Matt Posted May 25, 2016 Report Share Posted May 25, 2016 Hi, I just received a quote from MEI to book this cruise, I am wanting to book it for my Sons Birthday (Sept 18th). I am trying to decide which cabin we would want. We have cruised on Oasis before. I am looking at either an accessible OV balcony D3 and D4 are same price. With decks 9, 10,12, and 14 to choose from. As well I am considering an accessible JS on deck 14, ( only accessible one) however that one is right under the kids splash bay. I am concerned about noise there. Scraping chairs etc. If we booked the JS with double points we would make Diamond on this sailing. Decisions...decisions. Any suggestions or advice from the experts? Thanks Laura Hi Laura! If it were me, I'd skip the JS under the pool area. Probably an overreaction, but better safe than sorry. OK I have asked for a quote for the group sailing, either a virtual balcony or the next step up, hopefully I will hear from them some time tomorrow. Please let me know if you do not hear back. Hoping you will be joining us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firegal2539 Posted May 25, 2016 Report Share Posted May 25, 2016 OK I got my quote and like Wilson said there are no more virtual cabins available, although you go on RCCL.com and they have plenty, just not for the group cruise. I would have to get a balcony and the price, wait for it, is $2500 with insurance and taxes. Can't afford that, too much for a solo cruiser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 OK I got my quote and like Wilson said there are no more virtual cabins available, although you go on RCCL.com and they have plenty, just not for the group cruise. I would have to get a balcony and the price, wait for it, is $2500 with insurance and taxes. Can't afford that, too much for a solo cruiser. Book the cruise through Royal direct if the group agent does not offer what you need. Yes a few of the group only things on the cruise done by the group operator will be out for you. But will not stop you from doing 95% of the things the group does. Not through this group but on other cruises I have gone to private group only things and non group members attended and no one threw them over board for doing so. If you want to take the cruise and you need to book outside the cruise do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 OK I got my quote and like Wilson said there are no more virtual cabins available, although you go on RCCL.com and they have plenty, just not for the group cruise. I would have to get a balcony and the price, wait for it, is $2500 with insurance and taxes. Can't afford that, too much for a solo cruiser. Are you talking about solo staterooms or virtual balcony rooms? They are two different things. Also, any room available through RC's site can be rolled into the group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 Book the cruise through Royal direct if the group agent does not offer what you need. Yes a few of the group only things on the cruise done by the group operator will be out for you. But will not stop you from doing 95% of the things the group does. Not through this group but on other cruises I have gone to private group only things and non group members attended and no one threw them over board for doing so. If you want to take the cruise and you need to book outside the cruise do it. I will add my two cents. The number one reason to book with the group is to support Royal Caribbean Blog. Supporting our sponsors in turn supports the blog and it gives our group as a whole more "buying power" with RC. While you are right that a majority of events are still open, I will use Allure of the Seas as an example. On that group cruise, folks in the group received Free lunch at Sabor $100 onboard credit Goody bag in their stateroom Wilson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 I will add my two cents. The number one reason to book with the group is to support Royal Caribbean Blog. Supporting our sponsors in turn supports the blog and it gives our group as a whole more "buying power" with RC. While you are right that a majority of events are still open, I will use Allure of the Seas as an example. On that group cruise, folks in the group received Free lunch at Sabor $100 onboard credit Goody bag in their stateroom Matt, I agree with you 100% and we should all support you and the blog. But if you read the post I was replying to the poster said they would not take the cruise because of no cabins they wanted were available through your group tour operator. The poster listed two options take the cruise with your operator (but no cabin) or stay home. Again, I agree with you go through your tour operator first. But if the choice is have a site member takes the cruise as part of the official group or that member stays home, I submit a better option is take the cruise as a normal passenger. Is it not better to have a blog member on the cruise vs. staying home, regardless of how they book? Some support from a blog member is better than no support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firegal2539 Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 Hi Matt, Thanks for your input. I might be wrong, but I am on a group RCCL cruise to Alaska with a church group, don't belong, my travel agent asked if I could go with them and they said yes. The group rate is over $200 less than the online rate. Plus the TA got us $50 of OBC and there are other perks. I didn't know about the perks with the RCCL Blog group cruise but there is no discount to book with the group, no OBC, nothing according to the agent I am talking with. As Wilson pointed out there are no rooms in the category we are both looking at, (solo stateroom, which when solo are so much cheaper but there are solo when you book online). The agent did email me this morning and said he misspoke, that there were virutal balconies available on Deck 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. So he is now preparing another quote for me to see if this might be what I want. I think my problem is there just isn't a break with this group cruise and the two that I have taken there is always reduced fares, OBC and other extras, but none with this cruise. Just to get to meet all of you, I will probably book it if it is reasonably priced. I love the blog and want to support it as much as I can. Todd no where in my post did I say I would stay at home, I said the price is way to much for me and I can't afford that. I am still working on the quote or might book outside the group. You kind of go out in left field with your posts and misread a lot into a someones post. I know you have a right to your opinion but make sure you are quoting correctly. Candie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 Hi Matt, Thanks for your input. I might be wrong, but I am on a group RCCL cruise to Alaska with a church group, don't belong, my travel agent asked if I could go with them and they said yes. The group rate is over $200 less than the online rate. Plus the TA got us $50 of OBC and there are other perks. I didn't know about the perks