twangster

So a couple things...

RCI executives do have a fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders.  Duh!   Same goes for any publicly traded company.  

People were outright and blatantly violating the rules and sharing drink packages.  In one of Michael Poole's scopes recently he observed four people signing up one person for the DP for this purpose.  It's very difficult to place the enforcement onto front line employees.   Bartenders can't follow people to see if they hand off a drink.  An ugly confrontation would result in any attempt to place enforcement solely in the hands of front line employees and that leads to a potentially larger negative customer experience.   

The common trend in the industry is to require everyone over 21 to purchase a DP if anyone does.   In considering how to deal with this problem of theft they had to make a choice.  

Trying to enforce it on the ship with front line employees would likely lead to inconsistencies and awkward situations where customers come up with excuses like "I'm not sharing my drinks, he's just holding my drink while I stretch".   There would be YouTube videos and social media moments creating a negative impact to the brand like "They suspended my DP for no reason, I did nothing wrong, bad company!" even though this person is lying through their teeth.  

On the other hand by following the industry trend it makes it a consistent policy applied across the fleet without placing the burden on front line employees.  Customers will know it when they attempt to purchase a DP just like other lines.  I completely understand why they went this way.  

I've contacted them and have direct knowledge of the exemptions and how those work.  I honestly believe those are a reasonable approach to dealing with the relatively few individuals who truly need one.  The vast majority do not require and should not be eligible for an exemption but for the small number of folks that properly do there is process to recognize it.  Is it perfect? Maybe not but it does address most customer use cases.  

If the masses start to abuse the exemptions, they'll likely have to adapt to that too.  Blame the abusers who attempt to circumvent policy and rules to benefit themselves.  

On 10/19/2017 at 2:43 AM, J_Keeble said:

Follow me on periscope J_keeble

Following!  On Anthem in 35 days for a B2B.  Look forward to the advance preview.

Boy oh boy, I keep getting a rock.  Three near term sailings and no price deviations.  $46 USD aka the 'standard' 20% off pre-cruise rate.  I need some C&A status to help me out...

I'm a preemie (long ways to D+) so had to use several presidential papers to buy the All Access Tour, but I agree, it's an awesome experience to visit the bridge of the largest cruise ship in the world!

On 10/19/2017 at 8:05 AM, katjoe said:

Think we'll probably stick with MDR...they usually have a steak offering every night, so how much different would Chops be? 

I did a 9 night Grandeur in August, menus below.  There is a steak option in the "Classics" section which is available every night unless a better cut is offered that night.  IMO this isn't the best cut of meat, but it is steak.  I've been fortunate to eat at some really good steak houses with a company paying as we entertain clients and with bills ending up in the thousands.  Chops isn't that, but it is very good.  I enjoy it and will do Chops again.  I just did Chops on Harmony a few weeks ago.  Yum.   So yeah, Chops is much better than the MDR "classics" steak.

I didn't do any specialty on Grandeur and I was very happy in the MDR.  Great service, good food.  I enjoyed seeing the staff each night.  I'm contemplating more Grandeur in the spring and have no hesitation eating in MDR on her more. 

Grandeur MDR Menus.pdf

I always advise folks to contact the cruise line.  My experience is limited to another cruise line but I've sailed three times with a minor child who was not my own.  Two went easy, one not so much but we eventually got on.  Same circumstances, just a different check in person.   Be careful taking advice from strangers on the internet, talk to the cruise line and do everything they mention.  Don't assume.  

US Immigration on one occasion took particular interest on our return and we spent an hour in secondary after disembarking. 

On some ships with interior virtual balconies they restrict the cabin to 2 passengers.  The virtual display consumes wall space otherwise used for more beds or a different layout to allow more beds.  It's likely the layout of 11175 will be different than 9175.  Sorry I couldn't help more.

19 hours ago, Judy Rouse said:

Yesterday I contacted the same TA to inquire about an Alaskan cruise ...  Getting prices was like pulling teeth!  Seems like a TA should provide suggestions but this one does not. 

Sounds like a bad or new agent.  I asked for a quote for this sites Alaska group cruise next June and quickly received it.  Since it has become a long email thread with quotes for different cabin types.  We've gone back and forth due to my indecisiveness but that's on me.   

