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Jakejosa

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Posts posted by Jakejosa

  3. Any Remedy for Cruise Cancelled by RC for missing final payment?

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    Hi All, I am seeking advice for my daughter. She booked a cruise with RC while the 48 hour cancellation policy was still in effect. This is very important for my daughter as her fiance' is in the military and therefore his schedule is entirely unpredictable. She contacted the travel agent prior to final payment to purchase travel insurance. At that time, she asked the TA about final payment as was told that her card would automatically be charged. However, her card was not charged for final payment which resulted in her cruise being cancelled as well as all of her cruise planner purchases. Has anyone had success with their TA to re-instating the cruise at the same price and/or success re-instating  cruise planner purchases? She is also very concerned at losing the CWC 48 hour cancellation. Any tips and advice is appreciated! 

  4. CocoCay Cabana Prices

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Cruiser79 said:

    Can anyone that has reserved a cabana at the Waterpark on CocoCay tell me how much these go for? And how much individual day passes to the Waterpark are? They just changed our itinerary for our Saturday departure but haven't put anything on the cruise planner site. 

    It depends on ship and sail date. These are prices for May 22 on Harmony:

    Waterpark: $99

    Waterpark Cabana: $1099 (up to 6 guests, waterpark admission included)

     

  5. Mediocre food and service independent of the seas

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    On 3/22/2022 at 10:23 AM, Pamela b said:

    We just returned from the Independence of the seas March 18-20. Service was mediocre at best. Food in The buffet was not good. The main Dining has always been a joy. This trip service was not good. Food was delivered cold. And service was slow. Lounge servers were very rare so lines were long to get cocktails. Thinking of canceling my April cruise. Is this a staff shortage issue or is rccl cutting  back on quality to shave off costs? 

    I am sorry that you had a less than perfect cruise 😞 . I was on Independence in February and they were definitely short staffed. This is the first time EVER on an RC cruise that I (over)heard any complaints from staff. However, I could tell that all staff were really hustling and trying to make our experience amazing. The MDR was definitely short staffed to the point that the head waiter was assisting in bringing food and clearing tables. Every staff member that I interacted with was friendly and definitely met  (and even surpassed!) my requests. Everyone has staffing issues now, including my own office! When I am on a cruise, I am just so happy to not have to cook and do dishes myself that I am willing to overlook any potential shortfalls. That is something you will have to decide- if the service and food are exactly the same, would you be happy on your next cruise?

  11. Puerto Costa Maya

    in Shore Excursions

    Posted

    On 12/19/2021 at 4:52 PM, WackyCactus said:

    Hello,

    I'm thinking of doing the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Beach excursion.  I was wondering if anyone has been on this recently?  If so, do you get to climb up the pyramid?  Also, how's the beach?  Are there any lounge chairs?  Is it good for snorkeling?

    Thanks so much for your information!

    My family did this and it was wonderful! I went in 2019 so I will tell you what I remember. You can climb some of the ruins, there are many ruins to look at and you are a bit "in the jungle", we saw many monkeys in the trees when we were there. The ride to the ruins was in an airconditioned bus and we got to see a good bit of Costa Maya. The Lagoon Beach was AMAZING! The water was calm, peaceful and just perfect! I am not a snorkeler, so I don't know how the snorkeling is. But, this is a lagoon and not the ocean so it seems like this may not be ideal for snorkeling is that is really your thing. We did have lounge chairs and lunch was provided at the lagoon, but I do not remember what was served. We just fell in love with Costa May through this tour. I think it was a great combination or island tour, ruins, and beach. We have booked the lagoon only version of this tour for our next stop in Costa Maya! We have been on many excursions before and this one is our #2 favorite of all time (#1 is in Costa Rica).

  12. Cozumel and Costa Maya excursion recommendations

    in Shore Excursions

    Posted

    On 12/26/2021 at 10:39 AM, Livtocruise said:

    I have a cruise next September with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya. We would prefer to book our excursions though RCI and am looking for peoples personal experiences and recommendations. I live in Florida near the beach so I’m not looking for beach only excursions. If it stops in the beach for a bit that’s totally fine and sounds fun, but would like more variety. 

    We would like to see the ruins, possibly go to Tulum, maybe Chichen Itza? i know some of these are a bus ride away, but this may be one of the only times we go to Mexico so I do want to see as much as possibly. Not really interested in the dolphin swims, open bar, and ATV ride type excursions either. 

    We did the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Beach - and loved it. The ruins were a lot of fun- we saw monkeys in the trees while we were there! The kids will enjoy them as you can climb on some of the ruins! The drive to the ruins allowed us to see a good bit of Costa Maya. It is such a beautiful island  place! There IS beach time at the lagoon. It is so peaceful with calm water, no seaweed when we were there. We also live near the beach, but we liked this tour so much that we are booking the Lagoon only version on our next trip to Costa Maya.

