codyh21

1 minute ago, Bob_KY said:

Aren't Cruise Planner purchases refunded quicker than booking cancelations? 

Typically speaking, yes.  In the past, we've usually got our refunds in a couple days.  There have been mixed reports on this lately.  

To the OP, I've seen really dynamic pricing lately.  Our Freedom sailing for February had UBP priced @ $41 per day just over a week ago.  I didn't jump on it and it's now up around $60.  We'll just wait and see.  As is often recommended on here, buy at a price you're comfortable with.  If it drops, you can always cancel and rebook.  But do realize that you won't have that money to use immediately unless it's OBC. 

I agree with @twangster.  In this day and age of contactless payment, I would love to see them implement something where you just touch your wow band or seapass card to a reader.  I know Royal isn't Disney, but as former Disney passholders, being able to just use our magic bands touchless was so simple and absolutely speeded up the process.  I get there's the whole adding a tip thing but there are ways to do it.  

Now, while I'm sure they're looking into all this right now, a timeline for implementation of something like this fleetwide who knows?!?

Pretty sure there hasn't been a definitive plan announced yet.  However, if I were a betting man, I don't believe we'll be serving ourselves anytime soon.  What that will look like or form the WJ will take is anyone's guess.  I've heard suggestions of a modified food court style eatery which I'd be interested in.  

I had an ex back in high school who worked at an ice cream shop and could do something close to that, it was impressive!  Sadly, as others have mentioned I don't find that the machines onboard hold up to that sort of engineering marvelry.

We used the UDP on Navigator back in November at Playmakers as soon as we boarded.  There were a few people getting drinks in there, but almost no one getting food.  Other than our server being a little unfamiliar with the UDP it was a very pleasant experience and the food was good.

We really enjoy Playmakers.  On our last Navigator sailing we had UDP so used that instead of somewhere like WJ upon boarding.  Fair amount getting a drink there but very few ordering food so service was very quick.  I think many either assumed it was just a bar or didn't realize they could get food right away.

Bearded Clam is our favorite but Pirate Republic is very good as well.  Both are fairly close to each other so try them both!

Drink package works the same on the island as it does onboard.  Things like drinks over the price limit or in things like a coconut or souvenir glass will incur an additional charge but I've so far never paid above and beyond.  Chairs are everywhere, and as mentioned above, unless you want a cabana or day bed you won't be expected to pay any extra.

I honestly think there would be an uproar if they charged for whatever model they put in that venue.  With that or the MDR as primary free options I really can't see them going with any sort of paid model in the space and having it work.

We've done 3 B2Bs in the last three years and love them.  We've actually never had the same room twice, and hasn't been difficult.  We just packed up our suitcase and left everything that was hanging in the closet as is.  They moved everything to the new room and it was waiting for us.  They will typically hold a brief meet-up for those doing b2b the last day to cover procedures and hand out new seapass cards.  On the day of turnaround you're usually instructed to meet somewhere like a lounge later in the morning.  Once everyone else has disembarked, you'll be escorted into the terminal, we've never had more than a very brief visit with customs.  Once the ship is cleared, you're escorted right back on and have free reign of the ship until everyone else is allowed to board.

B2B is such a great way to cruise and the only problem (if you call it that) is once you do it, you'll want to keep booking them.

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

In that case, $34 PP/PD is very high.  Just keep monitoring it.  Most of the sale prices for the refreshment pkg have been around $19 PP/PD.

I agree if you're talking about refreshment.  I always get it for my wife, and I think the highest I ever paid was maybe $21-22 per day.  You should be able to get it for the low-mid $20 range just keep checking as you get closer to your sailing date.

My wife and I have the cheap white board w/markers in our room.  Easy to put where you are and when as we often split up during sea days.  Has always worked well for us, and we establish meeting times for things like meals or events we want to do together.

19 hours ago, AnnetteJackson said:

I was on a call today and we were told that in reality it is taking them more like 45 business days on the first round to complete the cancellations and while they have put that out for the other two rounds, they hope that they can do those faster. 

Still waiting on the front half of my Navigator b2b, but got a full refund to my CC last night for our 3 night sailing.  Wasn't a large amount as it was a cheap cruise, but it's progress and it only took Royal 14 days!  I utilized the online form and it was so easy.  Hoping to get my other sailing soon along with my cruise planner purchases, but at least in this instance Royal moved quickly and I'm not complaining!

2 hours ago, Smurfy said:

I realize rules are always changing. I was just clarifying about the deposit, not the OBC.

I think as previously mentioned, it appears everything is changing so frequently it's hard to keep up.  If what you mentioned is the case, I hadn't heard that.  We ended up taking the 100% refund vs the 125% FCC as we're drydocked due to my work until early next year and I'm just not sure what our year will look like.  Either way, hope you get re-booked and get to sail again soon!

18 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Sounds like you need a new Agent.

I agree 100%.  We got an email from our TA that laid out our options very clearly, to include a link to apply for refund of cruise fare instead of taking the FCC (we did do this).  There was no pressure from him to rebook right away, nor should there be.  Any good TA will not push you towards a choice you don't want to make and also will be willing to do the work to contact Royal if required.

