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.

9 hours ago, mjmiller said:

These are direct from RC's website.  You get 3 meals at pay restaurants.  Most of the verbiage on their website was incorrectly copied from the UDP section.

The following is directly from the RCI website describing the 3 Night Dining Package that's available to purchase.

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

Are you saying that if you purchase a 3 night package you also get three $20 food credits as well.  We have had a package on every cruise we have ever taken, never have we been given extra credits. 

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. 

1 minute ago, taglovestocruise said:

If you have the 3 dinner package you do not get the $20 credit.  The $20 is only for those with the UDP.

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

48 minutes ago, mymirabella said:

The wording on the 3 day dining package description says

 

• “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.” 

 

 

The cost of the package,  discounted 40% is $113 for adults. How does that add up? $20x3 is only $60. What am I missing?

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

2 hours ago, EleventyBangBang said:

I was the only player at the table on the Independence in Europe.  The dealers told me it just wasn't a very popular game in that part of the world among the locals, just an occasional Yank such as myself.

 

 

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

11 minutes ago, njsmom said:

What does UDP stand for?

 

 

 

Unlimited Dining Package

On 2/23/2023 at 1:28 PM, Donsyb said:

It doesn’t make sense to use the 3 night package at playmakers as you’re not getting value for money - if you want to go there I would just pay as you go.

 

I’ve not been on harmony but we liked 150 CP on oasis a lot.

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. 

3 minutes ago, neverbeenhere said:

The four drinks for achieving Diamond status are very nice. But, I really enjoyed the one-time special Diamond cape and scepter that you get to possess and wear on the Diamond cruise. 

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

3 hours ago, cbfb said:

Unfortunately my husband will match me drunk for drink 🤣🤣

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

13 minutes ago, Lady Hudson said:

Thank you.  Going to book the package because it’s a no brainer.   We would purchase at least 3 specialty dinners anyway so it makes sense for us.  Katherine 

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.

9 minutes ago, Lady Hudson said:

Got it.  Is the boarding day lunch always included based on anyone’s past experience?

Yes

4 minutes ago, HicksRA said:

On the Adventure last week, they had 70 bottles. First time I’ve seen it on the ship in quite a while. When I saw the price of $109.99 a bottle, I could see why they still had 70 bottles. It used to be $70ish a bottle. 

The Buffalo Trace effect

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

19 minutes ago, Yinster said:

If you got the unlimited dining, can you not go twice in one night? Or am I missing here?

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

42 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

How can a dang ribeye be bad????  I just don't get it!  What did they do?

 

Well, I can at least read up Debbie's next leg, but then the long wait starts until September...ughhhhhhhh 😪

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.

34 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

That's a change since I worked/retired from FLL and Port Everglades, admittedly sever years ago.  And according to WPLG, Channel 10 in Miami, it was in response to COVID and I bet MIA made some concessions, but I don't know that.  I retired long before that.

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.

On 1/6/2023 at 5:09 PM, Ret MP said:

Southwest doesn't even fly into Miami because it is too expensive for the airline and their pricing structure, at least that is what we were told when I worked at FLL.

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 😂 

3 minutes ago, LuCruise said:

How is the escape room  on Oasis class?  Anyone know the cost?  Also, I know that recently you are able to book some things on the cruise planner before boarding.  Anyone know if the escape room can be book beforehand?  Or not until you board?

 

Thanks.

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