sharpasice

I, too, have periodically had problems with cabin selections and availabilities. It would drive me crazy, so I would have my DH try on his computer, and he would have no problem....everything worked perfectly. At other times, the reverse would happen.....I had no issues, yet my DH did. A few times I had tried to check the price of a cruise we had booked, to see if there was a price drop, only to find my cruise didn't even show up as being offered! Very strange things. I finally called RCCL, and was told that due to the high volume of people using their website, this will happen, (some people will have problems while others won't) and that it's completely normal and expected. If that's the case, it's unfortunate they don't fix it!

Could it be your browser? I use Chrome and found that when Cruise Docs become available for my cruises I have to load and print them from Internet Explore since I cannot see every page through Chrome. Don't know why this is but it happens every time.

I've been trying to register for a meet and mingle today. When I enter my booking #, it says the sailing isn't open for registration yet (it's 16 months away). But when I check to see if anyone's registered, there are already 3 people registered. :confused::confused: Any suggestions?

I cannot believe this is still happening!!! More then a year ago I had the same problem with the M&M! No matter what I did..I could not get it to accept my registration. I finally had to write to RCI and they manually added me and sent me an email to that effect. So sorry don't remember exactly WHO I wrote to but I looked around the site for an email. If I can find who I sent the email to I will post.

I tried to book online but the cabanas don't exist there. They aren't listed, period. That's why I phoned. I wanted to see if an agent had more access than I do, and to get any info.

I just tried for my August Oasis cruise to see if they were available on line..ALL of them are showing but all say "inquire on board".

Thanks to the last 3 replies I got it to work.

 

Thanks so much. The cabin I was looking for is available too but the price in the last hour has almost doubled.

 

Thanks so much, I REALLY appreciate it. :)

 

Bill

That's horrible that the price has gone up so much, so quickly..perhaps you clicked on the wrong date? I did that just last week and thought ..wow, my cabin went down by $200!!! Duh, I clicked the wrong date! Cannot believe I did that but in my defense sometimes when you click on the cruise you want and it goes to the page where you put in your info like the # of travelers, mobility issues, discounts etc..the date reverts back to the first date on the list of cruises to that area without me being aware of it..

On another note..Just talk to my CVP at RCI & it was the site not my cc since when he ran it though, it was approved immediately.

I am on the booking page and where it shows you the available cabins there is a box that used to work that said "search staterooms" and you could enter a different stateroom # that wasn't on the page and it would tell you if it was available or not.

 

It doesn't seem to work anymore for the last couple of weeks. I am using Firefox browser and have also tried IE too but no luck.

 

Is it just my computer or is it RCI's website?

 

TIA

 

Bill

I got it to work this way: click on click on "search staterooms" then where it says "All Deckplan Codes" with the downward arrow..click there and enter a code ie" D4, D5 etc...click on search staterooms and it will take you back to the original page but click on Search staterooms again and you will notice the cabin code is already filled in..just enter the room number you are thinking of and it will tell you if it is available..and will also list the available rooms in that catagory..

NOW I have another problem with the site ...I tried to make a payment online for my cruise in August and although I have used this cc before..it told me the cc was invalid..I did it twice..worried that it would charge me twice and both times it said the cc was invalid. I had JUST used it about 5 mins earlier and it was accepted. So is it the site? I am presently waiting for my Cruise Vacation Planner to call me back from RCI..to find out what is going on.

Clarea thank you for the review have a dr appt soon will read when I get back home, thank you.

 

Eurodate that is wonderful to hear there be people taking reservations when we board on deck 5 (assuming we boarding on deck 5 lol), what deck do we board on this ship?

 

The soups will all have gluten, sandwiches are all gluten and then that leaves me just salad in the Park Cafe so I will go to the Windjammer to get a better lunch more variety/selection. Thank you!!

OOO they can add meat to the salad thats great definitely will give it a try another day for sure.

