RCIfan1912

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Gotta think the express lane is what should be the normal lane of the future.

 

Express Pass made boarding Amazing!
We NEVER stopped walking. No waiting at all. Passed thousands of people.
You MUST upload a photo when you do online check in. We also scanned passports. Yesterday, after answering health question, we got confetti and and our set sail passes turned purple. Congratulations you have express pass to board. The days of wait till at dock to have them take your photo are over. It puts you in an entirely different category. We literally passed 1hr 30min of people and walked right on. 

OP said "a few months ago" so too late to transfer. Plus those corporate discounts tend to be big box stuff and not a TA you'd want to rely on for any help.

🤣  No, these tots...

Chops Gruyere Tots - ???

I suddenly have a craving for tater tots.

Welcome to the message boards.
We're not privy to the details here, but keep in mind when comparing prices in the future to include all the taxes and fees. A lot of times there are advertised rates cheaper, until you factor those in.
Also, you need to ensure you're comparing the exact same room category. Not just "balcony", I mean the room code.  There can be major price differences between a category 1D and 3D balcony cabin.
It's not quite that. More often an agency creates a group space, and that locks in the price of the room at the time.  Later, the conventional price goes up, while the group space remains at the original price. So depending on when you book, the price can fluctuate.
 

It doesn't sound like RC did anything wrong. You found a group rate elsewhere after booking direct.

Both are excellent pieces of advice.

Sorry this happened to you.
But I’m sure your warning will be drowned out by the stampede of those rushing to make reservations as bookings have skyrocketed.
The best advice is from @SpeedNoodles…use a good Travel Agent (operative word ‘Good’!)…someone who can be easily reached and is responsive whenever you need to make a change, or even just ask a question.
Alternatively, I have found success by just calling back and getting a different agent. Sometimes, the agent you get when you first call may be uninformed, confused or just mistaken. Especially when they put you on hold to check with a colleague or another department. It’s like playing a game of Telephone with someone whose primary language is not English. Misinterpretation changes everything.
You can also speak with Resolutions and they will most likely give you the right information.
Good luck!

My advice is get a travel agent who can work through these details.

I caved and got the key.  It won't really give me anything other than the chops lunch because we are on Rhapsody, but I'm thinking it will get me on the ship an hour earlier and for the little I paid, it's worth it.  And we've never done the MDR chops welcome lunch and aren't doing any specialty dining this trip so it will be a fun treat! When does the email come telling me exactly what time the key boards?  I have the key emblem on my sea pass card but my boarding time is still by original 12. Jane 

It's why I take the stairs just about 99.9% of the time. The elevators on cruises are annoying number 1, and extra calories burned number 2. The most rude passengers I encounter on a cruise is typically around the elevators. 

If you are asking whether you can order a drink to go after you have completed your meal, the answer is “yes”, regardless of whether you have a drink package or not.
If you are asking whether you can go into Jamie’s and get a drink without dining there, I believe the answer is “no”.
If a restaurant also has an associated bar, then you can go to the bar without dining there but if the restaurant has no separate bar, I don’t believe you can order just a drink and leave.

Oh yes, we walk there everytime we go to Saint John. Take a left when you walk out of the port area and walk up till you see a mall like place called Market square. It's right there to the left shortly after you walk in. 

If you can't get it changed by who you booked through you may have to wait until you board then head to a dinning room and request a change.     You will need to do it early as they get several requests for changes and can only deal with so many.   I have had great luck in getting the changes wanted if I go just after I board and complete my muster drill.
 

Call whoever you booked your sailing through.  Call your travel agent if you booked through them, or Royal Caribbean directly, if you booked directly through them.  

I cannot wait to go on her in November, I feel like my mind is going to be blown since my last Royal cruise was on Splendour 23 years ago.

We just returned from a 8 night cruise on this great ship.
The big question is always food. 
Six nights we ate in the main dining room. Now we are not what you call foodies but we were happy with each meal.  The wait staff we had were great and very accommodating to requests. 
Another night we ate in Chops need I say anymore more. Delicious meal and staff. 
We did the hibachi another night great time and great meal.
For a relaxing breakfast some days try the main dining room it did not disappoint.
Entertainment Hiro again tops the list as a must see. Hairspray although a little long was great. Also the 2.0 ice skating show is another not to miss. The adult comedy show was just that adult comedy.
The crew once again was fantastic friendly and just fun.
Overall a fantastic 8 nights on board. 

Symphony is a great ship.  Royal seemed to have hit the sweet spot with her.

On Odyssey the one pool was closed one day because of vomit.  I didn't ask who made the vomit.  But I thought it very well could have been an adult.

We’re on Freedom now and the main pool was shut down before we even got out of port due to a child “throwing up” in the pool.  I know this isn’t the same as potty issues but the result is the same. 

Here's where I ate in Halifax and can recommend. From my notes.
Sicilian Pizza. Local pizza and the city specialty of donair (skyscanner.ca/tips-and-inspiration/halifax-donair). Good quality and reasonable prices. 
Le French Fixe Patisserie. Local coffee and bake shop. Decent espresso and canelé. Fantastic smells. Limited hours. 

I was in Halifax last September on Liberty. We ate at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub which is maybe a 10 minute walk from the port but it was some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time. And paired with a draught Guinness it was very enjoyable.