Former Goalie

We book direct with RCCL. Some TA's will give you a few bucks in OBC or a bottle of wine or whatever........

 

We figure when spending 3,000+/- on a vacation that isn't a big deal, we'd rather have ability to direct contact with the provider (RCCL). Everyone's opinion will vary, ours is we don't care about a few dollars in benefits we want to be able to talk to RCCL direct if necessary and don't want to have to deal with a third party (TA).

 

As for "competitive pricing", the cruise itself is likely going to be the same either direct with RCCL or with a TA. Only difference is what trinkets the TA may throw in.

 

Of course it you're looking at Anthem, prices will be high no matter what. So booking with a TA for a few little benefits might not be that big a deal anyway.............

To each his own, and I'm sure RCCL direct is a fine option. We use one of the big online brokers (but I have a TA there I've used for many years, and talk to her when booking).

I calculated the discount I received from her (final payment on a future cruise) in the form of on board credits and paying gratuities. That discount amounts to 8% of total cruise fare (mind you, that's probably 9%-10% of her "commissionable" cruise fare), hardly a "trinket". Then, because of the WOW sale, we will receive an additional $200 OBC from RCCL. Frequently, her company will throw additional minor add-ons our way - coupon booklets, bottle of wine, etc.

What has been everyone's experience as to when passengers are allowed in their cabins on embarkation day?

We have pretty much eliminated them from our cruise repertoire. Yes, they are expensive, even more so with the auto-grat. What bothers us more is the aggressive product upset you get almost always.

Thanks, everyone! I did the walk on HAL, loved it, and plan on doing the walk on our upcoming Allure sailing.

We sailed Holland once, there was a walk to raise money for Susan G. Komen (HAL still does it, but for a different cause). Does RCI do anything similar?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41758524&postcount=3 <--click here for coupon list

 

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Is the 20% off any wine, beer, soda for ONE of these, or for wine, beer, soda for the entire cruise? If it's for one, that would save me about about a buck and a half!

Considering the situation with Chikungunya (not trying to be alarmist, just taking precautions), does Royal spray for mosquitoes at their private port of call? How are mosquitoes there? If we're just on the beach all day, need we worry about this?

We have similar concerns, due to various medical conditions. Have a Doc's appointment today, and plan to ask him a few questions. I know DEET is the recommended product to keep away insects, but I am wary of using it. I worked at a campground with a camp store back in the day, we sold products with DEET, but heard cautionary things about it. We will probably pick up something like this -

http://www.amazon.com/All-Terrain-DEET-Free-Natural-Repellent/dp/B000MWDYAY/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1423489070&sr=1-9&keywords=insect+repellent

Last year when we were on the Indy we got a 20% off on the first day - a common occurrence. We actually used that on the 3rd day because we already had Giovanni's booked for the first day. When we arrived at Chops the place was near empty. I would say for the 2 hours we were there, it never got above 20% capacity. Near the end of the meal they offered us another 20% discount to come another night. We politely said no thanks as $30 per person was right on the edge for us anyway. At $40? Now they're starting to get into a nice meal on a land based restaurant. Remember, the initial $20 for a meal at Chops was tip only for the waiters. It was meant as a small surcharge to go to the waiters for an upgrade meal over one you already paid for, thus the reason for a non-exorbitant price. So while tips have gone up slightly over the years, they certainly haven't gone up 100%. And where is this extra 100% charge going? I'm betting that it isn't going to the waiters.

 

The latest scam from Royal that has people getting 30% on board credit for purchasing Chops ahead of time (I think it was 30%) is something NOBODY should participate in, All they did was what they did with their WOW sales - up the price and then try and trick you into thinking you're getting something with this special. Don't fall for it. There are no sacred cows on RCI now, just cash cows and sadly they're really starting to annoy me. I like RCI's product. When I look for a cruise, RCI website is the first place I go to but not anymore. Their tricks and scams are pushing me towards other lines and maybe this is what they want. Perhaps their ships are too full, their specialty restaurants too full. It would appear they are driving away customers for a reason, its the only conclusion I can draw from their tricks.

We will be on Allure soon. Cruise planner says $39 now. I remember the days when cruise brochures described the cost as a "nominal fee". Now, for our party of four, it woyuld be $116 plus an extra tip (our choice, personal preference), plus drinks. Some have mentioned there is an "up charge" even from that for an even MORE premium steak.

