Razerbkfan

Let me get my disqualifications out there first.  I'm a lowly Platinum member with RCL and we've only been regularly cruising for about 10 years.  Part of the reason our club status isn't higher is because we have cruised on other lines.  I still feel like Royal's loyalty program is very good.  Compared to other programs like frequent flyer for an airline it is not time limited.  You simply continue to accrue points as you cruise even if it takes you years to get to the next level.  There are shortcuts to the top if you want to spend the money to get there.  Nobody guarantees that benefits won't change but I think their system is pretty straightforward as to what you can expect at each level.  Maybe because we're still newby's we don't have as high of expectations.  We enjoy the little "welcome back" statements from the staff when we join the line to board or the loyalty reception that we now get to attend.  Ok the drinks are watered down at the event but we're still pinching ourselves that we're on a cruise.  As far as food and service 20 years ago that isn't in our minds as we felt that the cost of a cruise was beyond our reach back then.  While we have cruised others so technically we have loyalty points with them we continue to look at Royal first because we think their ships are newer and better, price is fair compared to other vacations we might take and generally we love the people on a cruise.  I think this is a little like reading after cruise reviews. You read about someone's terrible experience on a cruise you were just on and had the time of your life.  Any you wonder were we really on the same ship?

We recently completed a 6 day cruise and did not buy the drink package.  Generally we have purchased it in the past.  Both my wife and I are not heavy drinkers during the day but usually have a couple of glasses of wine at dinner and cocktails during the shows.  I was upset when RCL changed to requiring everyone in your room get the drink package, unless you get the exception, as my wife may only have one or 2 drinks.  My thought was we had some OBC and we would use that to offset our drink cost during the cruise.  With that as background I would say going forward we agreed we will purchase the drink package.  We both agreed not having the drink package added to our stress, which is the last thing you want to do on a great vacation like this.  As mentioned in the other post individual drink cost can add up quickly with the gratuity added in.   Also we found we were making choices of do you really want that drink before the show or not?  Or do I want to go to the spa since I've already spent some money for a couple of drinks today.  We enjoy the little things like picking up a couple of bottles of water as you leave the ship for your excursion or letting the bartender make you one of their favorite drinks.  I would recommend just adding the drink package into your estimated cost upfront as you choose your choice of cruises.

We recently completed a 6 day cruise and did not buy the drink package.  Generally we have purchased it in the past.  Both my wife and I are not heavy drinkers during the day but usually have a couple of glasses of wine at dinner and cocktails during the shows.  I was upset when RCL changed to requiring everyone in your room get the drink package, unless you get the exception, as my wife may only have one or 2 drinks.  My thought was we had some OBC and we would use that to offset our drink cost during the cruise.  With that as background I would say going forward we agreed we will purchase the drink package.  We both agreed not having the drink package added to our stress, which is the last thing you want to do on a great vacation like this.  As mentioned in the other post individual drink cost can add up quickly with the gratuity added in.   Also we found we were making choices of do you really want that drink before the show or not?  Or do I want to go to the spa since I've already spent some money for a couple of drinks today.  We enjoy the little things like picking up a couple of bottles of water as you leave the ship for your excursion or letting the bartender make you one of their favorite drinks.  I would recommend just adding the drink package into your estimated cost upfront as you choose your choice of cruises.

Thanks for answering this question for me.  I to have a collection of the cups most still have the wrapper on them.  Again probably should have got the drink package.  With that I usually spend more time smiling and less time observing.

Let me pose an alternative thought for you.  One of the reasons we love to cruise is we feel like it is the one vacation we can over pack.  We start with if we are flying to the port then the restriction is really just what airline we're on and it's baggage costs.  We enjoy unpacking one time when we fist get our room.  Then changing depending on the activities and ports from there on out.  We consider the evenings our date nights so we probably dress up a little more than we would normally do.  So yes we over pack but we think that is part of the fun.  Enjoy your cruise. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you have fun.

Let me pose an alternative thought for you.  One of the reasons we love to cruise is we feel like it is the one vacation we can over pack.  We start with if we are flying to the port then the restriction is really just what airline we're on and it's baggage costs.  We enjoy unpacking one time when we fist get our room.  Then changing depending on the activities and ports from there on out.  We consider the evenings our date nights so we probably dress up a little more than we would normally do.  So yes we over pack but we think that is part of the fun.  Enjoy your cruise. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you have fun.

