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First time trying Royal up and we won but....


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First time trying Royal Up and we won but maybe not. Oasis August 14th we had a Central park inside balcony deck 12 and we won Royal Up to a Ocean view balcony to 6216. Not a fan of being low in ships but we have never sailed Oasis. What are your expert thoughts? I'm a but iffy and learned my first lesson in this program. 

We are on Adventure next week and have 3 bids in for 2 bedroom Grand suite, regular grand suite and I think owners suite but can't remember. Really would LOVE to win the 2 Bedroom Grand suite. 

But overall what do you think of the one we did win? Does deck 6 suck? I don't use elevators so this will certainly add to my steps going up the stairs. 🤣 Thanks for any info you may have. 

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I don't use elevators so I always want somewhere around the 6th floor so it is easier access to the dining room, promenade, etc.  I avoid higher floors for this reason.  I like the stuff on the lower floors more.  So I guess it is just your preference on which area of the ship you frequent.  We like our Deck 6 balcony just fine for views.

As for the Royal Up bid - I wouldn't have bid for an ocean view from a Central Park view.  I would have tried for a junior suite at the lowest, but again if you wanted that water view then it isn't a bad option.  Just different things different people prefer.

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9 minutes ago, sleepy425 said:

I don't use elevators so I always want somewhere around the 6th floor so it is easier access to the dining room, promenade, etc.  I avoid higher floors for this reason.  I like the stuff on the lower floors more.  So I guess it is just your preference on which area of the ship you frequent.  We like our Deck 6 balcony just fine for views.

As for the Royal Up bid - I wouldn't have bid for an ocean view from a Central Park view.  I would have tried for a junior suite at the lowest, but again if you wanted that water view then it isn't a bad option.  Just different things different people prefer.

Well that's encouraging! We never sailed Oasis so really we have no idea, maybe deck 6 like you said is just fine. 

We wanted to bid for a suite but the minimums were outrageous. Very, very expensive and a regular balcony was reasonable that's why we ended where we did and what bid. 

Thanks for the info though about deck 6, very encouraging. 

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1 hour ago, RCIfan1912 said:

First time trying Royal Up and we won but maybe not. Oasis August 14th we had a Central park inside balcony deck 12 and we won Royal Up to a Ocean view balcony to 6216. Not a fan of being low in ships but we have never sailed Oasis. What are your expert thoughts? I'm a but iffy and learned my first lesson in this program. 

We are on Adventure next week and have 3 bids in for 2 bedroom Grand suite, regular grand suite and I think owners suite but can't remember. Really would LOVE to win the 2 Bedroom Grand suite. 

But overall what do you think of the one we did win? Does deck 6 suck? I don't use elevators so this will certainly add to my steps going up the stairs. 🤣 Thanks for any info you may have. 

Best bet for Royal up is to try not and bid on a lateral move which may seem enticing but gives RU discretion to move you to what technically is an upgrade yet not a desirable upgrade in your full control (location wise). IMHO only bid for something out of the ballpark like a JS or above so that at least if you have to sacrifice your deck choice you are gaining a large stateroom an undoubtably great view and possibly some suite perks.  

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I'm not sure this is technically a lateral movie, a Central Park balcony is technically an inside room and this is now an ocean view balcony. 

I kinda think we might like this now after looking at the deck plans. I mean it could be worse. 

I did look for YouTube videos but not much at all on Oasis deck 6 balcony vids. Just one short one really which surprised me. 

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27 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I'm not sure this is technically a lateral movie, a Central Park balcony is technically an inside room and this is now an ocean view balcony. 

I kinda think we might like this now after looking at the deck plans. I mean it could be worse. 

I did look for YouTube videos but not much at all on Oasis deck 6 balcony vids. Just one short one really which surprised me. 

There's some videos from exactly your assigned cabin, 6216. On cruiseshipdeckplans.  Here's the link

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/youtube.php?id=9824 

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17 minutes ago, AspiringCruisePlanner said:

There's some videos from exactly your assigned cabin, 6216. On cruiseshipdeckplans.  Here's the link

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/youtube.php?id=9824 

Interesting, thanks. Didn't find those on YouTube itself but that was cool. I think we are gonna like this cabin now. Always nice to be able to enjoy the ocean. Thanks again. 

