tonyfsu21

IMHO the program as a whole is not worth the effort put forth in obtaining any of the status levels unless you throughly enjoy gambling and achieve them regardless (that would be me). I know some will say the annual cruise comps are worthwhile, but I disagree. The comps are great for a retired couple or a couple w/o kids who can hop on and off a cruise and take advantage of the horrific promotional dates that are offered but for the average family, the program benefits are just short of worthless. I do enjoy the “free” drinks while playing in the casino but that’s about it. I hope corporate revisits the program and does a serious revamp across the board. Transparency in the use of these “comps” would be key. It’s been at least 4-5 years since we have received a worthy offer or comp from this program and actually getting said comp was more effort then it was actually worth. Gone are the days we could get a CLS for the price of a balcony stateroom. I will just take my free beers and crawl back in my hole because it’s probably just going to get worse.

Great ship! It’s one of the better ships in the fleet in my opinion.

I can’t imagine people still getting off the ship at 11:30am. By that time, I would have already been 3 beers deep at the pool bar after embarkation!

There’s always lots of PM entertainment on Freedom! This ship leaves from Miami on short duration weekend cruises and attracts a heavy party crowd that stays up late. The Cubans don’t start the party until 10:00pm! We sail Freedom often and it’s always a great time!

Agree, although the awkward family photos taken on formal nights are some of the best people watching opportunities! I will get flamed for this but nix the local dancers at the entry to coco cay & Labadee, I can do without the hoopla. Please blast the “it’s a perrrrfeeecttt daaaaaaayyyyy at Coco Caaaaaaay” at an even more obnoxious volume level just to further reinforce where we are.

IMHO some of the promenade/boardwalk/Central Park shopping options are a complete waste of space. I would have preferred another bar/dining venue in the majority of the higher end retail shops. There’s no need for Cartier, Bulgari or Tiffany on a mid tier cruise ship. I feel RC missed the mark on this and should offer a nice mid to high end watch and jewelry shop (slightly higher end offerings then the current shop on promenade), mix in the logo store, mercantile, sugar beach and a beach lifestyle store with name brands and it’s covered. Swap Bulgari and Cartier (which by the way don’t even sell the love bracelets which is what 99% of people want) with a dueling piano bar or possibly the Tiki style bar that they have on Mariner. I have a close friend that is an executive at one of these luxury brands and insists the ship outposts are not money makers and actually dilute the brand. Tear them all out and replace them with useable venues!

Personally I would opt out of the excursion and just take a taxi to either: Nachi Paradise Beach or Mr Sanchos. You can’t go wrong with any of the three and they are basically next door to each other. The cab fare is listed on a board at the taxi stand and pricing is government regulated flat fee/pp. It really could be easier and a more enjoyable day at any of them.

Yeah I’m with you on this. I would rather spend an overnight in Coco Cay then go to Nassau.

As a family we continue to return to the brand for the Oasis Class ships which in my opinion are the best. The C&A program (especially at the diamond level and higher) can’t be beat. Deck 17 Suites on the Oasis class is something we look forward to. I’ve sailed all the mid tier brands and they each have strong points but nothing comes close to RC in terms of its fleet and the variety of things to do!

How about an investment in the website booking experience? Maybe a filter for star class or other cabin types? How about discount codes are offered when they are applicable so that you don’t have to continuously check codes? It would be great to be able to book casino rates on the website w/o having to bother travel agent to call into the casino royale. Bring back smoking on balconies. I don’t smoke cigarettes but I do enjoy a cigar on a cruise. Revamp the ENTIRE casino royale program (again) to better entice gamblers to spend more money. The comps are not great.

No charge.

I believe it’s $21/day. Whatever it is, the price is well worth the convenience.

We are Alaska bound in 2024 but not sure if we should sail Ovation or Quantum? They both are understandingly the same class of ships but is there a reason I should sail one over the other? Decisions, decisions, decisions. I might just roll the dice because the only difference I see is the noodle bar and fish & ships between the two.

I think the determining factor is not necessarily the airport but rather the issue with ship clearing customs in port. The recommendation for both airports noon or later is driven by unforeseen delays with the ship. MIA is a 15-20 minute UBER on the weekend, FLL 25-35 min on a weekend via the express lanes. During the week, throw everything I just said out the window and add 1 hour for contingency.

Noon or later would be good.

Amen. The money is rolling in, cruises are booked to capacity as far into the future as they will allow you to book. There should be no more excuses for a lack of service excellence! You are correct, RC needs to tighten up.

@Matt needs to step up the game and start chartering the ship for these RC Blog cruises!

Yep, I missed the news. I personally welcome this change.

It’s all about adjusting expectations. The entire industry was nearly bankrupted from the pandemic and we are still seeing the impact it has had on quality, service and just about every aspect of the experience. The bar is set really low across the board regardless of which brand you choose or vacation type. Suite or interior cabin makes no difference, the staff training and lack of experience is clearly evident. At least RC has the absolute best guest loyalty program in the industry and once you get to Diamond the drink benefit is second to none!

I agree re: Wonder. An icon class ship in PC will change everything! I realized over the past few years that I prefer PC to the other FL options (even though I live .5 miles from Port Everglades). I don’t mind the drive and my kids are young enough to enjoy a pre cruise vacation at Disney. I would really enjoy an Icon class ship option in PC!

Yep, this does make sense. I personally would rather sail Utopia to St Maarten and enjoy an ice cold Dutch beer at Big Baastards beach club than only get a 4 day vacation on that massive ship. It’s all about revenue though at this point.

I still don’t see Utopia on 3 & 4 night Bahamas sailings. Seems like an absolute waste of a massive ship. If Wonder moves out of PC then Utopia does the 7 night PDCC & Caribbean routes IMHO.

Yes, this will happen.

It’s big. Mariner is such a great ship! I would say if you have to ask the question then you should bring the scooter.

Anyone notice they added a Golden room/Non Smoking casino on Harmony? It’s in the old Jazz club venue on deck 4. Interesting, I didn’t know this was added.