BrianB

I have multiple cruises booked and I check every day for price drops and better cabin locations. Many times I see a good deal on a higher category and I call and they make the change, no problem. I even changed one back to back by moving a cruise from one week to another. Again, no problem. The $100 change fee is listed on the confirmation, but then it is immediately listed as a $100 ‘savings for change fee’.  So the bottom line is you shouldn’t have a problem changing to another cabin category…no loss of deposit, and no change fee. Good luck and enjoy the family cruise!

I think if they are offering the Key on certain sailings, then they must have some idea as to what will come with the price. Besides the internet. Even if it’s the embarkation day Chops lunch…or priority disembarkation at ports of call…or even a guaranteed flexible-scheduled boarding time…I think it would be worth it for me. I would hope the priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise, with the nice breakfast would be included. But, I’ll just wait and see!

My advice is that if you feel the package is too expensive, it probably is... for you. I've bought it and skipped it enough times to know that what price works with my personal drinking habits (alcoholic and non), and I'll come out better if I just buy a la carte.
I'd recommend that everyone make that calculation. While I agree it's nice to have that particular expense paid up front and not be wondering how much I'm racking up over the trip, it's also really nice to know that I can drink what I'm totally comfortable drinking and actually come out ahead vs what the package price was the whole time I was checking the Cruise Planner. And do it while letting myself slow down after the first couple of "I'm finally on vacation!!!" days, because I'm not feeling the pressure to "get my money's worth".

It looks like they are slowly getting things back up to speed as they try to navigate reopening the cruise industry while managing new health and safety protocols. What is mandated today may be totally different tomorrow. What the protocols are on one ship may be different for another…the same with the individual ports. It’s just going to be a ‘wait and see’ thing. 
I always took advantage of the Key. Made sense for me as I usually sail solo (but never alone!) and only had to pay for me. I see the Key is available in my Cruise Planners for some of my cruises at a good price…considering it includes Voom Surf and Stream. I’m going to get the internet anyway so paying a few dollars more each day for the convenience the Key provides always made it an easy choice. I’ll probably take it while it’s at such an attractive price and then hope for the best.
Things seem to be happening fast recently…changes are announced almost daily. I just hope we keep moving towards the full resumption of a normal cruise experience as quickly and safely as possible!

I’ll never disrespect a crew member…and I’ll never NOT go out of my way to show my appreciation for my cabin attendant, my servers and every other crew member who work their butt off for months at a time, away from their families, without a single day off. I believe that the crew really does make the cruise.
Oh, yeah……I’ll never do karaoke (I think there’s an international injunction against me singing in public, something about crimes against humanity)…I’ll never do the belly flop contest (I’d feel guilty causing so much laughter-induced pain)….and I’ll never NOT love cruising!!

I’ll never disrespect a crew member…and I’ll never NOT go out of my way to show my appreciation for my cabin attendant, my servers and every other crew member who work their butt off for months at a time, away from their families, without a single day off. I believe that the crew really does make the cruise.
Oh, yeah……I’ll never do karaoke (I think there’s an international injunction against me singing in public, something about crimes against humanity)…I’ll never do the belly flop contest (I’d feel guilty causing so much laughter-induced pain)….and I’ll never NOT love cruising!!

I’ll never disrespect a crew member…and I’ll never NOT go out of my way to show my appreciation for my cabin attendant, my servers and every other crew member who work their butt off for months at a time, away from their families, without a single day off. I believe that the crew really does make the cruise.
Oh, yeah……I’ll never do karaoke (I think there’s an international injunction against me singing in public, something about crimes against humanity)…I’ll never do the belly flop contest (I’d feel guilty causing so much laughter-induced pain)….and I’ll never NOT love cruising!!

I love Royal’s Cruise with Confidence program. I frequently check my cruises to see if prices have decreased. So far, I have called and received the lower price several times. I even upgraded a couple because the suite price had dropped. There’s never a problem calling and every time the person handling my call has been nice, helpful and even happy for me that I snagged a lower price. It takes time to keep checking and I’m lucky that I’m able to do it…if not, I would definitely find a good TA to keep a watch over my bookings. 
As the bookings are all pre-final payment, they just make the adjustment and send me a new confirmation. If they are made post-final payment, then I receive an OBC. 
Just remember, I think Cruise with Confidence eligible bookings expire July 31! That includes the 48hr cancellation option.