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3 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I'm not sure this is technically a lateral movie, a Central Park balcony is technically an inside room and this is now an ocean view balcony. 

I kinda think we might like this now after looking at the deck plans. I mean it could be worse. 

I did look for YouTube videos but not much at all on Oasis deck 6 balcony vids. Just one short one really which surprised me. 

They are still kinda one in the same depending on whether someone prefers the tranquility of a park or the ocean….. Personally I use RU as a means to get to star class so a win is always a huge surprise and very exciting. I don’t think I would be comfortable taking the chance on RU dictating my room location in the OV balcony category which spans basically every deck. Hopefully everything works out for you. A win is a win so congrats.  

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For Adventure next week every bid was way higher than we have, 2 bedroom Grand suite, Grand suite, Owners suite and Junior suite. We have a Spacious ocean view balcony now. Oasis just didn't have anything affordable except a ocean view balcony. 

 

I like SpeedNoodles idea about Central park/Boardwalk and low. After we booked Oasis I thought lower is probably better in this particular category. I didn't know because I never sailed Oasis but though that would be the case.

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7 hours ago, sleepy425 said:

I don't use elevators so I always want somewhere around the 6th floor so it is easier access to the dining room, promenade, etc.  I avoid higher floors for this reason.  I like the stuff on the lower floors more.  So I guess it is just your preference on which area of the ship you frequent.  We like our Deck 6 balcony just fine for views.

As for the Royal Up bid - I wouldn't have bid for an ocean view from a Central Park view.  I would have tried for a junior suite at the lowest, but again if you wanted that water view then it isn't a bad option.  Just different things different people prefer.

This was us.  I looked specifically for Deck 6 because I knew it was close to Boardwalk (which I see my kids loving), central Park (My husband will love), food, theaters, etc.  Basically water Activities is where we will need to go far up, but I figured that will be an all day thing and so it won't be bad going up and then down much later.  Where shows/meals are shorter before moving to the next thing.

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First, you didn't "win".  What you actually did was to NEGOTIATE an upgrade.  Cruise lines set prices on cruises, then, as time moves on, they adjust prices based on supply and demand.  We all purchase our cruises, at some point, based on those prices then offered by the cruise lines...and chose our category and cabin location based on those prices as set by the line.

The "RoyalUp" thing is a relatively new strategy by the cruise line.  It used to be that, when a cruise didn't completely sell out leading up to the embarkation date, the cruise line did a number of things to try to fill those cabins...which, of course, they still do--The sell cabins at steep discounts, usuallty not advertied publically, they give away cabins to high roller casino customers, they give away or steeply discount cabins to travel industry people--or to various cruise line employees.  They'll fill the ship at any price because empty cabins don't gamble, don't buy drinks or shore excursions or spa services, etc.

But, what Royal Up does for them is that, before they virtually give away better cabins, they can possibly squeeze a few more dollars out of existing bookings...maybe not what they had those category prices set for, but they didn't get those prices, did they?  The people they give away a cruise to for free or for a low price doesn't really care what cabin they are in--it's "free".  So, if someone who booked an OV would pay extra to move to a balcony, why not squeeze the $$ out of him/her...and give away the OV?

So, what they have come up with is a way of collecting bids--seeing how much, if anything, every customer is willing to pay for that upgrade....and then keep that information and WAIT...until they get close and see if they have unsold cabins left.  If they do, they now have the luxury of moving people around to optimize their "take".  If they have, say, one suite left, they can squeeze some dollars out of several people...Someone moving from a balcony then frees up a balcony...for which they can accept a second RoyalUp bid from someone wishing to move from an OV...and again with someone in an inside bidding on an OV.  They don't get their original schedule of pricing, but they do squeeze out what they can on any unsold cabins.

So, initially, it's the cruise line, again, who set the bidding "minimums"...and then, it's a BLIND AUCTION with RESERVE.  They don't even have to auction off ANY upgrade (which WILL happen if no unsold cabins remain)...AND, you COULD be bidding against yourself.  They might set the minimum bid on moving from a balcony to a suite at $400 pp...and you might out-think yourself and bid, say, $600--even though no one else bid more than the minimum...or at all.