Let me pose an alternative thought for you.  One of the reasons we love to cruise is we feel like it is the one vacation we can over pack.  We start with if we are flying to the port then the restriction is really just what airline we're on and it's baggage costs.  We enjoy unpacking one time when we fist get our room.  Then changing depending on the activities and ports from there on out.  We consider the evenings our date nights so we probably dress up a little more than we would normally do.  So yes we over pack but we think that is part of the fun.  Enjoy your cruise. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you have fun.

Let me pose an alternative thought for you.  One of the reasons we love to cruise is we feel like it is the one vacation we can over pack.  We start with if we are flying to the port then the restriction is really just what airline we're on and it's baggage costs.  We enjoy unpacking one time when we fist get our room.  Then changing depending on the activities and ports from there on out.  We consider the evenings our date nights so we probably dress up a little more than we would normally do.  So yes we over pack but we think that is part of the fun.  Enjoy your cruise. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you have fun.

We've booked through Expedia multiple times.  To answer your original question your potential credit is probably going to show up in two forms.  There may be a cruise line credit which will immediately show in your account.  These are typically credits offered by the cruise line and are available wherever you book from.  That amount is usually pretty small but will be available to you prior to cruise as you book excursions, drink packages, etc.  The second credit(s) are usually travel incentives either from a credit card company or expedia as the travel agent.  These are not available until the second day of your cruise.  So you can not use them for advance purchases but can use them after you board.  For example you could purchase something the first day even though the credit doesn't show up yet.  It would net itself out through the time of your cruise.
Word of caution many times to receive the promotional credits you have to complete a redemption form on the expedia booking site prior to boarding.  You can submit before your cruise but I'm afraid if you didn't do in advance you probably not get those credits.
I like expedia as I find the site more user friendly than using the direct cruise line website.  Also I'm a control freak in that I like booking all of our travel connections myself.  As mentioned above I would not recommend them if you want the support of a travel agent behind you.  I've called there customer service a couple of times and they have followed through on my requests as needed.  However they do not watch for price drops, additional benefits, etc that a travel agent might do for you.

Global Entry is a process that allows you to register with the TSA.  It was provide you precheck status automatically on all of your flights.  I think the cost is around $75 per person.  You must have a passport and there are only so many locations that you can go to.  For example there are only 2 in our state and you have to make an appointment, usually about 6 weeks out.  The application process is online but you have to complete at a registered site with an in person interview.  I think it is good for 5 years.  We think it's a benefit if you fly a couple of times a year.  Just getting to be in the precheck lines and not having to take your shoes off is worth it to us.
Mobile Passport is a phone app mananaged by US Customs.  You basically enter all of the information from your passport and answer the standard entry questions that immigration will ask you.  You also upload a phone of yourself.  You then show your phone along with your passport when your enter the port.  Our experience has been that you get to go to a fast line in the port if you have the app loaded.  Another benefit is you can load multiple people traveling with you.  So for my spouse and I we only need it on one phone.
Both have good websites that can answer your questions.
Hope this helps.

Global Entry is a process that allows you to register with the TSA.  It was provide you precheck status automatically on all of your flights.  I think the cost is around $75 per person.  You must have a passport and there are only so many locations that you can go to.  For example there are only 2 in our state and you have to make an appointment, usually about 6 weeks out.  The application process is online but you have to complete at a registered site with an in person interview.  I think it is good for 5 years.  We think it's a benefit if you fly a couple of times a year.  Just getting to be in the precheck lines and not having to take your shoes off is worth it to us.
Mobile Passport is a phone app mananaged by US Customs.  You basically enter all of the information from your passport and answer the standard entry questions that immigration will ask you.  You also upload a phone of yourself.  You then show your phone along with your passport when your enter the port.  Our experience has been that you get to go to a fast line in the port if you have the app loaded.  Another benefit is you can load multiple people traveling with you.  So for my spouse and I we only need it on one phone.
Both have good websites that can answer your questions.
Hope this helps.

I agree with above that Global Entry helps with the airlines but doesn't apply to the port.  I do highly recommend downloading and using the mobile passport app.  Our last cruise on Allure as we disembarked there were basically 2 lines.  Those that had mobile pass got to shortcut to the front of the line while everyone else had to work through the regular emigration line.  

