Starry Eyes

Ah, then it depends on what is important to you in a travel insurance policy. Some of us are willing to self insure for cancellation accept lower cancellation coverage; others are not. We choose to insure for the big financial risks (medical and evacuation) and look carefully for good coverage in those areas. I’d point out that I see many single trip policies may have decent cancellation coverage but some have low limits on medical. One can run up huge medical bills quite unexpectedly with a single accident or serious illness, far exceeding the low limits of some policies. Different posters of different ages, perspectives and life experiences will look at policy offerings differently (and see different prices based on those ages).

Here’s our experience at Port Everglades. DH and I boarded a B2B on Odyssey last weekend. To see what would happen we went through two different security lines.😀 DH took 2 bottles of wine in a single bag. He reports that his X-ray screener looked carefully at his bag but did not say anything. He came through with his two bottle without clarifying that he is a B2B guest. I also had 2 bottles but separate into two different bags. My screener matched the bags to me, confirming that each bag had a bottle. I explained I was b2b, holding paperwork for both as they called their superior. The superior heard B2B and waived me through; she showed no interest in holding the second bottle until the second cruise. So, different some screeners will indeed match bags to passengers and note overages. They may or may not hold extra bottles of b2b guests as specified on Royal’s website.

Or even worse, when ships would have to skip CoCo Cay because conditions were not suitable for tendering; it was a rather frequent occurrence before the dock was placed. While the less developed island had its charm, so does the developed one. Have a wonderful time.

Here’s our experience for those wondering about enforcement at Port Everglades. DH and I are boarding today for a B2B on Odyssey. To see what would happen we went through two different security lines. DH had 2 bottles of wine in the same bag. He reports that his X-ray screener looked carefully at his bag but did not say anything. He came through with his two bottle without clarifying that he is a B2B guest. I also had 2 bottles but separate into two different bags. My screener matched the bags to me, confirmed that each had a bottle. I explained I was b2b, holding both set sail passes as they called their superior, who heard that and waived me through; she showed no interest in holding the second bottle until the second cruise. Summary, YMMV by screener. Surprise, surprise.

I’m so glad your daughter will be OK. I am also glad the emergency happened on land. I suspect it would have been even scarier if you had been in the air when it occurred. It might also have been terrible if it had occurred on the cruise or in port without travel insurance (your regular health insurance may not have paid; you may have needed to pay for return airfare for the family from a foreign port in addition to foreign hospital bills). Not only are you fortunate that the child will recover, you are are also fortunate that the lesson was much less expensive than it might have been. How old is the child? Depending on her age and writing ability, an email from her to the executive office might be more effective than one from the parent. Still, you (or the kiddo) should be prepared to hear “no.” Insurance is supposed to cover these situations.

Though we had a OV balcony on Wonder, we have stayed in CP balconies on decks 10, 11 and 12 on other Oasis class ships. We will take a cabin on any if those decks, though we favor deck 10. That’s personal preference. We like being closer to the garden. I suspect when on your balcony you will have more noise from above on Wonder than on other ships. That would not stop me from booking.

From OP’s signature: 😄 Upcoming Cruise(s): 04/23 - RCCL Navigator of the Seas - 7 day Cabo, Vallarta, Mazatlan

Of course experiences will vary. The same thing has happened to m, expect my assignment csme even closer to cruise date. Obviously if Royal has not assigned a cabin (not even a hidden one), you will not find that assignment in the barcode. Sometimes one just has to wait longer. However, this OP was in a different situation because this OP could see their muster station; that’s a huge clue that the cabin has been assigned (though the number may still be hidden in the barcode)

Even if the assignment isn’t truly last minute, you still might not be able to switch. My last couple assignments were each made 30 days out. In both cases my assigned category was already sold out; the cruises were nearly sold out.

Also be aware that to avoid glare on the bridge you may be required to keep the drapes closed on those forward windows at night. Not a big deal for most people, but plan to go out on deck for any stargazing.

I’m glad it worked. Do you like your future cabin assignment?

They don’t

I agree; no trick is needed unless you have an unassigned gty. Did you read the post to which I responded? In response to a question about the barcode trick, a poster who said they did not know about gty barcodes talked about the numbers under other barcodes. I told that poster it is not that simple for gty.

It was not a coincidence. If you had employed “the barcode trick” being discussed on this thread (and elsewhere on CruiseCritic), you would have discovered your future cabin number was hiding in the barcode.

Patience works. If you grow curious you can try downloading a barcode reader app on your phone. Point that barcode reader app at the set sail pass on your companion’s phone or on your computer.

No worries that you will be cabinless! If you see a muster station station, RCI has secretly picked a cabin for you (otherwise they would not know which muster station). The barcode trick will work. Use the technique the others describe (apple wallet or a barcode reading app). Or just wait if you are the patient sort; it will be revealed eventually. My last two assignments were hidden in the barcode until from 45-31 days out. At 30 days out they were revealed. YMMV.

It’s not that simple for gty rooms

Is this your May 7 cruise? Have you tried the bar code trick?

Thanks for the additional information. I was thinking every survey could leave a video commentary, which would be overwhelming.

OK, but will anyone actually watch and act on those video reviews? Or will they mostly analyze the numerical scores?

Such requirements should be addressed to the special needs department at least 45 days before the cruise (for US departure, longer for some others). The email address is special_needs@rccl.com Here is the FAQ which can be found via google: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/dining-dietary-restrictions-customer-care

I can understand that you find the pricing frustrating. Still, since it is literally untrue, do not say the cabins are literally identical because some newbie might foolishly believe you. Say they are the same size. Playing devil’s advocate here, as I obviously don’t do the pricing: If the connecting cabins were the same price, random people might carelessly book one (or both) of the pair, even though they don’t need a connecting cabin. Later when people who really want connecting cabin, they cannot get them. Pricing them higher reduces the chance of that. Similarly with the triple/quad. If the base price is the same couples might book the triple/quad cabins. During KSF, couples could even add free kids (who will no show) to grab those cabins if three/four occupant are required to get a cabin location they want. Then those higher occupancy cabins are not available when parties of three or four try to book. Every cruiseline seems to have their pricing gimmicks. I ignore the gimmicks. If the price is acceptable, I book it.

Now, now….the cabins for two are not literally “identical” to nearby cabins in a different category that hold 4. The cabin only has two beds (convertible to one king); it literally does not have more berths for more passengers. Sometimes the cabin configuration will not accommodate a sofa bed.

Deck 6 is my favorite. Deck 8 is my second favorite. You can’t go wrong with either. I’d pick one or the other. I would not split the difference and choose 7. If I had a variety of suites to select from, I’d go pick one that is aft elevators to midship.

Your high level of awareness will be helpful as you need to carry your passport. You will also need to think about what other items you will take your short tour vs check with your luggage. Medication, valuables, electronics and such generally should stay with you rather than in the checked luggage, though you don’t want to be overburdened on your tour.