In the end, you've made an offer...and they could choose to accept it or not--completely at the cruise line's option.

That said, everyone needs to remember a few things before bidding:

1) Don't fall into the trap of bidding at a level where your new combined price is more than you could have had the better category for when you originally booked.

2)  Remember that what you are bidding for is very much similar to booking a "guarantee" rate--You have NO choice as to cabin or cabin location...You might get the "worst cabin on the ship" in that category.  If it really means a lot to you to be in a specific location, you may not want to bid.  When you make your initial booking, you usually make a specific cabin choice.  If that choice was completely random for you, you may not mind whatever they assign you.  For many, it's not worth the risk.

Now, for me, I put in a bid for my upcoming Vision cruise (Aug 5 out of Barcelona).  I had booked a midship OV on deck 3--and I like midship, but I don't care for Deck 3 or for the size of the OVs.  I booked it because of a substantially lower price than my usual balcony.  My bid was slightly over minimum--but the total price was well within the range I would have booked the balcony for initially...and well lower than the balcony price at the time I booked. I was willing to give up my midship location and take any balcony cabin on the ship.  As it worked out, I was pleasantly surprised to get a VERY desireable 1A balcony in a great location.  Game over...you could call it a win

For YOU, before you made the bid, you should have asked yourself "Would I be willing to take the worst Ocean-view balcony on the ship insted of what I booked--and how much would I be willing to pay for that?"  After the bid is accepted is the wrong time to question it.

That said, were it ME, ANY ocean-view balcony is an upgrade from ANY inside view.  When you book a hotel on land, the rooms with the ocean view cost a higher room rate than those with a street view.  Same with buying a home--Ocean views net a premium.  We just did a cruise three weeks ago with a Promenade view--we got to look out at the Promenade Cafe, a bar and a lot of people.  No natural light, no fresh air, no views of the ports as we entered or departed.  It really isn't worth that much.  Our next six cruises will have OCEAN views--we will be able to walk out on our balcony with a little degree of privacy, get some real fresh air, some natural light, some ocean breezes.  I will take photos from my balcony of some incredible sights...

Of course, everyone has different standards and criteria.  Everything also depends on how much I have to pay for that "upgrade"...but, for me, what you got IS an upgrade...

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These 2 cruises this summer are the first time trying this system and I only bid minimum or 5-10 bucks over minimum on 2 suites. I don't think I'd ever go much over that. To me it's just a shot, just a chance, no high hopes. 

The more I think about this move the more I like it. It's privacy for sure. We don't have to worry about getting out of the shower and the curtains being closed. Yeah, I'm good with this move. 

In the end it's a freaking cruise on Oasis, nothing is bad. 🤣

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19 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

First time trying Royal Up and we won but maybe not. Oasis August 14th we had a Central park inside balcony deck 12 and we won Royal Up to a Ocean view balcony to 6216. Not a fan of being low in ships but we have never sailed Oasis. What are your expert thoughts? I'm a but iffy and learned my first lesson in this program. 

We are on Adventure next week and have 3 bids in for 2 bedroom Grand suite, regular grand suite and I think owners suite but can't remember. Really would LOVE to win the 2 Bedroom Grand suite. 

But overall what do you think of the one we did win? Does deck 6 suck? I don't use elevators so this will certainly add to my steps going up the stairs. 🤣 Thanks for any info you may have. 


‘Times we have won royal up and didn’t like the room selection ………… I’ve gone to the website and looked for what other rooms were available available in that same category, then I called Royal and asked if I could switch from my current room to the available room I wanted …….. and they’ve changed the room for me all 3 times that I have asked.

 

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17 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:


‘Times we have won royal up and didn’t like the room selection ………… I’ve gone to the website and looked for what other rooms were available available in that same category, then I called Royal and asked if I could switch from my current room to the available room I wanted …….. and they’ve changed the room for me all 3 times that I have asked.

