Grandma Dazzles

I guess we will find out for sure soon, but Royal has not listed any exceptions to the bars in which the vouchers can be used.

Agree. However, on the Oasis in July I could not use in the bar directly outside the main dining room (deck3). We were a little early for dinner and sat in the waiting area and I decided to get a glass of wine and then take it into dinner when the doors opened. Bar tenders told me they did not accept the coupons - they were considered the "dining room." Wasn't a big deal, but I remembered on future nights and just got a glass of wine in the Schooner bar or Dazzles and took to dinner.

I received an e-mail from RCI about 3 complimentary drinks per day. Has anyone done this on there cruise. We leave on the Legend on the 3rd of Nov.

Thank you in advance, David H

There have been several threads and lots of comments on this.

There are three complimentary drinks loaded on your Sea Pass card. These can only be used during the normal diamond/concierge lounge cocktail hour - usually around 5:00 to 8:30 each evening. The drinks are in addition to the free drinks available in the lounges. You do not have to use them in the lounges - they operate as usual. The drinks cannot be used in any dining location, just in the bars. They are limited to standard cocktails, wine, beer - no frozen blender drinks.

Makes it easier if you are traveling with anyone who does not have access to the lounges.

So it's really for kids then? No one over 4ft 4in (52in)??

 

Or is that must be AT LEAST that tall?

 

 

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You must be at least 52" tall.

Regarding corkage fee, was told by our dining room waiter (who had been around for a while on different ships) that the only time he was told to charge a corkage fee was if the wine was not offered for sale on board so they knew it was one that had been brought on board by a passenger. He said even then most of the waiters did not charge.

I asked about taking a bottle that was a Crown and Anchor Diamond Plus gift, he said no problem, just bring it - actually told me to drop it off early so that they could ice it down.

It is much better to make your show reservations on line prior to your cruise.

If you wait until you board you may find that some shows, e.g. comedy club, may be full. The concierge can usually still possibly get you in, however, on the Oasis the comedy club was full even to the concierge.

Also, there are so many more shows to choose from, and times, that you can better plan your evenings. If you decide to change a time, the concierge can usually do this. Also, if you decide not to go to a specific show it is not a problem. Shows open up 10 minutes before hand for people without a reservation - you can usually get in - except the comedy club, which is a much smaller venue.

How come we don't tip for drinks in WJ? I know, the tip pool. But it is still service

 

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Some people do tip in the WJ. However, most of this discussion has been about tipping for free alcoholic drinks. If you ordered a glass of wine in the WJ you would be signing a tab with a 15% gratuity. If you order a glass of wine in the CL or DL you do not sign a tab and there is no 15% gratuity.

If you mean the cocktail hours, 5pm to 8:30pm. The lounges are accessible 24 hours with your SeaPass card.

In addition to the cocktail hours in the evening, the CL on the Oasis also serves free wine/beer with lunch.

Regarding glasses - prescription or sunglasses - I wish I could remember - I have watched quite a few people and family members!

I am thinking that glasses were okay - you are wearing a helmet which I thik fits pretty snugly - would think that would hold the glasses in place. I am sure someone must know!

May be a stupid question...but whats the difference between connecting and adjoining? Curious...

 

Kelly

Family just had connecting boardwalk staterooms on the Oasis.

Connecting rooms have a door INSIDE the cabin which can be opened up so that you can go from cabin-to-cabin. Just like a hotel room.

On the Oasis this was cheaper (at the time of booking) than a family stateroom, and also meant two bathrooms.

They were also able to have the balcony opened up so that was usable as one big balcony.

Adjoining rooms are just next door to each other in the same corridor - some people consider adjoining rooms such as a balcony and an inside directly across the hall - in other words adjoining meaning close together.

Hope that helps!

Actually, I'm more worried about those drink packages. They charge 15% up front, and then we're expected to tip the server again. Makes me not want to buy them.

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I don't think you are "expected to tip the server again." The original discussion was about tipping for free drinks, such as in the CL or DL, or the new three drinks loaded on your seapass card if you are diamond or above for use in the bars on board during cocktail hour.

These drinks are all free, and therefore I think a tip for the server is appropriate.

I agree, the Gold Card seating area in the theater on the ships I've been on is poor, and I seldom use it. I really like the Gold seating area in Studio B on the Voyager class-- the corner sections. Does anybody know if the reserved area on the Oasis is similar?

Sailed on the Oasis in July. The studio B ice show reserved seating is at the far end of the rink - where the skaters mainly come in and exit. Very poor location. It was not in the corner sections that we had used previously on the Independence, Liberty, etc.

Sailed on the Oasis in July.

