dbarton02

The span of comments is really amazing on this thread (and I'm not saying it as a knock on one end, or to back up someone else on another). 

Similar reaction on a greater scale to the pricing of rooms on the cruise I have upcoming in July.  We booked on board last year while on the Anthem, and currently, rooms for a Junior suite are over double what we would have paid for our family of 4 in one room. 

Exact thought?  "Damn!  Glad I booked when I did.  We wouldn't be taking that trip if we waited 'till now to book!" 

Simple approach to something like this (be it The Key - a Drink Package, or a Cruise or anything, really):  

1.) Is the item you're looking to purchase at a price range you feel comfortable purchasing?

if yes, then ask:

2.) Do you feel purchasing this item will give you a benefit or return equal to or greater than the cost you paid?

if yes, then BUY IT

If you answered no to #1, then end the thought right there. 

If you answered no to #2, the same applies  😀

I'm not going to buy a Crown Loft Suite for my family of four to take a vacation (Horrible father, I know) simply because I know what I can comfortably afford to enjoy time away.  

For those that can?  I salute you!

Good Morning and a "Happy" Rainy Monday Morning from Chicago!

I was winding my weekend down yesterday evening when I saw an email come through from Royal Caribbean, which happened to be - THAT email... 

Went over the different options with DW, as we have a cruise booked this summer on the Adventure of the Seas in a Junior Suite, and figured based on what we paid for the room when we booked it last year, there really isn't a bad option for a bid.  We have 4 of us in a Junior Suite, and if I read it correctly, our upgrade bid would only be based on the first 2 guests - so if I wanted to put the minimal bid in on a 1 BR Grand Suite, at a min. of $500 per person, it would cost me $1,000 additional should the accept my bid submittal, correct?

As a follow up to this question, since we already get the double points for booking a 'suite' (even though a Junior), what other benefits would we realize on the Adventure for upgrading to a bigger suite?  I know this one doesn't have the Sea, Sky and Star classifications - but I'm trying to compile what I can to review and see if the dollars and cents really work out. 

Any advice/input or even shaming for creating another Royal Up thread would be welcome (haha)

Thanks everyone! 

RCCL appears to have cut back on staffing, so placing items in the hall just makes more work for the remaining staff, and damages the "ambiance" of being on the ship.

Agreed. Best thing about an RCCL cruise, especially on a formal night, is to take a romantic stroll through the halls of all the staterooms.

So much to see. :'):')

I guess what I should’ve said in the first post is it seems like a waste of money for the airfare for a 3 or 4 day cruise. Was just offering a suggestion. Next time I won’t.

Some people... Can't even preface the post with a "I know that some will say go for it and some won't" That's a given.

Guess there'll always be those people out there set on a remark to derail someone else (not referring to you, directly).

BUT - that's the conundrum, and it's always worth it to pick others' brains - REGARDLESS of which way they lean on it.

I really do appreciate the feedback!

We live only an hour from the city and when we go in for the day we don't want to leave. Very easy to drop several hundred $$ per day between rooms, parking, food, shopping, entrance fees, just so many great things you want to do, so we don't do it as often as we'd like. Hopefully you can fit in a few days next time you pass through.

Now I'm curious where "South Chicago" is. I'm in the south burbs, but people would look at me like I had a second head if I tell them (especially out of towners) since they have no clue about the surrounding suburbs!

I'm Mokena/Frankfort.

Doesn't have the same ring as Chicago!

On our Honeymoon Cruise (Mariner) I fell asleep by the pool and forgot to put on sunscreen.

Didn't hit me right away, so I thought I would partake in the Belly Flop Competition (to, you know, add insult to injury!).

At any rate, that night was a formal night, and I'm in agony putting my suit on in the room. DW is changing out cold towels I have laid across my chest to cool me down. I suck it up, and we sit down to dinner and our table mates know something is wrong, so I told them I burned myself up. One couple at our table were seasoned cruisers from Cali, and brought a bunch of Aloe gel and cream in case of sun burn, so after dinner, they get me a tube.

I slide off into one of the bathrooms just off the MDR, lock the door of the handicap stall so I have room to coat my chest and shoulders and start applying.

About 3 minutes go by, and theres a *knock knock* on the stall door followed by a "what are you doing in there?" Being in a great deal of discomfort, and a bit overheated from the sun, I reply "whatcha think I'm doing?? Give me a minute".

60 more seconds, and I exit the stall - shirt unbuttoned, pants unbuttoned ready to head the sink to wash up and just as I walk out, the stall knocker was still waiting. He looks at me, looks at the tube in my hands, the clear aloe all over my hands, then my unzipped pants, and back up to my face. He appears a bit uncomfortable.