 

Excellent info, very interesting. We haven't sailed Oasis so I'm not sure what I would be looking for as "better" though at this time. I would like to be a deck or 2 higher but not a huge deal. Thanks again for the info. 

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30 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Excellent info, very interesting. We haven't sailed Oasis so I'm not sure what I would be looking for as "better" though at this time. I would like to be a deck or 2 higher but not a huge deal. Thanks again for the info. 

 

Our favorite decks  on an oasis class ship when not in a crown loft are decks 8 and 12 ..… deck 8 is same floor as Central Park ……….deck 12  is 2 floors below the pool.   But we’ve also been happy on deck 6 ….. deck 6 is higher up than you think on an oasis class ship.

You definitely don’t want deck 14 just below the pool deck.  The one time we stayed just below the pool deck, you started heard chairs being drug across the floor very early in the morning every single day and sometimes late at night too.

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As you can tell from the responses, deck choice is largely personal preference.

We like to be closer to the areas we visit most. Those areas will of course not be the same areas that others visit most (they also vary by ship).

I'd be fine with anything above the Promenade although something a bit higher so that it's in between there and the higher decks would be my preference as I prefer to avoid elevators when I can.

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21 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

First time trying Royal Up and we won but maybe not. Oasis August 14th we had a Central park inside balcony deck 12 and we won Royal Up to a Ocean view balcony to 6216. Not a fan of being low in ships but we have never sailed Oasis. What are your expert thoughts? I'm a but iffy and learned my first lesson in this program. 

We are on Adventure next week and have 3 bids in for 2 bedroom Grand suite, regular grand suite and I think owners suite but can't remember. Really would LOVE to win the 2 Bedroom Grand suite. 

But overall what do you think of the one we did win? Does deck 6 suck? I don't use elevators so this will certainly add to my steps going up the stairs. 🤣 Thanks for any info you may have. 

I thought once RC accepted the a Royal Up bid was binding and one had to accept it.  If the bid is still in the offer phase the bidder could cancel it.  I found this nugget on the RC website:

 

Modifying or Cancelling the Offer

Guest may modify or cancel an Offer up to 2-hours prior to the cruise departure date, but only if the Offer has not been accepted by RCI and if the Credit Card has not been charged (the “Offer Period”). If Guest modifies or cancels the Offer during the Offer Period, the original Offer will be voided, and if applicable, replaced with Guest’s modified Offer. Voided or cancelled Offers will not be reviewed.

Modifying or Cancelling the Offer or Booking by Guest After RCI Accepts the Offer

If RCI has accepted the Offer, the Offer cannot be modified or cancelled, and Guest must pay the Total Amount regardless of whether Guest subsequently modifies or cancels the booking.

If RCI has accepted the Offer and Guest modifies or cancels the booking, the Upgrade and the Offer will be cancelled. RCI will have no obligation to invite the Guest to submit a new Offer on the modified or new booking or to apply the Upgrade to the modified or new booking or to issue a refund or credit of any kind. Upgrades are non-refundable unless Guest cancels the booking. If Guest cancels the booking, Guest’s cruise fare will be refunded in accordance with RCI’s standard cancellation policy, and Guest will receive a refund for the Total Amount of the Upgrade.

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1 hour ago, LTRunsInCircles said:

I’ve been trying to use the royal up site - (on the same cruise!) but it keeps stating it’s invalid and to check back within 30 days of sailing… how did you get to make your offer?

If you haven't received an invite email regarding Royal Up, you probably do have to wait until you're within 30 days of the sailing (my experience, anyway).

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5 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I'm gonna stick with 6216 on deck 6. Keep an open mind and go with the flow. We have a view of the ocean on one of the grandest ships on the ocean. How bad can it really be? 🤣

This is exactly the attitude to have! Don’t let anyone make you second guess you choices! Only you can decide if your choose was good or not. Have a fabulous time. Oasis is a great ship!

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On 7/22/2022 at 12:29 PM, RCIfan1912 said:

I'm not sure this is technically a lateral movie, a Central Park balcony is technically an inside room and this is now an ocean view balcony. 

I kinda think we might like this now after looking at the deck plans. I mean it could be worse. 

