Va4fam
Members-
Posts
933 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by Va4fam
-
Royal Up Bids - All Still Pending (Thoughts?)
Va4fam replied to sandc4e's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
If you go back to "modify" your bid, it will show the meter again. -
No reservations required on Oasis last week either. Just show up and eat!
-
On Feb 27, we arrived late for our 12:30 check in at Port Miami Terminal A, and breezed through the empty concourse and were aboard in less than 10 minutes. They didn't even ask to take the cheesy photo before we hit the gangway. It was the best experience we have had with boarding.
-
Why get the Deluxe Beverage Package when one is Diamond Plus?
Va4fam replied to Marc's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
That's a good question. We typically fill up our glasses and walk around with them. Haven't tried taking the pitcher yet. -
Why get the Deluxe Beverage Package when one is Diamond Plus?
Va4fam replied to Marc's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
We just had our first Diamond sailing and didn't spend a cent on drinks (except Starbucks for my wife). We brought two bottles of wine, a 6 pack of soda and refillable water bottles to cut down on the regular drinks. We also drank more at port stops. Beer drinkers, another great way to cut down expenses is to order a pitcher of beer at Playmakers for $18. Basically getting 5 beers for the price of two. -
None of our bids were accepted. We bid 3.5 times the minimum bids for the smallest suite and for Aqua Theater. Thought we had a shot at getting upgraded from our JS. Still had a great time.
-
We were in St. Thomas last week and after some port shopping, we grabbed a taxi to Magen's Bay, rented lounge chairs and drank bushwhackers all day. Beautiful beach with very small waves. The ride back included a stop near the top of the mountain with a great view of the water below.
-
Coco Cay is mostly sand, trees, and water. The tram path would be your best option as it is hard packed and easy to walk/run on. Not a lot of foot traffic but plenty of golf carts and trams to avoid. Don't think it is possible to run the entire island as some parts are under construction and/or off limits.
-
Updated protocols through April 14
Va4fam replied to smokeybandit's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
Quick Update-Just got off Oasis and can verify that we were not required to wear wristbands at all. Facemasks were voluntary and not required except for when we got off the ship in St. Thomas and had to wear them in the port area. No reservations required in Windjammer or many of the shows thanks to increased seating capacity. It was great! -
Updated protocols through April 14
Va4fam replied to smokeybandit's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
I didn't see that in the update. When does the no more bracelet policy start? -
I've been flying on JetBlue for almost 20 years. One of my favorite airlines. Great customer service in the air and on the ground if needed. Enjoy your flight!
-
Our last cruise we got the email saying our bids were not successful when we were at Izumi having dinner. There seem to be so many successful bids here and on the FB page, and with lower capacity, I thought we had a good chance of securing an upgrade. An upgrade would have been nice, but we will enjoy the cruise no matter what.
-
Our bids are still pending with less than a week to go.
-
Let’s talk Cruise Planner “thresholds”…when do you buy?
Va4fam replied to MattG's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Lowest prices we've seen so far: $ 6 for the Soda Package $ 18 for Deluxe Beverage Package/ $ 44 post pandemic $ 19 for The Key $ 54 for Coco Beach Club / $ 89 post pandemic $ 89 for 3 night Dining Package Our threshold price points: $ 60 or under for Deluxe Beverage Package $ 99 for 3 night Dining Package $ 79 for Coco Beach Club We reserved The Key but cancelled it after losing some of the perks, Coco Beach Club prices have been sky high, and we are not UDP people. -
We have never been to either but looking forward to it. Do either of them have options for a massage at the beach.....or relatively nearby? Thank you!
-
We are JS guests and have limited experience with CK. What we discovered was the food was pretty good but the service was exceptional. Our server made recommendations and even brought us some of his favorite "off menu" items to try. Very tasty and we appreciated the "above and beyond" hospitality. I think Matt has stated numerous times on the podcast that he really enjoys the sushi and hibachi at Izumi, so it makes sense he prefers it over CK.
-
Vision Of The Seas Coming To Baltimore?
Va4fam replied to coneyraven's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
That would be exciting if Vision comes to Baltimore! -
Changes to awarding RoyalUps - can anyone verify this?
Va4fam replied to HBCcruiser's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Makes sense that Royal would do this. Further cements my belief that the good cruise early upgrade mojo going around last month is gone. Wouldn't last minute upgrades be a headache for the porters? Or Genies if you are Star Class? -
Playmaker's Opened on Embarkation for Lunch?
Va4fam replied to KenCP's topic in Royal Caribbean Dining
Yes, it is open for drinks and food. Great place to go on embarkation day and catch a game. -
The library on Symphony was pretty empty last time I saw it. No books either. I found a couple of spots that were good for reading.....just to the left of El Loco Fresh is a covered area overlooking where people zip line and Boardwalk far below. At the far end of Central Park there are two alcoves with a "balcony" and two chairs above it. It's technically on Deck 9 but can be a quiet place to relax and read and enjoy Central Park from one floor above. (But don't tell anyone, I don't want to lose my favorite place).
-
Moving a double points cruise question
Va4fam replied to RCIfan1912's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
@Sharla.....what happens if a cruise was booked before September 30, 2021 (expiration of the double points booking promotion) and originally scheduled for January 2022 but moved to 2023 during the pandemic? Could it be moved back to 2022 and receive double points if same reservation number is kept? -
@JennaRCB....we are in the same "boat" so to speak with struggling to find excursions for our Brilliance trip end of May. None of our Croatia ports are listed in the cruise planner....yet. I am reading Rick Steves guide to Med cruise ports and working on some ideas but nothing planned. Mykonos we plan to explore the town and the flour windmills on our own.
-
We check our bags getting on the ship but always "walk off" with them at disembarkation. Just seems faster that way. Never worried about losing a bag......UNTIL NOW!!
-
How many of you have done this before?
Va4fam replied to RorySC's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
It's an interesting concept. I have thought more about the possibility of when I am no longer working and have enough free time and bank account to do as I please. I always liked the story of the elderly lady that "retired" and instead of moving in to a retirement facility, she spends all of her time on a ship. Her room is cleaned every day, enjoying an abundance of food and entertainment, and her retirement home travels to interesting ports and locations each week. Her family and friends would book a cruise so they could have a "family reunion." The math worked for her situation compared to what a full service retirement home would cost. Might be fun to live that lifestyle but still have time to see friends and family. -
Current airfare to Rome (FCO), is it to soon to book?
Va4fam replied to Vincent's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
We have a trip to Venice planned at end of May and booked airfares a month ago. I think people are starting to feel more confident about travel and prices will continue to rise. Did you look at Google flights to compare fares?