Used the three drink vouchers. Was not given a "slip" - even one that said it was no-charge. After the first night I carried some $1 bills and tipped the server. It was obviously appreciated I tipped $1 after the first glass of wine; took another one with me to dinner and tipped again. My second glass was a "good one!"

Also, yes have always tipped the servers in the Diamond and Concierge lounge - usually at the end of the week.

On the Oasis in July.

Attendants would not allow non-gold card family members in the reserved section for the aqua show (fine with me - I just sat with them).

Also, you did not ask, but the gold section in the ice rink was in a poor location - at the "back" of the rink where skaters exited; much better to get your own seating.

"Teenage" is a pretty wide span - a 13-year-old probably would be very different from a 19-year-old.

What age and also what kind of "beauty treatment?" I know that manicures/pedicures/hairdressing are available - just wasn't sure what you had in mind.

Obviously living in Florida (or any other departure port city) is a tremendous advantage.

Any cruise for us always involves at least two connections - either through Detroit, Chicago or Minneapolis. San Juan is often a three-connection flight through Miami.

Used to getting up at 4:00 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. flight even for a trip to Florida ...... where you live makes a huge difference, and then factor in equipment and weather!

Another vote for flying in the day before the cruise.

Only tried in once flying in the day of the cruise - would not do it again.

We had problems several years ago when severe thunderstorms delayed our flights. We were delayed leaving Chicago because of mechanical problems, then delayed landing because of thunderstorms in Miami. The flight had made up the time and we were pretty close to landing on time in Miami - thunderstorms had us circling for quite a while We had a one-hour connection time - because of slow de-planing and our delayed landing we missed the connection - which left exactly on time.

Problem was the next flights were all full. We were flying American and they tried very hard to get us a connection. We were flying on frequent flyer miles (had million mile flyer status with the airline). I think having this status helped - they got us on standby on another flight and we made San Juan.

We made it to San Juan - had sailed out of there previously - knew the airport, baggage claim, taxi stand, etc. and got to the ship on time, but it was very stressful.

Would never do it that way again! Even booking through the cruise line and hoping they would hold the ship it would be just too much!

On the Oasis the open skate was for all passengers (helmets required) and they had plenty of skates. Rink was limited to 50 people and sessions were for half-an-hour. You could sign in for one and then re-sign for the next one if space was available.

There was also additional time called "advanced skate" - you had to have your own skates for this - not sure why - it was not predicated on skating ability.

 

Ships are equipped for minor emergencies, like cuts, bruises, tummyaches...maybe even a broken bone could be made stable...but that's about it.

 

Agree that passengers with major issues should perhaps not be traveling, however, I think the above statement is untrue. They definitely can handle more than minor emergencies. Knew a passenger that had a totally unexpected heart attack, was stabilized, and received medical evacuation - said their treatment was fantastic and very professional.

Also, don't forget the thousands of crew they are responsible for. Treated in the medical facility for a bad sprain, possible broken bones - x-rayed, treatment was excellent. During the time I was there a crew member was brought in - she was obviously in a lot of pain - the staff went to work just like any other ER facility and seemed very competent.

I have been reading this thread with interest ...... I don't think anyone should fault the staff for using a "given" name on a roster; after all they deal with hundreds of people/children.

I understand the "Tony" instead of "Antony" even "Peggy" instead of "Margaret"; however, I think the bigger problem in this particular case is that the staff are dealing with a child who doesn't really know her "real" or "legal" name. I think by age 4 that a child should know their real name ...... even if they have a nickname. In an emergency this could be a problem.

Having said that, and reading the Sharpie solution, how about making or buying a name tag for the child with both names - that way if the Sea Pass card is put away the name would be evident. There are lots of name tags available, formal, "crafty", paper, stick-on, etc. I think that would alleviate the problem. The tag could easily show both names.

Well then, that entire family can pick a meeting place outside the theater and all walk in together. One person trying to save an entire row of seats is unacceptable and I have no sympathy for her.

Just going to post a similar thought - you beat me to it!

The whole family/friends group can get there ahead of time, or meet at a designated spot!

Just went through similar situations on the Oasis in the theater and ice rink - some people think they can save numerous seats, not just one for someone at a bathroom break.

RCI round trip per person is $64 for my 08 / 24 cruise.

The limo service quoted me $80 per person round trip for the same dates.

Each was from Hobby Airport to the ship and back.

Good to know - it surprises me that they would be cheaper.

OP is talking IAH though, not Hobby.

Not sure of the pricing at this time, but several years ago when we sailed out of Galveston found that Galveston Limo shuttle was cheaper than RC and ran very frequently. Perhaps check it out and see.

