WAAAYTOOO

Same exact email I got. I still HATE that they are using that "upgrade" language but I believe this is the outcome that we had been trying for. I'll just have to accept victory and move on.

Happy Birthday !

Yes! Definitely call for $95. No there is no danger from calling to take advantage of a price drop no matter how many times. just be sure that it’s truly a savings and that you’re not giving up something to gain something

Nothing like starting out at the top ! Where will you go from there ? ??

So I am hearing a few good indications that Royal Caribbean has reversed their policy on eliminating double points for casino rate cruises in suites. I have yet to hear from them personally so I am withholding a complete victory dance but it's looking up.

So sad

How stupid would that be after they just spent all that money renovating those spaces. Sometimes I think they have idiots running the place.

Sure, if you are so inclined to provide any addition gratuities to anyone, I say, go for it !

Thanks for sharing that. I guess they've changed it completely from the original. The original wasn't really even an envelope. It was just a folded paper where you could offer remarks and acknowledge a crew member for outstanding service. This isn't the same thing at all.

When the WOW envelopes were first introduced (maybe 4 years ago ??) you could only leave them at Guest Services in special receptacles made for that purpose. I recall that once, we had forgotten to drop ours off and we tried to hand them to a staff member as we were leaving the ship and they held up their hands and backed away, shaking their heads, as if it the envelope might contain a nerve agent or something ! They said, "Oh, I'm sorry. We cannot even touch those !". What ?? Whatever. We just kept walking. No WOW for those crew member that day ! I don't think the WOW envelopes are quite that sensitive these days. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know they were still using them. I would say, try and find the drop-off containers near Guest Services, first. If you cannot find one then ask at GS where to deposit them. The WOW envelopes are not (or at least, did not USED to be) for tips/gratuities. They are to "write up" any crew member that deserves special praise for good service or attitude. I guess you COULD use them for tips, but that was not their original purpose. On the issue of tips...we always just give cash to anyone we want to reward. I don't bother with envelopes of any kind. Just hand them some dough and be done with it.

WOW. I haven't seen a display like that in years. SOOOO nice to see. I am so disappointed that Royal rarely has those beautiful and elaborate displays anymore. Long gone (for the most part) are the days of ice sculptures and sculptured fruit. I do realize that this often results in waste but it's really so traditional with cruising. Glad to see that the art isn't completely gone.

Dan was so bummed when he found out that Allure didn't use the Wow band. He had brought his from our Harmony cruise. Personally, I don't like them but he does. The one Dan has from our Harmony cruise (he should have 3...don't ask me where the other 2 went !!) does not have a muster station on it. I guess he would be able to use it again if we go on a ship that uses them.

YIPPEE !! I am so very happy to hear this ! The wording in the response is a bit confusing, though. When you get a casino rate you aren't really upgrading. I hope this is the issue relating to using casino rates/discounts/certificates and not something else. I talked to both Club Royale and Crown & Anchor yesterday and got conflicting information (who's surprised !!!). CR assured me that I would receive double points for any cruises I had already booked (before 15 April) and C&A said he could NOT make me such an assurance. He did, however, tell me that he would call and let me know when the final decision was made. He said that this was the "hottest" topic anywhere at Royal Caribbean yesterday. Apparently it caused quite the uprising. He told me that there was a high level meeting going on at the same time I had called, to discuss this issue. [While being nice....] I told him that if they took away the double points it would likely be the end for me with Royal Caribbean. The non-refundable deposit issue for suites had pushed me almost off the cliff, but this new policy would surely push me over the edge. I'm still unsure, to be honest. That message about upgrading did not give me the assurance I am looking for. Hopefully I will hear something from Tim at C&A today. I'll be sure to post, if I do.

Obviously, I have not been on Symphony, but in general: 1. Depending upon your stateroom category, there will be SOME kind of shampoo and soap. In most room categories they have a shower dispenser that contains a mystery substance that most use for both soap and shampoo. I've used it many many times and my hair has not fallen out - yet. 2. Yes, you will be able to find something to eat. The Windjammer will probably open up by 11:30. The Park Café, in Central Park, will most likely be open. The promenade area restaurants will probably open up shortly after boarding begins. On the other O class ships, there will be a couple of specialty restaurants open (Chops and/or Jaimie's) but those will cost extra, of course. Otherwise, you WILL be able to find something to eat that will not cost you anything extra. 3. Depending upon your dining time and your dining preference (traditional or my time dining) the MDR will generally be pretty busy the first night. Most people will be eating there just b/c it's the easiest option. The BEST news of all...you can order as much of anything you want from the menu in the MDR. Order 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts if you want ! No extra charge ! Enjoy your cruise on Symphony. I am very envious.

Wow. This is somewhat alarming. Certainly I have heard of such things but who knew that you would ever get a letter from the Captain like this ! I guess it will be something to tell the Grandkids !

+2. I am not a fan of Jaimie's at ALL.

Unless Symhony is different from the other O Class ships, there will not be an omelet station on it. I think there are just too many people on the big O ships so they decided not to have omelet stations on them. That's my reasoning. It may or may not be the actual reason.

That's why I never use a curbside checkin.

+1

I agree. If Costa Maya is already on the itin then I suspect that they will just eliminate 1 port altogether.

It's always a good day when this happens ! YIPPEE ! I had 1 straight flush last week on Allure.

I did the same exact thing - twice !

I'm guessing Costa Maya but have no basis for this other than the proximity of this port to the others on this itin.

Bingo !!

Well, you certainly deserve it. They completely ruined your Majesty cruise. I hope this all comes through. Glad you were able to find someone to help you and I hope the Casino host on the Majesty is gone b/c of this.