restasured

1 minute ago, restasured said:

Every person in the cabin gets 1 free day for one device.  BUT, if you all have the login and password you can use any device.  If you are logged in and your wife wants to log in the information will show that.  She can log you our on her device and do what she wants from her device.  But only 1 device can be used at a time.  So you and your wife can not be on the login/password at the same time.  We are diamond, soon to be plus, and get one 1 day free each.  She logs in on her phone and does what she wants and usually logs out and I can get on with my phone after she is off.  But as I said if she is in a show or elsewhere and didn't physically log out herself and I know she is not using it I can log her out from my phone and do what I want to do.

My bad.  Though my info is correct I didn't read the part about you buying a package, so things would be different.

5 hours ago, PGHProducer said:

Hello,

 

My family of 4 are all Diamond. 

 

We are getting one internet plan for our upcoming cruise, figuring my wife can use her own diamond internet days as well as our kids. 

 

Even though I got a package, would she be able to use my free day as well? How would that work?

 

Every person in the cabin gets 1 free day for one device.  BUT, if you all have the login and password you can use any device.  If you are logged in and your wife wants to log in the information will show that.  She can log you our on her device and do what she wants from her device.  But only 1 device can be used at a time.  So you and your wife can not be on the login/password at the same time.  We are diamond, soon to be plus, and get one 1 day free each.  She logs in on her phone and does what she wants and usually logs out and I can get on with my phone after she is off.  But as I said if she is in a show or elsewhere and didn't physically log out herself and I know she is not using it I can log her out from my phone and do what I want to do.

On 2/4/2024 at 4:40 PM, Tatka said:

We always book our own cabin because we have a different idea with RCI what is a better cabin. Location is more important to us than a type of cabin.

 

Anyway, we use online agency and book well in advance. Often we pay less for selected room than for GTYs.

As well as we do.  We have booked twice in GTY but were fortunate and got cabins that were similar to what we wanted.  But we like midship and mid deck. So we typically book our cabin.  We get a fair number of "free" casino cruises (that usually cost twice what it would if we stayed out the casino) and have so far been able to pick our cabin.  Cruises we do have to pay for and want to go on we look at cost of each category and if the balcony in a location is more than we want to spend we look at oceanview and the interior.  We chose based on want, location and category.  ..

On 2/5/2024 at 3:15 PM, 2chiefs said:

Absolutely true!! Our first cruise was in 1996 in an inside cabin on the Monarch of the Seas and we paid $2600 for two (for a 7-day cruise)! We can still find prices that low for OV's and sometimes Balconies today. Of course we didn't know what we were doing so we probably overpaid somewhat.

And that $2600 was in 1996 dollars.  We have the same experiences.  It is much cheaper to cruise today then 20 - 30 years ago.  But that is the same with airlines.  And the service and amenities show it as well.  All ships had white table clothes in the dining room every night.  Many still do but not all. Airlines used to have light meals for even short flights and you could actually get into a window seat without half the plane getting up and stand in the aisle.

On 2/4/2024 at 8:24 AM, firefly333 said:

I call it a way to advertise like they have cheaper cabins than I can book. Its misleading advertising since I cant book that rate. Solo been complaining forever and of course couples dont care who book gty. Dont know why solo cant book gty on royal. I can elsewhere, it's just royal. 

It is simple.  Solo has been 200% for as long as I can remember and only a few lines and ships have solo cabins.  I don't agree with the 200% but I have no problem with 150%.  The line loses revenue from the cabin, casino, drinks, etc.

On 2/7/2024 at 8:39 PM, BND said:

I never get coffee in the lounge.  I don't like the options.  I'd rather pay for what I actually like.

More for me.  I like the options.

7 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

I agree, I don't want to see anymore benefits scaled back.  I appreciate the benefits and even if I don't lose access since I turn D+ soon I don't want anyone else to lose what they have been looking forward to.  It a balancing act that Royal is walking trying to provide a decent service.  With the success of the C&A program more people have become loyal and correspondingly increased the numbers.  The increased numbers created a challenge.  They can open the doors and let anyone in but what does that do to service levels. They have to manage their success somehow.  In this instance, diamond restrictions during high number cruises, is a reasonable accommodation. I can't see how they can manage it any other way.

