WAAAYTOOO

Thank you. So I'm not insane :) Mostly
 
I will have to all Monday - this is 100% surprise for the kids (Like we are telling them we are going to the Keys and they'll only realize when we turn into the Port) and I have a sick-o home today. As sick as she is her ears hear EVERYTHING and she'll be like "huh - what was that about" LOL
 
I had the feeling today that I wanted to double check if they moved dining over so I checked. Thanks for the feedback, I know you have plenty of miles at sea so I'll definitely call Monday.

This could be dangerous... I can see me booking cruise after cruise after cruise... and just ending up in an infinity loop.

There's a Prince from Nigeria that can totally hook you up

If I could get one everytime I would... We don't usually spend a lot of time on our balcony but we did on this one.

Thank you sulross! My husband and I are super ecstatic! West is really doing well, the rebuilding process has been trying at times, but we are a resilient town! Thank you for your kind words.

Thank you both. I would have tried my luck but since it's clearly stated I think I will just leave it at home.

Yikes !  I'd probably advise him to get his hair cut before he goes to work on Friday night !!

It can be.  They have changed the rules for Next Cruise in the past few years and I haven't used that system in a while.  But I think it goes something like this:
 
If you know what cruise you want to book, you can book it onboard; whatever amount you pay as a down payment (I'm sure there's a limit here...$50, $100 ??") you will receive as OBC for the cruise you are currently on.  Then, if, for some reason, you cancel the cruise you booked through Next Cruise, you would lose that deposit amount (equivalent to the amount of OBC that you received previously).
 
So if you decide to book while onboard and then down the road you find that the cruise has gone down in price, you can always get a price adjustment (so long as the final payment date has not yet passed).  The only way you can really lose is to cancel completely...in which case it is basically a "wash" - OBC for deposit.
 
It's not nearly the program that it used to be....that's for sure....but if you know you are going, then why not get the OBC for the cruise you're on ?
 
There are other rules for booking an "open" date, where you just put down some money and don't have a specific sail date yet.  I have no idea how that works anymore.

There are some promos offered on photos but I think they are mostly related to Crown & Anchor membership.  I have never ever purchased a photograph from Royal Caribbean.  I'm sure I'm one of the pax that they hate b/c I won't pay the outrageous prices.  I don't even take the free one that they offer us for being D+ !
 
I have never seen any other discount promos on photos but I will also admit that I don't look either b/c we don't buy photos.
 
I believe that they will give you 1 or as many photos as you choose to purchase on a CD.  I have no idea if they offer volume discounts or have a package price. 

Oh... Back when I made DP they created a whole new category for me!
 
Yes, I really am an old crow...
 
PRC. (Paul R Crow) :D

Hello all
 
My Name is Kathy
 
I am going to attempt to do my First ever live Blog here, so bare with me. 😬
I am very Excited to be going on a Oasis Class Ship, for the very First time.
Little Cruising history. This will be my 6th Cruise, and my 3rd on a Royal Caribbean Ship.(Only a C&A Gold Member)
It was 2007 the last time I took a Royal Caribbean Cruise. I tried out a few other Cruise lines, between then, and now, and they were just ok.
When my Husband and I started looking at Cruise's for this year, I knew, it HAD to be Royal Caribbean, or nothing.
My Husband is retired Army, and runs a message Military Travel Board. Every other year the Members get together, for a Cruise.
We are hosts for this Space Available Travel Group. We have 8 other members in our Group.
 
Along with doing the live Blog here, I will also be Periscoping (Live Streaming Video) from the Ship.
 
My Periscope name is CruisingKat
 
Https://www.periscope.tv/cruisingkat
 
Here is the info on Periscope if you want to see what it is.
 
https://www.periscope.tv/#share
 
I look forward to sharing my Adventure with you here, with the Live Blog, and on Periscope

Royal Caribbean should read their own web site:

Should be no problem as WAAAYTOOO already said, and told you how to get a private table. But if for any reason that does not work, just talk to the officer in charge of the main dinning room on the first night and he /she will correct. The first night is open time and seating, you can go anytime and they ask you if you want to be alone or with a group.

