Riverdome

IF a genie went out of pocket for a gift I would tip to reimburse. This staff is great but they are not getting rich from guest tips or RCI salary. If it's coming from a corporate budget I would assume I already "paid" for it with my cabin cost.

Gifts between friends/family it's the thought that counts (unrelated but I love it when someone says that and then gives a gift card that required zero thought, it's a lazy gift - no problem but don't also pat yourself on the back for "it's the thought that counts.")

When it's a professional relationship I worry about costs.

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bump for the morning crowd

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Just wondering what the concensus is. Do the genies pay for gifts out of their pocket (in hopes of a larger tip that more than makes up the difference) or do they have a RCI provided budget to spend on guests?

Very impressed with a few gifts my family received this week and am tempted to tip even more than I was already planning.

What were they - CK fragrance, Michael Kors change purse, toys for kids, ...

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Following - we board on the 17th so looking forward to a recent review. Here's to a great cruise!:tropical-drink:

Yes, anyone can eat any meal in the Solarium Bistro. :) (no charge)

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Flat $7.95 per order.

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Genie emails you a survey ~6 weeks prior to sailing asking questions about your family. Many report they don't receive but I suspect it falls into spam or they dismiss it because of the very poor email address it s sent from.

What are these Genie Surveys? We have been on Alure and heading out on Oasis in 2 weeks. We have not received a genie survey.

 

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Thanks Bob. I don't mind tipping but I don't like giving up control who I think deserves my tips either. I grew up in a time when you earned your tip before it was paid.

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I've had issues even starting on-line check-in for a few weeks. Do I have to complete this process, print any confirmations, .... or can I just show up at the port with my Passport?

Today we received our welcome message from Hannah for our June 2018 sailing on Oasis.

Following :)

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Little Sleazers is from that state up North? Add them to the hate list with Meijer.

Why go for 2? Because I couldn't go for 3.

- Woody

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I just came across this review of Star class and the genie.

https://parksinparadise.com/cruising/allure-of-the-seas-star-class-review/

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Given how some customers were booking multiple cruises with ZERO intension of purchasing them all I would have done the same thing if I were making decisions at RCCL. It's like a lot of things in life, a few ruin it for the rest of us.

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My family wants to make sure we don't miss a few extras such as the ship tour, cupcake decorating class, and the prohibition event, ... If we wait until we are on board I worry that they will be booked up and we'll miss out. If I book them through cruise planner I obviously pay for them with my credit card. If booked through the Genie are events such as these ever complementary? Even if they are am I taking a chance of them selling out by waiting until I'm on board?

Many thanks!!

Following, important question for me too.

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As often as people on here say "I'll just cancel/transfer my reservation and ....." I would overbook too if I were RCI.

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But he did such a good job on the video! Personally I don't want the seapass card getting covered with soda from the bottom of the freestyle machine.

The key is the chip, not the sea pass card. Use any plastic card, or anything else for that matter - the idea is something large enough that you won't lose it.

On Oasis we were surprised to find that 2 connecting staterooms were cheaper than the family room that slept 5. The second balcony and bathroom will be a HUGE bonus that we didn't expect. Too bad there are so few connecting staterooms - but if you book early enough it may be the way to go. I called RCL and they helped me through all the pricing options.

Booked on Oasis for summer of '18. Booking so far out I can't do anything in terms of booking shows, restaurants, packages, ...

Not trying to jump the gun but I also can't find any reference to 90 or 120 day out from sailing.

Have to admit I took for granted that I could get a bite to eat near anytime I wanted while on the ship. Ordering and waiting for room service doesn't sound like what I had in mind.

Have been loyal to NCL until now and just might stay there and skip the RCI summer '18 cruise I was going to book. Never know how great something is if you don't try, but hate to be disappointed as well.

Looking to spend 2-3 days pre-cruise and potentially take advantage of RCI's land & sea package, if it makes financial sense vs booking separate.

Tried searching but didn't find much about the arrangement RCI has with Universal Studios. I'll do my own homework once the '18 itineraries are released but wondering if booking both aspects of the trip with RCI has saved anyone a few bucks? I like the idea of not having to book separate ground transpiration but I'm not willing to pay much of a premium when Uber/Mears are so easy to book.

Thanks!

My wife and I have cruised NCL twice (Sun and Epic) and loved it. Now planning a cruise along with our three young children (10, 10 & 5) and are looking at RCI due to the on-board activities for the kids.

One concern I have is the perception of extra expenses once on-board RCI ships. Fine dining speciality restaurants are easy enough to avoid but it feels like there is more casual food that costs extra. Exact details are difficult, RCI's web site leaves a lot to be desired. Soda package seems like no-brainer but worried about other expenses.

Any thoughts on what add'l expenses a family could run into?

Anyone know how to leave Wi-Fi on yet turn off the cellular connection on an Android phone? Considering taking my iPad since it doesn't have an active cellular contract but would prefer my Android phone.