BigKarl

18 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I thought the credit card OBC was one of the few that would get refunded if it doesn't get used.

My RC Mastercard OBC IS refundable. I simply go to guest services on the last evening and any unused credits are treated as cash and has been given to me. I once had a guest services rep. freak out because my cash out was more than $1K. Be careful if you have any promotional OBC (Non Refundable) to use as well as "Refundable" credits because they once used my RC Mastercard credits (Refundable) first and then told me I no longer have any credits I can "cash out"  and left my account with $400 uncashable promotional credits.

I realize that this topic is about the Game Show but I just can not resist saying:

"When did Love & Marriage become so unpopular?"

For some it was right after they said "I do"  

3 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

It would seem with his wealth he’d be sailing regent instead of royal. 

The Cynic in me wants to think that on Regent this person would be just one more person in the crowd and wouldn't stand out making a purchase of 100K. I also think that making the statement I will be raffling it and giving the money to charity would be quite the time consuming problem for someone not seeking the recognition and wanting the publicity for a 100K charity donation. Could this be a publicity stunt to put the "Bling Cup" back in the limelight in hopes to get people to purchase something that would take 172 one week cruises before you break even. No business person I know (I only know 2) that can afford such a purchase would do so as it would take 3.3 years before you see an actual return on this investment. Also, Taxes would need to be paid on the monies received from such raffle so why not just donate the 100K and avoid the double taxation. I could go on forever about how this is such a bad Idea.

Don't get me wrong, those who donate to charitable organizations and those who simply hand a person in need a few $$ are wonderful. I love to hear about those that give their time and abilities to others and ask for nothing in return. I just don't agree with the need for them to publicly show that it was done. There are many that would love to do something financially for others but are unable as life is a struggle for many.

Please be kind with your constructive criticism of my view on this particular issue.   

A Ship for 1st time cruisers.

Virgin of the Seas

19 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

My method is to use a card that gives better than 2X points on the $1

Good point!  I only pay for RCL related items such as Bookings and packages on the RC Visa card.

I never stopped to calculate my card redemption values. Thank you all for your input. I am going to rething this and switch to an actual % cash back card.

This is exactly why I put my questions out there !

On 2/16/2024 at 9:53 AM, loki007 said:

they have really started delaying the transfer of on board credit. My last 3 cruises the OBC didn't show up until boarding was under 2 weeks away. Even after calling they would just say we have up until 2 weeks before sailing to apply the points. I have a cruise on Allure March 15 and my request for OBC was 6 months ago.  I believe this is purposeful to prevent you using points for pre-cruise purchases. I plan to stop using my RC Card as I only use it for OBC. 

I have always done it this way:

I book all pre cruise items using my RC Visa which gives me double points for all RC purchases. If you purchase far enough in advance you can then use the Double points from this purchase on your upcoming cruise. 

I request my onboard Cruise credits.

I use all onboard credits that I cannot "Cash out" (RCL or TA promo credits) toward any onboard purchases and the rest with my RC Visa as well. 

You then cash out any and all RC Visa Cruise credits at the end of your cruise. (Yes, they refund you the credits in Cash from your RC Visa but not the credits you receive from any RCL or TA promo).

I never use RC Visa onboard credits to make pre cruise purchases or any other cruise  purchases because they do not give even 1 point on my RC Visa. 

I pay for everything via RC Visa because I get 2X points. I receive 0 points on RC Visa for spending Cruise Credits.

So,

1. Use RC visa to purchase everything pre cruise and get 2X points.

2. Request RC Visa onboard credits.

3. Spend all RC and TA promo credits(they cannot be cashed out and will be lost if not used).

4. Use your RC Visa for all onboard transactions (receive 2x points).

5. Cash out all RC Visa Onboard credits on last day of cruise and walk home with $$ in your pocket.

Any thoughts?  I am always up for hearing your thoughts on ways to improve my method.

I am thinking of visiting Disneyworld precruise and wish to stay in a hotel near or at the park.  I have never visited this theme park so any suggestions for a hotel and/or additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am just curious about this. If I select an Ocean View GTY. room for $479 more than the Obstructed Ocean View GTY.  Is there a chance that I would get that Obstructed view room anyway? Doesn't seem likely but has this ever happened to anyone? and yes, I did read both descriptions.

