Royal Beach Club-any updates?

[Lovetocruise2002]

10 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I see no value in purchasing anything on PDCC, in fact my last two cruises I didn't even get off. All three of my cruises in Jan 2024 go to PDCC. I don't plan on getting off as that is an open casino day. 

this is me as well! Minus the casino part lol #notteamPDCC

[WAAAYTOOO]

Add us to the "no thanks" for PDCC.  I am not a beach or pool person.  I see no value in getting off the ship at all unless I can go to the Beach Club and with prices at the current levels, -0- chance I will go. Dan enjoys snorkeling but there really isn't anywhere on PDCC worth the effort.

We have been staying on the ship at PDCC and I don't see that changing.

[OCSC Mike]

21 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

this is me as well! Minus the casino part lol #notteamPDCC

#teamyourhubby

#teamfoodatPDCC

[bobroo]

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Add us to the "no thanks" for PDCC.  I am not a beach or pool person.  I see no value in getting off the ship at all unless I can go to the Beach Club and with prices at the current levels, -0- chance I will go. Dan enjoys snorkeling but there really isn't anywhere on PDCC worth the effort.

We have been staying on the ship at PDCC and I don't see that changing.

Whoa!......this wouldn't be you and Dan at South Beach doing the Cleopatra's regatta thing?

I mean, it DOES have drink holders.

[WAAAYTOOO]

10 minutes ago, bobroo said:

Whoa!......this wouldn't be you and Dan at South Beach doing the Cleopatra's regatta thing?

I mean, it DOES have drink holders.

Yes !  That’s us !  Where did you find the secret photo ?  

[Montemy2419]

We have zero interest in the joint venture between RC and Nassau when they build a  beach club.  We never get off in Nassau anymore due to the aggressive vendors and having to navigate just getting away from them.

From what I read that it will be open to cruisers and the public.  There is no way I would feel comfortable leaving any of my items on a lounger if I even walked to get a drink.  We love Coco Cay because that is the only beach location we have found where we can sit in a lounger and not get hassled to buy something every few minutes. 

[steverk]

22 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I see no value in purchasing anything on PDCC, in fact my last two cruises I didn't even get off. All three of my cruises in Jan 2024 go to PDCC. 

While I do see value in the offerings at PDCC, I don't see enough value to justify the current prices.  If others do, then more power to them! Go for it!

I will get off the ship in PDCC as it is still a fairly new experience for me.  Not really a beach person, but it's hard to find a nicer, cleaner, easier beach than PDCC.

A few more visits though, and I'll be right there with you on this one.

[Ampurp85]

9 hours ago, steverk said:

While I do see value in the offerings at PDCC, I don't see enough value to justify the current prices.  If others do, then more power to them! Go for it!

I will get off the ship in PDCC as it is still a fairly new experience for me.  Not really a beach person, but it's hard to find a nicer, cleaner, easier beach than PDCC.

A few more visits though, and I'll be right there with you on this one.

I sailed a lot during the restart so I had about 12 visits to PDCC before I was over it .

I agree it's clean and if I am on a ship without El Loco Fresh, I get off for tacos and a chicken sandwich. But now I'm like ugh I can relax in the solarium, my balcony or the casino instead.

[OCSC Mike]

9 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I agree it's clean and if I am on a ship without El Loco Fresh, I get off for tacos and a chicken sandwich. But now I'm like ugh I can relax in the solarium, my balcony or the casino instead.

Everyone has their preferences so no right or wrong answers here but the point about El Loco is fair.

You know I'm all about food but I have thought the taco bar on PDCC will be slightly less appealing now that I'll have an El Loco for my next several trips. That said, I'd still go for all the other food.

[cruisellama]

Will RCL seek a gaming license for a land based casino?

[tonyfsu21]

On 8/18/2023 at 8:13 PM, Montemy2419 said:

We have zero interest in the joint venture between RC and Nassau when they build a  beach club.  We never get off in Nassau anymore due to the aggressive vendors and having to navigate just getting away from them.

From what I read that it will be open to cruisers and the public.  There is no way I would feel comfortable leaving any of my items on a lounger if I even walked to get a drink.  We love Coco Cay because that is the only beach location we have found where we can sit in a lounger and not get hassled to buy something every few minutes. 

This is true. Nassau vendors are beyond annoying. The PDCC experience is so much more relaxing w/o all that nonsense. 

[tonyfsu21]

On 8/20/2023 at 9:30 AM, OCSC Mike said:

Everyone has their preferences so no right or wrong answers here but the point about El Loco is fair.

You know I'm all about food but I have thought the taco bar on PDCC will be slightly less appealing now that I'll have an El Loco for my next several trips. That said, I'd still go for all the other food.

