bobroo

Hello "Newbie".. sorry not sure of your name..

 

Thanks for all your info regarding the suite.. sounds like RC makes you feel special in a suite.. Carnival did too, but not as many perks :) Will be interesting to see how the MDR works.. I like having the set dining time , just kinda gives you a little structure on a cruise.. can't really be bothered with waiting every night.. but guess we will see how it works .. 

 

The Concierge Lounge sounds like a nice area.. can you get beers there too? or just mixed drinks? Is there meals served there as well? 

 

The Suite itself sounds nice, like the extra service from the staff.. doorbell, well! that's kinda cool too!

 

Thanks again for all you info , I really appreciate it!

 

Jill 

Absolutely beers are included in Concierge Lounge! Hor d'ourves are served there. Nice hor d'ourves especially made for the suite guests. Hor d' curves made by a chef who appreciates food.

 

The differences of the big suites are really noticeable by those who have cruised a lot in the past and can appreciate the details and differences.

Welcome Jill!

 

It's true you do not get any Crown and Anchor benefits on your first cruise.  After your first cruise, you can sign up and become a member.  If you're doing back to back, talk to the loyalty ambassador about it and on your second cruise, they should be able to hook you up with gold status for that sailing.

 

Oasis of the Seas hasn't quite converted to dynamic dining yet.  They did the work in terms of construction but the actual Dynamic Dining program has not been rolled out there, but by the time your cruise comes around, that may change.  So you may have to wait and see how dining is on Oasis closer to your sailing.

 

For the casino, there is a program for those that spend enough money.  One of our board members, Stephanie, can explain it far better than I can.  I believe you have to spend a certain amount of money per day in the casino to qualify for it.

Your enrollment into the Crown and Anchor Society is a job for for the concierge in the Concierge Lounge! That's the kind of details they are experts at. If I were you Jill I would on the very first day introduce yourselves and explain your situation. 1) You'll get extra special attention to make sure everything is going OK ,   2) You never know what strings might be pulled for you for the first week regarding the C and A Society. Certainly you'll be a part for second week; without a doubt.

 

I would be very interested in a post regarding what the "high rollers" on a cruise receive. I would also be very interested in a post regarding "The Casino: All You Didn't Know" cause there is a lot going on there that many people may not realize. The Casino is an interesting place.

Here are some of the perks the big suite guests receive that are NOT listed on the RCL website. In my wife's and my opinion, these are the reason we will book a doorbell. (we book our rooms on a number of factors, the largest of which is price, occasionally these doorbell rooms fall into a price we are willing to pay, we've been lucky to have doorbells in our cruising history, we REALLY look forward to a cruise with a doorbell!)

 

  The Doorbell--Outside your room will be a doorbell. My wife gets all giddy when the doorbell rings. The doorbells are the only outwardly noticeable sign that behind that door is a really big suite. Thus my wife and I have a nickname for these rooms, "a doorbell". We've never been "Ding Dong Ditched" in case you are wondering.

 

 

  The Room--The room will be really big! There will be plenty of room to put everything away that you have brought, including your empty suitcases! Note, the big suites on Oasis are are 15 -20% smaller than the same suites in the rest of the fleet, but, still not a problem. There will be plenty of counter space. Your clothes go into more of an armoire, not so much a closet. No shortage of hangers. The pillows on the bed will be extra cushy. The bathroom will be luxurious, probably larger than one you have at home. Certainly more marble and definitely more mirrors. The balcony (in my opinion) leaves a little to be desired; I think they are small. But I'm a balcony snob and not ashamed to admit it. Finally, the living room area is perfect for entertaining. I strongly suggest inviting some friends over. Often I look at our doorbell room and say "we should be sharing this".

 

  The Attendant--In a way your doorbell will be your room; but really the room belongs to the attendant and they are showcasing it for you. They will become a very good friend and somewhat of a confidant--feel free to use them this way; it's expected. They are NOT butlers, but are just one step below. They will have many, many years of experience of being an attendant and have seen it all. Usually they are responsible for only about 5 rooms for the week. They will spend a solid hour making your room up in the morning-- and it will be perfect. There is of course turn down service, mints on the pillows, and towel animals at night.

 

  The Frills-- Every night there will be some invitation to a party of one sort or another. Seemingly everyday a gift of food will be brought to the room. It just never ends. Your attendant is a big help in figuring the party details.

 

    The Concierge Lounge-- Here are the big undisclosed benefits! 1) You will become known on a first name basis with the Captain and all the officers. They will be open to ANY question you have. You'll meet them in the lounge and then be surprised just how often you bump into them in other areas of the ship. 2) Because of this and the relationship with your attendant; and I can't really put my finger on it; you will know what is EXACTLY going on aboard the ship. All the gossip. All the facts. You'll be "on the inside". As big a ship, as many passengers, and as many of the crew there is; come about Wednesday you will have a feeling of understanding it all. I've never had that feeling while in another type of room; even with all our cruising experience. The boat was always "too big a city to get a handle on it all". 3) The Concierge Person-- They sort out all the problems and inconveniences that may pop up for you. Inevitably there will be some. They have quite a bit of authority and they use it. So they can and will get you into the booked full excursion. Straighten out your dining times and restaurants so that you can see a show on time. They make sure your day in Labadee is awesome. Seldom is their answer "No". 4) The drinks in the Concierge Lounge are free from about 5-8. That means nearly ANY drink. It doesn't include bottle service or King Louis XIII but feel free to order what you desire and soak 'em up! Do not settle for the crappy champagne or lousy wine a server brings around. Order any mixed drink, shots, and in any amount. These drinks will also be made properly; not just thrown together in a hurry. Make sure you get a fresh one before you leave to go to dinner, or a show, or whatever. My opinion, this benefit alone should negate you having to buy a drink package. The servers in this area will also work at another bar, usually the disco. You might be surprised how little it costs to drink at the disco even though it is "after hours". You certainly won't be waiting as long as others to get a drink, that's for sure. 5) Getting to know the other frequenters of the Concierge Lounge is a great experience. We've made good friends there and have learned a lot from more experienced cruisers. People watching inside the lounge is never disappointing, for good and bad. Also, feel free to use the lounge at other times of day. It's a great quiet, comfy place on sea days. BTW, the furniture in the lounge is much, much more comfortable that the other ares of the ship. 