I’ll never disrespect a crew member…and I’ll never NOT go out of my way to show my appreciation for my cabin attendant, my servers and every other crew member who work their butt off for months at a time, away from their families, without a single day off. I believe that the crew really does make the cruise.
Oh, yeah……I’ll never do karaoke (I think there’s an international injunction against me singing in public, something about crimes against humanity)…I’ll never do the belly flop contest (I’d feel guilty causing so much laughter-induced pain)….and I’ll never NOT love cruising!!

This is not technically and on the ship thing, but I will never do a ‘resort for a day’ excursion. You leave the ship where you have a pool, free flow drinks (if you’re like me), all inclusive food and great service to pay to go to another place that has……a pool, free flow alcohol, all inclusive food, and great service. I just don’t get it! It seems like you are paying for something the ship already provides. Sure, sometimes there is a beach involved, but surely you can go to beaches without this pay charge. And if you don’t like beaches then why not just stay on the ship? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

If they aren’t paid a ‘living wage’ how can one be a crew member for so long?
That snark comment aside, I recommend talking to a crew member about their weekly net cruise wages compared to the average weekly wages of their home country for a similar skill set job. 
 
I have been told by many crew that net cruise wages are 5-7 times their home country. This is why so many are eager to work on a ship and are so serious about maintaining their employment. Think of the sacrifices they make being away from home and often family. 

If you think that all crew should be paid what is considered a living wage in the U.S. the cruise fare would increase tremendously and thus less people able to afford cruise travel. This lowers demand for crew as less ships are needed. Thus leaving more people in impoverished countries on a waitlist dreaming for a cruise job, likely never getting one, enabling them to forever improve the opportunities for their family. I consider this scenario evil. My masters in economics likely influences my thinking.
Consider the unseen when making economic suggestions. 

I'd never enter the belly flop contest.

I have done the B2B cruises a number of ways.  One you do get off ship, see customs, and go right back on.
Other times they offered a lunch in MDR and customs came to you, looked at passports and your cards were switched out.  All while having wine and nice lunch complimentary.
Either way works well.  It may depend on how many people are B2B, or maybe what port you are docked at.  I would think if B2B passengers are vaccinated then they would keep you onboard.  Just less contact.   I will find out later this year on my B2B cruise.

In Galveston both times we had to physically leave the ship, in San Juan it was the way described above or close to it.  Those are my 3 experiences

Don’t know how it will be done now during the re-start, but…. 
In the past, different ships at different ports had different procedures. When I did back to backs at Port Liberty on the Anthem pre-shutdown, and I was in the same cabin, I just left everything as is and my cabin attendant just freshened the room as usual. Also, we went to the Diamond lounge and the concierge took our Sea Pass cards and issued our new cards. We waited for a while until CBP came and viewed our passports. Then, after the ship got to a zero count (all passengers disembarked…except us b2b-ers, of course) we were able to leave the Diamond lounge. Security set up a card swipe kiosk at the door and swiped our old Sea Pass cards as if we disembarked, and then our new Sea Pass cards as if we were just boarding. Outside, the Concierge gave us our old cards back if we wanted to keep them. Very easy and stress-free process. I hope it stays that way!

When are your cruises?
CWC ends April 30, 2022.    That used to seem like such a distant date but in the lifecycle of cruise bookings it isn't that far into the future.   Plus any FCC obtained through CWC has to used by April 30, 2022 for cruises through September 2022.  As time marches forward those dates will soon be upon us relative to the lifecycle of cruise bookings.  If you cruise often that won't be an issue but if you book just one or two per year and it's hard to coordinate time off work/school and family schedules that could make it harder to find replacement cruises.  Lastly CWC eligibility ends July 31, 2021.  If book in August CWC won't be a tool in your toolbox. 
I also expect airlines will soon return to the old ways of more change fees, at least those that did before. We may have a few more months of waived airline fees but once traffic comes back so will the fees, IMO.