Wow...that's pretty rough.
 
Pretty soon you'll be swabbing your own toilets !
 
I can forego the turn down service....but I gotta have clean towels in the AM.  I can make my own bed if that helps !

It can be.  They have changed the rules for Next Cruise in the past few years and I haven't used that system in a while.  But I think it goes something like this:
 
If you know what cruise you want to book, you can book it onboard; whatever amount you pay as a down payment (I'm sure there's a limit here...$50, $100 ??") you will receive as OBC for the cruise you are currently on.  Then, if, for some reason, you cancel the cruise you booked through Next Cruise, you would lose that deposit amount (equivalent to the amount of OBC that you received previously).
 
So if you decide to book while onboard and then down the road you find that the cruise has gone down in price, you can always get a price adjustment (so long as the final payment date has not yet passed).  The only way you can really lose is to cancel completely...in which case it is basically a "wash" - OBC for deposit.
 
It's not nearly the program that it used to be....that's for sure....but if you know you are going, then why not get the OBC for the cruise you're on ?
 
There are other rules for booking an "open" date, where you just put down some money and don't have a specific sail date yet.  I have no idea how that works anymore.

Time out, I notice the question is coming in regards to an Asia/Australia market cruise.
 
I know under US booking rules that the deposit is fully refundable and that repricing up to cancellation date is no big deal, also know that in other markets that is not always true.
 
I do not know off the top of my head what the terms and conditions would be for this cruise, but worth checking on cancellation/rebooking policy before committing.

We've got two cabins for both sailings ;)..... I'm going to call Royal tonight to see what they have to say... Not that what they say on the phone means anything dockside... .

EmersonNZ, you are worse than most !  You already seem addicted and haven't even set foot on the ship yet !  LOL
 
Welcome to the asylum.
 
First of all, let me say that I am very envious of your incredible itineraries.  They sound so exotic to us, North Americans.  ...one day....(sigh)
 
Secondly, let me first suggest that before you spend a lot of money on upsell restaurants, you give the old [free] dining room a chance.  Luckily, you have plenty of nights from which to choose so if you feel the need to pay additional money, you have time to do that.
 
I know this is just my opinion....but I have to say that, in general, the "complimentary" food on Royal is very good.  Sure...there are some menus that are less palatable than others but these are always a matter of personal preference.  Maybe it's just me, but I do not see the need to spend EVEN MORE money on restaurants when, for the most part, the complimentary food and service are far above average.
 
If you are a steak snob (said with love) then certainly you are going to want to try Chops.  The MDR steak is only adequate...not nearly excellent.  So that is one distinction I will make.  Let me also admit that I have never been on a Quantum class ship, so the restaurants that are specific to that class are unfamiliar to me.  I've heard they are all very good.
 
My point is....don't forsake the MDR menus before they are given a fair chance !
 
Best of luck and enjoy those wonderful itineraries.

Thanks for the response. I showed the wife the packages and prices and she said that's not bad, until I said the prices are per person. She's now rethinking what to do, might be a water only cruise.

I'm afraid Candie overestimates my expertise.  While I often sail in suites on Royal, the rules for other parts of the world often differ as we have seen with the latest confusion over Ovation's suites perks in Asia and Australia.
 
General information :  the GS on the Voyager class are very nice.  BIG, comfortable and convenient (not located at extreme ends of the ships as some suites on other classes can be).  You will have a very nice and comfortable balcony which will, most likely, have a small table and 2 chairs - usually loungers or straight chairs with footstools.  The bathroom is larger than a balcony bathroom with a full shower and tub combo.  There are 2 sinks in the bathroom which is nice.  The living area is separated from the bedroom area by a curtain (if you choose to close it.  We never do).  It is a very nice room.
 
