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MikeK

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  1. Love
    MikeK got a reaction from MamaShark in Grand Suite or Junior Suite on Symphony of the Seas?   
    We stayed in the JS for many years for some big reasons.  Full bathroom instead of standing in the tube shower, Walk in closet, a little more room and double points.  Now that we are diamond plus the double points don't mean much.  Due to age getting to the next level is out of the question.  When the price was right we got some GS and LS rooms and it will spoil you living the suite life.  We are staying in another LS this June and like Twangster said if you can swing the price Loft Suites are highly recommended!
  2. Like
    MikeK reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Royal Caribbean Credit Card   
    We use the Royal Caribbean Visa card and we love it.  I know that there are other cards that have a better payback, but b/c we use it exclusively for RC purchases and b/c the credit goes directly to your Sea Pass account, we use it a lot.  I pay for all of my cruises and all cruise planner purchases with the card as well as use it for all onboard purchases (casino, primarily).  It works well for us.  Any Royal Caribbean purchase earns double points.
    The interest rate is awful so as long as you do not carry a balance, you're fine.  There is no annual fee.
  3. Haha
    MikeK got a reaction from Cub in The tide has turned...   
    If I have a note from my Mother will that count?
  4. Haha
    MikeK got a reaction from PaulRC in The tide has turned...   
    If I have a note from my Mother will that count?
  5. Haha
    MikeK got a reaction from JLMoran in The tide has turned...   
    If I have a note from my Mother will that count?
  6. Haha
    MikeK got a reaction from Ogilthorpe in The tide has turned...   
    If I have a note from my Mother will that count?
  7. Like
    MikeK reacted to FionaMG in The tide has turned...   
    I so hope you're right. While I am not a praying person, you could say I have every crossable part of my body crossed! 
  8. Like
    MikeK reacted to twangster in Crown Loft suite vs. Aquatheater room on Symphony of the Seas   
    Welcome to the message boards.
    The loft suites are found on deck 17 in an area of the ship that is dedicated to suite guests.  Found in this area on deck 17 is the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen the restaurant dedicated to suite guests.  For this reason the loft suites benefit due to proximity to these suite only resources in an area of the ship where only suite cabins are found.  
    The ATS suites are located fully aft on many different decks.  They are not with an area dedicated to suite cabins.  
    That covers the basic location differences between the two.
    The ATS suites have commanding views aft that allow a view to one side of the ship that pans over to include views of the aqua theater.  Many people enjoy wake views on a ship and these cabins are the best way to have wake views along with a view of the aqua theater.  ATS balconies don't have a lot of balcony privacy given the proximity to the aqua theater and the boardwalk area.  They do allow some privacy if you walk over to the side of the balcony away from the aqua theater.
    Loft suites can face aft or to the side.  The aft view loft suites overlook the sports deck such as the mini golf area or the sports court where things like basketball are played.  These cabins have some aft views of the wake but are in close proximity to the sports deck so they are good for people watching but lack balcony privacy.  The side facing loft suites have excellent privacy as they face the sea.
    ATS are single level cabins.  
    Loft suites are two level cabins which is more rare on cruise ships.
    Those are the facts and from we get into some opinions.
    ATS suites involve a long walk to the aft of the ship.  Oasis class are the longest passenger ships so being all the way aft requires a long walk.  You get access to the suite resources on deck 17 but it's a long walk and an elevator ride to get there.
    Loft suites provide much better access to the suite resources like the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen.  You can quickly and easily pop into the suite lounge for a drink when staying in a loft suite.
    The two story loft suites have a two story wall of windows from floor to ceiling.  There is a certain WOW! factor with such a massive wall of windows.  The ATS suites are nicely appointed as suites are, but they don't have the same WOW! factor to them in my opinion.
    The loft balconies are smaller than most ATS balconies.
    Personally I prefer side facing loft suites.
  9. Like
    MikeK reacted to Sharla in Travel Agents   
    Hi Paul- Full disclosure here- I am a Travel Agent. 
    We will always offer the same price Royal Caribbean does, with a few exceptions (and those exceptions are special contracted group rates that are lower than you could get booking direct). The benefit to booking with us is that you have an advocate in your corner to help you plan your trip. This means: 
    - You have someone to continue to look for and apply discounts should any be released (which is very often with RCCL), so that you do not have to spend time doing the same, or potentially missing a better offer. 
    - You have someone to help you navigate the Cruise Planner program.
    - You have someone to help you make your dining reservations if you'd like. 
    - You have an expert in all things cruising and travel to help you plan the best vacation you can. 
    - You have someone you can come to directly to ask questions to instead of spending time looking around on the internet for your answers. 
    - You have someone to turn to should something go wrong while you are traveling. This has been key for 2020/ early 2021 bookings. 
    And the best part is, we provide all of this for FREE to you. You get our concierge level service at no extra charge. The difference when you book with me is the difference between information and expertise. Anyone can look up information on the internet. When booking your trip with me you know you have an expert in your corner that can help tailor your trip to your desires and make sure you see everything you want to do!