with the RCCL Blog group cruise but there is no discount to book with the group, no OBC, nothing according to the agent I am talking with. As Wilson pointed out there are no rooms in the category we are both looking at, (solo stateroom, which when solo are so much cheaper but there are solo when you book online). The agent did email me this morning and said he misspoke, that there were virutal balconies available on Deck 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. So he is now preparing another quote for me to see if this might be what I want. I think my problem is there just isn't a break with this group cruise and the two that I have taken there is always reduced fares, OBC and other extras, but none with this cruise. You are getting perks with the group cruise here, just different perks. In addition, it's possible that the church group had many more in the group, which allowed for different terms to be arranged with Royal. Note, here, that you are getting more OBC, specialty dining, and some additional amenities. In addition, you are not bound to the group rules that other groups have which can result in different deposit rules (even non-refundable), different cancellation options and penalties, etc, so make sure that you're comparing apples to apples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 OK I got my quote and like Wilson said there are no more virtual cabins available, although you go on RCCL.com and they have plenty, just not for the group cruise. I would have to get a balcony and the price, wait for it, is $2500 with insurance and taxes. Can't afford that, too much for a solo cruiser. The original post I replied too. Todd no where in my post did I say I would stay at home, I said the price is way to much for me and I can't afford that. I am still working on the quote or might book outside the group. You kind of go out in left field with your posts and misread a lot into a someones post. I know you have a right to your opinion but make sure you are quoting correctly. Candie If you say "...the price is way to much for me and I can't afford that..." you are staying stay home, book outside, pay more, or take less of a cabin. Absolutely nothing was misleading or opinion, just a statement of the facts, as was posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firegal2539 Posted May 27, 2016 Report Share Posted May 27, 2016 Thanks DocLC, that was what I was trying to do. I think the young man that was with MEI didn't know all about the cruise because I asked what perks were being offered and he told me none. I asked if there was a specialty dinner, any OBC, reduced deposit, anything that most groups get when they sign up and deposit for a cruise. He told me no there was nothing being offered. I explained to him that when I did a mock booking, my price online was exactly the same as his price for the group and usually the group is cheaper or has perks and he said the cruise had nothing given to the passenger. That is why I am so confused. I am still hoping to book, just looking at all my options. I just have to meet all of you Royal Caribbean Insiders. DocLC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGSLC5 Posted May 27, 2016 Report Share Posted May 27, 2016 Firegal, why dont you send Matt an email asking if he can directly connect you with his contact at MEI.. I met her on the last group cruise and she is great.. That way she will be able to explain all the info to you and go over all your options.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted May 27, 2016 Report Share Posted May 27, 2016 Thanks DocLC, that was what I was trying to do. I think the young man that was with MEI didn't know all about the cruise because I asked what perks were being offered and he told me none. I asked if there was a specialty dinner, any OBC, reduced deposit, anything that most groups get when they sign up and deposit for a cruise. He told me no there was nothing being offered. I explained to him that when I did a mock booking, my price online was exactly the same as his price for the group and usually the group is cheaper or has perks and he said the cruise had nothing given to the passenger. That is why I am so confused. I am still hoping to book, just looking at all my options. I just have to meet all of you Royal Caribbean Insiders. Do me a favor and email me and I can definitely help you out. [email protected] I feel like there might be some miscommunication and I apologize for that. Wilson, Todd and DocLC 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookingyo Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 Hey I'm reviving this thread. 1. Mrs Cookingyo, myself and the Bubs are all signed up and very much looking forward to this cruise. 2. Airfare is just starting to open up for the cruise time period and I was wondering will there be pre-cruise meet up the day before? I don't need specifics, but a yea or no and approximately what time it may happen. I'm trying to find a flight that won't break the bank yet gets the family in town to start the festivities. Yes I am an over planner.... AGSLC5 and Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 Someone else asked me about a meet up. Not sure yet on details. I'd certainly like to, but that will likely be a decision closer-in. I can tell you that it's likely there will be, and as you know, I always advocate coming in at least a day early anyhow for your cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 Someone else asked me about a meet up. Not sure yet on details. I'd certainly like to, but that will likely be a decision closer-in. I can tell you that it's likely there will be, and as you know, I always advocate coming in at least a day early anyhow for your cruise. Keep me in the loop so I can decide if I'm going to randomly fly in and not tell you. AGSLC5, Wilson and Matt 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGSLC5 Posted October 28, 2016 Report Share Posted October 28, 2016 I vote we do a pre cruise meet up to get the party started! MylesDots, Wliampl, Zobertlab and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Posted November 11, 2016 Report Share Posted November 11, 2016 My wife, my two boys and I are booked on this cruise. But we're not actually part of the group booking. But we did book with Michelle at MEI so I bet she can lump us in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted November 11, 2016 Report Share Posted November 11, 2016 Booked! Hoping I can trust my then 17 year old to get his butt to school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 Booked! Hoping I can trust my then 17 year old to get his butt to school! Glad to have you with us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clmsnskr Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 How can I get in on this group cruise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 How can I get in on this group cruise? http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/events get a quote from MEI Travel.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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