Why are you doing this RC?!!??

[mark290]

First, I wasn't looking for your sympathy! Second, Who said I didn't make any effort? That's a "pretty big assumption" on your end. I've contacted my TA and he has dealt with wedding parties in the numbers of 30+ guests for a reception on RCCL.

 

Oh no, now you don't have danilynn's sympathy. How much worse can this get ?

[bajathree]

I also just noticed that your sailing is in June 2013...not sure what week...but you may be fighting prime Quinceañera sailings...and some of those Quinceañera Cruises can entertain groups of upwards of 400-500 guests at a time and take over many venues throughout the sailing....so just keep that in mind while trying to find a reserve a space aboard.

[cruzeluver]

Have to ask as I do whenever the subject comes up: you do have a back-up plan for the ceremony should your ship not be able to dock in St. Thomas, correct?

[eggnoodle]

Oh no, now you don't have danilynn's sympathy. How much worse can this get ?

 

I didn't mean to be rude and I apologize.

[ticktoneer]

That's a pretty big assumption to make without having talked to anyone. When you're talking about roughly 50 people, there are limitations to the accomodations that can be made.

 

Have all 48 people already booked? Or is that how many you have invited? That is a fairly large crowd for a destination wedding. If it just how many you have invited, you may find that there's a more workable number once you know all who are definitely coming.

 

I'm sorry that you're stressed about this, but my sympathies can only go so far when you did not make any effort to contact RCL or get any information before going through with your plans.

Danilynn17 - how unhelpful and not very nice or empathic I found your post !!

[ticktoneer]

I didn't mean to be rude and I apologize.

You weren't rude eggnoodle - she was !

[mark290]

You weren't rude eggnoodle - she was !

 

Totally agree, eggnoodle's response was well said.

[danilynn17]

Danilynn17 - how unhelpful and not very nice or empathic I found your post !!

 

You weren't rude eggnoodle - she was !

 

And it's nice to name call (and not actually add anything to the discussion, I might add)?

 

Apparently asking clarifying questions such as has everyone booked and pointing out that it might be a lesser number isn't helpful. And I didn't realize that we must be empathetic to everyone who posted on CC, regardless of what they post. Must've missed that in the TOS.

[Chicky2181]

Just a place for me to vent....

 

We are sailing on Oasis in June 2013 and having the wedding ceremony on a beach on St.Thomas. There will be approximately 48 guest, including us. We plan to have a reception back on the ship at Chops Grille. The plan is to try to reserve a section of the restaurant, and not have to take up the entire restaurant so other guests can still reserve and enjoy Chops.

 

We've talked to our TA, who has informed us that RC can only accommodate a group buy-out in Chops and that cost $5,000!!:eek:

The kicker is, they still have to stagger the group in a 30 minute increments! The reason is to accommodate their small galley and the wait staff, as to not overwhelmed them.

 

The whole purpose to buy out the restaurant is so all the guests can be together! What is the purpose of buying it out if RC only allow a certain number of guest to come in and out!!!???:rolleyes:

I can't see paying $5,000 and not being able to use the entire restaurant or a portion of it!!

 

Based on the price of $30/pp, the grand total would be $1,440 before graduties if we went as a group. If we go with the buy out option, that comes out to $104/pp for the same dinner! We are more than willing to pay over the $30/pp normal rate, but not 3X that amount for the same dinner!

 

The TA has been trying to fight for us and suggested having a private dinning room as an option. But RC came back and said they no longer have separate dinning rooms!

 

The only options left is to place the group in the MDR in a separate area, like an alcove where we can all sit together without other guests walking in there!

 

With all the other wedding planning, this is the most frustrating! What I thought would be a no brainer, became a nightmare! I'm just very disappointed with RC!

 

While I understand they're in the business of making money, but I can't drop $5K just for dinner!

 

Thanks for listening...

 

Maybe you can arrange to have a long cocktail party in one of the lounges instead of a sit down dinner. I've been to weddings like that and they are very fun. Passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails all night is pretty cool.

[drrich2]

We are more than willing to pay over the $30/pp normal rate, but not 3X that amount for the same dinner!

 

You're not paying that just for the same dinner. You're paying the overhead to exclude other passengers from using Chops during your private event. Thousands of people paid large amounts of money to cruise, have a limited number of evenings where Chops will be an option, and you want to book the place for a private event and shut them out of that time slot.

