jaullram

I agree - I really only care about the free drinks and the 5% waived.  

CGTLH, if I read this correctly (it has "lawyer language" and I am not a lawyer), that means, if I am at Prime now, as soon as April 1, 2019 rolls around, I am no longer Prime and have to earn it all over again.  We typically cruise in March and September so to me that means September will be our first cruise in the period and if we don't earn all 2,500 points on that one cruise then we get no perks.  Or, should it be interpreted that it looks at the prior 12 month period to determine eligibility during the current 12 month period?

So confused!

 

WAAAYTOOO, I am definitely not letting them off the hook.  I had bought a drink package originally and then cancelled it when I found out I was Prime (before the cruise).  Needless to say, I had to pay for drinks in the casino because I wasn't showing as prime and so it end up costing me money because of the bad information the casino was given.  

I also spoke with them about a cruise in September 2019 as well and the discount was horrible.  They told me they can only take around 5% off if booked more than a year in advance but that they would give us more off as soon as the cruise fell within a year.  I asked whether I could lock in the price now and then re-price it in September (1 year out) and she said yes but it would be at prevailing rates.  So disappointing because we like to book far in advance to lock in good rates but it sounds like we can only book a year in advance.

We have been considering "jumping ship" and just doing land based casino trips such as going to Atlantis instead but not sure if they do comps there for rooms/drinks.

 

I had the same issue and called Royal Caribbean and she said she was not aware of an issue as she could see both refundable and non-refundable.  She did say that some Bahamas cruises won't offer refundable option (for shorter cruises).  Saying that, I had to get a quote through her.

Just a heads up for anyone sailing soon and hoping for casino perks for Prime level.  The new program information going to the casino hosts is not correct so before you sail - get something from a representative from the casino telephone number with your point total!!!

We just got off Anthem and in our rooms was a letter from the casino host with our new tiers.  My husband's letter stated he was Prime and mine stated Choice.  I had called before I left on vacation and a casino representative stated that I would be Prime as I reached more than 2,500 points from July 2016 through December 2017 so I was confused. 

I went to the Casino Host and explained that I know for a fact I reached over 2,500 points (I really just want it so I don't have to pay for drinks in the casino and waive 5% fee).  He looked me up and stated I only did 1,900 (which I know was just on my short September cruise and didn't include the longer cruise from March). He wouldn't budge and insisted his system was correct but to come back later in the cruise.  Needless to say, I was annoyed!!

I called the casino telephone number today to inquire about it because of what I was told before the cruise versus on the cruise.  She stated that she was showing 1,900 for my last cruise but can't see points from the March 2017 cruise because it was over 12 months ago which is why he was only showing the last cruise.  I stated that I was confused since they are supposed to be going back to July 2016 so how can they do that if they are only including people's points for the past 12 months.  She was confused as well and has someone looking into it and will get back to me.

She did tell me that Year 1 eligibility was 6/1/16-12/31/17, Year 2 is 1/1/18-3/31/19 and Year 3 (and all years after) is 4/1/19-3/31/20 (12 months - not a rolling 12 months).

I just want to get this warning out.  We are sailing again in June and hope they have this straightened out so I don't have to buy the drink package!!!

On our Anthem cruise this April, it is the same thing - Insiders View for $79 or Complimentary to see We will rock you.

I would choose #1.  Bermuda is one of the best islands!  It is so friendly and easy to get around.  Even though you only have 1 day there it will give you a flavor of what the island has to offer and I can gaurentee you will be booking your next cruise to Bermuda.  We have been there 5 times for 2-3 days each time and have never gotten bored or even done the same thing twice (except for Horseshoe Beach of course)!

The itinerary for #1 is one of our bucket list cruises!

We are sailing this September so I will definitely report back!

Thank you for everyone's replies!

@CGTLH so you would prefer Crown Loft?  The balcony looked small and like the idea of Ocean View or Aquatheater view but would be happy with either!

Is Coastal kitchen on the ship and is room service available through there?  We want to spend a lot of time on the balcony to enjoy it!

Love the list of perks you listed thank you!

Another question..you said don't worry about booking anything besides comedy show.  Does that mean that there is reserved seating for other shows?  Does that include Aquatheater shows?

Is there a suite section in pool area?

We had a choice between Owners Suite, Crown Loft Suite or Aquatheater and chose the latter but can still change it.  We wanted to have the Aquatheater because I have always wanted to do one.  The prices are within $200 of one another.

CGTLH... would you do this suite again?

Are you able to get Room service from anywhere besides MDR or normal Room service menu?

 

Booked a Royal Family 2 bedroom suite (now called 2 bedroom Grand Suite) on Grandeur.  Does anyone have any photos of the AFT suites...either 8584 or 8084?  I saw one youtube video but wanted to also get thoughts on suite perks....reserved seating, concierge lounge, etc?  

OMG - this is amazing!  Were you able to watch the shows in the Aquatheater from your balcony? Any tips, tricks or thoughts on the suite or allure overall?

We are currently booked on Allure of the Seas in an Aquatheater Suite in 11730. How is the room - is it as amazing as it looks?  We have never been on Oasis class and so excited!

Would also love recommendations on breakfast and lunch options besides Windjammer.

Thanks - I appreciate it!  We are looking forward to a lot of breakfasts on our aft balcony - it looks amazing!

I keep calling until I get an answer I want too!  We recently booked a 2 Bedroom Royal Family Suite for 4 of us.  I called to get the casino rate (no certificates) and one person said it was going to be $6,000 (normal website price was $7400).  I say no way.  I call back a few days later and get a different person.  He puts me on hold for a bit and comes back and says $2,500 for the four of us.  He said if the other couple could prove that they gambled on land he could do better.  They don't gamble at all so we paid the $2,500.  I think an almost $5,000 discount off this type of suite was a big win!!

We are in a 2 bedroom Grand suite on Grandeur and I know I can order dinner off the MDR menu and have it delivered to our room for dinner.  Is this also true for MDR breakfast or lunch or is that off of room service menu and is that free for suites?

I am also looking for MDR example dinner menus specifically for Grandeur.  On the menu page on this site Grandeur was not listed and all I am finding online are old menus which I know are not the same anymore.

Thank you!

 

As far as boarding, we arrived around 10:30 and checked in both times we sailed on Anthem.  The first time we walked right on the ship at around 10:45, the second time we had to wait in the boarding area until around 11:15 but were one of the first 10 or so people on the ship.

As far as the WOW bands go, they will be in your room if you are in a Junior Suite or above.  If not, I don't believe there is any way to have them delivered ahead of time.

Someone had mentioned that they heard Anthem will no longer be leaving from NJ sometime in 2019 and will be replaced by two smaller ships.....has anyone else heard this rumor?  I hope it isn't true!

Thanks for the information.  That is what I had heard before I left.  Really too bad because it was a great deal which is why I am holding off on moving my March 2018 cruise until I know for sure I can't go because we booked that cruise with $800 of certificates and the casino discount.  Oh well.