I think the taco bar at PDCC is still a better experience than el loco on the ships. The condiment bar at PDCC has more options from what I recall but I will confirm this weekend. 

[OCSC Mike]

5 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said:

I think the taco bar at PDCC is still a better experience than el loco on the ships. The condiment bar at PDCC has more options from what I recall but I will confirm this weekend. 

I like the PDCC taco bar better as well (the ELF "guac" on Wonder in June was some inedible green mush) but since I can get basic tacos on board now, it just won't be as special, that's all.

Someone told me there's a specific flavor of Tabasco in the jar rack I HAD to use... and now I forget which one it was, lol. Smoked maybe?

[Neesa]

We are done with PDCC as well. We were fortunate to enjoy the island a great deal after the shut down. We enjoy the beach but it is allowed to be at or above capacity every time now. It's an island of bodies, the beauty is hidden. Add insult to injury the prices for the Beach Club where one could escape are ridiculous, so high yet the club is still packed. Our prices for the June 2024 sailing are "on sale prices" Bye, bye PDCC we will stay in the Solarium for the day!

 

[tonyfsu21]

18 minutes ago, Neesa said:

We are done with PDCC as well. We were fortunate to enjoy the island a great deal after the shut down. We enjoy beach but it is allowed to be at or above capacity every time now. It's an island of bodies, the beauty is hidden. Add insult to injury the prices for the Beach Club where one could escape are ridiculous, so high yet the club is still packed. Our prices for the June 2024 sailing are "on sale prices" Bye, bye PDCC we will stay in the Solarium for the day!

 

At best that cabana is worth $1500/day and the beach club maybe $100/pp. I enjoy them both but will sideline them until the pricing gets more reasonable. I don’t mind an up charge for something special but this is just pure craziness. We still enjoy PDCC but it’s best to be off the ship early AM and back onboard right after consuming some tacos and a few Kraken pina coladas at lunch. I save the solarium days for the real dumpy ports like La Romania or Nassau where it’s probably better to just stay on the ship. 

[OCSC Mike]

30 minutes ago, Neesa said:

We enjoy beach but it is allowed to be at or above capacity every time now.

@Neesa Still time to join me on Wonder in June... only ship there (hoping not to jinx myself into a schedule change).

That won't help any of the Beach Club or Cabana prices of course and I'm not trying to talk you into feeling differently but you know that.

I just hope you you enjoy your remaining booked cruises. I know I'm more easily pleased than many but I hate seeing so many people (especially those I've posted with a decent amount) souring on their experience.

At least I know you have an awesome cabin on Utopia.

 

[Neesa]

@OCSC Mike so after much thought I would absolutely sail the Wonder again....if it was my only choice. I experienced the suite neighborhood and i didn't like it, at all. While #CK was incredible staff and food the venue wasn't relaxing for me. I would sail again but only for a steal of a rate and in a junior suite at most for the C & A points. 

Utopia being inaugural and of course in your fantastic cabin plus only 4 nights should be fun as it's our first inaugural ever. But I still prefer the older sisters in the Oasis class and we are looking hard at Celebrity as well. 

I just felt the Wonder in a CLS was not a smart purchase as far as value for money, no how no way. While she is not off our radar she is near the bottom of the list, if she was one and done I'd be fine. 

I'm so happy you love her though, I feel that way about Allure. It crushed me when they gave her this new weekend boring itinerary. And like you, I want to drive to the port, no more flying to cruise, for us that is a huge waste of funds. I can spend that money on my larger cabin. 

Cheers Mike

[OCSC Mike]

15 minutes ago, Neesa said:

I would absolutely sail the Wonder again....if it was my only choice

A ringing endorsement! How do you really feel?

18 minutes ago, Neesa said:

I'm so happy you love her though

Thanks, we all have our preferences and I'm happy too. Also glad I was able to get what I consider reasonable prices for 3 of my 4 bookings (the Spring Breaks really weren't that bad at all; July was a bit expensive but it's July, and June was somewhere in the middle).

What's a little funny is I'm saying I love her and I haven't even sailed her in our normal, frugal fashion. That said, we have our routine like most experienced cruisers and I at least tried or visited all the venues we normally frequent so I'm pretty sure I have enough to go on.

[tonyfsu21]

9 hours ago, Neesa said:

@OCSC Mike so after much thought I would absolutely sail the Wonder again....if it was my only choice. I experienced the suite neighborhood and i didn't like it, at all. While #CK was incredible staff and food the venue wasn't relaxing for me. I would sail again but only for a steal of a rate and in a junior suite at most for the C & A points. 

Utopia being inaugural and of course in your fantastic cabin plus only 4 nights should be fun as it's our first inaugural ever. But I still prefer the older sisters in the Oasis class and we are looking hard at Celebrity as well. 