First words out of my mouth? "uhhh... this isn't what it looks like".

He shrugs, turns around and walks out the door.

I find DW and tell her the whole story and she can't catch her breath fast enough from laughing, then points out from everyone seeing the belly flop contest that I'll probably be known as "that perv from Chicago" for the rest of the trip.

We still laugh about it.

This thread is actually making me want to return to Chicago (I’m in the UK). We hopped up there from Fort Walton Beach one weekend from a DH work trip just so I could see Da Bears. The flight was worth it even for only one night. So...

 

...life is for living, enjoy!

 

 

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There's a lot more to see and do each time you go back. The construction is ridiculous (in a good way).

You can gain the same 5-10 pounds you would on a cruise here too!

Next time you're back, check out Au Cheval or the Publican!

Have you thought of doing something a little different? How about a cruise on the great lakes. Late September thru Mid October has beautiful fall color cruises and if you're nearer the port, you wouldn't have to fly.

I'll check into it. The only ones I'd seen so far were at least for 7 days, which is more than we can swing at the moment.

I would do it, but not on an old ship. Mariner is doing the 3/4 day sailings, and from your signature, it appears that you spent your honeymoon on Mariner, so there is added sentimental value!

 

Taking a short cruise is the same effort as going away for the weekend on a land trip. I've flown to Vegas, Florida, LA, etc, for short weekend getaways, so why wouldn't I consider flying for a short cruise getaway?

We both really enjoy the cruising experience - and miss the pre-kids freedom to book a nice dinner, hang out at the wine bar, see the late night shows - and really do all the things that hooked us to cruising in the first place.

Don't get me wrong - our first sailing with the kids was a blast too.

Yes, the Mariner has some sentimental value as well, and we'd love to see it after drydock.

I've priced out the all-inclusives and different weekend getaways, and oddly enough, the cruise comes in at about the same cost, or less (definitely less when you factor in the food).

2-3 days in Las Vegas would run about $800-900 for a nice hotel and airfare, plus your dinners, shows, etc. so I have it in around a total spend of $1,400 - give or take a bit (I always plan high).

2-3 days in San Francisco / Napa (something else we've wanted to do) would cost about $700 for airfare, $300 or so for a car, another $300 or so for a hotel, then the meals, etc, so we're probably around $1,400-$1,500 there at a minimum.

3 night cruise would cost us about $650.00 plus $500 in airfare, one night in a hotel for $100, and another couple hundred bucks on board for specialty dining, drinks, and tips. $1,400 right there. Add in the free shows and entertainment on board, and it's a deal no matter how you slice it.

Those are quick numbers I've been tossing in my head - but yeah. Cruising wins out most of the time - and yes, on the longer sailings, there is no way you can visit as many locations as the ships can take you for the cost of trying to do it all yourself in the same 7 days.

Perspective though... First world problems... :) love and appreciate all the input!

Can you make it a week?

 

 

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I wish we could - but wouldn't do it that long without the kids.

Plus, we just took a week plus for the last trip in June - and her sister is getting married this coming April, so there'll be time taken for that - AND THEN our 8 nighter in July next summer.

We've got some fun loaded in the chamber - just trying to sneak in another bullet!

Forget the MDR though. Make sure to plan for more romantic dinners than that. Book some specialty or plan on some sexy room service.

You have no idea how hard I sat and laughed in front of my computer reading this - while trying not to let on why.

Our Stateroom attendant on the Anthem last month was from the Phillipines, and had an odd way of explaining things, and I just read that last portion of your reply in my mind in his voice.

"hiiiiiiiiiiiiii. I have a your sexy room service"

Had a blast on the sailing to Bermuda with DW and the kids, though her and I reminisced a bit on our past trips with formal night dinners, specialty restaurants, and being able to float as we pleased without the kids (trying not to make it sound horrible!).

Anniversary is coming up in September and I wanted to surprise her with a quick trip - just the two of us.

In Laws have no problem watching our boys for an extended weekend (Friday - Monday).

I'm sure we can find some cheap airfare, and I'm having our TA look into it.

The question I have is - has anyone that lived in the Midwest (or far enough away from a port) found it worth a quick 3 night cruise just to get away? (I know that a lot of it is subjective, and it's all on what you want to spend... but I'm still curious about others' input!)

Hi.

 

I have just completed the online check in for my 12 family members in five cabins and have a couple of questions for our Allure trip in August:

 

*When approximately do the luggage tags appear for printing?

