MandyMooToo

I won't go back to Carnival until they throw the pool deck DJ overboard.

Thank you! I needed a laugh today...sounds like something I would say :D

At the risk of getting cyber scolded I have to ask if anyone can give me an easy break down of where you cannot use the premium or ultimate drink package. We had the premium package last year on Oasis and were never turned down but we never tried Vintages, or the like, and only tried Giovanni's for lunch one day so no use of the package there. We are going on Allure this year and have heard about Bolero's having amazing mojitos, a champagne bar, Rita's Cantina margaritas...can you use the package in all specialty restaurants? All bars? What are the exceptions?

**Yes, I have read thread after thread and post after post but could not find exactly what I was looking for. TIA for anyone that offers help :)

Thank you MandyMooToo..I feel better now. lol

You are so welcome :)

when do you get charged for MTD since it's prepaid, before the cruise on your credit card?

You do realize you answering a person who posted this back in January 2012 and they have posted anything else since...right???! :cool:

Someone (as quoted above) revived the thread with a question earlier today;)

In October we were on Oasis and on the final day we were not given any envelopes at all..we did prepay tips..I sure hope we didn't stiff our cabin steward...OMG ...I would feel sooooo badly since he was the best we ever had. We did tip him immediately on the first day..but that wasn't meant to be his full tip. Can anyone tell me if all the ships give envelopes as we are going on the Oasis again in August (prepaid tips) and certainly don't want to short change any of the hard workers..

Also...the prepaid tips don't include bartenders, do they? I always saw the mandatory tip on the receipt and added an extra $1 ea drink. Am I over tipping? (we got great bartender service)

No worries, your prepaid tips covered the cabin steward also (though we prepaid our CB gave us envelopes which we gladly added extra to because he was great). As for the bar tenders, if you purchased a package the tips are included, if not then you were right to tip. Some people tip a bit extra even with the package, we did and service was great :D

when do you get charged for MTD since it's prepaid, before the cruise on your credit card?

You are charged for the prepaid gratuity before the cruise. There is no "charge" for MTD, you just have to pay your tips/gratuity beforehand.

Vigilant 'both ways' as you say is good. Often we jump into the WJ to grab something and then head back to our poolside chairs to actually eat, generally gone 10-15 minutes in total. It is helpful to make friendly chatter with those sitting around you at the pool.

Absolutely! If it had not been for our new friends we may not have gotten my husband's seat back!

Wonderful and simple review of your Oasis cruise -- that I appreciate. I will be sailing on the Allure June 29 sailing, and hope that some of what you describe happen during that sailing. Specifically, how the staff handled the 'pool chair hogs'.

 

I was also happy to hear your feelings about Central Park and the Promenade. This will be our 15th cruise on Royal, and have enjoyed the Promenade on other ships. This time we have taken a balcony cabin overlooking Central Park, and hope we enjoy sitting on the balcony overlooking Central Park. We have had Ocean View Balconies on other ships, and found ourselves on the balcony a little bit (either early in the morning or just before dressing for dinner) -- I am hoping to enjoy the balcony on Allure more.

 

Having cruised quite a bit (and you have done even more cruises that we have), I really worry that the ships don't put a little bit more 'emphasis' on the muster drill. I surely pay attention, but when I look around, so many others pay very little attention.

 

When I look back at our cruises on Royal, all of them have had a broad range of passengers demographics. Since I have not cruised on other lines, I can't speak for them. I have found that Royal attracts many Europeans, Asians as well as Latin Americans. Many, many times there have been almost as many Latin Americans on board as Americans. When we cruised on Jewel out of San Juan, almost 50% of the cruise was Latin Americans (nor was I surprised at that).

 

With our cruise less than 100 days away, much of what you have said, helps me get ready for our cruise.

