AndrewPunch Posted June 15, 2020 Report Share Posted June 15, 2020 We have a spring break 2021 cruise booked. Working under the assumption that we get to go, I am debating with the wife about wow bands for the family. I said we should get them just as slight extra level of safety. She says waste of money. Now, if royal started including them to reduce contact that's another story. What are your thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8erguy1978 Posted June 15, 2020 Report Share Posted June 15, 2020 Sailed in the Grand Suite on Anthem 3 times and received WOW bands as part of the perk. From this point forward, perk or not, I'll always *pay for a WOW band. The biggest pro is the pool, no need to worry about your card. You have your drink package & door key right on your wrist. *some ships will allow you to use your wrist band from a previous cruise, I've never had a chance to do it because A) got them as a perk and B) just learned recently. It's hit or miss but if they didn't allow me to re-use, I'd gladly pay the fee per band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXcruzer Posted June 15, 2020 Report Share Posted June 15, 2020 1 hour ago, AndrewPunch said: We have a spring break 2021 cruise booked. Working under the assumption that we get to go, I am debating with the wife about wow bands for the family. I said we should get them just as slight extra level of safety. She says waste of money. Now, if royal started including them to reduce contact that's another story. What are your thoughts? They are only $5 so the cost isn't a big thing to me, but you mention "extra level of safety", and i can't see the point. I have had WOW bands one time and really found them more of a hinderance than a help, every time i wanted to use it where i thought it would be a benefit (drinks poolside or in a theater) I would have to take the band off, give it to the waiter and wait for them to return; in this respect it is no different than the sea pass card, and I do not fool with them any longer. RWDW1204 and Hoski 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted June 15, 2020 Report Share Posted June 15, 2020 I primarily use Wow bands to unlock the cabin door. I often have a drink or two in my hands so using my wrist is much easier than putting the drinks on the carpet in the hall and reaching inside my pocket for my seapass card. I still have to move the door handle so contact isn't eliminated entirely. They could place the card readers at their point of sale machines at bars more convenient but that would benefit seapass cards and wow bands equally. Consequently I'm not sure I see Wow bands as a significant step above a seapass card. If it contacts the card reader at the door to the diamond lounge or at a bar that is no different than my seapass card touching the card reader. Both have to be handed to a wandering server so maybe the answer is to give servers a wireless card reader that guests can use while holding onto their Wow/Seapass so you never have to hand either one over to the server. RWDW1204, Jose Bermudez, Big Tule and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8erguy1978 Posted June 15, 2020 Report Share Posted June 15, 2020 10 minutes ago, twangster said: Both have to be handed to a wandering server so maybe the answer is to give servers a wireless card reader that guests can use while holding onto their Wow/Seapass so you never have to hand either one over to the server. That's not a bad idea and a direction they should be taking anyway, with or without COVID-19. 28 minutes ago, TXcruzer said: They are only $5 so the cost isn't a big thing to me, but you mention "extra level of safety", and i can't see the point. I have had WOW bands one time and really found them more of a hinderance than a help, every time i wanted to use it where i thought it would be a benefit (drinks poolside or in a theater) I would have to take the band off, give it to the waiter and wait for them to return; in this respect it is no different than the sea pass card, and I do not fool with them any longer. This is where I'd hand the waiter my card, if easily available, but mainly because they are handing a bunch at once and need to keep track of them all, lessen the confusion; I have to wait regardless. Last cruise I did pen my initials on the back to make it easier to confirm. That's actually true - I in no way think they are an 'extra level of safety' and should have mentioned that. I just find it convenient to not have to carry my seapass card while at the pool, worrying about putting it away safely and all that. Jump out of hot tub, grab drink at bar, jump back into hot tub. :) Hoski and USCG Teacher 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoski Posted June 16, 2020 Report Share Posted June 16, 2020 I love the concept but found the execution lacking. Mine wouldn't work in the casino and hubby's wouldn't work on the door. Taking it off to hand it to someone for a drink ended hubby's use of it. RWDW1204 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codyh21 Posted June 16, 2020 Report Share Posted June 16, 2020 I agree with @twangster. In this day and age of contactless payment, I would love to see them implement something where you just touch your wow band or seapass card to a reader. I know Royal isn't Disney, but as former Disney passholders, being able to just use our magic bands touchless was so simple and absolutely speeded up the process. I get there's the whole adding a tip thing but there are ways to do it. Now, while I'm sure they're looking into all this right now, a timeline for implementation of something like this fleetwide who knows?