 

*My nephews are in my mom's room and my sister/dh/another child in my sister's room. I was unable to add my sister's credit card to my nephew's account in my mom's cabin so as of now, it says "Onboard Expense Account-None". I'm guessing this can be changed at the pier when we all check in, is that correct? My sister can just say her card will be used for the following people on the following reservation number, correct?

 

*The card my sister gave me for her cabin may change the day we board (she may use another card). Will this matter? Can they just change the credit card at the pier?

 

*My mom/nephew have the Voom for two devices in their cabin. My sister has the Voom for one device in her cabin. Where will they find the information or where do they need to go after we board to find out exactly how they set this up on their phone. They are not tech savvy.

 

*Is it now correct the online check in paper that I printed will be what we use when we board for purchases until we get to our cabin? We all have the Unlimited Drink package so want to make sure this is correct.

 

*I did not upload the pictures for my sister's family. I would have to go to Shutterfly and do for each person and didn't do this since I have read it is a quick fix at the pier for them to just take a picture. Do you agree?

 

*My ds's friend is listed as John, not Jonathan, his real name on his passport on online check in. Does this make a difference and do I need to call and get his name changed? Will this make a problem for the already printed Set Sail pass?

 

*The first choice I have for arrive to port is 11:30 am. I believe I have read I can arrive earlier. Is that correct? We have a shuttle picking up 20 family members at the Riverside Hotel at 10:00 am.

 

 

Thank you all SO much for any help you can give me. I greatly appreciate it.

*When approximately do the luggage tags appear for printing?

Usually when you check in online, you get your cruise documents (or will get an email shortly after) saying they are ready. You can print them out at that time. Good plan is to invest in some plastic sleeve tags (Amazon.com) instead of taping / stapling like they suggest.

*My nephews are in my mom's room and my sister/dh/another child in my sister's room. I was unable to add my sister's credit card to my nephew's account in my mom's cabin so as of now, it says "Onboard Expense Account-None". I'm guessing this can be changed at the pier when we all check in, is that correct? My sister can just say her card will be used for the following people on the following reservation number, correct?

Yes. See someone at the desk at the pier when you check in. You can add it then, or at Guest Services when on the ship.

*The card my sister gave me for her cabin may change the day we board (she may use another card). Will this matter? Can they just change the credit card at the pier?

Same as above.

See guest services. Try to avoid it on the first day - its nuts.

*My mom/nephew have the Voom for two devices in their cabin. My sister has the Voom for one device in her cabin. Where will they find the information or where do they need to go after we board to find out exactly how they set this up on their phone. They are not tech savvy.

I had to find a person that was set - up on embarkation day. They gave me a card with a number on it after they verified I bought the package. It was a little cumbersome - but I also saw after the fact that I could have gotten the number by checking my sea pass information through my TV. Forgot exactly how - but you may want to check it out (since you can see what devices you have registered to use).

*Is it now correct the online check in paper that I printed will be what we use when we board for purchases until we get to our cabin? We all have the Unlimited Drink package so want to make sure this is correct.

Yes

*I did not upload the pictures for my sister's family. I would have to go to Shutterfly and do for each person and didn't do this since I have read it is a quick fix at the pier for them to just take a picture. Do you agree?

Yes. They had to re-take pictures of both my sons. Lady had a tablet, and snapped their pictures. Took about 2 minutes total.

*My ds's friend is listed as John, not Jonathan, his real name on his passport on online check in. Does this make a difference and do I need to call and get his name changed? Will this make a problem for the already printed Set Sail pass?

I would call and check. I've always made sure our names matched exactly on all documents.

*The first choice I have for arrive to port is 11:30 am. I believe I have read I can arrive earlier. Is that correct? We have a shuttle picking up 20 family members at the Riverside Hotel at 10:00 am.

You can get there earlier. We did in NJ - just make sure the guys working on the ground are loading the bags to go onto the ship for the next sailing. You don't want them confused with whats coming off.

FWIW - skip the costs for messaging thru the Royal IQ App. You can message on Facebook for free - and make calls on FB as well with VOOM. If you're REALLY savvy, you can set - up WiFi calling on your phone if it supports it and make regular calls that way.

My employer bought me a package so I can be connected in case I have an emergency with a customer to handle, and the few times I had a phone call, it was crystal clear - and didn't have to buy anything additional through RCI (other than the Voom Package itself).

Happy Cruising!

...Platinum...

lol

Seemed like we were Gold forever.

(and there was much rejoicing)

So...we are booked on Anthem of the seas for Sept 2018 and have been reading all the threads about upgrades. I just received this email What do you think, take it or no?