We were on Oasis last year and as far as chair hogs went i have to say that the staff was good about it. My husband and I usually choose one day to do nothing but lay by the pool reading and partaking of fruity beverages :D and the staff was always near by checking times. We actually had staff intervene on our behalf when I had gotten up and gone to the restroom and my husband went to the soft serve ice cream machine. I can't keep that man away from ice cream!! It is like he's never had it before, but I digress....we were literally gone for a few minutes when a woman walked up and moved my husband's shirt and towel off his chair. The persons we had befriended in chairs all around us told the lady we had only gone to the restroom and ice cream machine but she basically said "tough, you get up you lose your chair." Staff stepped in and she was moving as I walked back to our spot. So I guess staff is vigilant in both ways :rolleyes:

I thought RCCL had replaced all the old beds with the comfort top mattresses?

I usually look forward to sleeping well on a cruise, I wake up in the same position I went to sleep - they are that comfortable..:)

I was thinking the same thing. I sleep like the dead on RCCL cruises.

OP- I hate that you are having so much trouble, it really sucks to not sleep well, especially with all the other issues!! :(

If I remember correctly the wait times for the different dining venues were posted on your stateroom TV.

Yes, they have them on your stateroom TV and on various screens (if that is what they are called :D) around the ship. Any screen, near the elevators for example, could be touched to get info on eateries and their real time capacity. Loved that feature! It was nice to have an idea about where you could get in and out of if you were in a bit of a hustle.

I too thought the Windjammer was small for a ship of this size but on further consideration, for us at least, it was not an issue as we only ate there once the whole cruise. We visited so many other food establishments that we never really bothered with the buffet.

To the OP-Thanks for the review, love hearing other opinions/experiences!

I am sorry! That stinks :( I think we will wait to book on the ship as I have been told that they hold back some times for passengers that do so. We will see! Good luck.

I don't drink a lot, but I do drink expensive, lol. DH drinks a little more, but still expensive. We had the Premium package last month and loved it.

 

I usually drank virgin umbrella drinks during the day (which I find pricey compared to the ones with booze, just a buck or so cheaper, I just don't prefer the booze all day), sometimes had a leaded one or a beer later in the day, a martini or two before dinner, a glass of wine with dinner, a Jameson after dinner, and a bottle of water on the way back to the stateroom for bed for when I invariably wake up feeling like I've been walking through a desert instead of sleeping for the last few hours. On average, those drinks for the day would have been somewhere in the neighborhood of $45-50, and that doesn't include the seltzer I was sipping on throughout the day from the Freestyle machine, or the occasional diet coke late in the afternoon when I needed some motivation to wake up, peel myself off my lounger, and not sleep through dinner, lol.

 

It was a game changer for us when they changed the package to include wine beyond the house swill, and fold the soda package into the deal.

 

Bottom line, I think I probably broke just about even. DH probably did a bit better. That, combined with the peace of mind that we weren't going to have any unpleasant surprises when checking our account the next day because we had lost track of how much we spent, made it totally worth it for us. We'll do it again for sure.

 

I don't think it would be worth the extra $10 for us for the Ultimate package. We've had something similar on Celebrity and forgot to get fresh OJ all week, lol. DH is perfectly happy with the free black coffee, and I'd hit Starbucks once a day at most. The $55 was well worth it, but we can't justify the leap to $65.

 

YMMV, of course, this was just our experience.

This! So many people keep saying that a person would have to drink a ton of alcohol or stay drunk the whole cruise for it to pay off but I do not agree. Adding bottled water, sodas and upping the wine by the glass price allowance definitely makes it a good deal for us. I drink a lot of diet Coke/Coke Zero (I know, not good :rolleyes:) along with water throughout the day. Add that to a couple of drinks by the pool, wine with dinner and maybe a drink or two at a show or a late night drink with hubby while wandering the ship and you have $55 easily, especially since that includes tips. I also really enjoy not having to worry about a bill at the end of the cruise. BUT, that's just us. I am sure that there are many people who wouldn't benefit.

Anyone that has cruised the Caribbean during the period of June to November has cruised during hurricane season.

True, we did cruise last year the first part of June so technically hurricane season, just early I guess!

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We are sailing on Allure 8/31/14-9/7/14...I am hoping for decent weather but we purchased trip insurance just in case. We've never cruised/beach vacationed this late in the season really so a little nervous.

