Bryce G.

 

For Izumi, is there a good selection of non sushi, such as cooked salmon or teriyaki chicken ? Was the hot rock cooking good? Thinking of taking my older daughter there for her to try it.

 

Yes. I don't eat sushi, and I got a hot rock with chicken (and beef, I think). There were plenty of non-fish options for me. :-)

Do they do the WOW cards anymore? I didn't see any on my last two cruises...

Agreed. I could be wrong but that looks like the tilt shift photo effect

Beat me to it, Matt.

I think cultural boundaries also play a role in tipping. A lot of Europeans, people from the UK, Asia, and other nations cruise who don't have the same standard of giving we do for good service. A lot of people expect good service for nothing. In many cultures the parents really do pay for everything, even when their kids are in their 20's. So again, I see where you are coming from.

 

It is an unfortunate blame placed on some by the crew for the past experiences they have endured. All we can do is smile and treat them with the up most respect and give handsomely. I give no matter the level of service because I believe it is important and right.

True. I was also referring to OUTSIDE of cruising, too. :-)

I tip handsomely. But when a server provides me REALLY good customer service, I go out of my way to tip RIDICULOUSLY. Like...stupidly. Because I know the person was LIKELY going against their better "judgement," and actually spending time and energy on "little kids who probably have mommy and daddy pay for everything." I try to make up for the stereotype as if to say "hey, thanks for not making a gross assumption."

My experience with the head waiter is roughly the same.  Usually he comes by 2-3x on a 7 night cruise.  I think the larger issue is the head waiter prescribes to the "squeaky wheel" scenario, where those that complain a lot or make many requests tend to garner the head waiter's attention the most.

Fair. But I still stand by the fact that ZERO visits to my table is unacceptable. I'd take 2-3x over zero!

Interesting about the younger crowd. I've found that nearly every time I cruise, I am discriminated against for my age. I'm sure it's not on purpose--more of an unconscious thing. But the head waiter always visits tables/passengers with older clientele and tables with families. Why? Because he *thinks* that he's going to get a larger tip out of these people. (Please the child, mom and dad tip him handsomely.) On my last cruise, the head waiter came by ONCE on the first day. Didn't introduce himself. Just asked what table we were *supposed* to be at. When he didn't believe us, he asked for our SeaPass cards. He then WALKED AWAY with them in-hand. Returned about 10 minutes later, said, "here you go," and never came back. The three cruises before that, I was not visited ONCE by the head waiter. On THOSE sailings, I was traveling with just a friend, also in her 20s.

 

When I used to travel with my family, the head waiter would come by our table nearly EVERY day.

 

I supposed maybe this is some feedback I should give Adam? Comings straight from the horse's mouth, right? Platinum member at age 24 ain't too shabby.

I've gone snorkeling every time I go to Coco Cay. It's great because the fish out by the Lifeguard stand are trained to expect that people have food--so they swim RIGHT up next to you! It's amazing!!

 

They do have a package that includes a Cabana, beach mats, water, wine, snorkeling, etc., but the beach itself is a better location than the cabanas in my opinion. You can book beforehand or day-of. No issue either way.

I stayed in a promenade view room on a Freedom-class. It's awesome. Nobody is "staring" at you from across the way. Just close the drapes when you need. But I LOVED it!

I received a call late last week.  Bottom line of their reasoning, as given to me, was that they have a lot of people that get open bookings and forget they even have them.  So they are creating an incentive to decide on a booking.   For what that phone call was worth????

Interesting. 

 

Interesting.  I can see people forgetting they have it but I wonder if it's like store gift cards where if you buy a gift card, even though the store has your money, the store cannot report it as income until you use the gift card.  Perhaps similar situation?

 

 

I received a call late last week.  Bottom line of their reasoning, as given to me, was that they have a lot of people that get open bookings and forget they even have them.  So they are creating an incentive to decide on a booking.   For what that phone call was worth????

 

Hm. I would think they'd be happy to get peoples' $100--even if they forget they bought the voucher! But I didn't know about the gift card v. income issue.

I don't get off the ship in Nassau. Oasis and Allure will be nice and empty. Stick around and explore the ship!!

omg

Thanks so much Matt, you are really helping me feel ok about the trip!!