Really don't believe it would be that difficult.  All the ships I have been on have venues that are very close to the Crown Lounge and could easily be transformed between 5 and 8 daily into an overflow lounge.  A set up for coffee and a pastry bar would not be difficult to roll in. And just put a monitor at the entrance with a sign saying Diamond and above.

11 hours ago, Mick B said:

Sorry, my comment about the pool hogs was a poor attempt at humour.

 

However, I do believe they published some literature somewhere stating that anything left unattended on chairs for more than 30 minutes would be removed and taken to the towel station for collection. So in effect, unless that is just bull on Royal's part, then I would actually image they would have someone available to carry out just such an action.

 

Anyway, back to the Crown Lounge, I do feel a bit sorry for the Diamond members who may lose out on the HH perk depending on capacity. One of the reasons for limiting the available space in there is partly due to RCI limiting the amount of Pins in the CL and therefore moving them into the Crown Lounge. 

 

I think a better way to handle this on ALL ships on ALL sailings (since they know how many C&A members Diamond and above will be onboard) is to simply allow everyone in the Crown Lounge and also open up a overspill nearby like they do on ships like the Anthem where they open up part of the Music Hall next to it, or on ships where the Viking Lounge is adjacent.

 

Its not like RCI are saving anything as everyone has to use their drinks vouchers to obtain a drink now.

 

The whole point of benefits is to not only award repeat cruisers with loyalty, but to also make them feel special and part of something. It isn't nice if you are given it but then find out you can't have it during a particular cruise, but you could have had it if you had gone a week earlier or later when the numbers were lower etc.

 

If you are like me, I didn't cruise to get to D+, my wife and I cruised because we liked what RCI did for us with food and shows etc and also to visit certain ports where we only wanted to visit for a few hours and not stay. Getting to Diamond and then D+ was a bonus, and a very nice one too. 

 

Sadly, at some point in time, unless RCI start changing the way points are kept/accrued, then more and more perks will probably be removed for Diamond and D+ folk. I get that and that's why I enjoy to the max what I can currently get. What I don't like is finding out once on board that certain things you were promised in advance are suddenly removed for the duration of that cruise only.

Can anyone remember when they started limiting access to the CL for D+ members when too many Pins or Suite guests were sailing that cruise. Well in the end they axed D+ members' entry to the CL full stop - so if that's anything to go by then you know what may happen soon. Really hope it doesn't come to that.

 

Mick.

 

Just got off the Harmony and right their in the stateroom was the letter, Diamond's not allowed between 5 and 8 pm.  Which for me was not a huge deal.  I am Prime as well and put a lot of money into the RCCL coffers and get drinks while in the casino.  I typically use my coupons for the shows or sitting in a lounge listening to the Guitar or Piano.  I do like the Caps and the Latte's though in the Crown Lounge.  We still a few more cruises to get to Diamond+ but should get there this year or the first part of next year.  It does make feel just a little bit more special when you aren't told you are welcome in the Crown Lounge.

On 12/18/2023 at 6:55 AM, asctony said:

Can anyone explain the differences in the 2 prices I posted? Same cabin same date. What or why the $1,600 difference?

TIA

Supply and Demand.  Very simple.

On 7/3/2023 at 2:31 PM, molly361 said:

Just the opposite for me.  Just off a 4 day cruise and I only had service one time on day 2.  My choice.  I am solo and certainly never needed twice a day and just found out that I don't really need it every day.  I was going to ask for new towels but never did.  I did see my cabin steward quite a bit and chatted in the hall but I don't need to be his/her bestie.  If I don't see them that's ok with me  I think I might do this from now on.  I like it

Kinda makes me wonder how many of the complainers about not having 2 or 3 towels a day even change 1 towel a day at home.  I am betting none of them change their towel even every other day at home, much less several towels each day.  I realize on a cruise you are not at home, but extra towels is not a reason for me to go on a cruise.

