MaskedTurtle

On 8/19/2019 at 5:53 PM, MaskedTurtle said:

More questions...

 

I began looking into an accessible JS, and apparently, the square footage is smaller than a regular JS.  Is that right?  I always thought accessible rooms were larger than their non-accessible equivalents.   Does it feel smaller?

 

Also, I happened to be checking travel websites to compare inventory and saw a JS that was available on those sites, but not on RC's website.  If I call RC, can I possibly get that room(it's in a great location, or would that be one I can only get through those other sites?  

Found something interesting.  When I search for 4 ppl, the specific JS I would book is available on other sites, but not on RC, even though it fits 4 ppl.  However, when I search for 2 ppl, the room shows up.  Is this possibly because even though there is a capacity for 4, the muster station amounts would only allow for 2 at this time?  And the reason it still shows up as available for 4 on other sites is because those sites maybe don't have access to muster station info?  I would think that if, according to RC, the room is currently intended for 2 ppl, that should be relayed to other sites.  I wonder what would happen if someone booked the room for 4 on another site.  Can/would RC shift things around?  Or once the muster stations are set, that's that.

4 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

RC’s website does not show all of the available cabins. 

I figured it didn't, but I didn't know if I had to go through those websites.

2 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

RC's website shows a small subset of available staterooms.  However you can call and get whatever is available.

Thank you.  Wasn't sure if the room was allocated to travel websites or not.  It's in a good location, so I think I'm gonna call for it.

More questions...

I began looking into an accessible JS, and apparently, the square footage is smaller than a regular JS.  Is that right?  I always thought accessible rooms were larger than their non-accessible equivalents.   Does it feel smaller?

Also, I happened to be checking travel websites to compare inventory and saw a JS that was available on those sites, but not on RC's website.  If I call RC, can I possibly get that room(it's in a great location, or would that be one I can only get through those other sites?  

18 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Were you looking at the article from Dec 2018?  That is referring to book on board deposits 

No.  There was a blog about the differences between refundable and non-refundable deposits with Royal Caribbean. The blog was made earlier this year with the info I mentioned being posted(as a comment) by an individual who claimed to get it from Royal Caribbean.  

8 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Exact opposite in what way?

 

What I stated above was reported here by several people for the refundable deposits and I confirmed the non refundable deposits a few months ago with one of the phone reps that travel agents use.  

 

Call Royal and get the answer from them. 

Exact opposite in which deposit gets the 3rd and 4th person refunded and which doesn't.  Wasn't questioning what you wrote.  Was simply saying how there is very conflicting information online.  If I wanted to talk to Royal, I would.  I thought I would actually get better information from Cruise Critic members.

27 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

It depends on whether you booked refundable or non refundable deposits and how far away from sail date you are.

 

If you booked a refundable deposit you can cancel 3rd and 4th guests up until 15 days prior to departure (full penalty phase) and receive a full refund.

 

With a non refundable deposit cancellation penalties are the same as they are for guests 1 and 2 with different penalty amounts depending on the number of days left until your cruise. 

I just saw a post on blog made 7 months ago that said the exact opposite.  I have some thinking to do.

So, how do no-shows work if it is for 3rd & 4th guests in a room?  Is it still a refund of port charges and taxes, but not fare?  This is assuming there is no vacation protection plan.

5 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I don't understand the logic of making a redemption without immediately applying it to a cruise.   The only situation that comes to mind is if the points are expiring (which takes 5 years) and someone wants to get 6 more months out of those points.

Logical or not, that's how it works. Perhaps for some folks, details about the cruise are still up in the air when they redeem, and the extra time given is enough to straighten things out.

2 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I think that is old info that has not been updated since the paper coupons went away.

 

I don't know of a way to make a redemption without also applying that redemption to a specific cruise.  Redemptions are via website now and you choose the redemption type and the cruise to which you want it applied.

Actually, it is current.  For free cruise redemption, you are instructed to call directly.  When you redeem, you are given a redemption confirmation number, and the redemption stays in the system.  While I am told it is easier to have a cruise planned first, it is not required.  Once a booking is made, you call the same number you did to redeem the reward, and they will apply it.

13 minutes ago, skiiergirl said:

Even if you  originally booked with the "refundable" pricing?  What if you use "current refundable pricing" for the "difference"?  Once you redeem the points,  it says you have 180 days.    So does the cruise have to be within 180 days or does it just have to be applied within 180 days for a cruise 12+ months out?  Can you redeem points (totaling enough for a "free cruise" ) t keep points from expiring....but then not apply to a specific cruise for awhile?  

I was told the 180 days is just when you have to make a booking and request the application of the redemption.  So, you could be cruising in 2 years, 5, whatever, as long as you make a reservation and apply the redemption within the 180 days.

55 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Royal Caribbean does not have rollaway beds.  We asked as we had 2 of our grandkids share a Crown Loft one time.  We were still only 4 in a cabin, and were afraid they wouldn't sleep well sharing the small pullout. But we were told no to rollaways for safety reasons as they'd create a problem with evacuating a cabin.  I think the real reason is they don't carry them because of lifeboat space.  Just my guess.  But we were told no rollaways. 

