S.A.M.J.R.

Is "she" your friend? Did she get that paper from the bank (actually call and have something emailed or printed in a branch) or online? I think she needs to talk to a human at the bank (if she hasn't already) and say "the vendor says it was declined".

I have no financial backing and didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but I would start with the bank. "The vendor (Royal) says this payment was declined. Do you have anything showing it went through?"

I'm pretty sure you can make reservations for each night before you sail online in the cruise planner or in the app.

What time were you off the ship?

Very simple IMO. Let's say the lifeboat holds space for 100 passengers. That either gives you 50 cabins with 2 people in them or 25 cabins with four in them. So they outfit the ship with 25 cabins that can hold four people. But, not every one of those cabins will be filled. So let's say 20 people take 10 of the cabins, 5 people take 5 cabins, 15 people take 5 cabins and 20 people take 5 cabins. So, 25 cabins, but only 60 people. Leaves a lot of extra space on the life boat. So the rooms are all taken, but lifeboat space isn't. This allows flexibility if someone wants to add a person after booking. I'm sure Royal has math that shows how many berths will be empty. They want to get as many people on board as they can. Eh, it makes sense in my head. 😛

I'm not sure what you're questioning. EVERY item for sale is priced as high as the seller thinks will get the most profit. If things don't sell, the price goes down. Economics 101.

You do know this is how every business operates right?

I can beat that...

On our first cruise in 2013 (Oasis), DW & I paid $250 for an OTW cabana on Labadee. That was the same price we paid in 2014 (Freedom). Now they go for what? Close to $1k (if not over)? But I agree with @cruiseguy1016, if people will pay, why SHOULDN'T RCI charge that much?

Depends on the price difference between the refreshment package and the deluxe package. The refreshment package gets all you of the "extras". The only thing the deluxe gets you additional is alcohol. The price difference could be $60+. That would be four $14 drinks (including tip).

Same site also has it as: Allure 12593 Oasis 10617 Oasis 12235 Allure 12179 And a bunch of others. Looks like the CP balconies are either 2J or 1J...

I thought they used a captain's hat (like Skipper wore in Gilligan's Island). It would be appropriate on a cruise, but I don't know if kids would get the meaning. I do remember in college, I had saved some "Do Not Disturb" signs from hotels I had travelled to and my roommate and I would use those when we... ahem... didn't want to be disturbed. 😉 😄

I don't understand this argument. Because you've paid extra to get access to something, that something should be free? Royal (any company) will charge what it wants to charge. If enough people purchase, they'll at least keep the pricing, if not raise it. If not enough people purchase, they'll lower the price, or do away with the offering. What is so different about these milkshakes? If you don't want to spend that much money on the milkshake, don't. If you do, do. It's the same as: * Itinerary * Ship * Cabin Class * Specialty Restaurant * Excursions * Drinks (and drink packages) And I'm sure a bunch of stuff I'm forgetting.

Read carefully... *WE* couldn't latch the doors. The cabin attendant had to unlock the door (which they wouldn't do with two separate parties). I'm sure the attendant would latch it back if we asked, but is that something you really want to do? 😉

This is incorrect. RCL allows kids to be directly across the hall from the parents. When we travelled as 5 (kids were 16, 10, & 7 I believe), on Freedom, we did connecting balconies. I agree with the two rooms. We've done 5 in hotel rooms for a couple of nights for weekend trips, and while doable, it's a pain. Cruise cabins are generally going to be smaller than hotel rooms. One thing I remember from the connecting rooms, we couldn't latch/lock the connecting door. So "private time" had to be selected carefully to avoid the chance of kids barging in.

Thank you!

I don't, but it shouldn't be too hard to build one of your own.

Android phones can't send/receive text messages (using the Message App) over Wifi. However, you CAN use WhatsApp for text, voice, and video calls on wifi. To test, while at home, go into airplane mode, connect to your home wifi and see if you can send messages. ETA: Have all phones on wifi to test. Just having the iPhone on wifi won't help. ETA 2: At least I've had problems with my Android sending/receiving messages when on Wifi only.

Cruising on RCI Harmony in July. Disembark on a Saturday. NOT early risers, anticipate/hope to get off the ship between 9-10. What's a realistic flight to target out of HOU or IAH? Guessing 12:30-1p from HOU (or later) and 2p or later for IAH? Planning on private car service, but don't know who yet (won't book until air is done). TIA

Yes, sorry, I should have included going on a wait list. I was more commenting on "We are trying to escalate the situation with Royal." What do they want Royal to do?

I'm sorry, but escalate it for what? It sounds like you want one of two things to happen... 1) You get put in TD at 5:15. Assuming all the tables are full (hence the wait list), who should Royal bump out of their reservation to give you the table? 2) Moved "up" to earlier than 8p on the MTD dining list. Again, who should be bumped off their reservation? Take things into your own control... 1) Have a late lunch/snacks so you & diabetic party member CAN wait until 8p. 2) Eat in the WJ 3) Line up for MTD at 6 in the "non-reservation" line. Heck, I'd even try 5:30, hoping some TD folks don't show up and they open those tables early. All of the above are free. If you want to spend money (and I totally understand not), make reservations at a specialty restaurant or order room service.

Some of the promotions are for "new bookings only". Don't know if that's what the case is with you, but possible.

Thank you!

Thank you! Do you remember how long the tour was?

We'll be on Harmony in July to celebrate youngest DD's HS graduation. She plans to go to school for Culinary Studies. I noticed in our cruise planner a "Sip, Tour, Brunch" availability on the last sea day. "Spend your sea day with the Executive Chef on an exclusive tour of the galley — plus brunch in the Main Dining Room complete with unlimited sparkling wine. We’re giving you a taste of the secret sauce it takes to run a massive dining operation that never stops — serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for thousands of guests and crew. Then, we’re treating you to an exceptional brunch and unlimited sparkling wine in the Main Dining Room. Space is limited and may sell out, so be sure to book before your cruise for the biggest savings." Has any one done it? It doesn't say how long it is (starts at 11am). I thought DD might be interested in it.