chfenton

In my experience, yes they will give you extra keys on board as they don't care who sleeps where.

OP here...just to follow up with a data point.  I did call and got what seemed to be a very helpful and knowledgeable agent.  I was able to book Symphony of the Seas for early December and for $26 bucks more was able to upgrade from the "free" interior to a balcony guarantee.  So all in all happy with my first experience with the casino comp cruise.

I also had no issues twice writing the executive office and asking for our 19 or 20 year old nannies to have their own stateroom no where near our room when travelling with us when our boys were young. It seems that RCL will make exceptions if there is a reasonable reason to do so.

Thank you both for your replies.  Sounds like calling is obviously best way to redeem.  So to be clear, let's say if I go to the website and see the price for interior is 699/pp for a particular cruise and the balcony is $799/pp for same cruise.  To be clear, in that circumstance I could book the balcony cabin for $100/pp - is that right?  Thanks again.

Thank you in advance.  So I received the email entitling me to a free interior for up to 7 nights and went to clubroyal offers website.  I see the redeem now button.  When I go in, it looks like its a form to fill out where you choose your first, second and third choices.

Questions---

1) Does that mean you don't book your own cruise and you just fill out form and someone will get back to you?

2) How does the cash value of $500 work in lieu of the free interior room?

3) If I do choose the interior am I Never/sometimes/always allowed to immediately pay an upcharge to upgrade?

4) What else do I need to be thinking about?

Thanks again

So best laid plans...we had planned a family cruise getaway for me, DW and two adult sons for early June (we are way past final payment date). As of today, it looks like both of our sons will have unforeseen commitments that will prevent them from coming on the cruise.  Can I get some advice thoughts on my options? 

As I see them,

1) Cancel but with loss of 50% of cruise fare (about to go to 75% in a few days) as my insurance does not include a cancel for any reason clause

2) Change booking to just me and DW (but I believe I risk repricing for just two sailing -is that correct)

3) Name change the 3rd and 4th passenger (seems unlikely in our situation as not sure there is anyone else we would want sleeping in same room as us)

4) Continue with booking as is and have 3rd and 4th just likely no show (Is there any downside to this?  This seems like best way to proceed for me right now as it leaves the glimmer of hope that one or both of their situations change and they can cruise--again am I missing any downside?)

Thanks

1 hour ago, Anton said:

Yes.  And as soon as you get to 2500 you start getting the Prime perks and then you are also Prime for the following year.  So go on a cruise that starts this Monday April 1 with no prior casino member level and get 2500 points that night, you are now Prime for the rest of this casino year and also through March 31 2025.  The annual free cruise for Prime is in an inside cabin, 7 nights or less.  There are blackout dates.

Since they would be reaching Prime in the casino year 4/1/24-3/31/25--wouldn't they be prime through 3/31/26 and not 2025?

13 hours ago, LobsterStalker said:

understand what you are saying about lack of kids , but in my opinion referring to Hideaway as "Serene" would definitely be misleading ! 

Also with others referencing the food . I think that is where RCI could have done so much better and made this much more attractive had they put some real 'upscale' options in there

JMHO

 

Cheers

Not trying to mislead - as I mentioned in my first sentence the peacefulness/serenity applied to my date from approx 8:30 to 11 am and I would still use those words for that time frame.  Obviously when music/DJ starts and the crowds get bigger the peace and serenity wains.

Absolutely loved it and from the time the ship opened until late morning it was so peaceful.  Not wanting to seem like a grumpy old man as I've had children that age, but the lack of children laughing, screaming, playing etc was both weird and welcome for the serenity. Would definitely pay again to go to Hideaway especially if on the lower end of the dynamic pricing scale.

11 hours ago, D4 said:

There are some exceptions, such as:

 

Drinks at the Starbucks stand in the middle of the atrium are not free for Diamonds.

 

I was on Wonder last week. On sea days, they had a stand by the pool selling pineapples that had the middle cut out with alcohol for $14 or non-alcohol for $10.  I thought it would be cute for some pictures, but they were not free for Diamond members.