Old list.

 

New list:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2045047

Is the 10% off any glass of wine, beer, etc. good for ONE glass, or 10% for any beverage purchase for the entire cruise. Geez, one beer and one beer only would save me 60 or 70 cents!

Make sure your insect repellent contains DEET. You spray your body and clothes with it and it will keep the mosquitoes away.

You are correct, DEET is known to be very effective. There is some question about whether it might have less beneficial effects (particularly in high concentration), just sayin'. Particularly for those who are immunocompromised.

If you plan on ordering room service, bring some singles, two dollar bills (hard to get, but I like them), fives. You'll need to tip the stevedores at embarkation (I will give $15-$20 for the four of us). If you need help (porters) getting luggage from the warehouse to the curb at disembarkation bring 5s/10s for that. I tip our room stewards and other service staff extra, but that's personal preference. On Labadee, you'll have people offering to help with chairs, etc., I would tip them, as well. Bon voyage!

We reserved a retreat cabana on the December 14 sailing on new Amsterdam the cabana won't be signed until we board the ship which cabanas are better? The oceanview or the Poolview,what perks are available with cabana

We have sailed on the Eurodam, and booked a Retreat Cabana. We requested beforehand, and received, a cabana facing aft, overlooking the pool two decks below. We feel these are better because there is more air flow than the cabanas on the port and starboard. These do have nice views, but less air flow, as clear plexiglass is on the side where the ship's railing is.

Either way, the Retreat/Cabana Club is terrific.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise - you certainly deserve it. I understand some of what you have gone through - a friend's son has also had two transplants for the same reason in the past year. My best wishes to you.:)

Thank you for the kind thoughts. It seems there is SO much to worry about in today's environment, I'm willing to bet you could say the same thing 5, 10, or 15 years ago. The internet and the speed of news flow today just magnifies the situation. My wife just read about North Korea supposedly having some miniaturized nuclear warhead nearly ready, my immediate thought was "if this is true (a definite maybe), what can I do about it anyway?" And, if N. Korea would be so reckless as to deliver it, consequences for that nation would not be at all favorable.

I hope everyone enjoys their cruise vacations as much as we will.

I was so surprised last night when I suggested we buy airline tickets to FLL for a holiday cruise and not book the ship till the last minute looking for a deal. If the ships were full, that would be fine and we would enjoy Florida sunshine!

 

The surprise was when DW said, I prefer to not travel until we learn more about the Ebola situation.

 

Anyone else amending their travel plans?

I flew for the first time in over two years last week after having two transplants due to leukemia. While I was sick/in treatment I always wore a mask in public (most times a heavier n95).

I asked my Doc if I should wear a mask while flying, he said "No, just wash your hands frequently and don't touch your eyes." He has given the OK to go on a cruise, so we will fly to FLL and board a ship twice in the near future.

I also have a friend who has worked for our department of state for many years and has travelled throughout the world. He feels the western media is making way too much of the situation on our shores, and his current post is not too far away from ground zero.

I'm sure most on this thread know that the flu should be, all things being equal, of much more concern.

Decisions should be based on one's own comfort level, but, for us, the specter of Ebola

will not change our plans one bit.

Thanks, you need to go to the PDF deck plan to get that. RCL still has the old RS dimensions if you don't do that. Actually doesn't even list an RS category for 17 but does show on the diagram.

Could be better news flow for those who have shelled out the $$$ for this category and been switched.

Where did you get this info, I'm trying to get accurate facts on the new RS 1701? So far, no response from C & A. TIA.

We have been once prior on Oasis, and watched sail away from where they are putting one of the two new Royal Suites on Deck 17. There was practically no one there, so I can understand why the suits wanted to place a big revenue producer in that space. I was wondering if anyone had an inkling what the configuration is like? RS 1701 is described as 1,250 sq. ft., balcony 172 sq. ft. No mention of it being bi-level, which seems odd, as all other category cabins on deck 17 are bi-level.

Anyone with any details, or a sneak peek would be welcome!

We've stayed here three times, with a fourth upcoming over the course of 10+ years. The second time was not good, they had just extensively remodeled, and shouldn't have reopened as renos were far from complete. On that visit, many guests were very unhappy. I complained courteously in an email, and received a call back from the GM with a complimentary stay offer. We took him up on that, loved it, enough to re-book for the upcoming stay.

