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DMLM

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  1. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from ultimate_ed in Never-ending Cruise Sale   
    Fully agree on this.  Royal has been famous (for years) for creative ways to spin the sales, create excitement, and end up with around the same deal.  It is amazing how they can increase a base fare and then increase the discount to end up the same.  They also lower the base fare and decrease the discounts.  They will reduce discounts and offer OBC.  In the end all of these things equal about the same.  When it first started I was so surprised they could actually get away with the old increase price and discount with heavy marketing on "Sale".      Always worth checking though 🙂
     
    Still love cruising and especially cruising Royal!
  2. Wow
    DMLM got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in 👉 200 days 👈 have now gone since I was promised a full refund from Royal Caribbean   
    You are not alone.  I'm having a similar situation (just not the same amount or the same length).  I unfortunately got COVID 2 days before the sail date and could not sail (so cruise was paid in full).  My TA contacted Royal and provided the details to include the test results from the Abbott test.  Royal indicated that they would be providing a 100% refund as a result.  Now, what actually has been happening is that Royal has been disbursing some of my money in increments and spaced apart by a few weeks.  We are now approaching 50 days since they were notified and they still have about 20% of the funds.  The TA that we used called Royal again this week and was told that the system had a block on my account for that sailing.  Her note indicated that meant it was holding my money as a "penalty" for not going.  The TA has escalated to the resolutions desk and another commitment was made to disburse within 10 days.  
    Hang in there!  For me I'm still a cruising nut and Royal fan.  While this is happening, I have booked three more cruises with deposits.  I still want the full refund and I will pay these cruises independently.  🙂  
  3. Wow
    DMLM got a reaction from Neesa in Solarium   
    My teenage twins (Boy/girl) were both asked a couple of times while we were with them when they were 16 (they did look younger).  They were asked to also share their Seapass card for verification.  All was fine and we enjoyed the Solarium but that was our experience.    
  4. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from Levi is good in Socialising in the 18-20 age range   
    I would agree with this and recognize it is tough.  My kids are in the exact same situation (1 Boy & 1 Girl).  My daughter was very concerned as she loves to be very social. 
    We sailed on Symphony back in June and there was a meet and greet scheduled.  My daughter went but indicated that nobody really showed up.  I can tell you that I was concerned for her but several of the statements from the others who have posted were true.  They both participated in activities (Karaoke, trivia, dancing on the promenade, etc) and spent a good amount of time at the pool.  When they were in ports of call they were of legal age to get a drink so they got one at the beach.
    While the trip might not have been packed with the activities like the teen club, they indicated they had a good time.  It is absolutely a transition that is a bit lacking from the cruise line but overall it is what you make of it.  From a parent standpoint we were happy to spend some really good times laughing with them 🙂
    Make the most and have a great time!      
  5. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from Baked Alaska in Where do we stand?!   
    Yes COVID tests are still currently required.  The earlier you check in (like FionaMG indicated is around 45 days out) the better.  You get a better selection of arrival times at the port.  Loading the vaccine cards into the app is recommended (not mandatory)as it speeds up the process (I would recommend bringing them regardless).  We uploaded ours and the family in front of us did not.  We waited what seemed like an eternity for that family while our family breezed through.  If you do not upload to the app I then suggest you have all of the paperwork ready when you get to that portion of the process (passport/vaccination card).
     
    I would say most things on the ship are back to normal.  I did see that the crew cleans the tables right after you leave them in the Windjammer (always did) and gathering spaces but now they have a sign on the table that gets flipped that says it is ready for use or not.  I think that is a good add regardless.
     
    Enjoy the cruise!    
  6. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from PPPJJ-GCVAB in Where do we stand?!   
    Yes COVID tests are still currently required.  The earlier you check in (like FionaMG indicated is around 45 days out) the better.  You get a better selection of arrival times at the port.  Loading the vaccine cards into the app is recommended (not mandatory)as it speeds up the process (I would recommend bringing them regardless).  We uploaded ours and the family in front of us did not.  We waited what seemed like an eternity for that family while our family breezed through.  If you do not upload to the app I then suggest you have all of the paperwork ready when you get to that portion of the process (passport/vaccination card).
     
    I would say most things on the ship are back to normal.  I did see that the crew cleans the tables right after you leave them in the Windjammer (always did) and gathering spaces but now they have a sign on the table that gets flipped that says it is ready for use or not.  I think that is a good add regardless.
     