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neaxan Posted June 16, 2020 Report Share Posted June 16, 2020 That's about the only area where Royal could learn from Princess. When we were on Caribbean Princess in 2018 the Medallion opened your cabin door when you were near it - no need to get it out of your pocket. Back then I liked it because you had no hassle with the drinks, now it could be an asset regarding COVID-19. Ordering drinks online and getting them delivered anywhere on the pool deck was also a nice feature, but if I remember correctly you still had to hand the Medallion over to scan it. Sadly, I think Royal might currently lack the funds to implement something like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted June 16, 2020 Report Share Posted June 16, 2020 While I love Royal, I have to admit they struggle with technology. They made it pretty clear when the Voyager class ships were AMPED, no new tech on older ships. With the balance sheet tilted by the pandemic that's not about to change. Big Tule 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheJones Posted June 16, 2020 Report Share Posted June 16, 2020 First time using WOW bands on Anthem required taking off to scan for drinks. Last Oct on Anthem, they would move the scanning device to you most of the time. I do love that it unlocks the cabin door, that alone is worth the $4.99 Hopefully the improvements continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewww Posted June 17, 2020 Report Share Posted June 17, 2020 I got to use the WOW bands on anthem last year, they were included in our Jr. Suite (along with another couple's but that's another story ) and I thought they were cool but I only used in in two ways, 1) when I had my hands full (usually with drinks at @twangster says 2) my wife is not an early riser so I would take her seapass card when I went to the gym in the morning (knowing she had her band) so that I could grab us both a coffee on the way back to our cabin. I probably would have used it more if I didn't have to take it off to pay, but I felt bad because it would be wet from the pool or something like that. I could see a near future where all wait staff have mobile readers so you could use without taking it off to help with reducing contact. Also aren't you able to take a band from a previous cruise down to guest services and have it re-programmed for your new cruise? I thought I heard Matt mention something like that on one of the podcasts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8erguy1978 Posted June 17, 2020 Report Share Posted June 17, 2020 5 minutes ago, Drewww said: Also aren't you able to take a band from a previous cruise down to guest services and have it re-programmed for your new cruise? I thought I heard Matt mention something like that on one of the podcasts. Yes but I believe no two ships are the same with this 'policy' it's either allowed and some don't know or not allowed and some don't know LOL. I learned this AFTER two suites leaving bands in the stateroom. Last September I remembered and brought them home. Drewww 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheJones Posted June 17, 2020 Report Share Posted June 17, 2020 26 minutes ago, sk8erguy1978 said: Yes but I believe no two ships are the same with this 'policy' it's either allowed and some don't know or not allowed and some don't know LOL. I learned this AFTER two suites leaving bands in the stateroom. Last September I remembered and brought them home. Seems to be one of those inconsistent polices that RCCL is famous for. Drewww and sk8erguy1978 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursfreak21 Posted June 17, 2020 Report Share Posted June 17, 2020 What ships offer wow bands and how can you order one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted June 17, 2020 Report Share Posted June 17, 2020 37 minutes ago, spursfreak21 said: What ships offer wow bands and how can you order one? They are currently available on Anthem, Quantum, Ovation, Oasis, Harmony, and Symphony. If you are sailing in a suite, each passenger in the cabin will get one for free. If you would like to purchase them, they will be available onboard for $4.99. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristiZ Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 2 hours ago, AshleyDillo said: They are currently available on Anthem, Quantum, Ovation, Oasis, Harmony, and Symphony. If you are sailing in a suite, each passenger in the cabin will get one for free. If you would like to purchase them, they will be available onboard for $4.99. And Spectrum! AshleyDillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 16 hours ago, spursfreak21 said: What ships offer wow bands and how can you order one? Here's a good article on it: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/11/19/royal-caribbean-wowbands-what-you-need-know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 While I loved using my WOW band on Symphony last Fall, I was still signing all those 10" long thermal receipts every time I got a drink. Anything that gets us past this would be welcome. Big Tule 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXcruzer Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 14 minutes ago, DunkelBierJay said: While I loved using my WOW band on Symphony last Fall, I was still signing all those 10" long thermal receipts every time I got a drink. Anything that gets us past this would be welcome. Do you have the Deluxe drink package? If so I just walk away from those receipts, no need to sign them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 5 hours ago, DunkelBierJay said: While I loved using my WOW band on Symphony last Fall, I was still signing all those 10" long thermal receipts every time I got a drink. Anything that gets us past this would be welcome. I was on Symphony in Feb of this year and used my Wow band (and occasionally my Sea Pass card) and never once was given a receipt to sign. Actually, I didn't on Symphony, Navigator (Dec '19) or Ovation (June '19). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 29 minutes ago, SpeedNoodles said: I was on Symphony in Feb of this year and used my Wow band (and occasionally my Sea Pass card) and never once was given a receipt to sign. Actually, I didn't on Symphony, Navigator (Dec '19) or Ovation (June '19). Did you have the drink package? I didn't, and I wonder what the process would have been if I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 6 hours ago, TXcruzer said: Do you have the Deluxe drink package? If so I just walk away from those receipts, no need to sign them. No, I was a la carte...it was the President's cruise, and I remember being horrified at the cost...I can't remember exactly, but it was something like $74.99 per person per day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted June 18, 2020 Report Share Posted June 18, 2020 1 minute ago, DunkelBierJay said: Did you have the drink package? I didn't, and I wonder what the process would have been if I did. Ohhhhhh, yeah, I did. I bet that's the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jose Bermudez Posted February 17, 2022 Report Share Posted February 17, 2022 Deberían usar la banda es una forma segura y protege la tripulación ya q no entra en contacto directo con los huéspedes a parte las bandas se ven hermosas y identifica los huéspedes junto a su información de pasajero ojalá la volvamos a usar a bordo Tómenlo en cuenta por favor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 On 2/17/2022 at 11:46 AM, Jose Bermudez said: Deberían usar la banda es una forma segura y protege la tripulación ya q no entra en contacto directo con los huéspedes a parte las bandas se ven hermosas y identifica los huéspedes junto a su información de pasajero ojalá la volvamos a usar a bordo Tómenlo en cuenta por favor Welcome to the forums, @Jose Bermudez! If you are able to translate to English in the future, it would be appreciated. I think I have a rough translation here, though - hopefully it is reasonably accurate: " They should use the band, it is a safe way and protects the crew since it does not come into direct contact with the guests, apart from the bands they look beautiful and identify the guests along with their passenger information, hopefully we will use it again on board take it into account please" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairlynew Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 I had wow bands included in suite on both oasis and harmony. I found them annoying to wear. I always carry my kindle everywhere so slipping my card into the case was not necessary issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RorySC Posted February 20, 2022 Report Share Posted February 20, 2022 On 6/17/2020 at 8:53 AM, Drewww said: I got to use the WOW bands on anthem last year, they were included in our Jr. Suite (along with another couple's but that's another story ) and I thought they were cool but I only used in in two ways, 1) when I had my hands full (usually with drinks at @twangster says 2) my wife is not an early riser so I would take her seapass card when I went to the gym in the morning (knowing she had her band) so that I could grab us both a coffee on the way back to our cabin. I probably would have used it more if I didn't have to take it off to pay, but I felt bad because it would be wet from the pool or something like that. I could see a near future where all wait staff have mobile readers so you could use without taking it off to help with reducing contact. Also aren't you able to take a band from a previous cruise down to guest services and have it re-programmed for your new cruise? I thought I heard Matt mention something like that on one of the podcasts. Yes, if you have a band, you can take them down to GS and they will reprogram them for you. BUT....they no longer sell them at GS anymore. Not sure if this is a covid thing, or if they are finding out that because you have to remove them to order a drink at the pool that they are more trouble then it is worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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