I'd take it.

Coastal Kitchen Dinner

Bigger Room

Bigger Bathroom

Coffee Maker in Room

...and if you're close to another tier...

You get double cruise points for the sailing.

Does anyone know if Almond Milk is an option.? I will be going on Adventure in March with DS who can only use Almond Milk. If not can I request this as an exception.? Thank You

We just sailed on the Anthem (6/9) and had the same "Dilemma" (I'll call it that since it's not really an allergy my kids have. Both boys had an aversion to something in regular dairy milk when they were smaller - didn't have the issue with almond milk). Now, they can drink regular fine, but wont touch anything but Almond Milk.

OK... I digress...

ANYWAY - we had made the mention when we booked the cruise initially, and they added it to the booking as a special need, but thats about where the note for that need stopped.

(This is in no way complaining)

We found we had to ask a number of times before it was gotten right, or understood.

Many times, we'd ask for almond milk in the Windjammer, and got glasses of Chocolate Milk a few times, and other times, we just had to repeat ourselves again and again before it was understood. I chalked it up to an uncommon request - but our server in the windjammer (Imade) was AWESOME and remembered it from the first night on - so dinner time wasn't an issue.

The bummer was really only being able to get it from the Windjammer, so the procedure was to go upstairs, and WASHY WASHY (if you've sailed on the Anthem recently and ate in the Windjammer, you'll get it), then track someone down to get a glass, and repeat as needed.

Sort of a hindrance - but what can you do? Maybe there's a better way to get it - but in my experience, you'll have to ask a few times.

Take a few cups from home, get a few, fill them up when they get a few glasses for you, and stick them in the fridge in your room (if you've got one).

On our cruise this fall on Jewel I want to try to be mindful of enjoying our ship as part of our vacation. I mean, we're paying a couple hundred dollars a day for the cabin, food and amenities so I want to enjoy it not just look at it as a means to get to the ports. There is even one day I think we're going to spend the day on the ship as we're not excited about the port.

I'm looking for some advice as to the best way to get the most out of the ship if we do stay aboard instead of getting off at port. What do you do if you stay aboard?

 

Does that make sense?

Try something new every night.

I LOVED the Jewel and so did the Mrs.

We did a murder mystery dinner one night that was hosted at Chops - cost like $50pp for the dinner and the show BUT they also kept pouring the wine as part of the dinner (score!).

Another area on board we got to enjoy was the Champagne Bar. Use the BOGO coupons or deals you get for C&A for some cheaper than usual drinks (or if you have the package) and enjoy the finger foods and platters set out at sunset before dinner. (Never had caviar 'till that trip. Didn't realize it was complimentary with the drinks 'till the 2nd to last night!) :')

Just pick a different area a few times a day, sit down, and relax (unless you really want to hit up a port!)

Of course I did. They can't keep the refund on a cruise that is no longer being offered - but that doesn't do me any good now. Thanks for the amazing insight though.

No you didn't. You said you had non-refundable deposits and Royal Gave you $200 OBC.

No mention of a refund.

Key details to leave out there... a little misleading.

Trying to decide how much to let something bother me and would really appreciate some perspective...

 

To lay the background, let me say that my kids and I are AVID Flowrider fans. It really is the reason that's kept us coming back to Royal for multiple cruises. We've talked about switching to other lines to try something new, but every time we discuss it with the kids the question always comes up...does the ship have a Flowrider? Sometimes it's hard to find something that EVERYONE really likes to do together on a cruise; but this is it.

 

In 2015 we sailed on Oasis as a family. We boarded the ship only to find the starboard Flowrider was broken and not running. We were told all week that "they're working on it", but the pump failure was never repaired and we went the whole week without it ever coming back online. Now Oasis has 2 Flowriders so it wasn't like we were without the ability to do it, but Oasis' 6000 passengers put a real demand on a single Flowrider and the lines for that one Flowrider were so unbearably long that we just quit doing it. At the time we told ourselves that Oasis was getting to be an older ship and that these kinds of things were probably getting more likely to happen.

 

Last week we sailed on Harmony. We picked that ship primarily for 2 reasons; it has a Flowrider, and that fact that it's new meant that there should be no problem with both Flowriders being usable. We were wrong. While the starboard side Flowrider was working at sail-away, by the next morning it was broken. Claim was a pump failure. We heard all week that "they're working on it", but it never came back. Once again the lines for the other Flowrider were so long that we just gave up on using it.