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I too am disappointed in the new negative changes. However, I am willing to accept them because I have seen the reduction in cruise prices as well. I have been cruising RC for 10 years now. I used to pay about $650- $800 per person for a 7 night Caribbean cruise ( inside room). I paid 890.00 once. I now have a 6 night cruise on the Independence booked for 383.00 person, and a 7 night for the Allure can be had for 712.00 per person - also inside rooms.;)

Yep, we just booked a 7 night on Allure Labor Day week for $678 pp using a discount but the per person rate was approx $800 before the discount. Our first cruise was on Sovereign, 5 day/4 night, $750 total for two people and Oasis last summer for $950 pp. Also all inside rooms. Our land based vacay a few years ago was $3000 (AI resort) in Jamaica. When I compare that trip with our cruises I feel like we are getting a huge bargain....but that's just me :)

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I'm one of those people, but it's not because of snobbery. For me it's a mental health issue. I need that private outdoor area or I would go bonkers. Not comfortable in small enclosed spaces or crowded areas.

I completely understand this reasoning. I suppose my issue is with those are nasty about it as though anyone in an inside cabin should be locked below decks in case they might rub up against someone and get their "inside cabiness" on them :rolleyes:

Those people are just snobs. I have sailed from inside to suites. I just found my 3 year old son will sleep longer in an inside cabin. Getting that 30 min to an hour more of sleep is worth more than gold to me. I would pay for that kind of sleep, so why pay more and get an hour less sleep cuz now we have a balcony and outside light.

My husband is like your three year old :D He has been a police officer for over 26 years and pulled duty on shift work for many of those years so he is just set in his ways now! I don't really care either way as I just want to cruise!

I am sorry, I was wrong about our cruise on Allure this Labor day, I said over $700 for an inside cabin but I looked at the reservation and we are paying $678pp (before prepaid grats and trip insurance). Not a huge difference from what I said but different nevertheless...

Those people are idiots. I'd take an inside over no cruise at all any day. What's right for you may not be right for them. Hawaii looked the same to me from my inside cabin as it did to those in the suites. :) I wouldn't have been able to cruise to Hawaii for 11 days in anything other than an inside and I'll cherish those memories forever.

Absolutely! ;)

For us $999 is high but, because my husband has to have basically complete darkness to sleep, an inside is all we ever book and we'd pay it if we wanted to go on that boat or itinerary. We paid $950pp for an inside on Oasis last summer but we got an inside on Allure (8/31-9/7, 2014 labor day week) for a little over $700 so I'm happy with that. I think it all depends on what you really want, no one can decide value for you. I have had people comment to me that only cheap people who can't afford to cruise the "right way" would book an inside or there are those that wouldn't take a free cruise from Royal or anyone else if they had to go in an inside room so you have to decide how high is too high! Good luck :)

What a cool bit of Trivia! Sovereign of the Seas was also my first cruise on RCCL...also our Honeymoon cruise.

Our honeymoon was on Sovereign also! My sister and her husband honeymooned on her a week after we did :)

I get severely motion sick on every mode of transportation and the only thing that works for me is the patch. I have tried so many OTC's, etc. that did not work or made me a sleepy zombie I finally gave in and tried the RX patch. I realize some people have side effects but I have not had a single issue and I use them on cruises and planes and have done so since 2005 without any side effects or problems. I just put on a patch about 24 hours before I get on the boat/plane and carry "less drowsy" Dramamine in case of breakthrough nausea (hasn't happened but you never know). I also get a RX from my doctor for phenergan gel in case I get sick with anything nausea inducing while traveling. Basically your wife needs to consult her doctor and see what he or she recommends. Always remember to check the recommended directions as some remedies are to be started before you begin travel. Good luck!

These tips are the ones we ALWAYS use while cruising:

 

 

*we bring white noise i.e. small fan, compact air purifier, etc. To drown out sounds of hall traffic or next door guests

*a spray bottle with Resolve carpet cleaner. It will remove ANYTHING from clothing...and I mean ANYTHING! Shout stain remover or Tide sticks are nothing compared to Resolve!