I just felt the Wonder in a CLS was not a smart purchase as far as value for money, no how no way. While she is not off our radar she is near the bottom of the list, if she was one and done I'd be fine. 

I'm so happy you love her though, I feel that way about Allure. It crushed me when they gave her this new weekend boring itinerary. And like you, I want to drive to the port, no more flying to cruise, for us that is a huge waste of funds. I can spend that money on my larger cabin. 

Cheers Mike

What did you dislike about the suite neighborhood and the CLS? I have never met a CLS I don’t love both for value and overall experience (my go to stateroom). I did find it mildly annoying that the entry door to the neighborhood is not manned but to the staffs credit they started checking seapass cards during our voyage. We are back on Wonder for Thanksgiving in a GS and will see if things have changed. 

[Neesa]

@tonyfsu21 so sorry it took me a minute. While putting back our patio furniture after the storm I took a not so graceful tumble, I did not realize you had a question about my Demon ship experience, lol!

So, did you follow my live blog Wanderlust on the Wonder? I think it is on page 2 of live blogs now. 

To be super clear I love the CLS cabin. The location on 18 in the " if you can find it you can use it neighborhood" was the issue. With the ship being over capacity and a huge amount of first time cruisers, the elevators were impossible, when WJ was open they were full. By day 3 people would bring their food and drinks and avail themselves to the suite sun deck, leaving very few if any loungers except in direct sun light. The doors to deck 17 and 18 were never secured. I felt as if I was duped paying extra for the amenity that was being utilized by those who paid so much less. The cabins were in the hallway to the sundeck so we had pounding on our door and doorbell ringing all week, all hours. Teens would find their way up there after hours, it was the teen hang out in the evening, and they were loud. 

Deck 17 is probably better because we found less shenanigans taking place in the CK lounge and when people came in if the concierge wasn't busy, he would covertly ask those who didn't belong to leave. 

So I felt paying a great deal for what I was told would be an elevated amenity was not so. It was more the feeling I couldn't shake of feeling ripped off monetarily. I saw all the shows now, and even being D+, the reserved seating was limited and frustrating. Honestly, the only way I would sail her again is if the price was right and it would be in a junior suite or lower. Why would I pay for a suite neighborhood that does not exist? 

I was euphoric to try that new concept but it was a let down as far as what I purchased vs what I experienced. The smell of Marijuana was a problem on our balcony as well, we could smell it in our upstairs bathroom one evening also. 

As an aside embarkation was interesting as well, there was no area set aside for Suites, just Pinnacle and Star, they even tried making us go to the long check in lines that I knew were not what I paid for.

If I didn't pay for the amenities that I didn't receive I'd like to think all would have been fine. But saving for this vacation, paying the high prices and then not getting what was promised or paid for that turned me sour towards her. I also did not enjoy the views from CK at all, just my personal preference, so many others love her and that's great! So that's it in a nutshell, so very personal. 

* WJ passengers would ride up to go down and that was problematic in my estimation.

[tonyfsu21]

54 minutes ago, Neesa said:

@tonyfsu21 so sorry it took me a minute. While putting back our patio furniture after the storm I took a not so graceful tumble, I did not realize you had a question about my Demon ship experience, lol!

So, did you follow my live blog Wanderlust on the Wonder? I think it is on page 2 of live blogs now. 

So to be super clear I love the CLS cabin. The location on 18 in the " if you can find it you can use it neighborhood" was the issue. With the ship being over capacity and a huge amount of first time cruisers, the elevators were impossible, when WJ was open they were full. By day 3 people would bring their food and drinks and avail themselves to the suite sun deck, leaving very few if any loungers except in direct sun light. The doors to deck 17 and 18 were never secured. I felt as if I was duped paying extra for the amenity that was being utilized by those who paid so much less. The cabins were in the hallway to the sundeck so we had pounding on our door and doorbell ringing all week, all hours. Teens would find their way up there after hours, it was the teen hang out in the evening, and they were loud. 

Deck 17 is probably better because we found less shenanigans taking place in the CK lounge and when people came in if the concierge wasn't busy, he would covertly ask those who didn't belong to leave. 

So I felt paying a great deal for what I was told would be an elevated amenity was not so. It was more the feeling I couldn't shake of feeling ripped off monetarily. I saw all the shows now, and even being D+, the reserved seating was limited and frustrating. Honestly, the only way I would sail her again is if the price was right and it would be in a junior suite or lower. Why would I pay for a suite neighborhood that does not exist? 

I was euphoric to try that new concept but it was a let down as far as what I purchased vs what I experienced. The smell of Marijuana was a problem on our balcony as well, we could smell it in our upstairs bathroom one evening also. 