  13. St. Maartin Excursions

    in Shore Excursions

    Posted

    4 hours ago, AnnC said:

    Hello! We set sail Nov. 2022, so excited! Has anyone done the Kim Sha Beach excursion or the Buccaneer Beach Getaway at Simpson Bay Lagoon? Looks like Orient Beach is getting a lot of good reviews. We are going as a family with an 11 year old who wants to hit the beach and isn't fond of big waves. Our goal is to relax at a calm (not crowded) beach, and have lunch. All recs appreciated! Thanks so much!!

    I have done Kim Sha beach. It was a lovely beach, not all lounge chairs are ocean front. If you are the second half off the bus you will most likely not get an ocean front chair. We spent most of our time there in the water or at the restaurant so the view from a lounge chair didn't matter. Loungers are included, but umbrellas were an extra $5 cash only. I thought this was a bit nickel and dime-ish but happily paid the additional $5. The beach was beautiful and the ocean was calm with not much sea weed about. There are local vendors that walk up and down the rows of chairs selling their goods and offered foot massages. They will move on with a kind 'no thank you' however, another one will be along right behind them. The restroom and lunch restaurant are a short walk away and lunch was delicious! Both my husband and I ordered the bang bang shrimp which is served as a sandwich on a large baguette with french fries. Lunch was served at a specific time and I felt this really interfered with our ocean time as lunch was scheduled right in the middle of our time there. I don't think it could be helped, but I would have preferred to arrive earlier in the day and had lunch towards the end of our time so we could have an uninterrupted stretch of beach time. Our excursion tickets stated that "nudity may be observed" in the fine print, and indeed it was! However the topless bathers were limited to just a few and only noticed this as we walked past them on our way to the restaurant. Overall this was beautiful beach excursion and I would rate it a solid "B". We also booked Secret Sands Beach on St. Thomas and this was a much more secluded beach with no vendors. Also calm, beautiful waters with little seaweed. No umbrellas offered, but natural shade can be found. Also- no lunch but beverages were included. If I were choosing one of these, Secret Sands on St. Thomas was my favorite of the two by far.

  15. Wonder to Port Canaveral in Oct 2022

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    21 minutes ago, mattymay said:

    Dear Travel Partner,

    We've continued working on our Royal Comeback and bringing our entire fleet back on the seas. As we review and analyze our itinerary plans, we've decided to reposition some of our ships to offer our guests the very best experiences. Our original plan for Harmony of the Seas was to offer sailings departing from Orlando, Florida in late 2022. Instead, Harmony of the Seas will begin sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Unfortunately, this means your clients' original sailing will be cancelled.

    However, the good news is, Wonder of the Seas - our newest and latest flagship - will now take its place and will offer similar itineraries. So, we'll automatically move your clients to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as their original Harmony of the Seas cruise. This way, they'll still have the opportunity to enjoy a sailing similar to what they were looking forward to with many of the same features - but now on our newest ship! We hope they're as excited as we are.

    There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to shifting sailings and rebooking guests, so please bear with us as we work to make this process easier for you and your clients. We'll begin moving reservations on December 17th, 2021. We expect moves for individual bookings to be complete by January 14th, 2022 and by February 4th, 2022 for all group bookings. We'll send an updated reservation confirmation with the revised details to the email address on file as soon as their reservation has been completely updated.

    Below is a message we kindly ask you to please share with your clients that have an impacted sailing. As always, thank you for your support and partnership, and stay healthy!

    Dear Guest,

    We've continued working on our Royal Comeback and bringing our entire fleet back on the seas. As we review and analyze our itinerary plans, we've decided to reposition some of our ships to offer our guests the very best experiences. Our original plan for Harmony of the Seas was to offer sailings departing from Orlando, Florida in late 2022. Instead, Harmony of the Seas will begin sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida.

    However, the good news is, Wonder of the Seas - our newest and latest flagship - will now take its place and will offer similar itineraries! So, starting December 17th, 2021, we'll automatically move you to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as your original Harmony of the Seas cruise. You'll enjoy your sailing in a like for like stateroom, and all your amenities will remain the same.

    Your vacation is important to us. While we're confident you'll have an amazing time onboard and enjoy many of the same features as Harmony of the Seas - but now on our newest ship - we still want you to have the flexibility to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Below, we've outlined your options along with a few additional details.

    Option 1: Stay onboard the Wonder of the Seas cruise

    • We'll automatically move you to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as your original cruise. So, there's nothing for you to do!
    • Your new sailing will still offer the same beautiful ports of call as your original cruise, and it'll depart from the same destination.
    • We'll move you to a like-for-like stateroom and your original stateroom category price will either be protected at your original cruise fare rate or reduced to the current cruise fare rate (whichever is lower). This excludes taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items.
      • If you were already paid in full and your cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide you with a refund for any difference in pricing. You can expect to receive your refund to your original form of payment 30 days after we move you. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on your financial institution.
      • We'll send an updated reservation confirmation with your revised details to the email address on file as soon as your reservation has been completely updated with the pricing fully adjusted.

    Option 2: Select a 100% Refund

    • If you no longer wish to sail, we'll be sad to see you go. We'll process a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form(s) of payment, including any non-refundable deposit.
      • You can expect to receive your refund 30 days after you submit your refund request.
    • If you booked your airfare through Royal Caribbean International, it will be automatically refunded to you. However, if you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.
    • Lastly, if you used a Future Cruise Credit on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we'll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we'll reinstate your original certificate.