Thank you. Looking online we can see how to make it out but sounds a little sketchy on how to return.   We did find a local tour that includes the Garden as a stop.   

There's a comment section in the Uber app. You can enter a description of something you are wearing, red ball cap, bright shirt color, etc. something that helps the driver pick you out of the crowd.  We just used it after exiting Allure and the driver was right to the curb to pick us up.  He said because he could eliminate a lot of the other folks standing around it made it easier for him.

There's a comment section in the Uber app. You can enter a description of something you are wearing, red ball cap, bright shirt color, etc. something that helps the driver pick you out of the crowd.  We just used it after exiting Allure and the driver was right to the curb to pick us up.  He said because he could eliminate a lot of the other folks standing around it made it easier for him.

Ceremonial picture of the wife with a drink in one hand and seapass card in the other to let our kids know we made it safely on board.  Then take the elevator to the highest point on the ship.  On some of the ships you actually have to walk up one flight of strairs to reach the chapel.  We then explore each floor by walking down the stairs.  It keeps us off the elevators during the boarding madness and seems more leisurely to us.  Plenty of stops along the way down for snacks and another drink.  We may need to alter next month with our first cruise on Allure because I don't think they give us our seapass when we board.

Ceremonial picture of the wife with a drink in one hand and seapass card in the other to let our kids know we made it safely on board.  Then take the elevator to the highest point on the ship.  On some of the ships you actually have to walk up one flight of strairs to reach the chapel.  We then explore each floor by walking down the stairs.  It keeps us off the elevators during the boarding madness and seems more leisurely to us.  Plenty of stops along the way down for snacks and another drink.  We may need to alter next month with our first cruise on Allure because I don't think they give us our seapass when we board.

Although we book different ships and itineraries our cruise routine starts out the same.  I research to death precruise everything I can find on the ship, ports, past cruise compasses, etc.  We then try to board as early as possible, grab a drink and start exploring the ship.  Grab some lunch then wait for the rooms to open up.  Prior to going to the room my wife and I make our last calls and follow up on emails.  When we get to the room we both turn off our phones and lock them in the safe usually with a little silent toast to being on a cruise again.  Both of our jobs require us to be really connected.  So we let it be known that the cruise is our time.  We tell the family and office how to reach us in an emergency by ships phone but our cell phones are on lock down.  From that point she breaks out the highlighter to mark up the cruise compass while I put my feet up on the balcony.  Even though we buy the drink package we usually still carrry on wine.  It is nice to just sit and enjoy some wIne until time to go to the safety lecture.  We both like to plan but we've found each cruise develops as you go along.   Sometimes the casino is being generous so we spend more time there.  Other times we find one of the bars just has the right combination of music and service that we keep coming back.  The only bad thing on a cruise is inevitably your countdown clock begins at some point that the cruse will be ending.  Maybe someday I can afford to just make them back to back, to back.....

Although we book different ships and itineraries our cruise routine starts out the same.  I research to death precruise everything I can find on the ship, ports, past cruise compasses, etc.  We then try to board as early as possible, grab a drink and start exploring the ship.  Grab some lunch then wait for the rooms to open up.  Prior to going to the room my wife and I make our last calls and follow up on emails.  When we get to the room we both turn off our phones and lock them in the safe usually with a little silent toast to being on a cruise again.  Both of our jobs require us to be really connected.  So we let it be known that the cruise is our time.  We tell the family and office how to reach us in an emergency by ships phone but our cell phones are on lock down.  From that point she breaks out the highlighter to mark up the cruise compass while I put my feet up on the balcony.  Even though we buy the drink package we usually still carrry on wine.  It is nice to just sit and enjoy some wIne until time to go to the safety lecture.  We both like to plan but we've found each cruise develops as you go along.   Sometimes the casino is being generous so we spend more time there.  Other times we find one of the bars just has the right combination of music and service that we keep coming back.  The only bad thing on a cruise is inevitably your countdown clock begins at some point that the cruse will be ending.  Maybe someday I can afford to just make them back to back, to back.....