As an aside embarkation was interesting as well, there was no area set aside for Suites, just Pinnacle and Star, they even tried making us go to the long check in lines that I knew were not what I paid for.

If I didn't pay for the amenities that I didn't receive I'd like to think all would have been fine. But saving for this vacation, paying the high prices and then not getting what was promised or paid for that turned me sour towards her. I also did not enjoy the views from CK at all, just my personal preference, so many others love her and that's great! So that's it in a nutshell, so very personal. 

* WJ passengers would ride up to go down and that was problematic in my estimation.

Totally hear you. The marijuana thing seems to be an issue regardless of the ship. I agree re: deck 18. The deck needs to be secured and reserved specifically for suite guests or the experience is ruined. I really hope that RC can mitigate the issue by checking seapass cards. I’m sorry you didn’t get what you paid for. 

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, Neesa said:

While putting back our patio furniture after the storm I took a not so graceful tumble

@Neesa Hope it wasn't too bad of a tumble.

[deButler]

On 8/31/2023 at 6:24 AM, OCSC Mike said:

Someone told me there's a specific flavor of Tabasco in the jar rack I HAD to use... and now I forget which one it was, lol. Smoked maybe?

Chipotle flavor hot sauce.  BEST flavor for Tacos or most any Mexican food. It’s Smoked Red Jalapeños. Down here in TX or LA it’s out in most restaurants. Also My “secret sauce” in my Jambalaya as well. 

If you stop in at their Store on Avery Island where it’s made, you can get it by the Gallon

 

 

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, deButler said:

Chipotle flavor hot sauce.  BEST flavor for Tacos or most any Mexican food. It’s Smoked Red Jalapeños. Down here in TX or LA it’s out in most restaurants. Also My “secret sauce” in my Jambalaya as well. 

Thanks, I had chipotle in my head, but was thinking it was because I got some burritos there recently, lol.

It will be on my first taco at both El Loco Fresh and PDCC as long as I can find it.

[Neesa]

Tumble....bounce, lol. All on our security cameras, oh, so embarrassing! Cabash was nearby and helped me to my feet. Twisted ankle and really swollen and stiff knee. I don't do ER's or Dr's unless there is something we can't handle so I'm off me feet right now, at least I'm fluffy! Probably saved me from breaking my hip! 

[OCSC Mike]

11 minutes ago, Neesa said:

Twisted ankle and really swollen and stiff knee. I don't do ER's or Dr's unless there is something we can't handle so I'm off me feet right now

Here's to a quick recovery! Dr. Mike says ice, advil, and an acceptable amount of sangria.

[steverk]

On 8/31/2023 at 7:23 AM, tonyfsu21 said:

At best that cabana is worth $1500/day and the beach club maybe $100/pp. I enjoy them both but will sideline them until the pricing gets more reasonable. I don’t mind an up charge for something special but this is just pure craziness. We still enjoy PDCC but it’s best to be off the ship early AM and back onboard right after consuming some tacos and a few Kraken pina coladas at lunch. I save the solarium days for the real dumpy ports like La Romania or Nassau where it’s probably better to just stay on the ship. 

Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm booked on a Celebrity cruise that stops at PDCC in June 2024.  This weekend, Celebrity is having a cruise planner sale.  Thrill Water Park Cabanas are under $1000.  Still too high for me, but significantly lower than the new normal.

[tonyfsu21]

43 minutes ago, steverk said:

Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm booked on a Celebrity cruise that stops at PDCC in June 2024.  This weekend, Celebrity is having a cruise planner sale.  Thrill Water Park Cabanas are under $1000.  Still too high for me, but significantly lower than the new normal.

That’s too much. $1500 for top tier overwater cabana is MAX. The rest of the cabana offerings are poppycock. 

[WAAAYTOOO]

@Neesa Denise, I hope you quickly recover from your tumble.  I hate it when I fall.  I feel like, "how long have you been walking ?".  Same thing when I bite my lip or tongue when I'm eating......"are you just learning to eat or what ?...."  LOL

I truly, truly, truly do not understand why the Suites area would be left opened to all.  That really just doesn't make any sense to me.   There's an access door there but they leave it open.  Why ?  To me, it seems like it would be WAAAY less of a problem to have controlled access than to have to go around and ask people if they belong there, kicking those out that don't.  THAT is a problem.  Even on the O class ships they have a similar setup.  Controlled access but never closed !  In the case of the O class ships, there's really nothing up there to see so I don't think they have as much of a problem but with the suites-only area with a pool and other areas to hang out, it seems to be a problem.  One that SHOULD be easy to fix.

[asquared17]

On 9/1/2023 at 2:02 PM, Neesa said:

my Demon ship experience