On 7/12/2023 at 4:17 PM, toxicfairy said:

Please don't be mean it's just my opinion...

Actual formal nights. I love getting dressed to the nines and seeing all the beautiful gowns and men in suits and tuxedos. We still do it but it was so much better when everyone did. I would ohhh and ahhh as people came in all fancied up.

I agree, no jacket, no tie, no service.

9 hours ago, ONECRUISER said:

I remember walking into a Port for a Cruise and get or pay for upgrade cheap! One I did had a OV and got a Jr Suite for $50. This back when Cruises were more expensive they are today

It was also pre-Homeland Security.  I was on a 7 day out of Galveston at about 11am and the person checking us in asked if we had any family or friends that could get to the terminal before 3pm, $50 a person plus taxes and tips.  Can't happen now.  Have to be checked in a couple days before sailing so you can be run through the computer.

6 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Tattoos?  That's interesting.  Care to elaborate? 

M

I would imagine the ridiculous amount of ugly ink people are putting on their bodies today.

On 7/12/2023 at 11:20 AM, megr1125 said:

Twice per day room cleaning and the old menus with the always available stuff on them.  Better quality meat without paying an upcharge.  I'll stop now.

Really?  Are you that messy?  I, for over almost 40 years of cruising have thought that 2 times a day room service was ridiculous.  I don't even make my bed once a day at home, just toss the top sheet and blanket up close to the pillow and call it good.

On 4/22/2023 at 5:23 PM, slhal said:

WOW!! Do you judge much? 

Doesn't sound like judging, just reality and observation.

On 4/22/2023 at 3:25 PM, slhal said:

Being a mother, I can think of a ton of reasons. The first being they couldn't find someone they trusted to watch them. 

And that is all fine and good.  But too many parents "drag" their kids along and turn them loose on the rest of the passengers.  Especially 7-8-9-10-11 and young teens.  Parents that, at home wouldn't let their kid even play in the front yard for fear of something bad happening, turn those same kids loose to do what they want on a cruise ship.  And as long as the kid isn't bothering the parents,the parents are all happy.  

On 9/22/2022 at 12:25 PM, ccletzgo said:

Have you considered Celebrity?  Your C & A status transfers

It transfers but the perks ore not completely compatible.  Diamond, at 80 points on RCCL, gets a person 4 drinks at any bar on the ship.  Celebrity doesn't have a perk at all that allows for complimentary drinks on there plan at all.  RCCL is much better than any of the lines, in my opinion, of all the lines.

On 7/30/2022 at 6:27 PM, twodjs said:

Royal is a good cruise line, but why are you loyal? If it's perks becauce of status, I'd suggest you step back and look at the bigger picture. If price were not an object, what experience is most important to you? Try to expand your vision before settling. Remember that your Royal status never goes away. Life is short. 

For me, the experience most important to me is to be on a cruise ship and no cares at all.  The perks on RCCL are just icing on the cake.  Price is, for most people, a factor in choosing a cruise line and itinerary.  So if I can get 4 or 5 included drinks per day, which is all I would drink anyway, that is just another $300 I can use on either the next cruise.

On 11/8/2022 at 1:47 PM, sapete said:

I just booked the Carnival Dream for 25 March.  I haven't sailed since before the pandemic and I noticed that I couldn't find anywhere to purchase a bottle of liquor for the stateroom as I had been able in the past.  I talked to customer service and they advised me that the pre-sail purchase of liquor had been eliminated in just the last two weeks!  When I asked if I would be able to purchase liquor for the stateroom on-board.  They didn't know and the passed me to the Fun Shop, who didn't know the answer but they thought the program had been completely eliminated except for some beer and wine options.

 

Has anyone (in the last two week or so) been able to get a bottle for their stateroom?