Crown & Anchor Society® Members
Last updated June 28, 2021
We’re thrilled to welcome our valued Crown & Anchor® Society members back onboard! As we prepare to make new vacation memories at last, we want to share some great enhancements and a few updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits.
Enhanced Benefits
We’re excited to now offer our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members additional beverage vouchers for drinks up to $13. Each day of the cruise, Diamond members receive four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five vouchers, and Pinnacle Club members receive six vouchers. These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations. Consider it happy hour all day long!

With the new staggered arrivals appointment process, all guests need to pre-select a terminal arrival time. For our Pinnacle Club members, we created Flexible Arrival— a new benefit that gives you the freedom to check in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open.
Reimagined Events & Access
We’ve totally reimagined our behind-the-scenes entertainment tour. Members can now enjoy a MasterClass-type experience and get an insider’s view into the world of entertainment straight from the experts that bring the entire experience to life night after night. You won’t want to miss these workshops! Speaking of shows, we’ve enhanced our entertainment experience by giving our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members priority access to seating in venues up to 45 minutes prior to showtime. This gives you ample time to select your preferred seating prior to opening the doors to all other guests.
Lounge Access As We Resume Sailing
Because of new health and physical distancing protocols, we have temporarily suspended access to Suite and Concierge lounges. These venues will operate with capacity limits and will only be available to guests staying in Suites. The Diamond Lounge will also operate with reduced capacity.

Our health protocols will continue to change as public health conditions evolve. While we envision these temporary changes to be short-lived, they are dependent on health conditions and guidance from local authorities.

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members sailing on Oasis and Quantum Class ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice.
  Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Why are Crown & Anchor Society benefits changing?
A : The pause in operations gave us the time to relook at the program and find ways to improve. We added exciting enhancements and also made some temporary adjustments that align with new health protocols.
 
Q : How will the Crown & Anchor Society benefits change?
A :  Most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remain the same. Some, such as the top tier event, private departure lounge, daily breakfast, and behind-the-scenes galley tours have been temporarily suspended. However, we intend to bring them back as soon as we receive the green light to do so.

We also added a handful of new benefits such as Flexible Arrival for Pinnacle Club members, and additional daily beverage vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members. We even reimagined the behind-the-scenes entertainment tour for an enhanced experience.

To ensure compliance with health protocols and capacity limitations in some venues, access to the Suite and Concierge Lounges is temporarily limited to members staying in Suites. While the Diamond Lounge will also operate at a reduced capacity, we’re happy to welcome our members on a first come, first served basis.

On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, our Pinnacle Club members are welcome to make reservations at Coastal Kitchen once onboard. On these ships, these members will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. Voucher will be added to your SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : How will the onboard events change?
A : Based on new protocols, we had to adjust some events while still ensuring your full enjoyment:
Meal with an Officer —This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Champagne Toast with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room, but with new physical distancing protocols in place.
Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team.
Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew.
Priority Seating for Theaters and Shows — This benefit has evolved to priority access. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can enter the show venues up to 45 minutes before showtime to select their preferred seating.
Daily Breakfast in Main Dining Room — This benefit for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been temporarily suspended.
Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast— This benefit has been suspended for all Crown & Anchor members as a result of the new departure process.
 
Q : Will I still have Priority Check-In at embarkation?
A : When we return to service, the embarkation process will be different. To manage the flow of guests and follow new health and safety protocols, guests will request a set arrival time in advance.

For our valued Pinnacle Club members, we are introducing Flexible Arrival. While the terminal is open, Pinnacle Club members have the flexibility to check in up to one hour before or after their scheduled check-in time.
 
