Peter D

Do the Genies cover all potential concierge/guest services needs or do the suite concierges do certain things a Genie does not, hence tipping warranted? 

8 hours ago, JMixon14 said:

Where specifically did you see the salmon run at? Was this at the totem pole national historic site one the trail? I believe I have seen this mentioned as a good viewing spot on one of the trails there? 

We were in the Sitka National Historical Park where the trails crisscross the Indian River.  The salmon were running up the Indian River.

The salmon were also 'running' back to the Sitka Sound Science Center where workers were collecting eggs to supply the hatchery.  It was pretty interesting.

14 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

The price of the UDP went up I believe some time last year to account for inflation. 15% is the standard discount rate, the better discount rate is 40% which usually happens during a sale. It used to be 50% but I haven't seen that since BF of 2022.

This may be all true, but I had another observation as it pertains to Harmony sailing.  Back in early November, I purchased a single HDP for $249.99 with added gratuity, the total price was $294.98.  Just last week, that $294.99 price was still available (not as $249.99 plus gratuity, but rather total, gratuities included.  Now it is $384.99, a 30% increase.

This seems more a cash grab to me, rather than simply cost increases.  I suppose if people will pay it, they can charge whatever they want.

Unlimited dining package pricing is out of control right now.  For my October 2024 Icon sailing, the UDP price is $420.99 per person (discounted 15% from $495.99).   Harmony (April) and Anthem (June), $384.99 per person (discounted 15% from $453.99).  Even 4-night Utopia in November is $259.99 (discounted 15% from $305.99).  These are all 'gratuities included' pricing, but still....

Any insight on what is going on???

It is difficult to believe this is even the enchantment.    I have my doubts.

It is showing now for our April cruise.  Its up to $35pp.  Yikes!  Gone are the days  of $19.99pp it seems.

On 3/21/2024 at 1:02 PM, twangster said:

The problem with stating absolutes is that someone, somewhere, some time, will have had an experience where it was enforced.

Chef's Table used to be more stringent than it is now for example.  Chef's Table is supposed to be formal.  

Chef's table is now listed as 'Smart Casual Attire' like every other specialty restaurant.

I would say it is not as good as coffee shop, but it might suit your needs.  The coffee machine in the lounge is pretty easy to operate, but it really can only do basic espresso drinks (espresso, capuccino, latte, maybe americano) and while I think there is sugar/sweeteners, there are no flavored syrups or options for cream/milk.  The machine supplies its own 'dairy' for those drinks that need them.  Your best bet will be the coffee card and then go and check it out to see if it will serve your needs going forward.  

We did the train last year and I would definitely do it again, but there are a couple things I would do differently.  

1. Two of us had 3 suitcases, which was a bit of a challenge managing on the train.  Luckily it was not too crowded leaving Rome (morning) so we managed, but it is definitely easier if you can travel lighter.  As we were staying overnight in Civitavecchia, we opted to just walk from Train to hotel (about 1km) and then from hotel to port (another 1km).
2. Plan the return trip-   Post cruise, the train station is chaotic to buy tickets back to Rome and they sell out for early trains.  I would highly recommend buying the return ticket to Rome before going to ship, so that when you leave, you can basically get right on the train.  Also, the trains are even more crowded going back, so luggage is still a factor.

10 hours ago, happy cruisers 2 said:

Congratulations!  Same situation for us in May.  For us, the main thing is the 4 complimentary drinks (up to $14) per day, excluding Starbucks of course.  We like to purchase internet access for the entire cruise, but if you don't do that you would get one free day for one device.  I see those as the two main items that would be new for us.  There's a few other changes, but nothing that I will get too excited about.

I guess I should add the Crown Lounge access too.  That will be new for us.  Others might have better info on this.

Don't forget that the 1 day of Voom is for each Diamond person as well, and the the free day of internet can be used toward purchasing a package onboard (one day value onboard is usually $26.99-$30.99).  If you are willing to go without internet on embarkation day after sail away (no cellular service) and wait until midnight of day 2, it may be cheaper than buying voom ahead of time.  That means going without internet from about 6pm to midnight on embarkation, then purchasing 6 day plan with 1 day free. Using my worst case Icon sailing in October, internet pricing for 1 device is 23.99 (planner price) vs 30.99 (onboard).  Pre-purchased cost for 7 days would be $167.93.  Onboard using one day discount on day 2 would be essentially only 5 day cost (30.99*5=$154.95 for example) or $13 cheaper onboard.  Obviously the longer you are willing to go without internet the cheaper it gets if you decide to get it later in the cruise.

For what it's worth, I have heard stories of people buying voom through planner and then getting one day credit applied once on board through guest services, but I have never tried that myself and would not count on that.

St Maarten is very easy to get to beach at Philipsburg.  Just plan to take water taxi right off ship to Great Bay beach.  It may not be the best beach option of the locations you are traveling to, but extremely easy to get to and its not bad.

On 3/8/2024 at 2:56 PM, Magoody said:

Questions:

1.) Are there any other ports worth visiting on a Western cruise that we have missed and might need to consider? We were considering taking a break and now doing a Southern or Eastern Caribbean cruise for our next booking, which leads me to my next set of questions...

2.) We have been cruising out of Orlando because it was the closest port that had the ship we wanted at the time (9.5 hour drive).  Should we also consider Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, or Miami? Disadvantages/Advantages/pros/cons with leaving from any of these ports?

3.) Some ships that are sailing with southern/eastern itineraries right now that we have not been on are: Oasis, Freedom, Adventure, Serenade, and Enchantment. Disadvantages/Advantages/pros/cons with any of these ships?

