On the bottom right of the RCI website click on Royal Gifts. Alcohol (wine and spirits) is available there