Our first RCI cruise (Syd->Per) two q's about luggage AND gratuities / OBC

[Felixbrisbane]

Hi all, haven't posted much on CC before so apologies in advance if this thread needs to be moved, split :halo:

 

1) This will be our first time where the on-board currency is US$ and we don't really want to give RCI our (Aus) CC details and end up with a 2.5% surcharge / disadvantageous exchange rate. We have $100 OBC and have never charged more than the odd specialty restaurant meal or glass of wine (plus on P&O surprisingly, the ice-creams and coffee *IF* taken poolside!?!?) so we're thinking that might be enough. So is there a minimum cash amount we need to deposit in our account? If it's say $500 then I'm thinking I just need to hand over the extra $400 in USD on embarkation and get the balance back when we disembark. Thinking about gratuities, we prefer to give cash directly to those whom we feel deserve it. We never meet the casino staff for instance but really treasure a good cabin steward. I'm thinking they need local currency to spend in port so they'd be just as happy with AU$ as US$ - but maybe I'm mistaken, happy to be corrected on this anyone :confused:

 

2) Living in Brisbane, this trip gives us a rare opportunity to take the backstage Sydney Opera House tour and we have reservations for EARLY MORNING on the same day as we sail. Unfortunately we can't leave big suitcases at the Opera House reception during the tour and my more experienced cruising sister (also on this cruise, coming from Canada) says "just lodge them with the concierge at the cruise ship terminal" before walking over to the Opera House; they'll be waiting for us when we return to board ship (12:30 for deck 9). However I'm concerned that might not be possible at 6:15 AM and imagine us leaving them unattended somewhere only to have them go missing or perhaps blown up by the anti-terrorist squad :'). Alternatively we might board with VERY light luggage for the first two days, then pick up our REAL bags when we find ourselves back in Brisbane two days later but that's not convenient. Also I worry there'll be some drama reboarding with two big suitcases after a few hours ashore - unusual if not downright suspicious.

 

It wouldn't be the first time if I'm worrying for nothing but I thought why not put this out there for more knowledgeable people to comment. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Clarea]

RC does not require any minimum payment for a cash account. They will let you charge up to $500 above any OBC before they ask you to pay down the account.

[Lifesaver1984]

Thinking about gratuities, we prefer to give cash directly to those whom we feel deserve it. We never meet the casino staff for instance but really treasure a good cabin steward. I'm thinking they need local currency to spend in port so they'd be just as happy with AU$ as US$ - but maybe I'm mistaken, happy to be corrected on this anyone :confused:

 

.....

 

However I'm concerned that might not be possible at 6:15 AM and imagine us leaving them unattended somewhere only to have them go missing or perhaps blown up by the anti-terrorist squad :'). Alternatively we might board with VERY light luggage for the first two days, then pick up our REAL bags when we find ourselves back in Brisbane two days later but that's not convenient. Also I worry there'll be some drama reboarding with two big suitcases after a few hours ashore - unusual if not downright suspicious.

 

Gratuities for Australian based cruises are now all built in to your base cruise fare. There are no additional tips required over and above. If you wish to tip additional to particular staff, you are welcome to. Cash is fine, and you'll be given an envelope or two on the final day to do so for this.

 

As for luggage, there are several storage facilities around Circular Quay. You may be able to drop luggage with the porters at the terminal that early in the morning. You can only try :) Personally I wouldn't be keen on trying to pick up luggage at a later port. Security would have a fit at the thought of un-screened luggage being brought on board I imagine. And yes, the NSW Police will ensure abandoned luggage is suitably disposed of

[papaflamingo]

In regards to your credit card. Are you saying that your credit card company charges 2.5% or Royal Caribbean charges the 2.5%? If it's the latter, on your SetSail you can select to have your credit card company do all conversions rather than Royal Caribbean.

[njkruzer]

If you are checking out of a hotel most will hold your luggage after you check out and then you can pick it up before you board. Often need to do that when we need to check out and then have a late flight.

[cb at sea]

I would not drop bags at port BEFORE boarding has started...too much confusion, and you may end up with NO bags at all! I 2nd leaving them at the hotel, until you head to the ship.

[LeeW]

I would not drop bags at port BEFORE boarding has started...too much confusion, and you may end up with NO bags at all! I 2nd leaving them at the hotel, until you head to the ship.

 

 

Actually we generally drop our bags at the port before touring. Virtually all cruises we have been on start taking luggage for the next cruise between 9:30 and 10:00 AM, well before boarding has started (some even earlier, but 9:30 is normal). If your tour really is at 6:15 AM your best option is your hotel. Bellmen hold luggage for people all the time.

[Felixbrisbane]

I'm afraid leaving luggage at our hotel isn't an option because we'll stay at my sister's "home exchange" the two nights before we sail (my sister's been doing this for years, it enables them to travel the world for only the cost of airfare/cruise). So she'd have to bring their luggage AND ours later in the morning. I'd love to know more about how to arrange luggage storage in the circular quay area as that's where we'll arrive (by ferry) on that early morning. 9:30 at the cruise ship terminal wouldn't help as our Opera House tour starts at 6:45.

 

Good to know about rci's cash account policy, thank you (I'm told VISA adds that 2.5% plus exchange rate unless you have a USD card).