 

Now here's where I'd appreciate your perspectives. I get that Royal can't control things like the weather and that sometimes there are things like that that are beyond their control that cause things like inability to tender or altered itineraries...I can accept that. But the attitude last week was much like that offered for things like weather..."sorry, there's nothing we can do about it". Now I get that there probably is nothing that the guy working the Flowrider can probably do about it, but things like maintenance and repair ARE something that Royal can control. After all, this ship is only a year old and Royal is unable to get it back online for the entire cruise.

 

I've now spent a great deal of money, on 2 cruises for the express intent of spending time with my kids doing something we really love; the Flowrider. And both times Royal's response has been "oh well, there's nothing we can do about it".

 

Should there be something they can do about it? Please give me your perspective. This is really bothering me that I've now spent over $10,000, on 2 different cruises, where the one things we really went to do was never available because of something that I think Royal CAN control. Am I making too much of it?

 

ATCMickey

I'd see it a couple different ways for sure - and admittedly, yes, this would bother me too since I'd have spent money for the experience, and wouldn't have gotten it...so yes, that would be one.

The other way I thought about it (and the first that came to mind) is the fact that there's always something that could be wrong, or 'broken' during your cruise. (side note - raise your hand if you've ever read anything about a freestyle coke machine being down...:D)

These devices or attractions basically run for the better part of 14 + hours per day (if not more) for 7 days a week - 365 days per year. Something is bound to break at some point - and although it sucks - was probably just down for your cruise only.

The next trip may have seen the iFly or rock climbing wall down for whatever reason... So yeah... It can be dumb luck.

I remember a sailing I did with my wife on the Jewel some time ago that had one of the main elevators down for 4 of the 7 days. It happens... and we took the stairs.

Your car occasionally breaks, and you need to have it fixed. Your internet is supposedly on 24/7/365, but always finds some sporadic time to go down. Calls on your cell phones drop. Light Bulbs or appliances go out...

Sh*t happens, and it sucks when you're on the receiving end. You may have spent over $10k in cruising with RCI or any other line, and many of us have (and then some for others!), but the flow-rider isn't the only attraction, and IMO, not worth getting too worked up about.

Sure, it would warrant a well versed, constructive letter on your experience as I'm sure input is always valued - but like another poster responded - you're lucky enough to have the extra $10k+ to burn on something that not many get the experience of.

You're blessed - and this issue can merely be classified as (as they say) #Firstworldproblems.

What every happened to smiling. Someone post s a lighthearted piece about the web site and a credit and some folks are so rigid (or frigid) that they have to come online to take a pompous cheap shot? Lighten up! The best news is the web site down, so while it is you cannot be downgraded from Diamond to Gold or have your cabin disappear, or your price go up $9,000. That will happen when they come back online

haha...

Was able to log back into my cruise planner.

Many will be interested to know that "Butthurt" is now a valid excursion that can be purchased on many cruises!

Glad most of you were able to be entertained today - and don't take yourselves, or others' sarcasm too seriously!

Cheers!

All agents were notified last week they would be down for scheduled maintenance on Sunday. You should have contacted your agent.

Called my lawyer first.

NOW I'll call my agent!

It says they're performing maintenance. They're new website is a total mess, no doubt, but freaking out b/c they took it down to perform maintenance (which most sites do from time to time) isn't something that I would be overly upset about.

I agree 100%... Just wanted to see what it was like to have a totally irrational reaction to something out of my control. ;p

I'll stick to going with the flow! :)

Thats it!!! I'm calling them up and asking them to cancel my cruise, and offer me a 200% credit to future cruises.

What kind of customer service is this???

Unacceptable!!!

I know there's a parking garage for $20 per day (guaranteed spaces).

What is the procedure for parking there? Can you pull up curbside, drop your bags off with a valet, then go park and check in? Or do you have to park and bring everything with you to check in?

Will probably have 4 bags and a stroller with our little ones, so I want to make it as efficient as possible when we get there.

Not sure how or why... but it's true when they say that the anticipation can be just as fun as the vacation itself.

DW and the kids and I are one week out from driving to Bayonne and 8 days away from our first cruise in about 4 1/2 years.

I know there have been some suggestions peppered throughout the forum on activities for kids on various ships.

On the Anthem, for an almost 5 year old and 2 year old, what would you all recommend?

2 Y/O isn't potty trained, but I know there's a small zero depth play area on the pool deck for days at sea.

We scheduled a Dreamworks Character Breakfast for one of the mornings - not sure how that'll go, but I'm sure the kiddos will love it.

5 Y/O can't wait to try the bumper cars.

Other than that, we're looking forward to everything the ship has to experience. :D:D