Just to clarify, Free Starbucks is available to Diamond (or any other cruiser) who is staying in a Star Class Suite. I swear we as a family "took" them for over a $1,000 last time on Harmony. Every drink felt like making the price of the suite just a little bit better.😀

18 minutes ago, pcur said:

You do not have to wait until the end of the cruise to cash out refundable OBC, but except for tipping, there's not too many opportunities to pay cash on the ship.  But, if the cash is needed on shore, then cash it out any time at Guest Services.

 

I found last month that now if any amount, for any reason (obc or just a room charge), is transferred to a slot machine and cashed out, you cannot transfer money to a machine for the rest of the cruise.

Not sure this is entirely accurate or if you are specifying cashing out without cycling through the machine?  I did 10 different room charges to slot machines over a 4 day Allure cruise 4 weeks ago and had no problem doing the final 9 after the first even though I cashed that one after playing some.  To be clear, I definitely cycled through at least 50% of what I loaded to the machine as a room charge each time before cashing out--doing this - I had no issues transferring to the machines whenever I wanted throughout the cruise.  

Just to add further..and maybe its pedantic..but there is Not a dress code for the MDR or specialty restaurants with the exception of barefeet and tank tops.

Per the RCCL web site FAQ's -there are "suggestions" for various nights...casual, smart casual and formal.  But you also know they are only suggestions and not a dress code as the very next paragraph says and I quote-

Main Dining Room/Specialty Dining Venues

Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner.  That is the extent of what is not permitted under the dress code.

Shorts and a collared polo all 4 nights for me a few weeks ago on Allure--absolutely no issues. Also agree not one suit/tux in CK on formal night.

Hello more experienced Galveston cruisers,

We have been on Allure twice out of Galveston in 2023 -once with a Genie and the other with Sky class concierge exit.  Both times we were out of the terminal (naturally one of the very first off both times) carrying our own luggage by 730am at the latest.  Does this seem normal/average? 

We are taking Harmony this summer again in Star class with a Genie so easily expect to be able to make an 11AM flight out of Hobby (which I know is  a lot closer to Galveston than IAH and it is a Sunday morning for traffic considerations. We will have a rental car parked at the terminal.

Am I missing anything other than the obvious -what if ship is delayed/customs/ fog etc...

Thanks

HI,

Looking for others experiences--have been monitoring the price of cabanas for a September cruise and have noticed prices have remained the same for the last few months while inventory also seems to have remained the same (the ribbons that say only XX spots left have not changed).  Is it your experience that the laws of supply and demand generally kick in as the sailing date gets closer-In other words if no others are rented, will prices typically drop or does RC keep prices up and hope to sell spots on board for each particular cruise?

5 hours ago, fletch1027 said:

Around 1pm, the crowd started to actually thin out a bit and by the time we started heading back around 3:15, it was only around 25% occupied. 

 

We never got in the main pool, but walking past it several times it had a lot of people in there but was far from overcrowded. By comparison it was a lot less crowded then what the Oasis pool usually looks like. 

 

Here's what it looked like between the main pool and infinity pool cabanas around 1:30 - 2:00 time frame

 

 

 

For reference, the purple arrow is pointing to where our beach chairs were

 

 

Around 2:00 when I moved up to a chair closer to the beach 🙂

 

 

 

There were a lot of comments from initial Icon cruises posters that the music at Hideaway coming from the main pool area was too loud. I'm not sure if it was adjusted down since then but we did not have that experience. It is loud if you are right there at the main pool / swim up bar area, but from where we were sitting a little down from there, the music could still be heard, but it did not prevent normal conversation nor did it prevent me from taking a 45 minute nap 🙂

 

Demographics wise, it seemed like probably 70-75% of the people were over 35, so while there were a decent about of college age people there, it was no where near the "non-stop party" atmosphere some people were concerned about it being. 

 

Around 3:15 we started to head back to Oasis and after returning our 2 towels, we decided to take the tram back so we could see how that went. To our surprise, there was a walk on tram and 2-3 empty ones waiting in the queue!