Debit cards are typically handled differently than credit cards.  Because the system you are ultimately touching is your checking account rather than a credit account travel providers such as hotels and I assume cruise lines place a hold on the funds as you charge them. They then release the hold a couple of days later if you don't actually incur a charge.   This can lead to problems because as holds stack up on a debit card it can reach an internal maximum the bank may have on your account.  The bank sets this maximum because all debit transactions are not always instant post, especially when traveling so they typically set a limit on how much you can run against your debit card per day even if your actual balance is larger.  Another issue is the provider is allowed to place hold for an amount they assume you might spend. So a hotel might hold $500 when your room charge is only 150 under the idea you might have dinner and drinks that night and it will take a day to know for sure.  It is really better to use a credit card to avoid this issue.  As others have mentioned you can always go down to the service desk before you leave and pay cash to reduce the amount that they will charge to your credit card.   One last tip is diffinitely notify the company that issues your card, the number is on the back of the card, where and when you are traveling.  Card companies have a pretty good idea of what your normal spending habits look like. If you live in the Northwest and suddenly start spending money in Florida they might place a hold on your account until you call them. Hard to do when your sipping drinks on a cruise.  Hope this helps.  Have a great trip.

Honestly don't know how prepaid cards are handled.  It probably comes down to reading the fine print which I never do. For example when you check into a hotel they will have a statement at the front desk  If you are using a debit card you acknowledge that we may place a hold on your account of X until X days have expired.  I just know I've never seen a hold place on my credit card.

Debit cards are typically handled differently than credit cards.  Because the system you are ultimately touching is your checking account rather than a credit account travel providers such as hotels and I assume cruise lines place a hold on the funds as you charge them. They then release the hold a couple of days later if you don't actually incur a charge.   This can lead to problems because as holds stack up on a debit card it can reach an internal maximum the bank may have on your account.  The bank sets this maximum because all debit transactions are not always instant post, especially when traveling so they typically set a limit on how much you can run against your debit card per day even if your actual balance is larger.  Another issue is the provider is allowed to place hold for an amount they assume you might spend. So a hotel might hold $500 when your room charge is only 150 under the idea you might have dinner and drinks that night and it will take a day to know for sure.  It is really better to use a credit card to avoid this issue.  As others have mentioned you can always go down to the service desk before you leave and pay cash to reduce the amount that they will charge to your credit card.   One last tip is diffinitely notify the company that issues your card, the number is on the back of the card, where and when you are traveling.  Card companies have a pretty good idea of what your normal spending habits look like. If you live in the Northwest and suddenly start spending money in Florida they might place a hold on your account until you call them. Hard to do when your sipping drinks on a cruise.  Hope this helps.  Have a great trip.

Debit cards are typically handled differently than credit cards.  Because the system you are ultimately touching is your checking account rather than a credit account travel providers such as hotels and I assume cruise lines place a hold on the funds as you charge them. They then release the hold a couple of days later if you don't actually incur a charge.   This can lead to problems because as holds stack up on a debit card it can reach an internal maximum the bank may have on your account.  The bank sets this maximum because all debit transactions are not always instant post, especially when traveling so they typically set a limit on how much you can run against your debit card per day even if your actual balance is larger.  Another issue is the provider is allowed to place hold for an amount they assume you might spend. So a hotel might hold $500 when your room charge is only 150 under the idea you might have dinner and drinks that night and it will take a day to know for sure.  It is really better to use a credit card to avoid this issue.  As others have mentioned you can always go down to the service desk before you leave and pay cash to reduce the amount that they will charge to your credit card.   One last tip is diffinitely notify the company that issues your card, the number is on the back of the card, where and when you are traveling.  Card companies have a pretty good idea of what your normal spending habits look like. If you live in the Northwest and suddenly start spending money in Florida they might place a hold on your account until you call them. Hard to do when your sipping drinks on a cruise.  Hope this helps.  Have a great trip.

We have never had any trouble at airport or boarding for our cruise with our pill organizers.  Just as a tip we printout a listing of all of our meds and my spouse and I each keep a copy.  That way if for some reason we would have to visit an emergency room we could give them the copy instead of trying to remember each dosage and med we take.

Not making any judgements on your group of guys but we ran into something we had never heard of and thought we would post as a general tip.  We had lunch with a couple a couple of days into our cruise and wife seemed a little upset.  Apparantly hubby had to much to drink in first port stop to the point he had to be assisted in boarding.  Since he was in such tough shape a sticker was placed on his sea pass that he could not drink on board for 24 hours.  Since they both had the drink package and were in the same room wife was also stickered.  So she not only embarrassed but was mad because here card was also flagged.   We had never heard of this but something to consider if you decide to let the good times roll.