    Enjoy the cruise!    
  7. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from CrimsonCruiser in Drinking package Tumbler cups out of stock?   
    Symphony appeared to have an issue on the June 18th sailing with the cups.  I was in the Pub and noticed there was a large influx of people trying to get their mug from the bartenders.  I was told that the ship was replacing the regular mugs with what appeared to be a nicer cup (Blue & Silver with a C&A on the mug).
    Supply chain issues are real but wonder if they are purging older mugs.  I thought the mug they were giving as a replacement was far more attractive.  
  8. Thanks
    DMLM got a reaction from Marsha M in Early Arrival Embarkation Day   
    I completely agree with this.  We flew in the day before into Miami back in June for our Symphony sailing (first flight) and had heard later that day that the network was a mess and had the most cancellations on record.  We did see people getting on the ship at the next port as I would imagine they missed the ship.
     
    The only time we do not fly in at least the day before is when the port is within 3 hours of our location.  We then leave plenty early that day for the area and get breakfast and sight see so that we have time in the event of any delays on our route that morning.  I would rather be tired and listen to my teenagers complain than miss the ship!
  9. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from ChessE4 in On Formal Night(s), Do You Get Formal   
    I have historically worn the suit and tie (as well as my teenage son) and my wife and teenage daughter would wear a nice dress (think cocktail) and heels.  I have only worn a tux on 1 cruise (NY Eve Cruise).  I find I get very hot so this past cruise we went without the ties (after the pictures) and I took the jacket off in the MDR.  The girls remained with the nice dress and heels.
  10. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from fireclan in On Formal Night(s), Do You Get Formal   
    I have historically worn the suit and tie (as well as my teenage son) and my wife and teenage daughter would wear a nice dress (think cocktail) and heels.  I have only worn a tux on 1 cruise (NY Eve Cruise).  I find I get very hot so this past cruise we went without the ties (after the pictures) and I took the jacket off in the MDR.  The girls remained with the nice dress and heels.
  11. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from Kathleen in On Formal Night(s), Do You Get Formal   
    I have historically worn the suit and tie (as well as my teenage son) and my wife and teenage daughter would wear a nice dress (think cocktail) and heels.  I have only worn a tux on 1 cruise (NY Eve Cruise).  I find I get very hot so this past cruise we went without the ties (after the pictures) and I took the jacket off in the MDR.  The girls remained with the nice dress and heels.
  12. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from DixieS in Port day boarding   
    I would suggest you stay on the time that the cruise ship tells you (like ship time) as it can get confusing with time changes, get back at least 30 minutes in advance, and either be in great running shape (pier runner) or have plans to stay and get to the next port (or home) by yourself. 
    Thank goodness we have only been back late once and it was on a RCL excursion in Italy.  The ship stayed since it was through Royal and was not super late.  Regardless, it felt strange being late. 
  13. Wow
    DMLM reacted to New Cruiser 1 in Pre Cruise Testing   
    Like to share our story of our pre cruise covid testing in case anyone that may have tested Positive that was really Negative . My wife and took a home Covid test before we went to Walgreens for our pre Cruise Covid test 2 day before RC Cruise  . We were both Negative with our home test so we went to Walgreens 2 hours late we received our result and I was Negative and my wife test was Positive, with not have any symptoms she took another home test and it was negative , The next day she went to CVS and Walgreens and took 2 more Covid test with the both result were Negative . Just FYI mistake do happen .
  14. Love
    DMLM got a reaction from Pattycruise in New NextCruise-Like Promotion that Works from Home - For Recent Cruisers Only   
    Thank you so much for the suggestion.  It went exactly as you described.  The first agent said no and that it had to be applied when I booked.  I hung up and then called back to speak with a supervisor.  I had to push him a little but the OBC was applied.  To top it off there was a cruise fare drop so an extra bonus (thanks Kathy from MEI for letting me know!).  
  15. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from YOLO in Royal Shareholder OBC   
    I had a cruise planned for the end of may and in April I uploaded my March statement reflecting the shares.  The OBC was applied to my sailing (verified on the website) within 2 weeks.  Unfortunately I was unable to go on that cruise as I tested positive the day I was leaving the house for that cruise.  I cancelled that cruise that day as a result and booked a new cruise (same ship) the next day for three weeks later.  I then obtained my April statement (end of May timeframe) and uploaded to the site.  Again, they credited my account with the OBC within 2 weeks and I was a very happy sailor 🙂
       
  16. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from YOLO in Cococay   
    We bought the all day Thrill park for the kids (teenagers).  My wife and I set up camp at the Oasis Lagoon (no fee) and had a blast!
     