 

I imagine that there are many other people and organizations that would also like to reserve Chops; perhaps enough to book up Chops or some other specialty restaurants for most evenings of a given cruise. If it weren't prohibitively expensive, that is.

 

That said, it'd be nice if they could accommodate you guys in a conference room.

 

Richard.

[eggnoodle]

You're not paying that just for the same dinner. You're paying the overhead to exclude other passengers from using Chops during your private event. Thousands of people paid large amounts of money to cruise, have a limited number of evenings where Chops will be an option, and you want to book the place for a private event and shut them out of that time slot.

 

I imagine that there are many other people and organizations that would also like to reserve Chops; perhaps enough to book up Chops or some other specialty restaurants for most evenings of a given cruise. If it weren't prohibitively expensive, that is.

 

That said, it'd be nice if they could accommodate you guys in a conference room.

 

Richard.

 

I said the plan was to book a section of Chops, not take up the entire restaurant.

Yes if RC can accommodate in other ways such as a conference room, that would be ideal.

[bajathree]

I said the plan was to book a section of Chops, not take up the entire restaurant.

Yes if RC can accommodate in other ways such as a conference room, that would be ideal.

 

I know I said in my prior post that I am sure your TA would rather you take this in your own hands.....but I am assuming that with 40 guests your TA was smart enough and opened a "group" for you on this ship...this would offer you amenities in the least.....however, something you and possibly even your TA may not know...or shared with you....but a group can use almost any venue on the ship at no cost other than for personal , equipment or food if you so desire or drinks and such....so in essence the ship is yours for your choosing as long as you reserve them with enough advance notice that it can be arranged.....the thing is you need to go through the right channels...which in your case is going to be your TA and the groups department.

[luckyprincess]

Oh no, now you don't have danilynn's sympathy. How much worse can this get ?

This totally made me laugh out loud at my desk! My director thinks I'm crazy(er) now! :p

[dchillis]

have you discussed reserving the private dining rooms on decks 3 and 4 off the main dining room? These are usually not reserved every night, and i've seen them on many ships used for staff dinners, as well as large groups. I think they can book one of these for you. Ask you ta to talk to the dining coordinators in miami, and they can email the staff on the oasis.

 

This far in advance i would think you can reserve one of the private areas off the main dining room, and the kitchen staff there are obviously better equipped to serve your party of 30.

 

30?

[Robo1098]

Chops isn't that big. I think 50 people is pretty much booking the whol place. You also have to remember the loss of revenue for all of the people that are eating before you that will not get done at the same time so those tables will be empty for a while. Then after you are done they can't bring in 50 people at once again to fill up so there is more loss. I hope they can come up with another way to accomodate you but I can understand the problem with Chops.

[marci22]

Why not just have a brunch after the ceremony in St. Thomas? I can't see Chops serving 50 people even if the whole place is reserved. It's not a buffet-style restaurant.

[dchillis]

That's a pretty big assumption to make without having talked to anyone. When you're talking about roughly 50 people, there are limitations to the accomodations that can be made.

 

And your talking from experience? Or just assuming

 

 

I'm sorry that you're stressed about this, but my sympathies can only go so far when you did not make any effort to contact RCL or get any information before going through with your plans.

 

:D good grief :eek:

[bajathree]

$5000 is their buyout price.....ya take it or leave it....at least they offer a buyout option. This is no different than going to the mall and walking into Louis Vuitton and picking up a $5000 handbag and getting mad at them and saying this is ridiculous....which it may be to "you"....but you can't get mad at them or demand they lower the price.

 

Royal isn't doing anything to the OP....the OP asked and Royal responded....it's just that the OP didn't like Royals response because it wasn't what she "assumed".

[setsail]

You can get info right off the website without calling, even tells you about the buyout option for chops. By the way chops seats 80.

 

Click on group dining

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ShipDetails.aspx?id=576252&tab=itineraries

 

It's all under the heading of All about cruising on the rci homepage,so it's easy to get info before one books, stuff ta's should know.

[jakenashleysmom]

Not my wedding, but I have to agree with a few of the previous posters. Why not have a cocktail party in the afternoon after the ceremony? If you are docked in St Thomas, coming back to the ship after the ceremony would probably leave you with a nearly empty ship and endless possibilities of venues. I assume you are all dining together anyways? maybe not. But maybe the guests would like to get out of their "wedding clothes" after being ashore and what not, and you could still have dinner together in the MDR or maybe the buffet if everyone is tired from the day. Just an idea....whatever happens enjoy your day.