As far as amenities or perks, ASSUMING they are the same as for us here in NA (and that's a big assumption), you will have access to the Concierge Lounge or Suites Lounge, whichever Voyager has.  I believe they still have the Concierge Lounge (it is my opinion that eventually all Concierge lounges will be changed to Suites lounges and the D+ pax will no longer be welcome but that is my OPINION, not fact.).  The CL on the Voyager class is located on Deck 9 near the aft elevators.  As a rule, I find these spaces to be rather unappealing.  They are interior (no outside windows) and they can become very crowded during the evening Happy Hour (generally 5 - 8 PM with specific hours dependent upon the ship's schedule).  At the Happy Hour you will be served a variety of complimentary beverages (beer, wine, soda, spirits, champagne) and some cold and warm appetizers.  Unless you are a Diamond level (or higher) Crown & Anchor member, you will not be able to use the Diamond Lounge, which, IMO is much nicer than the CL b/c the space is bigger and there are outside windows....but the CL is considered more "exclusive" for some reason.
 
The other perk that I find most enjoyable is the ability to order room service from the Main Dining Room menu.  Room service for non-suites is only from a very limited menu that is frankly, not very appealing...but as a suites guest you can order anything that is on the MDR menu and as much as you want.  The only limitation is that the service is only available during hours that the MDR is in service.  So, for instance, you cannot order your lobster dinner to be delivered at 4 AM (why would you want that anyway...).  Breakfasts on the balcony are especially enjoyable.
 
You will also have access to the Concierge who is there to help with reservations, transportation and to help answer questions that you may have.  If you want to organize a party in your suite, he (or she) can help with that.  The Concierge service seems to vary with the ship.  On some ships the Concierge will personally escort you off the ship (in a group) and to the priority line for customs.  On some ships this doesn't happen.  If you have any tender ports, the Concierge will help you with priority access to the tenders (which means that you cut in line in front of everyone else trying to get onto the tender !).
 
If I knew how to post the link, I would provide you with the link to the list of Suites perks but it would only be the list for NA anyway.  For some reason, I cannot figure out how to paste anything into these blog posts.  But as I said, I'm not sure it would be particularly helpful anyway as they may or may not apply to you, in Australia.
 
Just know that you will have a VERY nice room, 24 hour access to the Concierge Lounge (local rules may apply) and a wonderful ship.  Enjoy it !

I'll take that deal !
 
:D

I'm afraid Candie overestimates my expertise.  While I often sail in suites on Royal, the rules for other parts of the world often differ as we have seen with the latest confusion over Ovation's suites perks in Asia and Australia.
 
General information :  the GS on the Voyager class are very nice.  BIG, comfortable and convenient (not located at extreme ends of the ships as some suites on other classes can be).  You will have a very nice and comfortable balcony which will, most likely, have a small table and 2 chairs - usually loungers or straight chairs with footstools.  The bathroom is larger than a balcony bathroom with a full shower and tub combo.  There are 2 sinks in the bathroom which is nice.  The living area is separated from the bedroom area by a curtain (if you choose to close it.  We never do).  It is a very nice room.
 
As far as amenities or perks, ASSUMING they are the same as for us here in NA (and that's a big assumption), you will have access to the Concierge Lounge or Suites Lounge, whichever Voyager has.  I believe they still have the Concierge Lounge (it is my opinion that eventually all Concierge lounges will be changed to Suites lounges and the D+ pax will no longer be welcome but that is my OPINION, not fact.).  The CL on the Voyager class is located on Deck 9 near the aft elevators.  As a rule, I find these spaces to be rather unappealing.  They are interior (no outside windows) and they can become very crowded during the evening Happy Hour (generally 5 - 8 PM with specific hours dependent upon the ship's schedule).  At the Happy Hour you will be served a variety of complimentary beverages (beer, wine, soda, spirits, champagne) and some cold and warm appetizers.  Unless you are a Diamond level (or higher) Crown & Anchor member, you will not be able to use the Diamond Lounge, which, IMO is much nicer than the CL b/c the space is bigger and there are outside windows....but the CL is considered more "exclusive" for some reason.
 