    Enjoy!  
  17. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in New NextCruise-Like Promotion that Works from Home - For Recent Cruisers Only   
    Thank you so much for the suggestion.  It went exactly as you described.  The first agent said no and that it had to be applied when I booked.  I hung up and then called back to speak with a supervisor.  I had to push him a little but the OBC was applied.  To top it off there was a cruise fare drop so an extra bonus (thanks Kathy from MEI for letting me know!).  
  18. Love
    DMLM reacted to Pattycruise in New NextCruise-Like Promotion that Works from Home - For Recent Cruisers Only   
    Id call Royal, since that’s who you booked with, and ask them to apply that promo code.  “I see this promo code (Sailagain) was not applied and should have been since I just got off of a June 18 sailing….” If  they don’t do it hang up, call back or ask for a supervisor “your agent must have overlooked this promotion when I booked….”
  19. Love
    DMLM got a reaction from Pattycruise in Booking next cruise onboard   
    I sailed Symphony on June 18th and they offered a raffle if booked in the first three days and because the sailing was on Fathers day they also gave me a gift bag with some trinkets (a shopping bag, pen, and some holder or something).  I never win the raffle but that was a nice little token the Next Cruise gave me. 
  20. Thanks
    DMLM reacted to twangster in New NextCruise-Like Promotion that Works from Home - For Recent Cruisers Only   
    Forgot to book another cruise at NextCruise while you were recently on board?  For a limited time if you recently sailed you can get NextCruise-like OBC right from the comfort of home.
    The catch?  You must have sailed within the last 30 days.  New bookings only made between July 1 to August 31, 2022.

     
    Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.
    *Price is per person, in USD, cruise only, applies to select sailings, interior stateroom, based on double-occupancy, and reflects any promotional savings. Welcome Home applies to new Nonrefundable bookings made between July 1 – August 31, 2022 (“Offer Period”), and within 30 days after the guest cruise concludes. Welcome Home offers up to $600 USD to spend at sea (“Onboard Credit” or “OBC”) per stateroom on sailings departing between July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024. Promo Code “SAILAGAIN” must be entered at the time of booking to receive the OBC. OBC amounts are per stateroom and determined by category booked and sailing length: On sailings 4 to 5 nights, $25 OBC for Interior and Oceanview, $50 for Balconies and Junior Suites and $150 for Suites (Grand Suites and above); on sailings 6 to 9 nights, $50 OBC for Interior and Oceanview, $100 for Balconies and Junior Suites and $300 for Suites (Grand Suites and above); on sailings 10 nights or longer, $100 OBC for Interior and Oceanview, $200 for Balconies and Junior Suites and $600 for Suites (Grand Suites and above). Guest who qualifies for the offer, are eligible to create up to three bookings total with same named guests from previous sailing. OBCs will be added to the new booking after going through a guest information validation, and will be added up to two weeks after the booking has been fully deposited and confirmed. OBC is combinable with brand wide promotions, promotional OBCs, Next Cruise offers, instant savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), promo code driven offers, free upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts, and shareholder benefits but not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Ultimate World Cruise, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates. OBC is nontransferable and does not apply to China departures. Refer to www.RoyalCaribbean.com for complete terms and conditions. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2022 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 212004253 • 6/30/2022
  21. Love
    DMLM reacted to twangster in Best Solarium   
    Did someone mention the swing?

    Ovation doesn't have this swing.  
  22. Wow
    DMLM reacted to FManke in Best Solarium   
    Is that where the "swingers" hang out? ?
  23. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from Neesa in Travel Agent - Am I being unfair?   
    I also use Michelle.  I had three cruises booked and she has helped me navigate each one.  She is responsive to the point of even telling me she is unable to help at that moment but can the next day.  Most of these changes I made in advance of any cancellation and yet she still found the time to help.  She has also been a superstar navigating the ever changing interpretations from Royal.  Thank you Michelle!
  24. Love
    DMLM got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Travel Agent - Am I being unfair?   
    I also use Michelle.  I had three cruises booked and she has helped me navigate each one.  She is responsive to the point of even telling me she is unable to help at that moment but can the next day.  Most of these changes I made in advance of any cancellation and yet she still found the time to help.  She has also been a superstar navigating the ever changing interpretations from Royal.  Thank you Michelle!
  25. Like
    DMLM got a reaction from teddy in Travel Agent - Am I being unfair?   
    I also use Michelle.  I had three cruises booked and she has helped me navigate each one.  She is responsive to the point of even telling me she is unable to help at that moment but can the next day.  Most of these changes I made in advance of any cancellation and yet she still found the time to help.  She has also been a superstar navigating the ever changing interpretations from Royal.  Thank you Michelle!
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