4.) Last question...Are there any ports on the Southern/Eastern Caribbean cruises that are absolute must get off the ship to see or absolutely not worth going to? Any suggestions/critiques welcomed as we begin to plan for our next cruise. 

 

 

1.) Grand Cayman is a worthwhile port to visit at least once if you ever revisit doing Western itineraries.

2.) Even if driving is a requirement, I'd still consider FLL and MIA.  That gives you so many options of ships/itineraries.  If you are already willing to drive 9.5 hours, the additional 3 hours seems a no brainer to me.  Of course, at those driving times, I'd personally opt to fly.  Also, you didn't mention your departure location, but maybe Bayonne is within your 9.5-12 hours drive. Bayonne offers even more ships and itinerary options.   

3.) When I book cruises, I try to pick either a new itinerary and/or a new ship.  While you didn't mention that you did or did not cruise on a Quantum Class ship, I would not rule them out if an itinerary suits.  Odyssey of the Seas is a great ship that does many of the itineraries.  I think Icon is also a ship I'd try to consider if possible.

4.) For Southern itineraries, I would echo the ABC islands.  I have only been to them one time, but I would definitely go back.  Aruba and Curacao are frequently highlighted as best, but when we did Bonaire, we did an island tour that included the salt flats where were quite picturesque.  For Eastern itineraries, if you could find one that does Bermuda (overnight even better), I would be highly recommend considering that as well.

The craps table on ships are $10 minimum and 1x odds, though they will usually allow $25 (6/8) and $20 (5/9) odds on a $15 pass line.  There are probably other similar exceptions, but in general, single odds only.

The free experience is straight up, hold for scenery, and straight down. The extended experiences are longer, because in addition to going straight up, it will swing out over the water (during sea days).  Personally, I do not think the extended experience is worth $49.

On 2/6/2024 at 11:39 AM, MR_Soccer said:

Phoenix played on Icon last week and said they are going to be on Oasis this summer.  

According to their website  https://phoenixclassicrockband.com/ 

Phoenix is doing two weeks on Icon in March, April, and May.  One week on Icon in June before starting on Oasis.

Does seem like less and less tribute bands, but they are still around.  DSB (Journey) is schedule on Symphony of Seas Feb 10 sailing.

I changed a non-refundable reservation to a different sail date and was 'charged' change fee, but I was pleasantly surprised with it and was wondering if others have experienced the same.  When I called my travel agent (Costco travel) to change my sailing date, I was expecting a $100pp change fee.  What I thought was going to happen was my $500 NRD on the old booking would become $300 'credit or NRD' toward the new booking, but instead it became a $700 NRD.  I was surprised, but also welcome it as it really didn't cost anything to change. The additional $200 was applied against the total price, and though it results in higher non refundable deposit, I don't consider it a change fee per se.  Has anyone else seen this 'change fee' approach?

Has anyone dined at Empire Supper Club yet that was able to book online for $200pp instead of $236pp?  If so, anyone on ship say anything about whether or not it was a mistake at the time?

It is pretty well known and maybe even common for people to book a refundable booking and consider changes to a non refundable deposit (NRD) as sail date gets closer.  I know you also can make any changes you want to a NRD booking on the same sailing/ship, but you'd lose all or portion of NRD if you try to change to different ship or sail date.  The question is, can you change your NRD booking to a refundable booking on the same sailing/ship?  I have never tried and my hunch tells me no, but I was wondering if anyone knows for sure.

6 minutes ago, Maggie M said:

I was just pricing a cruise and the only option for suite was "Royal Suite" guarantee or you  pick your room. Does that mean I'd get a JS or a Grand or above?  What constitutes a "Royal Suite?"

I think Royal Suite Class is just the term Royal uses for suites on the newer, bigger ships and the Royal Suite Guarantee can be any suite class cabin which includes Jr Suites, (and will likely be a Jr suite).

That is very strange.  I wonder if it is yet another RCL website glitch. 

I have only ever used the GTY-suite (Category WS) which has been that first one ($735pp) and it assigned a J3 Junior suite.  I see absolutely no reason to select the Junior Suite option for $975pp.

Did a quick look on a random Navigator cruise and the "pick your room" listed Junior Suite for $946 and Junior suite for $1056.   First was for category J4 and second was category J3.

8 hours ago, LinzLoo said:

Hi!! 
I’ve been searching trying to figure out the best scenario. My husband and I have 3 kids 2 under 2 and an 8 year old. We want to cruise but not sure our best room options. Are there any rooms that sleep 5 besides the most expensive suites? Or is getting conjoined rooms the best? I don’t really like the 2 room option at all especially for sleeping arrangements. But if that’s the best option then that’s what we will do. Thanks so much!! 

You did not mention any specific class of ship, but our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 older children)  has stayed many times in the promenade family staterooms on Freedom class ships.  They are now called Spacious Promenade view interior category 1Q.  There are four total, located mid ship deck 7 (7307 and 7607) and 8 (8307 and 8607) on all Freedom Class ships.  Highly recommend them, though they probably sell out fast.  You can easily find youtube tour videos of these rooms.  

Star class question regarding Complimentary Gratuities:

Δ Complimentary Gratuities benefit applies only to onboard staff who provide standard dining and culinary services, stateroom and general housekeeping services. Star guests may tip their Royal Genie and Concierge separately, at their own discretion.

What overlap is there between the Royal Genie and the (Suite) Concierge?  I thought Genie was the concierge for Star Class suites? 

In October, the craps table minimum was $10.  I'd expect the same for March.

It's strange that your TA put you on a wait list for My Time Dining.   I thought that was always a default if you could not get a main dining time (early or late).  If you keep checking with your TA, you might get it changed officially and then you can book your dining times through the cruise planner.  Good luck.