    There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to shifting an entire season of sailings and rebooking all guests, so please bear with us as we work to make this process as easy as possible for you. All moves will be completed by January 14th, 2022, and we'll send an updated reservation confirmation with your revised details to the email address on file as soon as your reservation has been completely updated with the pricing fully adjusted. If you prefer to cancel your cruise, please call us at 888-281-9344 or contact your Travel Advisor by January 10th, 2022. And know, hold times may be longer than usual. If we haven't heard from you by January 10th, 2022, you'll remain booked on the alternate Wonder of the Seas sailing.

    If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at:

    Wow! Thanks for the info! I am looking forward to sailing on Wonder!

  17. Belize City

    in Shore Excursions

    Posted

    After doing some research on Belize City, I realize that this is a tender port. I have never been to Belize and would definitely like to get off the ship here. Does anyone have any recommendations or excursions to avoid for Belize City? I would like to stick with RC excursions only. Thanks!

  21. CVS COVID testing: Is the Rapid Antigen Test acceptable for vaccinated passengers?

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    Hi All! We are fully vaccinated and cruising on Dec 5 out of Orlando and finalizing our pre-cruise testing. We have order the Abbott Home tests, but also want to schedule with CVS as a backup plan. CVS offers two options PCR and Rapid Antigen. It appears from the RC site that both are acceptable. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the Rapid Test being accepted by RC? I want to make sure that I am doing it correctly! Thanks in advance for your help!

    "Required Testing for All Guests Sailing From U.S. Homeports

    All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing 

    Before boarding day, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense.

    • Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. NOTE: Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
    • Unvaccinated kids age must show a negative test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal.
    • Learn more about how to calculate which days you can take your test.
    • Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test. "

     

    • This is the option I chose that indicates antigen

    Test type:

    Rapid-result test (antigen)

    warning-circle--s.png

    If testing for travel, be sure that your selected test type is accepted at your destination.

     

    • These were the two options that I was given initially by CVS
    Molecular lab test (PCR / NAAT)Results in 1-2 daysLink, go to disclaimer for details.1 The most accurate test. Drive-thru test. Accepted for most travel.
    Rapid-result testResults within hours. Vehicle not required. Some types accepted for travel.

  22. Dining and The (New) Key

    in Royal Caribbean Dining

    Posted

    1 hour ago, IRMO12HD said:

    I'm on Freedom 29 November (4-Night Nassau and Perfect Day).  If it's available on your Harmony sailing, you'll find it on Cruise Planner on the Internet and More tab.

    I got a letter with the "changes" to The Key a while back (no embarkation lunch, free room service),hopefully RC will add the lunch and breakfast back for this sailing as well. Thanks!

  23. Dining and The (New) Key

    in Royal Caribbean Dining

    Posted

    On 11/11/2021 at 9:07 PM, IRMO12HD said:

    Updates to the Key Program!

    Just got this today -- it looks like hanging on to The Key was the right move for me -- hope it helps others who are considering it.  This is on my 4-Night Freedom sailing at the end of November:

     

    Dear Guest,

    We're excited to share that our Welcome Lunch, featuring Chops Grille has been brought back to The Key! We hope you look forward to enjoying your exclusive lunch which will take place in the Main Dining Room between 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM! Additionally, as we previously shared, you'll receive a 25% discount for onboard dining purchases, plus complimentary room service! And, our private debarkation á la carte breakfast is back, replacing the "grab and go" breakfast option. Now, enjoy a more relaxed breakfast experience before heading off the ship.

    Here's what you can expect on your upcoming sailing:

    • Early access at the terminal.*
    • Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom.
    • Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille® menu (open from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM). We recommend arriving to the terminal no later than 11:30 AM for you to have enough time to enjoy lunch with us!
    • Complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases!
    • Private time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc.
    • Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports.
    • Early access at shows in the Main Theater on Deck 4, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book once you're onboard!
    • VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest).
    • On debarkation day, enjoy a private á la carte breakfast and choice departure.

    *Please arrive at the terminal between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. If you are not able to make the early access window, you should arrive within your appointment time and will receive priority access into the terminal.

    Lastly, when you arrive to the port for your sailing, please locate The Key signage for priority access into the terminal and make your way onto the ship.

    We look forward to welcoming you aboard Freedom of the Seas in the coming days!

    What is your sail date? I have The Key for a Dec 5 departure on Harmony and this would be great!

     

  25. Parking Recommendations for Tampa

    in Royal Caribbean Discussion

    Posted

    49 minutes ago, Dawn T. said:

    Hi @Jakejosa.  My husband and I always use the valet option to park in Tampa.  We think it is worth the extra money.  Very easy to drop your luggage, give your key to the valet, then check in at the valet stand to get your ticket.  When the ship returns, you just go to the valet stand, and they bring your car to the curb.  It was an extra $5 per day the last time we were there.  Here is their website:  https://www.porttb.com/parking .  We always book it in advance.

    Thanks so much!

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