*walkie talkies for the kids and I to constantly communicate onboard there's a vibrate feature so it doesn't disturb those around us

* OR you could also call the cabin from any wall phone placed everywhere on the ship. Just dial your room #. There's a voicemail feature as well if noones in there.

* We borrow a sheet from our cabin bed to take to the beach to lay on so we aren't relying on there being lounge chairs for us. It keeps your towels from getting sandy and gross

* when we are walking past the port vendors and 'sales people' who hound you to buy this or that , we pretend we are on a very important phone call on our cellphones. We don't even make eye contact w them...I know its dishonest but neither me or my husband do well with pushy sales people. This tricked works 100% without fail. They never have disrupted us EVER!

*when there are excursions offered for beach/shopping you can almost always just pay a cab to take you to the same exact location and you aren't constrained to the excursions assigned times and you're saving a ton on price!

*bring power strips for extra outlets. There's never enough.

* if you plan to swim at the beach or snorkel (on your own) grab a small box of cereal at the breakfast buffet and take it with you and bring underwater with you and you will have a thousand colorful tropical fish surround you eating the treat! They love it and its a remarkable experience!

*we bring dollar store swim rings for the ocean to use as float aides. I'm careful not to call them 'life savers' bc they are certainly not! But they are so convenient to pack (deflated, they're teenie) and they're just so helpful to just keep your arm hanging onto it so you're not constantly kicking and treading water! It made me feel a bit more secure in the deeper areas.

* we tie large, bright, gaudy ribbons around our luggage handles so they're easily spotted in the disembarking area (luggage claim). Nothing more frustrating to see a million suitcases the same color as yours. The ribbons will help you spot yours from the rest!

* we also take twisty ties to the zippers of our luggage to keep it from being opened easily. Those bags get tossed around like crazy and it could open easily if not properly secured

* when you come back aboard from a port. The clans of ppl waiting to get on those elevators are the biggest clumps of ppl ever! Try walking up one floor and using the elevators from there or better yet, walk up on floor or so and walk forward or opposite to use elevators not on another track. A lot less stressful I promise!

* I bring a ziplock back with Clorox disinfecting wipes to wipe our hands and utensils after we've been through the buffet lines. Even though you sanitize before getting the food, its an extra sanitizing step to keep from gettin that 'virus' since all those ppl are coughing and touching the serving utensils that you will in turn pick up and use after they do. The wipes are perfectly safe for use on hands and its a good germ killer!

* I unpack all our clothes and hang just about everything. You can ask for extra hangers if you don't have enough. Then we 'nest' our bags all inside of each other and put away until the end to make extra room.

 

There's more that we do but this is all I can think if at the moment. Will add them if I think of them

Happy cruising from the Ballou Family!!!

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Carnival Glory 2012

Disney Magic 2011

Carnival Triumph 2010

Carnival Victory 2009

Disney Magic 2008

Carnival Inspiration 2008

Carnival Victory 2007

Carnival Triumph 2002

Excellent tips, thanks for posting! I always think I'm sooo smart when I am preparing for a trip until I read a post like this one and see I'm missing things ;)

From someone who lost my mother Oct was a year ago to a massive stroke and was gone in minutes, a 28yo son last Nov in a car wreck who was go in seconds and aunt who is hospice for months now and still suffers daily. I understand how the family feels and offer condolences to them all. But I hope they see a bright side to the tragedy, she left this life doing something she loved and didn't suffer. I only hope when it's my time I get to go doing something I love and go quick. I never want to spend my last days laying in a hospital bed suffering till I'm gone.

 

God bless you, I am so sorry for your losses. I agree with you, I'd rather go doing something I love.

My husband and I booked an inside (Q) cabin for my son and his friend (both 17 yrs old) on Oasis last summer as a graduation gift. We chose an inside for ourselves as well because my husband cannot sleep without complete darkness (hotels are a real challenge). I was concerned about space for us more than the boys as they could care less but I carried a ton of stuff! The room we booked was the one that is linked to in an earlier post (11275). There was plenty of room and we just booked another inside room on Allure for this August :)