15 hours ago, FoxboroCruiser said:

Wondering the same thing!  The cruise we are hoping to book to replace our canceled May 30th sailing is almost exactly the same cost.  the taxes and port fees refund will almost cover the $1,000 deposit on next years booking.   If I book next year’s cruise now and put down the $1,000 deposit and then use the FCC to pay off the remaining balance, we’d much prefer to have the left over money available in the Cruise Planner.  It’s probably not going to be much but at least we’d be guaranteed to use it!

Hoping the experts in the forum will weigh in for the best strategy to make that happen! 

If you put down the deposit, then use FCC to pay the balance and it's more than that balance, you'll receive a new FCC for the remaining balance.  It would not go on your account as OBC.

Example: New cruise is $2500, and you have $2000 FCC.  You put down the $1000 deposit and use FCC to cover the balance.  You would be issued a new FCC for $500 to be used towards a future cruise.  

I don't know if you opted in or not, but you did have the ability on your canceled sailing to fill out a form and get 125% of your cruise planner purchases converted to OBC to be used on a future sailing.  But that is totally different from your FCC.

I had airfare booked to go to home and see family, to Florida for visits twice, and to Miami for a cruise all in the next two months.  I have a crazy amount of airline credit and miles banked but thankfully many are allowing you to hold onto them for an extended period.  We unfortunately aren't cruising until next year but I've been taking a look at airfare and it hasn't been too bad (we typically fly from Denver).  For those seeing higher airfare, hopefully airlines will lower prices to get people flying again (much like we're hoping with cruise fare).

I do have to fly a little this summer for work, and from a health/safety standpoint I'm not concerned.  With so few people on flights, there's plenty of "free space" onboard coupled with the airlines are like most other industries getting very good at cleaning their spaces.  

I agree there will be likely even more stringent testing/processes for new and returning crew as a condition of employment.  Whether it's a crew member or a guest, Royal (or any line for that matter) can't afford to have anyone board a ship if they're infected or showing symptoms.  The bad press alone would be enough to do some of them in.

I was having a conversation with a friend last night, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the cruise lines at least initially sail with MANY less passengers.  I could see as little as 50-60% potentially over what would normally sail, depending on whatever that "break-even" point is for them.  Whatever that number is, it would not require nearly as many staff as previously needed.  I hate the thought of many crew not being brought back on board, but I think that's going to have to be the way forward for the foreseeable future.

From reading Royal's guidance, you'll get a new FCC issued.  It will contain a 100% value of your initial FCC used, plus 125% of any additional monies paid.  It also says the FCCs will be processed automatically and issued by 22 May.  The only time you would have to contact Royal is if you wanted a 100% refund.

4 hours ago, RBRSKI said:

So if my June cruise on the Symphony is cxl'd, I am looking at prices in July.  They are so much more!   I believe they have been high over the last couple months because it's summer time but what will make the prices drop?  It's only a week til the 90 day full payment is due for the cruises in mid to end of July.  

I would fully expect prices to drop on most summer sailings soon if they haven't already.  While nothing is announced at this point, I would be hesitant at this point to book something for July, especially if you're looking at using any possible FCC from your June cruise if canx'd.  If Royal is sailing in July, I definitely wouldn't expect prices to go up at all, so you should have plenty of time to book.

This is yet another reason why with the exception of my local news station, I don't watch the news anymore right now.  A lot of hype, misinformation, and over-exaggeration right now.  Since we're drydocked due to work until early next year, I spend my days when not watching Netflix looking at next year's cruises.

Labadee is fantastic!  Completely different vibe than Coco Cay and it's intentional.  Still has a few things to do, but generally a much more laid back day.  I really enjoy both stops, but for obviously different reasons.

Pretty sure Matt's codeword is "I've got Kraken"

Clearly no guarantees, but I can easily see these dropping once things get back up and running.  I also wouldn't be surprised to see them relax/go back on requiring everyone to have the DX if in the same stateroom.  We always call in and get my wife the refreshment, but I feel they'll be doing everything they can to bring revenue back in.

I'm also looking forward to getting the UDP on our first sailing back and getting some great food!

While I maybe in the minority here, I don’t think they should do this.  I understand wanting to keep business, but the fact of the matter is you didn’t take the cruise.  Regardless of circumstance, I do not expect to be rewarded for something I didn’t do.  I’ve had two airline flights cancelled so far, and I got my money back and nothing more which is what I’d expect.

We have a b2b next month on Navigator I fully expect to be cancelled and we were due to make Diamond after that week.  If they cancel, I’ll likely be getting a 125% FCC which is already more than they have to offer.  Other than perhaps the additional sailing discounts, I frankly could care less about making diamond.  Again, I know most might disagree with me, but I’m not going to bash anyone who agrees with the OP.  
 

There’s not a good answer or solution to any of this, completely unprecedented.  Bottom line, stay safe everyone and I look forward to seeing you all on a ship in the future.