Thanks for your estimate! This seems very reasonable to me.

 

 

 

Thanks for your reply, I really don't see us doing the whole MDR thing, we're very laid back and don't like formalities whatsoever. We'd definitely give the formal night a miss, we'd feel like fish out of water. We wouldn't be avoiding in because of cost. :)

 

 

How do you pre-pay the gratuities, I'd do that if I knew how! $100 for 2 people for the week, how do you manage that! I'd love that, since the cost of the cruise is hardly negligible to begin with

 

 

Is buying bottled water at a supermaket at a visiting port and bring it back onboard to keep in your cabin not allowed? I was looking at buying a 4/6 pack of 1L bottles as I am a massive water l:)

Please do not miss the main dining room thinking it is "too formal." Even on formal night you will see people that are not formally dressed. As long as you are dressed in long pants, shirt, etc. you will be fine. There are lots of threads on dressing - very controversial subject. However, the MDR food and service are much nicer than eating in the Windjammer (buffet). It is just so much more relaxing to have someone take care of your order and serve you! There are always standard options on the menu if you don't like the choice of entrees for the evening (and there are usually around four main choices). You also have your choice of starter appetizers - soups, salads, appetizers, etc.

Your daily gratuities are $12 per person, per day. These are billed to your sea pass card account daily. If you wish to pre-pay ahead of time your travel agent or RC can take care of that. If you choose to do My Time Dining rather than early/late seating in the main dining room you do have to pay those ahead of time. All bar tabs (including those for soda or bottled water) will include a standard 15% gratuiting - again billed to your sea pass card.

You should plan a few dollars for tips if you choose to order room service. Room service is free until midnight. After midnight there is a service charge (I think it is around $4 or $5 per order). The actual food/order is free, but you are expected to tip the delivery person - usually $2 to $5 depending on the size of the order.

You cannot bring any bottled water back on board - no bottles of any kind (alcohol for example). If you do it will be held until you leave the ship and given back to you. Some people have said they do this, but don't count on it - it is against the rules. There are various drink packages - take a look at what you might like - remembering that there are lots of free drinks available.

There is always a charge for bottled water, but you can get a glass of ice water just about anywhere on the ship. You can also take a water bottle (like a sports bottle) and fill it yourself - just not from the tap at the machine - you can fill your own bottle with water or whatever other free driniks you prefer using a glass to pour it it. (Health rules permit putting your bottle to the tap on the machine.) Also, bear in mind that the water on the ship is perfectly fine for drinking, including in your cabin. Your room steward will bring ice twice a day - you have to request him to do this - but not a problem.

Enjoy your cruise!

Also,

We don't smoke and rarely drink so that frees up money as well.

Apart from that we are just fortunate,

I am quite frugal and don't want much.

Thanks for the response - I truly didn't mean to criticize you personally (your spending habits are none of my business). Hope I didn't offend you. I was mainly trying to point out that the Ritz Carlton is not a "normal or usual" hotel for most people! I have stayed at their properties, and yes, the service was impecable, but it came at a steep price!

Glad you had a great cruise!

When we arrived we were greeted by someone who gave introduced himself to us and thanked us for choosing the Ritz-Carlton and escorted us to Check in. Check in was a breeze and the guy who checked us in was very nice. Then we were personally escorted to our room and the guy who escorted us took our luggage and then ran through all the stuff about the hotel.

I was an idiot and didn't take a photo of the room. :mad:. But to show you how nice it was, I took a photo of the sparkling clean bathroom.

 

Very interesting review - glad that you posted.

 

A couple of comments, particularly for any of your fellow countrymen or overseas visitors, who may not be aware of cruising out of FLL.

 

I think everyone would agree that the Ritz Carlton is a beautiful hotel (most of them are), however, they come at a steep price.. Last time I checked they were in the $500 a night category - that's pretty expensive for a lot of people - could be the price of a cruise! Stayed at a couple and they were very good. You definitely are treated well, but I would be interested to know what you thought of the cost. Even the Hilton in New York is an expensive hotel.

 

Many people fly into Fort Lauderdale because of the close proximity to the cruise terminal. Nothing against Miami, but FLL is much easier, and you don't have to worry about transportation from MIA to FLL. It pays to consider that when arranging/pricing flights. MIA is definitely a bigger, busier, airport, but not always the best choice for everyone. Compare before booking.

 

Please keep up the review - not meaning to sound critical - but your trip sure sounds wonderful, but very much an expensive, high-end one! Please let us know some of the pricing involved with the hotels, restaurants, etc. Good to know if they are "out of the ballpark." Thanks!