If you are gluten and dairy free and require special diet..please contact special needs at (866) 592-7225 They are not just here for those with mobility issues..they can help tremendously.

My husband and I will hopefully be sailing on Freedom in September. Haven't booked as of yet; we're trying to nail down the dates as this will be a back-to-back for us.

 

We've always taken out the insurance through RC when we've cruised in the past, but does that insurance cover flights as well? Just wondering if we'd be better off with trip insurance through a different company.

We usually use insuremytrip.com ...fill in your information and compare..better yet, just call them and speak to a rep ...I have always had great reps to talk to that knew so much about the different policies. My husband and I both have preexisting so we buy the insurance within a week or two of booking the cruise so we are covered..If you buy within the preexisting time limit...you are better off..since almost anything can be considered preexisting. That means the insurance co will not look at your previous medical records to decide if a medical event is preexisting or not. If you buy after that time limit then when it says 60 days or 180 days etc for preexisting..that means they can then look back that number of days to see if you were treated for the condition that caused your medical event and perhaps not pay.

Also, buying through a third party there is no conflict as a poster about stated...AND as the price of the cruise increases with airfare, excursions you just call them and they add it on...usually without a price increase.

Good luck..

I don't know how you booked your cruise but if you booked online you were given the option of adding the tips on to your account at that time. You would have then had the tips paid for before even stepping on the ship. If you booked with a travel agent I would assume they would ask you if you would like to add them on when booking.

 

I'm having a hard time believing that you didn't know you would have to tip until a day before your cruise.

 

Also, for future travel. Always plan on double the amount of money you actually think you will need. I would be scared to death traveling with that little amount of money. What if something else comes up that you haven't thought of. For instance, have to budgeted to tip the porter who takes your bags when you get to the port? There are lots of unexpected expenses when traveling. You should always be prepared!

Exactly what I was going to say! Plus we usually go on a cruise with an envelope filled with $50 in singles, $50 in fives and $100 in tens and twenties. Even though we have prepaid tips we always tip, in cash extra to the room steward and additional tips for porters, bartenders (over the mandatory tip) and anyone else who may help us out. These people work so hard and usually always have a smile. I know $200 in tips sounds like a lot but we usually come home with about $100 but I feel safe knowing I will always have the correct denomination..room service $3-$5, room steward $30-$40 extra and so on. Going on a cruise with only $460 (kind of a strange figure..why not $500) anyway..is not taking into account any emergencies..I also would be scared to death.

It is absolutely unbelievable and sad to me that people don't listen to the request to not use flash photography. People need to learn to take their eyes away from their cameras and enjoy the moment. The pictures are never going to do any show justice. Not only is it an annoyance for other guest it is dangerous to the performers. It is just selfish and blows my mind every time. If I was that lady I would have been mortified after the first time they asked me to stop and probably would have left.

 

Enjoying your review.

 

Debbie

I think that if they threatened to boot people for using flash and then DO IT..that would help out a lot.

What a bummer! Have you tried a different web browser to see if it allows you to see the docs? Otherwise, I would suggest trying again in a day or two (I know the wait is bad) because as you say, RCI's web site has been ultra flakey lately. ;)

Yes, do try a different web browser as Joe states. I have chrome and cannot every see all my documents from RCI using Chrome...I have to switch over to Internet Explore and have no problems there.

Love these tips! Thank you! Im a big fan of taking a little snack back to the room for late at night or early morning :) Plus with 3 kids (2 being boys that are teen & pre-teen) someone is ALWAYS hungry :)

 

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Ang, it works great and your cabin steward will refill those buckets everyday. Keeps the cooler very cold.

I've been told it's possible to call ahead and arrange for your fridge not to be stocked. Has anyone does this before and does it work?

The thing is, it's no big deal really. There are maybe a dozen things in there. The fridge is not packed like a hotel mini fridge..where sometimes you just move something within the fridge and get charged..It takes probably just a couple of mins of your time to empty. Like I said we do it all the time..and have never been charged for anything we've not used...not saying it it doesn't happen because I know it does...but they are very good and adjusting your bill should they charge incorrectly.