You evidently got some bad information.  Liquor | Food and Beverages | Carnival Cruise Line

On 11/10/2022 at 4:24 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I'm there with you - I wince at the price of CHEERS, and often go back/forth on it. I lucked out over the last couple of weeks and was able to book a new promo and upgrade another booking and will be getting CHEERS (Drinks on us Everywhere) included. I didn't hesitate on that !!

 

 

Tom

It appears I need to move from Balcony and invest a few more thousand dollars in the casino per cruise.  I get inside, oceanview and balcony with drinks in the casino for myself and a companion for the same pricing.  We have contemplated spending the extra couple thousand for suites, but jsut seems a bit excessive for us.  Just a little more "fugal" than many.  But then I don't drink more than 3 or 4 a day and would likely overindulge if the opportunity was there.  🙂

On 12/4/2022 at 3:38 PM, niksmom630 said:

Once we FINALY git thru security…. Another mass of people….. apparently lowly gold, who still weren’t allowed to board. 
 

worst boarding experience ever…. Actually, I did have one worse out of Tampa that because of a fog delay we didn’t board until almost 7 pm….,

 

guess I am spoiled after so many sailings out of Miami and FLL 

 

moving on to more positive commentary now…,: just consider yourself forewarned 😉

Try the CCL 14 day from LA round trip to Hawaii.  Boarding out of Long Beach.  Talk about a circus.  3 lines that turned into 4 lines and people had to all move left to the next line from the one they were in and then back right after someone decided to decide that the left line was for priority people.  Took over an hour standing outside the terminal and another 30 minutes inside.  And that was on a small ship.

On 12/15/2022 at 9:47 PM, rockon391 said:

The simple fact is all these cost cutting changes are going to change the cruising experience many cruisers have come to love. There will be a line for many…and that line for myself and fam is going to be crossed shortly. 
 

 

 

Could be but I doubt it.  The airline industry is a perfect example.  People fly Spirit airlines because it is cheap and no amenities.  Even if they could get a meal or drinks or whatever.  As long as cruise lines don't require a person to make their own bed and empty their own trash they customers will keep on coming.  I have never taken a "luxury" cruise, for several reasons.  Of course the cost of a luxury cruise can be 3 or 4 times what a budget cruise costs.  And I don't really care for the "stuffiness" of the high dollar brands. I prefer fun to frumpy. 

On 12/16/2022 at 8:08 AM, BND said:

How long have you been cruising?   We have for 17 years and it's changed a lot just in that timeframe.  I can tell you there are others on here who have cruised a lot longer and remember many things cut.

 

I'll say what I've said before, as long as people demand cheaper fares, there will be things cut.   

Exactly.  I remember our first several cruises, that EVERYONE came to dinner with slacks and a button up shirt and that was on CCL, RCCL, NCL etc.  Much like airlines.  50 years ago planes had 36 - 38 inch pitch where now it is 30 - 32.  Seats were 22 inches wide now 17 - 18 inches.  And most people were in suits.  But people wanted cheap and that is what they got.  And you can bet most of the ones whining are the same ones that want to be able to go to the main dining room wearing shorts, a t shirt and flip flops.  If I thought I just had to have twice a day service, a chocolate on my pillow, etc, I would cruise on Seabourn or Cunard or some of the other luxury cruise lines.  

On 12/16/2022 at 7:56 AM, loman said:

They just raised the gratuity rate recently , and now they cut the level of service,

but i guess you missed that .

I know, isn't that terrible.  A whole dollar a day.  That is almost enough for a 7 day cruise that a person could get a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

On 12/7/2022 at 11:18 AM, loman said:

I dont see it being an issue for me personally . 

They should reduce the gratuity amount though.

Its a cost cutting measure as i see it.

LOL  Yes that $3 a day for going in changing the towels, emptying the trash making the bed, vacuuming should definitely be cut to $1.50 a day.  After all on a 7 day cruise that could by a whole one more drink.  Sorry but we Americans are quite cheap.