I never will understand why people want to go on stage. I have the advantage over first time participants to know what to expect. However, the "Audition" alone should be a giveaway as to what's to come.

On 2/27/2024 at 12:20 AM, FionaMG said:

For the L&M show, It never fails to amaze me how many people offer up the number of years they've been married but then back down when asked if they want to play. I'd just keep quiet if I didn’t want to participate.

I am proud to be married for 40 years in this day and age where there is so much stress and strain on a couple to stay together let alone to remain faithful and love each other. So, yes i do enjoy announcing that we are among the few that were able to make it that long and hope for many more years together. As far as participating in the show, I have watched (On the TV when I am bored and that is the only show that broadcasts with the terrible reception) many L&M shows and with the same questions over and over being asked I wonder why anyone would want to get up on stage and share the answers?

I auditioned for the "Love and Marriage" Gameshow in January.  I mentioned that my wife and I just recently celebrated our 40th anniversary in September. I was then asked if my wife was present and I responded, "No, she is at home. How do you think we managed to make it to 40 years of marriage?"

I just returned from my 2 month B2B2B2B2B Mexico trip on Navigator OTS and the Baristas went way above and beyond. Needless to say, They both had a big tip Coming beyond the 18%.  I would be at the back of the line and depending on the drink (I drink Coffee Only) I wanted I would hold up 1 or 2 fingers and my drink would already be waiting for me by the time I made it to the front of the line to pay. 

6 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

sounds like everyone has answered your questions.
At the end of the cruise I slip in a bright color index card (piece of paper willwork) with the family name in large print so hopefully no one will take the wrong bag out of the luggage terminal  When I get home I slip the paper into my luggage so it is ready for the next cruise.

I also figured out just recently that when doing a B2B that I had to change rooms once and slipping that piece of paper into the holder indicating my new room number helps the cabin steward as well.

I will go to the Loyalty desk tomorrow. Thanks!!

I have been on Navigator for a month now and I keep getting the C&A toiletry bag as a welcome aboard gift with 3 bottles of water. How and where do I go to change this to another selection.  I am due to board tomorrow and don't want a sixth bag.

2 hours ago, Cruiser Noah said:

Do any of you guys know how high you have to be on Oasis Of The Seas?

 

Thanks.

It's not that scary so a couple of drinks or one Oxy should do it. 

Seriously, my wife went on the Zipline and she is 4ft. 10in.

18 hours ago, twangster said:

Do you pay double gratuity as a solo cruiser?

Be careful what you wish for...

 

I hadn't thought of that!  THANKS.

14 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

He was the first concierge we ever had when we decided family cruising was going to be our thing. He sure didn't do anything to dissuade us from becoming suite snobs.

Only thing that dissuaded me from being a suite snob is my wallet  

This sounds so fair to me but it is most likely not happening.  As a single Cruiser paying a Double Cruise fare shouldn't I receive ten drink vouchers per day?   LOL I think I already know the answer.

Just getting off Navigator for my Dec. 11th Cruise and I can say that the Prime Rib was very poor quality in the Main Dining Room.  The next night wasn't any better.  We had Chicken Parm. and the Chicken was very dry and mine had gristle throughout. I was given another and given extra sauce to mask the dryness of the breading on the chicken. There was laughter in the dining room the next night because of the "Jumbo Coconut Shrimp" which actually was not butterflied as it usually is prepared and was half the size of a Cocktail Shrimp !  This was in no way the fault of any staff member on board and we assured them that there were 10's all around for service and we left an extra tip for each one at the end of our Cruise.

Other than food (which was very poor quality at every venue) we had a great time and I will be back on board for BtoBtoBtoB cruises on Navigator starting Jan. 8, 2024. Thankfully "I only eat to live and not live to eat" so I manage to find a snack or two to suffice. 

Maybe I will see some of you onboard?

Maybe there was a casting call for more actors in "CATS" ?

How long before there is a "Storage fee" to get your Item back?

What about a 4 slice toaster for my Pop Tarts in the morning.

I am guessing that the Comp Cruises do not gain C&A points?  I do not Gamble at all because I have terrible luck!  When my ship does comes in I will most likely be stuck at the Airport.

Sometimes the Young ones act better than the adults!  I say Go for it.