Ampurp85

I have been to both, just not on a cruise; I have done Mexico as a resort. In my book they are equal.

I normally do some sort of food tour, as I don't want to pay extra to do beach activities. We did an ATV in Cozumel and that was fun, but a good chunk of the excursions for both seem to be beach related.

10 hours ago, Clover18 said:

We agonized over using our FCC before December 31. Our experience on Odyssey last Christmas was so abysmal that we weren’t sure we wanted to sale on Royal again. However, we know that there are exceptions to every situation so we decided to book harmony over Thanksgiving. It was really too much money to sacrifice. Trusting that are next experience will be much better.

I think when you do holiday sailings, you have to adjust your expectations. Lots of families cruise on the holidays and the ships will be a madhouse. I purposely never sail/vacation around the big holidays, because I have always been disappointed. 

@SpicyCherryI am glad you are negative. Enjoy Symphony!

3 hours ago, Kirsten said:

I have the same test scheduled for the same day.  They should accept them.  If they don't, do they offer tests done at the port?

Any test they offer at port will have to be schedule and may/may not be already scheduled through. 

3 hours ago, AlohaLivin said:

Although I recently was told that you can only apply it to the booked cruise if you are willing to have it rebooked at the current rate (so if you booked early for a good price, it may not be worth the base price change?).

Yes, this is true, and it is great that you can check before you jump the gun.

They care about date and not time. So, you could literally test before boarding your flight at the airport. As long as it is no more than 2 days before you sail. If you sail April 30th, as long as the date is April 28th or later you are fine.

1 hour ago, FireFishII said:

Thanks for all the information I have been reading on this thread.  VERY HELPFUL.

Here is a new question that I have not seen the answer for:

I am traveling with 2 other families (all extended family members).  We have all linked our reservations together (3 reservations - 6 people).  Can I check in everyone or just my husband, who is on my reservation?

 

If the reservations are linked, yes, you can check everyone in. You can get everyone a good check-in time and then input passport, vax, etc later. 

Go to the bathroom for a tinkle and hand wash.

Besides connecting to ships Wi-Fi and getting my plans out the way. I get on board and relax, take a breath and do a quick lap. Then I eat, drink and be merry.

Based on people from this board, they take a while to email back. Seems better to call or message on social media

The one with the $500 trade-in value will be your annual free prime cruise. That one can be used on any cruise that sails within the years' timeframe. Unlike some other free interiors, balconies, etc. that must be used within a specified timeframe and itinerary. However, I have discovered that you can use the money off and free specialized ones on already booked sailing as long as they aren't past final payment. 

They still have traditional dining its either 5:30 or 8/8:30. Most shows will be either 7, 8, 9 or 10pm. First showing is always around 7pm, that will be for the people who took a 5ish early dining time. Depending on the type of entertainment, the next show could be 8:30 or 9:15, which would allow those with a 7ish dining time to partake. I usually do 8/8:15 so I can go to the 9 or 10pm shows. 

8 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

We got on Liberty last month about 11:45 (11am checkin), went right to the muster station and about 10 minutes later the crew member came to scan us in.

 

Which was 5 min short of noon

1 hour ago, Pattycruise said:

I was thinking the exact same thing for my 2023 sailings.  A bunch of us purchase something "just in case prices go up" and suddenly they decide there are people willing to buy at that price!

That appears to be the issue everywhere. I know everything is up in cost as local restaurants, grocery stores and even Target have gone up in prices. I have 3 sailings in Jan 2023 and although much hasn't been populated in CP, what is, is ridiculous. I normally get the refreshment package, since I will make D+ then, I won't buy if it is more than $21 a day.......and that is stretching it.

Please be advised that sometimes eMuster won't be open and ready when you board. I had one of the earliest times and they informed me that they wouldn't be starting until noon. 

43 minutes ago, PRebecca said:

Can anyone tell me where I can get the details on the benefit? I made prime earlier this month and wonder how long I have to book the annual benefit cruise? I'm sure the info is readily available but haven't found yet. I do have the benefit in my offers

You have to book and sail by March 31st 2023. It is listed in the info on Club Royale's website as well as RCG website under FAQs about Casino Royale. 

10 minutes ago, skings8 said:

Will Royal use my OBC first? Will I receive cash or check back if all cash not used?

RCG will always use OBC first before charging you. If you don't use it all, you can cash out at the casino. 

Only if it is refundable OBC, you will get it back onto the card on file.

1 hour ago, Ja-sun said:

I don't see how you guys can cruise so much. My favorite part of cruising is the food. If I cruised as much as you guys do, I would be 500 pounds.

Ha!

I lucked up as a solo cruiser who stayed in suites and very much took advantage of the double points. Limited vacation time and not living near a port meant I was taking 2-3 cruises within a short time period. Some people lived near a port and cruises in 2021 were cheap, so possibly lots of weekend cruises.

2 hours ago, carlosalonsor said:

Is there a limit on how many times can you go to Playmakers in one day? It's 25 credit p/p per day?

No. I have done it twice. As a lunch on a port day and then as a later dinner because I was in the casino too long. 

You can look at the menu on the app and see if tapas is available on Indy. 

If I would guess no........I think it will continue to increase, so book at a price you are comfortable with. 

The current "sale" just ended and the price for an upcoming sailing is $79, 2 weeks ago without a sale it was $68. The sale price in March was $62, I regret not getting it then as I paid $73.

38 minutes ago, gatorskin76 said:

Piece of advice for anyone that wants it....never get a Future Cruise Credit.  Take the refund every time.

I took 1 set of FCCs out of the 5 cruises I had cancelled. Not because I didn't have faith in the industry or was planning to cruise again. But because I didn't want cages on how I booked my cruises. 

Even though I travel solo a lot, I don't think I could do a transatlantic solo, so I am excited to follow along.

I enjoyed your other blog, are you still on a diet and will be counting your calories?

I notice before, while in port, if connected to the ship Wi-Fi that you can do google and very basic WhatsApp stuff. Once the ship leaves it will be RCG website and just app functions.

One thing to be warned about, you cannot use cruise planner on cruise ships. I was on a S2S2S and tried to change a dining package for my next sailing and couldn't. I had to get off the ship, connect to my data and then do it. 

@twangster So as long as you are scheduled to reach 140 on a sailing you can get your glass block?

I reach my 140 on a Nov Odyssey and I would love a glass block from that ship. 

It seems like all the cruises beyond Dec 2022 are set at the max price, there aren't any "discounts" applied. 

I would not purchase as consumers set the tone, wait until it gets maybe after the summer to see what the "sale" price might be.