Here is an example of different cabins being offered direct versus through an agency.  This is for the Explorer of the Seas on June 22, 2018 - the Royal Caribbean Blog Alaska Group Cruise which I am booking today.  Category 4U Inside Virtual Balcony.  Direct RCI is showing 4 cabins available to book on deck 9.  Multiple agencies are offering 12 cabins available to book on deck 9.  

The local governments are in control of the reopening date.  They are asking for the cruise ships to return. Cruise line officials are ensuring they can fulfill that request in a safe manner.    Cruise ships in particular are a form of tourism that places less demand on resources compared to fly and stay tourism.  Cruises arrive in the morning and leave later the same day unlike fly and stay tourists who stay overnight when crime can be higher and who place greater demand on resources such as food, water, policing and potentially medical.  Crime can be higher in part because there is no money coming in and people are growing desperate in a large part because they have no income.  

Local governments want to reintroduce tourism to bring income but also to bring a sense of normalcy back, which itself helps to reduce crime and stabilize the region. Cruise ships are the ideal answer for how to a slowly reintroduce tourism.  

 This isn't the first hurricane to have this effect, many islands have gone through this before.   When I cruised to St Marteen  in the late '90s it was soon after that islands last such hurricane hit with similar devastation.  

EDIT - in another forum I participate in a similar thread is evolving.  A resident of St Thomas is posting and they want tourists back.  They are not sure how they are going to pay the rent this month and while they are not fully restored (no power at home yet), they are eagerly waiting to welcome us with open arms.  They need the money.  So for anyone that does go to a recently opened island, be generous, tip well.  An extra $5 or $10 is nothing relative to the cost of a cruise.

To provide an example of how a TA can benefit you, I've been trying to turn an upcoming Anthem cruise into a B2B.  Pricing has been pretty volatile, changing hourly.  Direct, either online or calling RCI, they stopped offering a solo OV guarantee fare 2 days ago, I would have to book a phantom guest as my +1, pay the port fees and taxes for my phantom up front then show up without them and wait for the port fees and taxes for them to refund back after the cruise.  I had a hold from yesterday on such a fare booked direct as a fall back plan.

This morning my TA was able to find a solo OV guarantee that I couldn't, so she created a hold for me and called me.  Same base rate but I wouldn't have to play the "oh dear, my 2nd guest couldn't make the cruise" game.    Same OBC, plus the regular airline miles I get using this agency.  Those add up and I generally can fly for free to a couple cruises every year.  

Once booked the cruise planner works the same, including sales this weekend.  I can make my own dinner reservations, buy drink packages, book entertainment, etc. all on my own.  

I've had situations before where certain specific cabins couldn't be booked direct.  It was explained to me that blocks of rooms are committed to agencies and you have to use an agency to book them.  On Oasis I wanted a specific loft suite that I couldn't book direct but I had no issues getting the cabin I wanted through an agency.  

I love CK!   Sadly I'll miss it on Anthem in December as I'm not living the suite life on that cruise.  

I have tried CK on Oasis, Allure and Harmony.  Service was excellent (not that MDR service isn't very good as well) and food is better than MDR (not that food isn't very good in the MDR). CK has its own kitchen right there.  On the All Access Tour on Harmony the chef in Silk mentioned that the CK kitchen is independent.  My son has a nut allergy.  Our CK waiter asked if we were eating dinner again there which we were and the CK kitchen cooked a special Apple pie for him and another guest with a nut allergy on that night.  

We had a very good duck entree in CK on Harmony.  Incredible flavors.  Perfect sized portions.  Great views.  They do lobster as well on the 2nd formal night like MDR.  

Specialty dining is unique, love Izumi Hibachi for example.  

I'm doing the BOGO on Freedom soon because for $30 for two specialty? Why not!  But I'd have no issue eating MDR all the time.  I'm trying to turn my Anthem into a B2B for 19 nights and I'll mostly do MDR.  

I bring a refillable bottle with me like others mentioned, same as when I fly for work.  Go through security with it empty then fill it up.  I also bring a small container of dish soap to wash it daily.  One of those 2oz TSA friendly shampoo type containers for flying works perfect.  

Once final payment has been made I've always known trying for a price reduction is unlikely to yield any results.  That's okay, those are the rules.  Sometimes though after final payment I've been able to upgrade, at cost, to a different cabin type.  Unfortunately for my upcoming Anthem sailing they wouldn't go there, from inside to ocean view or balcony.  Since I'm going solo that's okay, it's just me.  I'll spend that money on some diving excursions.  