 

 

All in all we felt like it was easily worth the $34 we paid. The "regular" price on the ship for our sailing was something like $95 and we would not pay that. Probably our threshold would be in the $45-50 range. Any questions let me know! 

 

 

Had the exact same experience on Feb 8th - Loud right by the main pool, but I sat where you sat (by the cabanas with their infinity pool) and hardly noticed the music after a while.

My last star class experience was on Allure in early 2023 and yes every specialty restaurant knew we were star class, the Genie always checked in with us at dinner and waiter always asked if we wanted more than one entree.  In addition, more than one appetizer was also not only allowed but encouraged.

2 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

It seems to work once. If you don't offset it with gambling, the 2nd time will be blocked from what I know so first time make sure you take out what you want. ..its worked for me twice. Usually I spend it. Auto tips or dinners, some extra wifi. Excursions. .. havent tried real recently.

Thanks for the info--we will be travelling in Star class so gratuities, specialty restaurants, alcohol, starbucks and tips are already covered.  Hence my anticipating we may have some leftover.🙂

So we booked an expensive suite through one of the largest on-line cruise travel agents that I'm sure many of you know.  When booking, we received various types of onboard credit and the amount is significant so was wondering if there is a nuance in how they are listed on the travel agent's confirmation?

The three titles are:

- $XX Onboard Spending - Group Amenity

- $XX To Spend on Board (this is by far the biggest amount and I believe the piece the travel agency as opposed to Royal is kicking in)

- $XX Shipboard Credit per Stateroom

Assuming we can't spend it all onboard - does the slot machine cash out work for all of these?  in other words does loading money to a machine from my onboard account simply offset any credit balance remaining from these three amounts or is there a differentiator?

Thanks!

I wouldn't worry too much about the photo--just go through the process as requested while checking in on-line and snap one using your phone, tablet  or pc camera.  As mentioned above, when I checked in at Port Canaveral last week, the agent wanted a little higher up angle.  So it took all of 5 seconds for her to hold up her Ipad and snap a new picture.

45 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

How loud was it at Hideaway?  Did you feel like it was a party atmosphere or was their any degree of peace?

You could definitely hear the music but that was over from the main pool in the middle of hideaway so from my perspective it wasn't very loud at all over by the cabanas and certainly didn't impact me having conversations or reading on my kindle.  Didn't feel like a party atmosphere in the chair area I was in but think it would if you were up in the main pool.

Also forgot to mention- I liked the fact that whole area is 18+, certainly changes the dynamics of what you are hearing in the background.

Hello,

I have gained a lot of knowledge reading this board for many years and wanted to try to give a little back.  I'm envious of folks that write these really detailed reviews--this is not one of them.  Wanted to simply address a few areas that stood out for me.

First Demos-  M mid 50's - first RC cruise was Sovereign in 2002.  Have worked my way up to D+. Fortunate enough over the last several years to typically cruise in sky or star class and have been on 10 Oasis class cruise since Oasis launched and a couple of Freedom Class scattered in. This was my first Oasis class cruise of less than 7 days.

So went by myself for 4 night Cruise last week.  First time alone as spouse needed to be out of town for work.  No issue for me--I enjoy spending time reading, casino, and generally just meeting new people.  Spent some time in pub bar on 5 doing just that.  Had no issues as a solo cruiser.

Ate every dinner in Coastal Kitchen.  The maitre d and waiter were exceptional.  After first night , maitre D remembered my name and cabin for the remaining 3 nights and when I expressed how I liked my table that he gave me first night by the window--I got the same table for the remaining 3 nights.  Waiter was spot in service-remembered my drink choices after first night.  Thought the food was good to very good.  Ranking my 4 entrees from worst to best - Veal medallions, Ahi Tuna, Broiled lobster, and Filet Mignon.  I can't remember if CK gets it Filet's from Chops - but this was as good as any I have had on RC. Don't get me wrong--I thought even the veal was fine -just didn't stand out.

4 lunches were 2 at windjammer, 1 Boardwalk Dog and 1 Perfect day pizza place.  I would agree with many recent comments on Windjammer---while I could find something appealing -it seems its the same food everyday and hasn't changed much in 10 years.  Boardwalk dog was fine--I like their (relatively new?) everything bun option. Had grilled onions on the dog as well- was pretty good.