 

   The Main Dining Room-- There is a lot going on with this whole dining thing but the way it was in the past is this: the suite guests sit in their own area of the dining room. It's not sectioned off, it's just an area of tables. The servers for the suite guests, you guessed it; have been there a long time and earned there position. Your dining experience is more white tablecloth dining and less of the banquet hall everyone else experiences. Oh, BTW, the suite guests receive a different menu than everyone else. Yes the food is better, often made to order; but not exclusively. For example: on Lobster Night the lobster entre'e will be described as Lobster Dinner and part of the chef's recommendation. For other guests; they will have to find and order "Fisherman's Catch" to get lobster that night. Something else will be recommended by the chef that evening. Like I said this is the way it has been in the past and there are changes going on in the dining room. Certainly what the suit guests receive will be a cut above no matter what changes happen in the MDR.

I think RCL is subbing out their bar business to Park West.

 

<sarcasm intended>

After a week onboard, "Hitting the ground running" on debarkation day is NOT something anyone choses to do.

 

A recent study found 99.9% of all cruisers experience a phenomenon researchers call "Ostrich Dilemma". Upon debarkation, the afflicted  head to the nearest sunny beach; often with luggage still in tow. They immediately stick their heads in the sand with their butts high in the air; denying any and all reality surrounding surrounding them. Often to the point of receiving sever sunburn to places that are normally covered by conventional lounge chairs.

 

Researchers have discovered two reasons for this behavior! 1) These cruisers are in severe denial that they--get this: Will actually have to open their wallet and give away money for a plate of food. 2) That future surprise towel animals will really just be a wet blob on the bathroom floor, the same one as the day before.

 

If you find yourself saying on the last day of the cruise "Baah, I can just wear shorts and flip flops to the airport tomorrow." you too are going to become an Ostrich Person. 

 

I encourage you to just plain enjoy some remaining time in Florida. What ever way you choose. Life Is Good.

 

 

 

It is ALWAYS to your advantage to book as early as possible on Royal. 

I am a proud BALCONY SNOB! Give me balcony or give me death! 

 

The only way I would accept a lesser room is when RCL has those inside rooms for $30 or less per night. Only then I might consider another night in "a closet".

Check out YouTube to see if anyone has posted a video of your room. Search by ship name and room number. That way you can get a glimpse of what your room, or one that is close by; looks like.

 

Susie and I always post videos of our room. We go through a lot of trouble to select our rooms and assume there are others that do the same.

I agree European cruises have their own nuances, needs and strategies that you would not run into planning a cruise from North America.  I think you bring up some really good points!

I think it would greatly benefit this site and receive a lot of views, if someone were to author an article aimed at those who have cruised RCL in the Caribbean and now might be going across the pond this summer. There is a lot of advice to be heeded.

IMO Cruising the Mediterranean needs it's own thread if not entire blog. There are a lot of genuine GOOD questions. In many ways cruising with RCL in the Mediterranean is the same as a Caribbean (i.e. yes, the food on the ship is the same). On the other hand, there are a couple important/notable differences (i.e. dress codes for many destinations). In short, there is lots to know. Good news is you've got plenty of time for research and to ask questions. 

 

It may help to back up one step. Let me say this: There is no more cheaper, comfortable, or efficient way to see Europe than on a cruise ship. Yes, it even beats out Youth Hostels and a EurRail Pass. It might take a day or two but once you get familiar with the boat and feel comfortable where things are at and all the things that are going on; add another day or two and you will LOVE your floating hotel. Guaranteed. 

 

Where does your journey start?

Susie and I are from Chicago. We have done long weekend cruises out of Port Canaveral a half dozen times. There is some distance between MCO and the port. Here is what we do: We fly into MCO and rent a car from one of the off site car rental places (either Payless or Six T) because they are far cheaper than those adjoining the airport but still offer 24 hour shuttle service. (Full disclosure: we book these things far in advance, we pay in full in advance, and we are members of one sort or another to each company--anything to receive the lowest rate) These daily rent-a-wreck rentals are cheap; often as low as $25 a day. We drive our beater to the port and park at Park-n-Cruise for the $7 a day pay in advance low rate. Park-n-Cruise offers a free shuttle to/from the ship.

 

So for an amount very close to what we'd pay for transfers we get a car to use. A car to use on our terms. A car that is on our timetable. And regarding timetables; we make the flight home for 6-7pm in the evening. We have a car at our disposal basically for free.