[bajathree]

You can get info right off the website without calling, even tells you about the buyout option for chops. By the way chops seats 80.

 

Click on group dining

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ShipDetails.aspx?id=576252&tab=itineraries

 

It's all under the heading of All about cruising on the rci homepage,so it's easy to get info before one books, stuff ta's should know.

 

Great info!...and you can take that even one step further:

 

 

Royal Reception

Starting from $2,695.00 USD

 

 

PLAN YOUR WEDDING TODAY

 

Talk to a Wedding Specialist

1-888-WED-RCCL

(1-888-933-7225)

Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm EST

OR

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Now, it's time to celebrate. With different packages and options, it's easy to create a reception that reflects your personal sense of style. Choose from a variety of unique venues across the ship and our Royal Romance Specialists will coordinate food, cocktails, cake, music and extra touches for your party. Once you're onboard, a wedding coordinator will be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and you have the day you've always dreamed of.

 

Please note that Royal Reception packages and any add-ons must be purchased for the entire wedding party.

Formal Wedding Luncheon*

$48.00 USD per person

 

Two (2) hour reception for a minimum of twenty-five (25) guests

Appetizer: Chilled shrimp cocktail served with cocktail sauce

Salad: Traditional Caesar salad with shaved parmesan and herbed croutons

Entrée: Seafood penne pasta, sesame-crusted salmon, or beef tenderloin filet mignon

Dessert: Choice of apple pie à la mode or chocolate mousse cake

Beverages: House red or white wine, water and iced tea served throughout the luncheon

*Held in the main dining room and may not be private. Entertainment and open bar are not available.

Lunch Buffet with Bar Service

 

$48.00 USD per person

 

One (1) hour reception for a minimum of twenty-five (25) guests

Bar Service*: Call brands with mixers, house wine, beer, soft drinks and juice served by Royal Caribbean wait staff

Hot Buffet: Pepper-coated roasted strip loin, broiled salmon fillet, grilled herb-marinated chicken breast, pasta primavera, vegetable stir-fry, rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes

Salad Bar: Greek salad, shellfish salad, asparagus salad, tomato mozzarella salad

Dessert: Sliced fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, and assorted pastries

*A second hour of bar service may be added for $16.00 USD per person. The above Royal Reception is available as a non-alcoholic reception for $40.00 USD per person. Receptions will be held in a private venue.

Hors d'Oeuvres Buffet with Bar Service

 

$32.00 USD per person per hour

 

Reception for a minimum of sixteen (16) guests up to a maximum of fifty (50) guests. Twelve (12) pieces per person provided. (Note: Please choose either the assorted or vegetarian option; these options cannot be combined.)

Bar Service: Call brands with mixers, house wine, beer, soft drinks and juice served by Royal Caribbean wait staff.

 

Option 1 - Assorted Hors d'Oeuvres

Hot Hors d'Oeuvres: Grilled sesame shrimp, sweet & sour chicken, meatballs, duck terrine with mousseline, miniature quiche, vegetable pot stickers

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres: Chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce, tomato and mozzarella crostini, smoked salmon tartare with capers

 

Option 2 - Vegetarian Hors d'Oeuvres

Hot Hors d'Oeuvres: Spiced corn fritters, spinach and cheese turnover, mushroom tarts, vegetable potstickers, savory scone with roasted zucchini

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres: Sun-dried tomato pesto crostini, grilled vegetables and hummus, tomato and mozzarella crostini

 

Additional Options:

Chicken Caesar salad, $4.00 USD per person

Pasta primavera, $5.00 USD per person

Peel-and-eat shrimp, $8.00 USD per person

[eggnoodle]

You can get info right off the website without calling, even tells you about the buyout option for chops. By the way chops seats 80.

 

Click on group dining

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/ShipDetails.aspx?id=576252&tab=itineraries

 

It's all under the heading of All about cruising on the rci homepage,so it's easy to get info before one books, stuff ta's should know.