Q : How will the daily happy hour be impacted?
A : The Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge will take place daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Diamond and above members will now enjoy additional daily beverage vouchers to be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour, or in our private destinations. Whether it’s sparkling water, sparking wine, or the drink of the day, you choose when and where to enjoy these beverages.
The number of daily beverage coupons will increase as follows:
Diamond — 4 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond Plus — 5 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Pinnacle Club — 6 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will be able to redeem their complimentary beverage vouchers (for drinks valued up to $13) at any venue except Starbucks and Bionic Bar, at any time throughout the day.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Diamond Lounge?
A : Yes — Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can access the Diamond Lounge throughout the day. The Diamond Lounge capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing and sanitation. The lounge is open for regular hours, with Happy Hour daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Suite and Concierge lounges?
A : To manage venue capacity, access to the Concierge Club and Suite Lounge will be limited to members staying in Suites (Grand Suites and above).
 
Q :  Will Pinnacle Club members still have access to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen on Oasis and Quantum class ships?
A : On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard.

Pinnacle Club members on these ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. This voucher will be pre-loaded on their SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : Will there be any changes to onboard amenities?
A : Yes — due to new health protocols, deliveries to staterooms are limited to embarkation day only. For our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members, food and beverage amenities will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. The Chef’s Choice amenity is temporarily suspended until further notice.
 
Q : Will I still receive my onboard recognition?
A : Yes, although some recognition events will change based on onboard protocols. Our Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond members will still receive pins in their stateroom. Diamond Plus members will receive both a pin and luggage tag.

To celebrate our new Pinnacle Club members, our Loyalty Ambassador onboard will invite the new member and their immediate family to a special intimate recognition which will be filmed and broadcasted on Royal Caribbean TV.

Members reaching 1,050 points and above will receive a Pinnacle Club milestone recognition letter in their staterooms. Our Loyalty Ambassador will reach out to arrange the delivery of a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine.
 
 

It is what it is. If you can afford it, and the company provides it…enjoy it! Ignore the nasty glances and whatever comments are made by those who don’t realize why the service is being provided. It’s not special treatment…it’s a purchased service.
But I like how another cruise line provides the service when going to a show. Upper suite guests are escorted into the venue early through a crew door, out of sight of the passengers waiting on lines for the doors to open. This way we can chose our seats and be settled before the rush. It means being early and having to wait for the show to start, but at least you’re not being paraded down the aisle just before show time and escorted to prime seats that everyone else had to turn away from because they are ‘reserved’.
Either way…enjoy the perks that come with the price!

It is what it is. If you can afford it, and the company provides it…enjoy it! Ignore the nasty glances and whatever comments are made by those who don’t realize why the service is being provided. It’s not special treatment…it’s a purchased service.
But I like how another cruise line provides the service when going to a show. Upper suite guests are escorted into the venue early through a crew door, out of sight of the passengers waiting on lines for the doors to open. This way we can chose our seats and be settled before the rush. It means being early and having to wait for the show to start, but at least you’re not being paraded down the aisle just before show time and escorted to prime seats that everyone else had to turn away from because they are ‘reserved’.
Either way…enjoy the perks that come with the price!

It is what it is. If you can afford it, and the company provides it…enjoy it! Ignore the nasty glances and whatever comments are made by those who don’t realize why the service is being provided. It’s not special treatment…it’s a purchased service.
But I like how another cruise line provides the service when going to a show. Upper suite guests are escorted into the venue early through a crew door, out of sight of the passengers waiting on lines for the doors to open. This way we can chose our seats and be settled before the rush. It means being early and having to wait for the show to start, but at least you’re not being paraded down the aisle just before show time and escorted to prime seats that everyone else had to turn away from because they are ‘reserved’.
Either way…enjoy the perks that come with the price!

You're welcome, Brian

Thank you!

Yes.  JS get double points so someone in a JS will get 4 points per night during the double points promo.  Solo in a JS is 6 points per night.  GS and higher is exactly the same as JS as far as points go.

I have yet to see any proof of this statement either.
Moreover, even if it is true, it just sounds like someone reiterating the CSO is in effect until Nov 1. They didn't say it wouldn't be rescinded or has zero chance of changing.  The alleged quote is kind of like when Royal Caribbean tweets to someone cruises will start in June.

Do you remember when @Matthad his price tracker ?  It was a GREAT idea but it was a mess !  I do not have the intel nor the patience for such things.  I wish I did.  We need some database geek to take an interest !