An other question, since the cruise we are going is mostly sold out, the only room we could get for DH, DS, DS and my self was on deck 2 and just with a window.... How much room those staterooms have? Can I storage our suitcases under the bed like DCL?and since we are going on a 9 night cruise, do they have laundry facilities? I will need an iron...also do you know how many formal nights?

Sorry to bother you so much!!

Hi,

 

The staterooms are all of comparable sizes throughout the ship--unless you have a Suite. You should be able to store suitcases under the bed just fine. :-)

 

Laundry services are available. You will find a bag in your stateroom closet where you can place your clothing to be cleaned.

 

There are no irons in staterooms, as they are fire hazards. You can, however, send your clothes for dry cleaning on-board.

 

There are 2 or 3 formal nights. Matt?

 

Cheers

Haha to all the CC stuff.

 

Yeah, I enjoy the JR experience enough that $12 for both of us plus milkshakes is okay.

I'll call/e-mail! Matt, you're right! They're super understaffed, which is why an open-booking would be easier! Hmm...

 

What's the e-mail address for this kind of stuff?

Hi Gary--

 

What contact media did you use? I've had a few suggestions before but didn't know who would listen. Right now, the only thought that comes to mind is that I've ALWAYS been shocked the they don't offer shoeshine on board...Unless you rent their tux, of course.

I don't understand why Royal Caribbean has all these offers, coupons, savings certificates, credit card points, that really no one understands, even their own employees. All it does is cause confusion and screws things up. You are lucky in your case. It is really a hassle to read all the fine print, and in the end just makes more work than it is worth.

 

Also their booking system and online reservation system is so complicated and antiquated. It is easier to get approved for a mortgage than book a cruise! For a brand that has so many billion dollar ships, they certainly lack in other areas. 

Yes, there are lots of offers that are super confusing and a lot of fine print. I think, in general, businesses hope that you get so excited for your cruise, that when certain offers aren't combinable, the customer just gives up and pays whatever they need to.

 

That being said, as long as you get someone who's GOOD at their job in the hospitality industry, I agree with @greenline627. You catch more flies with honey, for sure! While it may be frustrating to be making all of the calls, just remember--they're not "out to get you!" Be nice to them, and they SHOULD be nice to you. Do NOT be condescending.

 

Often times, a travel agent (instead of RCI direct) will make similar accommodations for you if mistakes are made. 

 

Great post! Happy to hear that outcome!

To clarify what Shawn said--you will not automatically receive any paperwork, INCLUDING luggage tags.

 

Luggage tags are part of your boarding documents and should be printed out at home, folded, and stapled to your luggage.

The drinks packages don't cover cocktails over $10, or wine over $12 unfortunately.

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-caribbean-beverage-packages 

 

The drinks packages don't cover cocktails over $10, or wine over $12 unfortunately.

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-caribbean-beverage-packages 

 

 

For example the $12 cocktail that you aren't sure you would like is no big deal if its "free".

 

But they comp you for $10, so THOSE drinks would cost you $2 additional.

Great to know for a future cruise! Thanks!

It's not a set-in-stone time, that's for sure. Anything from weather to local customs authorities can alter the schedule.

 

That being said, if it says "9am," I would expect to be ON SHORE walking around by 9:30a if you get in line to disembark at around 8:45a.

Choosing the low price vs. extra on-board benefits. It's always a hard call.

No. The price of love is when I see a photographer packing up, and I slip him a $50, and gesture at him to "follow me," and I walk out on deck and propose. And the photographer gets a bunch of shots. (which i will pay for later, obviously).

 

Either that, or I can propose WHILE we're getting formal night photos taken--just not romantic AT ALL.

Bryce,

 

RoyalCaribbean.com > All About Cruising > Royal Weddings > Wedding Packages > Royal Proposal

 

;)

Thanks Tylor. $450 starting!? Good lord. Jake would actually be ANGRY with me if he saw I spent that much for champagne, strawberries, and "advice" on where to propose! Haha.

my dream is to get married on Allure,

I'm thinking about getting engaged on Allure. :-)