The resort is old school with many upgrades, and modern features. Great views of the golf course if you book a room with that view. If you play golf, it looks like a great course. Pool areas are beautiful. The mall is easily accessible if shopping is what you have in mind. A store (I believe Publix) is very close by if you want to pick up supplies pre-cruise. The beach club is a bit out of the way for us; we prefer to use the pool areas at the hotel.

Everything is pricey, but that's the way it is in resort of this calibre.

go to cruise topics for travel insurance here on cruise critic, that will be your most help resource.

FWIW we have been to Labadee four times, and think Royal does a very nice job there. Great beach stop.

Would you mind sharing with us which company sells this policy? It sounds ideal for my needs though I'm unsure what 'top up' means.

Thanks, in advance.

 

Same as Geezer Couple - same insurance, same broker.

I think you misunderstood me Goalie; buying insurance when you need to would INCLUDE buying it within the grace period after first deposit to cover pre-existing conditions. Many people need to cover these, and they should be buying it right after first deposit, BUT they also need to realize they are already getting use out of the policy for any ongoing or subsequent medical conditions.

 

People who do not need pre-existing condition waivers can wait until an appropriate time prior to final payment, usually the number of look back days subtracted from the final payment date.

 

Also, I would add that not all insurers allow one to top up the policy as trip payments are made, although several popular ones do. Some insurers require that you overestimate the total cost at initial purchase, some of these do allow you to reduce the total cost after final payment when all expenses are known, but not add to it later. It is an important distinction to be aware of. Several popular policies that do allow you to top up as payments are made limit your pre-existing condition waiver.

I purchase a policy that let's me "top up", pre-existing conditions are covered, and I also get cancel for any reason (CFAR) with primary medical. It also happens to be the most cost effective.

Maven, do not buy insurance until you need it. If you buy early in order to get pre-existing waiver then you have actually USED the insurance coverage from the time you bought it and covered any medical changes during that time or any PECs. I agree with what 7 Seas said, premiums are rarely refunded, occasionally are transferred to another trip.

 

On another note, if that $100 fee was a TA fee, I would seriously look elsewhere for your next booking. Your TA is not doing you any favors, certainly not saving you money or explaining how these things work.

I must disagree with holding back on buying insurance until you need it. Some of us prefer to have pre-ex covered, as we do. As I mentioned, we "pay as we go", so the up front costs for insurance are small. The big insurance expenses are at final payment.

In March, I booked an Oceania thru Marriott Cruises Only for June 2015. We changed our minds and I called to cancel. $100 fee sounded ok but then agent told me that the amt paid for trip ins was not refundable $600+ ! When I asked for further info, she said if I had read my contract (in 5ptfont) I would have seen that I only had 10 days from issue to cancel. OK, my bad but she never alerted me to this which I think a good TA would do.

This policy seems absurd when you are booking over a year ahead there may be a chance something comes up (other than illness) and you need to cancel. You don't need the insurance at time of booking

 

Is this common policy? Any recourse? Thanks

 

 

 

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I don't know if there is any recourse. I'm not an expert on cruise insurance by any means. Unfortunately, as uninformed as I am, if indeed your premium is not returned I guess it is part of that pool of unused premiums that goes toward paying out claims, just like the premiums that are paid for trips that are taken.

Cruise insurance can be a very complex maze. Through experience, I have found purchasing third party insurance (I use trip insurance store, and recommend highly) is better than purchasing direct from cruise lines or brokers.

There are certain time windows required for purchase

so that you are covered for pre-ex conditions, etc. Third party agents will be able to guide you through this.

I purchase a policy that lets you "pay as you go", so I don't commit all that much money up front. My big premium payment is at final. So, I can't lose too much if I will need to cancel before final. Some, but not all policies, have such a feature. That's the value added advice you are likely to get from a third party, but that's JMHO.

As weird as it sounds, we keep on coming back to the Eurodam and NA partly because of the cabanas. We sailed with other ships but it didn't feel the same.

 

It's a good revenue generating amenity for HAL and a good feature for people will to shell out a little cash.

Not weird at all, I always call to see if Retreat/Cabana Club cabanas are available before booking. They are a terrific amenity.