Neighbourhood Balcony Guarantee (Category XN)

[HanFamily]

Last week I booked our first cruise with RCCL. We opted for the guarantee offer because it saved us over $1500. On any other class of ship, I would prefer an Ocean Balcony. However I will admit that I am intrigued by these inside balcony rooms so I didn't have any hesitations about booking one.

 

It was my understanding that with this guarantee, we would be assigned to any inside balcony room, overlooking either Central Park or Boardwalk. I completely understand the gamble and will be ok with either, however I would prefer Boardwalk for a couple of reasons; the DRINK, DINE and DISCOVER package is more suitable to my family AND I like the idea of possibly having that partial view of the ocean and the Aqua Theatre.

 

In Cruise Planner, the Stateroom is 'Neighborhood Balcony Stateroom Gty Guarantee' which is a link. When I click on it, it opens a page that further explains the category... ' With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a Balcony stateroom, which could be in any Balcony category (excluding suites), anywhere on the ship. Room assignments are determined after your reservation has been completed and paid in full.'

underThis makes sense. But then it goes on to further explain the room and what is included:

 

' Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, bALrdwalk view balcony, sitting area, and a private bathroom.

Stateroom: 182 sq. ft. Balcony: 52 sq. ft.

Nestled within the gardens of Central Park, Park View Balcony accommodations connect you with nature, serenity and each other. Every day and night reveal a new delight with exclusive DINE. DRINK. DISCOVER complimentary amenities available only to Park View Balcony guests:

• Savor a complimentary lunch for two at Giovanni's Table, Jamie's Italian, Sabor or Johnny Rockets®.
  
• A complimentary bottle of red wine welcomes your arrival.
  
• Step up your game with casino gaming lessons from an onboard expert.
  

Category Guarantees

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a stateroom within a selected category, anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing."

The room and amenities they describe is for Central Park. Given the XN Category could be either Central Park OR Boardwalk, can I still cross my fingers for Boardwalk? Or do you think this is a clue that we'll be assigned a room overlooking Central Park?

 

 

Thanks.

[Starry Eyes]

Best to ignore that room description for now. I think it is their funky website, not a foreshadowing of your future category. Keep watching that spot in “my cruises”, expecting a cabin number to appear someday. Then you will know what category you pulled out of the proverbial hat. Fingers crossed that it is a category you like.

 

Once assigned you may have a couple possible options if you are not thrilled

With the assigned cabin:

1. If you like the category, but not the cabin location, see if there is a better located cabin in that exact category. If so, ask to switch to that cabin. If there are no cabins available in your exact category, obviously you can’t switch unless/until one opens up.

2. If you do not like the category (Central Park in your case), you can ask if they will let you go back into the gty pool. They may allow you to do so; they may not. If allowed you may or many not get the same category or even same cabin the second time...or you may get one you like less. And fewer cabin switch options might be available by the time you are assigned. So, it is a gamble to go back into the pool; think before you do so.

 

The neighborhood balconies are different, and we rather enjoy them. If you are in Central Park, enjoy the serene setting...and spend so if your gty booking savings on the perks like soda packages and Johnny Rockets.

[HanFamily]

Thanks for that... and for the advice on what to do if I don't like the room assignment. I'll keep it in mind. :D

[Biker19]

Given current inventory+pricing, my guess would be you'd get a CP cabin. Look at the RCI UK site for inventory should you want to move after assignment.

[Starry Eyes]

I see many CP and BW cabins available for July 29. How many people in your cabin?

[HanFamily]

I see many CP and BW cabins available for July 29. How many people in your cabin?

 

There are 4 of us; hubby and I and our two kids (14 & 12).

[Starry Eyes]

There are 4 of us; hubby and I and our two kids (14 & 12).

At the moment, I see 3 neighborhood cabins that hold four. All three are boardwalk cabins. So,you do have room for optimism. More cabins likely will open up, especially as final payment approaches. So, all you can do is monitor for price drop on your desired category and wait for that assignment.