Thank you Clarea & liljay.. never had pkg before so was a little confused.

Can anyone tell me if the independence has got the coke freestyle machines?

 

Thanks

As long as we are talking about the freestyle machines..I have a question too..I noticed this package states "fountain sodas" does this include the freestyle machines since it doesn't specifically say this...Or just those from the bar? We will be on the oasis, I am pretty sure they have the machines. Thanks

Absolutely LOVE Oasis..was on in October. Going again in August and again October of 2015!

I've seen multiple posts about the stocked fridges. Are all fridges stocked with drinks? I just wondered because on DCL we had a fridge, but it wasn't stocked with anything.

 

Also, since we don't plan on using anything from the fridge so we don't get charged, can we ask them to empty it for us? I'd rather have an empty fridge to store snacks and food we may have left over or bring with us. I understand they are not real cold. But if we bring up cookies, drinks etc to keep in the room I usually just threw them in the fridge so they aren't sitting out.

 

Thank you :o

Just so you know, they are not really fridges...just coolers ..what we usually do is empty it ourselves..put the contents on the shelf above the tv..it all fits. We usually have a bottle of wine waiting for us when we get to the room so we have the room steward fill that bucket and an additional ice bucket with ice..place both of them in the cooler/fridge and it does wonders to keep all our 'leftovers" or drinks very cool. We have tried it with just one ice bucket and that does ok but if you like cold, like I do..two is a better bet..and in the bigger one from the wine (it's plastic, I suppose you could ask for that kind) we just place our bottles or glasses. Since it is very large things stay nice and cold. We always have nice cold water for the the night...I always have it next to the bed..

Another hint...if you get room service for anything..keep on of the small plates and food covers in your room. That will help keep anything like donuts, pastry etc. fresher since they don't give you plate/box or anything like that when picking them up to take to the room.

In addition, if using the ice buckets you MAY have to remove 1/2 of a shelf...you will still have room for food..we put our wine in the big bucket and I brought extra clean plastic zip bags..and stored leftover hard boiled eggs and cream from breakfast..also a large bottle of water in there and there was still space..have a wonderful cruise!

Hi, I'm not obviously handicapped to look at me, but I have severe back issues. I've been using a portable stool for walks so I can sit down when I need it. My last cruise from an Aft cabin was horrible! So, I was thinking of renting a scooter for my next trip but a few people said I'd have trouble parking it in a reg. cabin. So I'm back to the folding chair. I may look into a handicapped shortly before our cruise on Allure.

My husband has the exact problem. We recently decided to book an accessible room on our upcoming Oasis cruise.. due to the fact that he has problems just lifting his feet into the bathroom on the ship (there is usually a small step) ..AND because he can use the hand rails and the seat in the shower. Hopefully, this will be the only time we need one as he will be having surgery after our cruise..which will help him (praying it does). Our last cruise, we booked a JS which was great but he really had a difficult time getting into the tub. Outwardly he doesn't appear to have a "big" enough problem to require the use of an accessible room...but in reality he does. He does walk with a limp and shuffles instead of lifting his feet (due to his back)and sometimes loses his balance..but refuses to use one of my canes. (I am debating renting a scooter for him on the ship) BUT although we both have handicapped parking permits,(I have RA) handicapped plates and a designated parking space in front of the house....we still feel guilty booking this room...We feel as tho we are taking it from someone who needs it more.

No worries, your prepaid tips covered the cabin steward also (though we prepaid our CB gave us envelopes which we gladly added extra to because he was great). As for the bar tenders, if you purchased a package the tips are included, if not then you were right to tip. Some people tip a bit extra even with the package, we did and service was great :D

Thank you MandyMooToo..I feel better now. lol

Both above posters are correct, the pre paid gratuities are for all members who you should tip, Head waiter, assistant waiter, the person who stands at the desk and smiles at you when you enter the restaurant and your cabin steward. So the $45 covers everyone.