 

Great info!...and you can take that even one step further:

 

 

Royal Reception

Starting from $2,695.00 USD

 

 

PLAN YOUR WEDDING TODAY

 

Talk to a Wedding Specialist

1-888-WED-RCCL

(1-888-933-7225)

Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm EST

OR

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Now, it's time to celebrate. With different packages and options, it's easy to create a reception that reflects your personal sense of style. Choose from a variety of unique venues across the ship and our Royal Romance Specialists will coordinate food, cocktails, cake, music and extra touches for your party. Once you're onboard, a wedding coordinator will be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and you have the day you've always dreamed of.

 

Please note that Royal Reception packages and any add-ons must be purchased for the entire wedding party.

Formal Wedding Luncheon*

 

$48.00 USD per person

 

Two (2) hour reception for a minimum of twenty-five (25) guests

Appetizer: Chilled shrimp cocktail served with cocktail sauce

Salad: Traditional Caesar salad with shaved parmesan and herbed croutons

Entrée: Seafood penne pasta, sesame-crusted salmon, or beef tenderloin filet mignon

Dessert: Choice of apple pie à la mode or chocolate mousse cake

Beverages: House red or white wine, water and iced tea served throughout the luncheon

*Held in the main dining room and may not be private. Entertainment and open bar are not available.

Lunch Buffet with Bar Service

 

$48.00 USD per person

 

One (1) hour reception for a minimum of twenty-five (25) guests

Bar Service*: Call brands with mixers, house wine, beer, soft drinks and juice served by Royal Caribbean wait staff

Hot Buffet: Pepper-coated roasted strip loin, broiled salmon fillet, grilled herb-marinated chicken breast, pasta primavera, vegetable stir-fry, rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes

Salad Bar: Greek salad, shellfish salad, asparagus salad, tomato mozzarella salad

Dessert: Sliced fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, and assorted pastries

*A second hour of bar service may be added for $16.00 USD per person. The above Royal Reception is available as a non-alcoholic reception for $40.00 USD per person. Receptions will be held in a private venue.

Hors d'Oeuvres Buffet with Bar Service

 

$32.00 USD per person per hour

 

Reception for a minimum of sixteen (16) guests up to a maximum of fifty (50) guests. Twelve (12) pieces per person provided. (Note: Please choose either the assorted or vegetarian option; these options cannot be combined.)

Bar Service: Call brands with mixers, house wine, beer, soft drinks and juice served by Royal Caribbean wait staff.

 

Option 1 - Assorted Hors d'Oeuvres

Hot Hors d'Oeuvres: Grilled sesame shrimp, sweet & sour chicken, meatballs, duck terrine with mousseline, miniature quiche, vegetable pot stickers

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres: Chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce, tomato and mozzarella crostini, smoked salmon tartare with capers

 

Option 2 - Vegetarian Hors d'Oeuvres

Hot Hors d'Oeuvres: Spiced corn fritters, spinach and cheese turnover, mushroom tarts, vegetable potstickers, savory scone with roasted zucchini

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres: Sun-dried tomato pesto crostini, grilled vegetables and hummus, tomato and mozzarella crostini

 

Additional Options:

Chicken Caesar salad, $4.00 USD per person

Pasta primavera, $5.00 USD per person

Peel-and-eat shrimp, $8.00 USD per person

 

 

Thank you for all these info! :)

[alwayshappytocruise]

Don't know if you are already aware of this...Chops Grill on Oasis is totally inside so no views of the ocean at all from the venue. It's cozy but that's about it....there were several noisy tables so if you're looking at romantic, I'm thinking "not so much". We hosted the wedding supper for my sister there a year ago. There was only 10 of us who actually cruised after the wedding on the ship so it worked out great as far as seating went. Still, we were all disappointed that there were no windows...just throwing this out in case you hadn't realized, we certainly didn't!!:o:rolleyes:

[bajathree]

Don't know if you are already aware of this...Chops Grill on Oasis is totally inside so no views of the ocean at all from the venue. It's cozy but that's about it....there were several noisy tables so if you're looking at romantic, I'm thinking "not so much". We hosted the wedding supper for my sister there a year ago. There was only 10 of us who actually cruised after the wedding on the ship so it worked out great as far as seating went. Still, we were all disappointed that there were no windows...just throwing this out in case you hadn't realized, we certainly didn't!!:o:rolleyes:

 

That is not correct....there are windows in Chops on Oasis/Allure that look out onto beautiful Central Park all lite up at night....also keep in mind that venues with windows looking out at the ocean at night see nothing but black;)

[bajathree]

Looks like plenty windows to me....and outdoor seating!!!