When I switched from another cruise line to RCI this was a concern for me.  Since then it hasn't proven to be the issue I thought.  As soon as luggage arrives I use wrinkle release and a steamy shower.  That usually does a pretty good job.  On a cruise I don't fret over a slightly imperfect shirt.   

2 hours ago, SouthernYankee said:

If you check with the loyalty ambassador they will give you a sticker for your card to recognize your diamond status.  You will also receive your diamond perks on your second leg.  Make sure you let the loyalty ambassador know on the first leg so they will be ready. 

Congratulations for your upcoming milestone!

Perfect.  Thanks!

I used to sail Carnival so can relate.  I think it's easier for them because their loyalty program doesn't really give you much.  Gold level and you get a bottle of water and sometimes a cheap pin.  Woohoo!  No on board discounts.  Every line is different and I have no issue with RCI for not granting points until actually earned (sailed).   In the case of a B2B though, technically I'll have satisfied that once the first cruise completes.  

I might turn my Anthem cruise in a B2B.  I will become Diamond on the 1st leg of the B2B.  I know it usually takes at least 4-5 days for C&A status to update after a cruise.

Has anyone managed to talk their way into the next level when your C&A level changes mid-B2B?

Checked this morning for 12/2/17 Anthem and Northstar opened up on days 2 and 3.  Changed my day 11 reservation to day 3.  I'm 49 days out today.

Just a point of reference as you get closer.

24 minutes ago, jurrjurr said:

...  Is it easier to get a table for just the two of us with MTD?  Am I in the minority if I am not wanting to share a table with another couple/group?  

Minority?  Not at all.  Usually a table for two with MTD is easy.  If you show up in prime time, there may be a wait, no different than a local home town restaurant off ship.    Sometimes when I cruise solo I'm in the mood for company and ask for a larger table, sometimes I don't because I don't like explaining again why I am solo and OMG how could I cruise solo?  Maybe next time I 'll create something like - aliens usually leave me alone on ships .  

Point is, they will generally try to accommodate your MTD whim, even if it changes night by night which is easier for them off peak, no different than any land restaurant.    

Thanks.  I'm solo this trip. My inquiry was relative to getting a better cabin at a small increase but rates went up a bit so I'm happy where I am.  

I read this thread earlier but just had a thought so came back to it.  Perhaps you shouldn't try to plan every port excursion to encompass the whole group.  There isn't anything wrong with planning it so some folks might opt for option A and others option B.  I have done a similar port intensive cruise and it can get tiring, you need a vacation from your vacation.  

For the inlaws you don't want them to feel pressured to do young things so they don't slow down the group and end up with them being exhausted by day 4.  Sometimes its interesting to hear about something different others did, gives you lots to talk about over dinner.  

Just a thought...

My personal preference is MTD for the flexibility.  I think new cruisers can benefit from fixed time.  There is so  much to take in for newcomers that fixed time can help anchor the day and you do get a better dining experience with the same wait staff each night.  You can often manage that with MTD if you are early or late and eat at the same time each night, but generally speaking fixed time is a better overall experience. 

The girls I cruise bring their own hair dryer and shampoo (and a small truck load of other related products).  I would not even attempt to influence that decision any more, I learned that lesson once the hard way.

Welcome and a virgin 3 cruise B2B?  I'm impressed!

I've never sailed from Sydney so my views and perspective are from North America.

1 - There are some Cruise Compass found on this site but sadly none for your cruise(s) that I could find.  Typically cruises 7 days or longer have two formal nights and some of the longer ones like 12 days also have two smart casual nights.  Formal here in North America may be different in practice than formal in Australia in terms of attire.  

2 - For North America the US Thanksgiving has traditionally been a time when RCI offers specials on some excursion and drink packages.  151 days is still a long ways put so be patient, check often.  RCI has introduced new bundles over the past few months, who knows what else might become a bundle, keep checking.

3 - The number of devices logged in simultaneously.  If you purchase 1 device, you and your SO could both use it, but only one at a time.  I often bring a smartphone and tablet and switch back and forth as needed with a one device package.

4 - Here in the U.S. you do disembark and reboard usually first between B2B cruises, uncertain about AU.

5 - Top of lifeboat - You can look straight out but looking straight down will be impeded by the lifeboat.

16 hours ago, Darren said:

1 laser tag, 2 sports bar, 3 El Loco. So does this mean that there is no more Sabor?  Or did they just move it. 

No Sabor.