itsaboutus

A little while ago I booked our second cruise trip for New Year 17/18...this time on Ovation out of Sydney to New Zealand. I have booked a superior grand and was just wondering if anyone would know if the royal suite program is just being tested here in Oz on Ovation for our upcoming summer season. The following 17/18 summer season isn't mentioning anything about the program. When I made the booking and picked which cabin we wanted it did say "sky class - superior grand suite", but there is a note on other cruise dates that the royal suites program is only applicable until 23 Jan 17. And really when it comes down to it, is there really anything different with the "sky class" advantages from what suites are already offered anyway. PS...on a side note...when I made this booking I couldn't believe how quickly it was being booked out so far in advance...just amazing!! My husband thought I was mad doing it so far ahead.

Awesome...thank you so much :-)

Thank You...it was more extra daily cash tips given to individual staff that I was querying. I think it would be just easier to make sure i have US dollars with me before we go. It won't go astray (since we've already booked our second cruise before we've even done the first one!!...amazing how I already know I'm going to have a good time) Royal Carribean staff would be paid their normal wages in US dollars wouldn't they regardless of where they're from???

My husband and I are embarking on our first ever cruise this December...Legend...out of Brisbane. We are staying in a grand suite and have prepaid our gratuities. Obviously tipping isn't customary in good ol Oz, but we have always given a extra to wonderful waitstaff, chauffeurs etc when we dine or tour or whatever. We would like to do the same...give a little extra for service on board...but my question is (as I haven't been able to find the answer anywhere) what currency would you tip in. Especially being a multicultural staff...Would they appreciate US dollars or Aus dollars? Or would it not matter?

Thank You very much for the advice...I've sent RCL an email to see if they can be added to a waitlist maybe. And I'll keep looking as you've suggested.

Does anyone know if there is a waitlist for specialty restaurants? ie Chefs Table. I have booked Chefs Table for New Years Eve (Legend ex Brisbane) a couple of weeks ago for my husband and myself. Now my parents in law are joining us for our first cruise and made their booking last week, but haven't received their online rcl booking number yet from our travel agent, so I wasn't able to add them to our dinner res. Last week there were still spots available for Chefs Table, but when I checked this morning they were booked out for that particular night. Is there a waitlist I can maybe add them to should on the off chance someone cancels?

Hi All My husband and I have booked our first cruise for December and I have a question about booking with a private tour operator in Noumea. Ship arrives at 8am and departs 5pm. Tour start 8.30 - 9am and returns to port 3pm.. We are staying in a Grand Suite on Legend, BUT lucky me (questionable) I have my in laws also coming on the same cruise who have only booked an oceanview. Our bookings are not linked. Am I correct in thinking that because we have booked a suite then we will be lucky enough to get off the ship first? And roughly how long will this take? Am I pushing it a little in thinking that I am going to make it to the tour on time especially if we are going to have to wait for my in laws. And I'm sure to be the worst daughter in law on the planet if we leave them behind. I could save all the hassle and take one of the ship tours but they seem a little uninspiring. Any tips would be appreciated. :)