Really?  I was told by an RC agent that they did have rollaways, but can only put them in certain rooms.  I have seen pictures of rooms with rollaways that seem recent, but maybe they were older photos after all.  I guess this is one of those issues that you will get different answers about depending on who you talk to.

7 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

 

Have you actually stayed in one, or are you just guessing?

 

 

 

 

Yes, you have a long view across a flat painted deck before your gaze hits the ocean.  But the balcony is still huge.  If you REALLY want to sail with four in a Junior Suite, book the Deck 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can really see where the Deck 6 balconies are in this bottom picture.

Thanks for the pictures.  It gives us a much better idea.  

38 minutes ago, Grandma Dazzles said:

 

Be aware of the much longer walk from the elevators to the aft cabins; not sure how mobile your mom is as far as walking, or if you plan to use the wheelchair. You would also need to store the wheelchair in the cabin; cannot be left in the hallway.

 

 

Was thinking about this as well.  We would be rolling my mom around when not in the cabin.  A longer hallway would be fine for us, but if it's busy with people or luggage, it may get a little difficult to navigate.  We were planning on putting the wheelchair in the big closet when not in use.

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Those are the most obstructed of the aft-facing staterooms.

I thought the same thing when I found a video of one.  The bigger balcony would be nice, but not sure the view is worth it.

6 minutes ago, lovelife said:

The aft balconies are much larger than the side ones. Beware of those on deck six though. They are just above the crew quarters where it could get noisy or smoky. 

Hmmm...The only aft JS balconies left for the cruise we're looking into are on deck 6.  

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

 

We've had one lounger, two chairs, and a table on a side facing balcony.  Maybe it you got rid of the table you could fit anther chair, but it will be tight for 4 people.  The aft balconies have room for four loungers, four chairs, and a table.

That's what I suspect.  We have a few pros and cons to each room.  We're gonna have to really weigh our options.

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

 

There is not room enough for 4 loungers on the balcony of a side-facing JS.

We don't need loungers, just chairs is fine.

Thanks everyone.  I thought I read on these boards that they won't put a rollaway in an aft JS because it is smaller.  There is no guarantee we'll get one in a side JS, but we may have a better chance.  

Does anyone have any opinions on the balconies?  The aft ones seem deeper and more square while the side ones seem more like a thinner rectangle.  Is there really enough room for 4 people out there?

A little extra info...the four of us are plus size ladies.  None of us are morbidly obese, just a bit fluffier than average.    My sister and I shared a sofabed a few years ago on the Explorer, and it was tight.  It was kinda awkward because we had to sleep side by side lengthwise.  The cushions were also pretty firm.  I'm told the sofabeds are currently like those at home where you sleep perpendicular to the sofa.  Also, my mom uses a wheelchair but is not confined to one.  

I did.  It is cheaper for the one room right now.  None of us have ever stayed in a JS before, so we wanted to try one.

I have more questions for my Cruise Critic Crew.  I've read that there is a size difference between side Junior Suites and aft Junior Suites on Voyager class ships.  The difference is that with the aft suites, the cabin is slightly smaller while the balcony is slightly larger/deeper than side suites.  If I need a rollaway bed, I would be able to fit one in a side suite but not an aft suite.  Is that correct?  An RCI agent implied as such, but I wanted to see if anyone here can confirm.  Sometimes people here know more than the agents I contact.  I assume if it is true, all side suites are the same, so I can fit a rollaway in any one of them.  

As far as the side suite balcony being a bit smaller than aft, can 4 people honestly fit comfortably out there?  I'm not looking to have a square dance party or anything, just want to be able to all be out there without tripping over each other.

Right now, for the Navigator cruise I am looking into, there are 4 aft JS on deck 6, and plenty of side JS on deck 9.  Trying to decide.

When I was a young cruiser, The Quest was just a bit different.  It was held in a lounge area, and people were in groups of up to 6, or maybe 8, and each group had a number.  It would be more of a scavenger hunt...no people doing tricks or anything like that.  Groups would earn points if they could present the items in time.  The group with the highest points got actual prizes for everyone in the group.  It wasn't as risque, and kids could play.  We still have a nice set of Royal Caribbean drinking glasses from around 30 years ago.  

Someone on this thread mentioned receiving their assignment, and then going back into the pool to possibly get a different one.  Can you do this online, or do you have to call?  In general, is it a pain to go back into the pool, or is it fairly easy?  Also, how close to sail date can you do this?

What if you go somewhere that appears to be set-up for a wedding (you can probably find out ahead of time) and "check it out".  If he asks what you're doing or tells you to stop, tell him you're getting ideas.  If he asks for what,  that's when you ask "the question".  I know...not super imaginative, but it's coming from someone who has never even been on a date in her life.

By the way, we are definitely going to need updates...and photos.

So, I was told by a RCI rep that the sofabeds on the Navigator are the type you have at home (the better type with an actual mattress...kinda).  I saw a video of a junior suite on Liberty, and this was the kind, so I was hoping it would be the case with Navigator.  If anyone has a recent photo of a sofabed on Navigator, that would be awesome.  I've looked online, but all I see are stock photos of rooms with the sofa not open.