 

At the end of your cruise you will be given the envelopes as usual and you put in a voucher and then hand it to the person. You don't have to do this as their tips have already been paid but it's a way to still say thank you. If you so wish you can still add more to it if you have had some outstanding service.

 

Hope this clears it all up

 

CK x

In October we were on Oasis and on the final day we were not given any envelopes at all..we did prepay tips..I sure hope we didn't stiff our cabin steward...OMG ...I would feel sooooo badly since he was the best we ever had. We did tip him immediately on the first day..but that wasn't meant to be his full tip. Can anyone tell me if all the ships give envelopes as we are going on the Oasis again in August (prepaid tips) and certainly don't want to short change any of the hard workers..

Also...the prepaid tips don't include bartenders, do they? I always saw the mandatory tip on the receipt and added an extra $1 ea drink. Am I over tipping? (we got great bartender service)

Having never been on either of these ships, my question is: is this pool drained during port days? Cause if not, sea water or fresh, within 12 miles of land, all pools must in recirculation mode, and recirculation mode requires chlorination. The only time pools on cruise ships are not chlorinated is when outside 12 miles, a sea water pool may be switched over to flow-through.

I have been in this pool when we were in port..perhaps the water is switched out during the night while at sea.

Want to thank you all for your opinions...so I am still debating LOL ..At least I don't really have to dress the part..a boa for me & fedora for the hubs...I hear tho that they limit it to 50 guests..so really doesn't sound too bad..maybe will do it this one time (although it's past our bedtime lol) Thank all again.

I have been looking into it also. I am sailing on the Oasis in May and am interested. I have found a lot out about it, but as you said, it seems to be fairly old.

 

I know that a lot of people commented/complained that nearly all of the free drinks include gin(I love gin, but some do not!)

 

Other than that, I know that costumes are not required, but everyone seems thrilled to wear them, so I would suggest them.

thank you! I appreciate this.

Going on the Oasis in August and very interested in the Prohibition Event. Anyone ever gone to this event? Is prohibition attire required? Is it worth the price? Can't find much written about it and what I do find is pretty old. Anyone have any details? Thanks

If you're staying at a pre-cruise hotel, most have a stapler and tape they'll let you use. If not, you may be interested in the cruise tags sold on Cruise Critic or Amazon that are made for that purpose.

 

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We print ours..laminate them..if you don't have a laminator at home, Kinkos or FedEx Office will do it. ..Anyway we cut them so the clear laminate extends about 1 1/2 inches and punch a hole in them. I put them in a zip lock with some zip ties till we get to the hotel and attach them there. The smaller white zip ties work great and they hang on the luggage just like regular luggage tags.

We were on the Oasis a few months ago and there were two couples..friends obviously, who put their things on 4 seats in the shade. I thought they were then going to the pool but NO, they walked over to 4 seats in the sun to have their drinks and lay in the sun. When they got too hot, they'd walk over to the saved, shaded seats ...then back to the sun...they did this for about an hour so we told a drink server about it..who said he'd tell someone but never saw anything done, as they were doing it again the next day.

Yes I do. In fact, when I get on an airplane, I clean the seatbacks, tray table, arm rests, and seatbelts. The things you touch on an airplane, have way more germs then the air. And they are FILTHY!

 

When I get to my cabin or hotel room for that matter, I wipe down all door knobs, light switches, phone, clock, and remote control. I even do the chairs and table on the balcony.

 

It may sound extreme, but I don't care. I also know that Clorox wipes don't kill Norovirus, but it does kill other germs. It makes me feel more at ease, and I haven't gotten sick yet. I don't know if it because I wipe things down or not, but I not taking any chances. :)

I also do that on planes..esp those tray tables, Yuck! People look at me like I'm nuts but hey..I've seen those wipes be black from the dirty..Last time on a plane the person next to me asked if she could use a wipe & told me the next time she flew she'd start bringing wipes.