    Also- you're paying for our services anyway- what we are paid comes out of the cruise line's pocket. So it's factored in whether you use a TA or not. 
  10. Like
    MikeK reacted to mrp4352 in Face masks at sea.   
    I would rather wear a mask and get to go on vacation than stay at home!  If wearing a mask helps keep others safe, then it's a small price to pay - and it won't change the view of the sunset at sea!
  11. Like
    MikeK reacted to FManke in Toiletries provided in Grand Suites on Mariner   
    One less thing to pack
  12. Like
    MikeK reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Toiletries provided in Grand Suites on Mariner   
    I know I am in the minority here, but I find all of Royal's shampoos and hygiene products to be just fine.  I even use the pump dispenser in the shower...so I probably don't have the most popular opinion.  I never bring my own.  Too many other things to worry about.
  13. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from ehw51 in Best Food you ever ate and where were you   
    Berns steak house in Tampa
     
  14. Like
    MikeK reacted to marti314 in Good news?   
    Ironic that they lifted the International Travel advisory but Americans are banned from almost everywhere on this planet.
  15. Like
    MikeK reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Coastal Kitchen and Suite Lounge Beverages   
    I think this is where the demarcation is made for those who "would never pay for a suite b/c I only sleep and shower there" and those who love the suite b/c they WANT to be able to enjoy their room.  I love deck 17.  It is so convenient and quiet and exclusive (sorry if this word offends some.  Not my intention).  I also enjoy being midships and being closer to the "action".  It all comes down to what you enjoy and what you want to do.  We eat, sleep, gamble, go to a few shows and hang out in our room.  We do NOT go to the pool, lounge around in the sun, play trivia, play putt-putt, use Adventure Ocean, go on the flowrider or water slides or hang out at the bar (much...).   we're kinda boring.  ...but we love our suites.  We spend a lot of time in there.  We like having parties there, if the occasion presents itself.
  16. Like
    MikeK reacted to Fairlynew in Coastal Kitchen and Suite Lounge Beverages   
    I have done a GS on deck 7 and a CLS on deck 17.  I am in the minority that prefers being on the lower deck.  When I was on 17, I felt isolated from the rest of the ship.  When my suite was closer to the rest of the ship, I felt more a part of things and experienced a lot more of what the ship offers.  It is easy to just stay on 17, and you miss a lot that way.  
  17. Like
    MikeK reacted to dawnelda in Why are people addicted to cruising?   
    One more thing that I thought of: I feel very safe on a cruise ship. Years ago when I was a cute blonde 20-something-year-old, I would go to land-based resorts and be "propositioned" (if you know what I mean) by the local resort staff. Made me feel very uncomfortable and I wouldn't go anywhere on the resort property by myself.
    Contrarily, the staff on RCL ships have always been extraordinarily courteous and polite and not leering in any regard. Now that my nieces have grown up to be beautiful young teenagers, I am thoroughly comfortable with them walking to/from the cabin by themselves without worrying about them being approached in an inappropriate way.
  18. Haha
    MikeK reacted to rjac in Be Sure and Check for Military Discounts, if you Qualify   
    Yes, of course. And the Air Force has its own spirited cry which can mean anything positive. Here are some examples:
    Hooah - Army; Hoorah - Navy; Oorah - Marine Corps; Nice Putt - Airforce.

  19. Like
    MikeK reacted to rjac in Be Sure and Check for Military Discounts, if you Qualify   
    In all my cruising history, I have never had to prove my military service (ID card or DD form 214) at check in. I doubt, too, that they would know what they ere looking at nor where to look on the ID card or form. 
  20. Like
    MikeK reacted to David G in Allure of the Seas Amplification   
    I certainly don’t want anyone to think I am complaining about the Allure.  It is an amazing ship and you will love it.  We really just wanted to experience the upgrades and had Covid19 not happened we would have.  We aren’t asking RCC to lose money.  We just think it would be fair to switch to another ship that is amped. They literally would lose nothing.   We are loyal to RCC and that won’t change.  It does seem that the ports are so repetitive anymore that the draw becomes the ship itself.  We and our kids want to experience the upgrades that come with the amp.  
     
    Hope you have a great trip!
  21. Like
    MikeK reacted to WAAAYTOOO in Orlando dilemma!! Cruise vs. Cruise & Parks   
    Disney in August ?  Have you lost your mind ?
    ??
  22. Like
    MikeK reacted to AGSLC5 in Majesty of the Seas 6/27 New Orleans   
    How Far do you live From Florida? The options for cruises out of Florida are so much better.. Also the ships out of Florida are so much more kid friendly.. Majesty is such an old ship. Yes they have a splash zone and camp but that's about it for kids.. An Oasis class ship or if you want a smaller ship look at Navigator, Mariner, Freedom or Indy.. All have so much better things for kids to do..
  23. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from Va4fam in How Many Days Since Your Last Cruise   
    44  days
  24. Like
    MikeK reacted to SpeedNoodles in Cruises are getting more expensive to spend FCC   
    This is why I don't talk to my non-cruising friends. I don't need that kind if negativity in my life. And why you guys are stuck with me.....FOREVER!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!
  25. Like
    MikeK got a reaction from USFFrank in Drink package cancelled when cabin repriced   
    I thought one of the advantages of a TA was for them to call RC and iron things out!
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