livingonthebeach

Only the continental breakfast items are free - the American breakfast on that menu is $7.95 plus gratuities.

I know we get CAS discounts for Ocean balconies but was wondering about a Central Park balcony on Symphony. Also are there different discounts for different tiers and months out to booking? And lastly if you book onboard and get that tier and then move up a tier before the cruise, do you get the better tier discount? TIA

On the "Going, going, gone sale" it looks like Radiance out of Tampa has better pricing. https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Promotions/rci_sales_event_USD.pdf

Only if one doesn't tip. I always tip if on the rare occasion I order coffee in the cabin, so for me it's not free. Yes the $7.95 charge is for the American breakfast, it's complimentary if you just order pastries and other "continental" items with your coffee. On Royal's website it states that room service is available at anytime, day or night. So technically you could have free coffee at 3am if you so desired?

I guess we will all have to stop drinking, skip the MDR, give up day beds and drive to the ports. All joking aside, cruising even though it's gone up in price, is probably still less than land based hotels and restaurants if you calculate the daily charges.

The lounge access is in danger of extinction so we are all OOL.

You're right. My bad. It's been ages since I sailed Explorer so I can't help. The expresso machine might be history anyway when they're finished with all the changes currently going on in the DLs.

Sounds like a Mobstah Lobstah to me. 🤣

This would be Enchantment? RCI has to come up with some very enchanting things for me to get on that ship again. It's got to be my least favorite of the ships I've been on.

It's advertised as the following: "Whole Maine Lobster — 2 lb.: Stuffed with crab, topped with creamy béchamel sauce and grated Gruyere, then baked until golden brown served with choice of side" I'm looking forward to indulging in the above on my Navigator cruise next week. I'll take two extra tails to make up for the half pound deficiency any day!

Out of Tampa? For real? Is it a New Year's cruise? Queen's birthday jubilee? Owner's suite?

Be very careful. You are giving away too many clues. The RCI detectives will find you and send you to the brig where you will be met by the Texan police upon arrival in Galveston and escorted to the Galveston County Jail. So be grumpy the entire time you are reducing the casino's mathematical advantage.

LOL - You left out a huge clue - born in 1944. There are only a few million people fitting that description 😂

LOL - I'll have one of each please.

True and actually the American breakfast has the $7.95 price tag and the continental is free. So free coffee (only tip) but only starting a 6:00am I believe.

I've sailed both ships and IMHO I would pick Harmony over Rhapsody unless you prefer Rhapsody's itinerary. There is no comparison between a newer Oasis class ship and an older Vision class ship as far as amenities and things to do. Rhapsody is more for relaxation and if you're okay with that then there is nothing really wrong with Rhapsody. I sailed Rhapsody on a Southern Caribbean port intensive cruise out of Barbados and then a B2B back to Miami. My only complaint was the nightmare disembarkation which was unique to that sailing since she was heading over to Israel after Miami. You will probably have no issues with the sailing out of Tampa and back. Maybe the Black Friday sale will show a reduction in Harmony prices? Which ever you decide enjoy your cruise! Holiday cruises are a lot of fun!!!

Yes and preferably before you bring down the house! 🤣

Yes and for $7.95 plus an 18% gratuity make sure you order lots of goodies from the "free" continental breakfast menu.

The ship sanctioned excursions are truly hit or miss. I've been on great ones and not so good ones. The only real advantage to these tours is knowing if there's a problem getting back on time, you won't miss the ship = the ship won't leave you stranded in a foreign port. Is it worth the extra money? Some may say yes due to the removal of stress in getting back on time. Will you miss out on a fantastic local tour for less money? Probably.

LOL - you made me have my first ROTFLMAO today! So true, it is common knowledge indeed. Hardly worth investigative resources finding the true identity of a CC poster who may or may not count cards. 🤣

Yes, that's true. But if one is on a ship that doesn't have CP you are OOL or SOOL.

Not all ships have Cafe Promenade -- if you want coffee that early the only choice is the Diamond Lounge or soon to be Crown Lounge, using the self serve machine (when it works).

The Champagne (really bubbly not true French Champagne) and chocolate covered strawberries are currently on sale for Black Friday. I've ordered this before and it was delivered and in the cabin on embarkation day - no issues. For my cruise leaving out of Barcelona in June of 2024 the deal is currently $31.99 which is a very good price. It's a nice touch to have in the cabin upon entering. Check your cruise planner prices and then decide.

Yes some rooms far exceed the $200 mark yet if you book off season you might get a better rate closer to a bit under $200 -- but when you add tax etc. it goes a bit over. That's not including meals, snacks, and entertainment. Plus drinks and other perks (if on the C & A loyalty program). I haven't come across any land vacation that includes all of that for less. If anyone has, please let me know.

Keep checking -- some things get added at a later date.