I did look for YouTube videos but not much at all on Oasis deck 6 balcony vids. Just one short one really which surprised me. 

I thought Central Park balcony is the lowest classification of balcony on Oasis class; middle boardwalk and highest ocean view

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Holy crap! Just got an email from the Royal up program about our Adventure of the seas cruise this Tuesday that our offer for the 2 bedroom grand suite was not accepted but it's under review by ship personal and could be charged to till the morning of. This is the room we wanted from the beginning of this process. What does all this mean? This is crazy cool. 200 bucks for a 2 bedroom grand suite for 4. 

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25 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Holy crap! Just got an email from the Royal up program about our Adventure of the seas cruise this Tuesday that our offer for the 2 bedroom grand suite was not accepted but it's under review by ship personal and could be charged to till the morning of. This is the room we wanted from the beginning of this process. What does all this mean? This is crazy cool. 200 bucks for a 2 bedroom grand suite for 4. 

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst? Those rooms are great. I was in one on Navigator, and Liberty if it does work out you will love it!!

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This is what part of the email from Royal Up said.

We have reviewed the RoyalUp bids for your upcoming sailing onboard Adventure of the Seas®, and while we have not selected your offer yet, the team onboard the ship may choose it for upgrade based on availability at departure time

Hoping for the best but staying grounded as it might not work out. 

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On 7/23/2022 at 8:53 AM, Toby said:

I thought once RC accepted the a Royal Up bid was binding and one had to accept it.  If the bid is still in the offer phase the bidder could cancel it.  I found this nugget on the RC website:

 

Modifying or Cancelling the Offer

Guest may modify or cancel an Offer up to 2-hours prior to the cruise departure date, but only if the Offer has not been accepted by RCI and if the Credit Card has not been charged (the “Offer Period”). If Guest modifies or cancels the Offer during the Offer Period, the original Offer will be voided, and if applicable, replaced with Guest’s modified Offer. Voided or cancelled Offers will not be reviewed.

Modifying or Cancelling the Offer or Booking by Guest After RCI Accepts the Offer

If RCI has accepted the Offer, the Offer cannot be modified or cancelled, and Guest must pay the Total Amount regardless of whether Guest subsequently modifies or cancels the booking.

If RCI has accepted the Offer and Guest modifies or cancels the booking, the Upgrade and the Offer will be cancelled. RCI will have no obligation to invite the Guest to submit a new Offer on the modified or new booking or to apply the Upgrade to the modified or new booking or to issue a refund or credit of any kind. Upgrades are non-refundable unless Guest cancels the booking. If Guest cancels the booking, Guest’s cruise fare will be refunded in accordance with RCI’s standard cancellation policy, and Guest will receive a refund for the Total Amount of the Upgrade.


‘The bid is binding and charged as soon as it’s accepted …….. BUT, at least in my case, they have allowed me to change rooms within the SAME category that I was Royal Up’ed to after I called and asked to switch to an open room that I found in that category.  I didn’t mention I was Royal Up’ed when I called.  I just said I’m in this room and wanted to check on moving to that room and they made the change.

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On 7/23/2022 at 9:35 PM, AshleyDillo said:

Do you have any different last names on your reservation?  If so, try them all!

Not all bookings are eligible for RoyalUp also. For example, if you booked through something like Costco, those bookings will not be eligible for RU and you would probably get an error message if you tried.

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On 7/23/2022 at 9:35 PM, AshleyDillo said:

Do you have any different last names on your reservation?  If so, try them all!

I did! Maybe it’s an issue with my last name (it’s less than 4 letters?) 

47 minutes ago, MTNeedsAVacay said:

Not all bookings are eligible for RoyalUp also. For example, if you booked through something like Costco, those bookings will not be eligible for RU and you would probably get an error message if you tried.

Did it direct through royal. Shrug! 

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On 7/22/2022 at 1:29 PM, RCIfan1912 said:

I'm not sure this is technically a lateral movie, a Central Park balcony is technically an inside room and this is now an ocean view balcony. 

 

 

I agree with you! I am trying to do the exact move on my sailing Aug 21st. How much did you bid...if you don't mind answering. 

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