Perfect day was in fact near perfect for me- perhaps for my choice of venues which was exactly what I was looking for-  I went to the new Hideaway beach and really enjoyed it.  Was off the ship by 830ish and caught a tram to Coco Cay entrance and then transferred to the tram for Hideaway.  The area obviously still looks brand new, so not surprising that it seemed very clean.  Was also a lot bigger than I was picturing - a big half circle around their man made beach.  I went to the far end near the Hideaway cabanas ( the most expensive ones with the infinity pool).  Note I think they were $1999 for my cruise and as best as I could tell only 3 of the 10 were occupied last Thursday. 

Towel station right when you get off tram at HIdeaway so no worries if you dont bring towels from ship.  Had my choice of chairs at 845 and chose one "on the aisle" about halfway back.  Most set up as 2 or 4 with umbrellas at many and little cocktail table between the 2 or 4 chairs - was totally functional and all I needed.  Water/juice stations were abundant, many bars as well and the pizza/empanada place was right by me.  Pizza was fine tasted much like Sorrentos.  Also there is waitress service at your beach chair - which was also perfectly acceptable.

Also liked the hammocks and bar tables in the water---seemed like would be a nice are to hang out.  All in all a really good day.

Also our concierges were very helpful with any info I needed - no issues and they were in the Suite lounge when they said they would be.  Suite lounge hot appetizers in the evening were surprisingly tasty, the garlic shrimp stood out as well as the beef skewers.  Waiter/waitress service in suite lounge was exceptional - when I had a near empty glass and ordered a refill-two other waiters came by to ask me if I wanted another in the 3-5 minutes it took for first to return with my new drink!

Lastly - utilizing the suite priveleges I was 3rd person off the ship at 640 and literally was driving out of the parking garage by 646am - not bad at all!

That's about it--I will try to monitor -so please feel free to ask any questions and I'll be happy to try to answer.

1 hour ago, sjmbruce said:

I'm already treating her to airfare, a cruise, and an internet/soda package. I am being plenty nice. I don't mind buying her a coffee or giving her a small daily budget, but I don't want her thinking she's 18 and on a cruise with an unlimited magic card. 

I apologize if this isn't how most others feel and no disrespect intended, but is it not easy for an 18 year old to understand "Don't charge anything to your seapass without asking me"? I have taken on two different cruises two of my boys 16 year old friends and never had an issue.  I think most can understand that if they are asked to hand over their seapass-they are going to get charged--so just don't hand it over.

10 minutes ago, alfaeric said:

Irrelevant.  This is a federal issue.  Neither are legal.  (assuming that it's enough CBD that it matters, over 0.3%.)

 

And, as it turns out, an international one as well.  Again, not legal.

 

Make all of the logical reasons they should be ok people want, and they are largely accurate.  But being logical and accurate does not turn off federal and international laws.

The federal farm bill is quite confusing but please don't mix up THC and Hemp and CBD (or any other cannabinoids).  The reason you see so many CBD oil shops is that it is legal under the farm bill as long as it is derived from the hemp and has  no more than 0.3% of THC (not CBD) in the formulation. In other words CBD cannot get you high.  This has nothing to do with the fact that it is still prohibited on Royal ships, but CBD is a legally derived hemp product under the farm bill of 2018 (assuming proper formulation of course).

13 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

With all due respect, there is a list as long as a cruise ship of medications you can’t buy in the US without a prescription. You can however buy them in foreign countries freely, and bring them back to the US, legally. 
 

I personally have never seen any opioids for sale in a Mexican port, so the Ultram is a moot point as far as I am concerned. 

Also I just checked--not sur eif this will impact any of your future purchases but I believe your understanding is incorrect. Per the FDA official website:

"FDA does not permit personal importation of unapproved versions of FDA-approved drugs from foreign countries. FDA cannot assure that foreign-made versions of FDA-approved drugs have been properly manufactured, are safe and effective, and are the same formulation as the FDA-approved versions".