[Felixbrisbane]

Just checked with Smarte Carte and the Sydney Visitor's Ctr. Yes they have luggage storage, no they're not open before 8 am :(

[Sailing87]

In regards to the luggage, I’d give the Opera House a call, explain the situation and see if you’re able to drop the luggage at the stage door while you take the tour. (Have a fantastic tour btw it really is an amazing building). Another option may be to ring a hotel near the OPT and ask if they could hold your luggage for a small fee?

 

Yes, when Royal Caribbean are in Australia no tips are required (built into fares as usual) and I’m pretty sure they’ll have no problem with you tipping in AUD.

 

 

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[Felixbrisbane]

Thanks for the response. Actually phoning the Opera House was my very first effort (before posting here) and the lady was polite but firm, NO large luggage can be kept at the desk during the tour. What constitutes "large" though? I'm certain others have been in this quandary and will be in future. So there must be a solution, maybe some Sidneysider can tell us the secret?

[Sailing87]

Hi Felix, until recently I worked up the road from the OPT and occasionally had to go to the Opera House for work. I thought they might have allowed luggage at the stage door as they have full security screening, but then there have been a number of “police operations” in the area over the last while so maybe that’s why they don’t allow luggage.

 

Most of the lockers in the area I could think of apparently don’t open till 8am so they’re out for you. There are lockers at World Square and I believe at Central Station but these are a bit far out of your way.

 

There is a YHA on Cumberland St, hostels often have lockers and may not question if you are staying at the hostel or not.

 

Last ditch resort, there is a police station at the entrance to the OPT area (where the boom gates are on George st). You could always ask them to hold it [emoji23]

 

 

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[blu33yes]

Thanks for the response. Actually phoning the Opera House was my very first effort (before posting here) and the lady was polite but firm, NO large luggage can be kept at the desk during the tour. What constitutes "large" though? I'm certain others have been in this quandary and will be in future. So there must be a solution, maybe some Sidneysider can tell us the secret?

 

There is a storage facility across from the OPT now. Have a look at their website for contact details (baggagestorage.com.au) - they are open from 8am (not sure if that will suit your plans). And the suitcase drop off area is operational from 9am.

[Missusdubbya]

You don't have to board at 12.30pm, you could board later and therefore you'd be able to do a later tour and access the luggage storage options.

 

Edited to add - try a different credit card for international transactions such as Royal onboard accounts - the 28 Degrees Mastercard and the Bankwest Platinum Mastercard both have no international transaction fees or currency conversion fees.

 

Good luck! and enjoy sailing out of the gorgeous Sydney Harbour!

[Felixbrisbane]

Well a "later tour" would be weeks or months later as the backstage tour is fully booked well in advance (and the $300 is non-refundable) but thank you for the suggestion. As you say, luggage storage later in the day isn't a problem but that doesn't help us (or any retired couple) arriving around 6 am at circular quay with bags for two for three weeks' travel.

[Felixbrisbane]

I've just called the Opera House again, spoke to a nice young lady called Louisa who gave me the direct number for the Stage Door and assured me they'd be able to help. That number is 92507400.

 

Eventually spoke with Stephanie who said she'd put a note in the diary that we'd be arriving extra early with large bags and we're happy for security to screen them before we go on the tour :)

Edited January 18, 2018 by Felixbrisbane

[GUT2407]

I would not drop bags at port BEFORE boarding has started...too much confusion, and you may end up with NO bags at all! I 2nd leaving them at the hotel, until you head to the ship.

Wow I do it all the time. There will only be one ship not sure where else you think the luggage will go.

 

Last passengers luggage will be off long ago.

 

You can drop yours from about 8:30 no problems.

[Missusdubbya]

Well a "later tour" would be weeks or months later as the backstage tour is fully booked well in advance (and the $300 is non-refundable) but thank you for the suggestion. As you say, luggage storage later in the day isn't a problem but that doesn't help us (or any retired couple) arriving around 6 am at circular quay with bags for two for three weeks' travel.

 

 

 

Not sure what being ‘retired’ has to do with it? Glad it worked out for you

 

 

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[Felixbrisbane]

Well "retired" is a polite way of saying we're too old (and in my wife's case, frail) to be lugging big suitcases around Sydney - or debating policy with counter staff at crack of dawn.

 

I'm now told that Central Station accepts luggage from 6 am. If true, although inconvenient that would be our plan B. Will check it out on the 12th :)

[Felixbrisbane]

Well, after all that worrying and checking various alternatives Baggage Storage @ Circular Quay shop 43 has a "book and pay online" which accepted a 6 am checkin. I'm certain that someone in Sydney told me they open from 8:30! Only posting this in case it might help anyone in similar circumstances.

[Felixbrisbane]

Just phoned them to double check. "Opens at 8 am" (and I've already paid by Visa carsld - da*n).

[Felixbrisbane]

In case anyone is interested, I went into the Opera House on arrival in Sydney and double-checked at the desk about leaving our bags there for the early morning tour before boarding. That girl said "we don't encourage it, but it's happened before and we do have a place to lock up your bags here (stage door, not the tour bag desk downstairs)".

[Felixbrisbane]

As for the supposed 6 am bag drop off (plan B) we ended up leaving our luggage there while we checked out the OH and enjoyed lunch in The Rocks so that money wasn't wasted and actually worked out quite well for us. Taronga Zoo today, the OH tour in the morning then looking forward to having lunch aboard.