The other perk that I find most enjoyable is the ability to order room service from the Main Dining Room menu.  Room service for non-suites is only from a very limited menu that is frankly, not very appealing...but as a suites guest you can order anything that is on the MDR menu and as much as you want.  The only limitation is that the service is only available during hours that the MDR is in service.  So, for instance, you cannot order your lobster dinner to be delivered at 4 AM (why would you want that anyway...).  Breakfasts on the balcony are especially enjoyable.
 
You will also have access to the Concierge who is there to help with reservations, transportation and to help answer questions that you may have.  If you want to organize a party in your suite, he (or she) can help with that.  The Concierge service seems to vary with the ship.  On some ships the Concierge will personally escort you off the ship (in a group) and to the priority line for customs.  On some ships this doesn't happen.  If you have any tender ports, the Concierge will help you with priority access to the tenders (which means that you cut in line in front of everyone else trying to get onto the tender !).
 
If I knew how to post the link, I would provide you with the link to the list of Suites perks but it would only be the list for NA anyway.  For some reason, I cannot figure out how to paste anything into these blog posts.  But as I said, I'm not sure it would be particularly helpful anyway as they may or may not apply to you, in Australia.
 
Just know that you will have a VERY nice room, 24 hour access to the Concierge Lounge (local rules may apply) and a wonderful ship.  Enjoy it !

Only once or twice a week? I've been so excited I've looked atit at least once or twice an hour since I booked (It really hasn't changed in that time :-)

EmersonNZ, you are worse than most !  You already seem addicted and haven't even set foot on the ship yet !  LOL
 
Welcome to the asylum.
 
First of all, let me say that I am very envious of your incredible itineraries.  They sound so exotic to us, North Americans.  ...one day....(sigh)
 
Secondly, let me first suggest that before you spend a lot of money on upsell restaurants, you give the old [free] dining room a chance.  Luckily, you have plenty of nights from which to choose so if you feel the need to pay additional money, you have time to do that.
 
I know this is just my opinion....but I have to say that, in general, the "complimentary" food on Royal is very good.  Sure...there are some menus that are less palatable than others but these are always a matter of personal preference.  Maybe it's just me, but I do not see the need to spend EVEN MORE money on restaurants when, for the most part, the complimentary food and service are far above average.
 
If you are a steak snob (said with love) then certainly you are going to want to try Chops.  The MDR steak is only adequate...not nearly excellent.  So that is one distinction I will make.  Let me also admit that I have never been on a Quantum class ship, so the restaurants that are specific to that class are unfamiliar to me.  I've heard they are all very good.
 
My point is....don't forsake the MDR menus before they are given a fair chance !
 
Best of luck and enjoy those wonderful itineraries.

Here is the close hotels to the port under four miles.
 
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Port Canaveral 1.33 miles from cruise port  Address: 9009 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920   Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach 1.48 miles from cruise port  Address: 8959 Astronaut Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920   Radisson Resort at the Port 1.78 miles from cruise port  Address: 8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920   Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort 2.23 miles from cruise port  Address: 1000 Shorewood Drive, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920   Royal Mansions Resort 2.57 miles from cruise port  Address: 8600 Ridgewood Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920   Discovery Beach Resort 3.53 miles from cruise port  Address: 300 Barlow Ave., Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931   BEST WESTERN Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites 3.63 miles from cruise port  Address: 5600 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931-3920   La Quinta Inn & Suites Cocoa Beach Oceanfront 3.67 miles from cruise port  Address: 1 Hendry Ave, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931   Las Olas Beach Club of Cocoa Beach 3.81 miles from cruise port  Address: 5100 Ocean Beach Blvd, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931