Dutch Frost Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 First time crusing with my family this august. I wanted to know if you folks ever got upgrades on anything from RC or how to go about asking. We booked a balcony but have added drink packages, wifi package, fun event package on the ship, arcade game pass for my kid, I also booked every excursion on every port with RC exclusively. All in all, dropping some extra $$$ to ensure my vacation is perfect. I dont care for food package, We will be fine with MCD and buffets but is there a way to ask for an upgrade to the room to suite? or complimentary wifi. A Spa? Something? I just want to know has anyone asked about this? Whats the best way of going about it? Thanks Do you do this on the ship or in email prior to arriving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 You don't. You can bid $ on room upgrades though. Rackham 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Frost Posted June 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 I am definitely not bidding on a room upgrade. I will call them and ask and see what they can offer. I was hoping to see if anyone has done this before with any luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rackham Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 Royal doesn't offer any perks or comps unless you've either got status with their loyalty program, casino program, or are paying really good money for one of their high end suites. You can call, but the agent won't offer anything on the house. TessFromFlorida 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 You're not going to get any freebies just by calling like you can do with the cable company. Qeyton Dude 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 47 minutes ago, Dutch Frost said: I am definitely not bidding on a room upgrade. I will call them and ask and see what they can offer. I was hoping to see if anyone has done this before with any luck. No, they haven't, hence my original response and those that followed. Everyone can bid on upgrades (many do) and that is how they fill more expensive cabins that are available. DunkelBierJay and TessFromFlorida 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 24 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: You're not going to get any freebies just by calling like you can do with the cable company. Especially with ships sailing at max capacity. DunkelBierJay 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 If you haven't already, you will probably get an email to bid up your room category under Royal Up. The likelihood of an upgrade falling in your lap or getting something just by asking is virtually nil whether you purchased the DP, excursions or other things or not. If you call Royal to ask this question, the CSR may be confused and will probably offer a revised cruise fare with a higher category cabin. If you haven't hit final payment date and the price lowered, you might be able to rebook at the lower rate. The costs for those extra items stand on their own. If you decide to build status in the C&A society, perks are available on an increasing basis with more nights at sea building your points, but that's about it. Many regulars on this forum swear by using a travel agent which can garner a little more on board credit or allow you to book into a group rate if their agency has a block. While the marketing can be a bit confusing, the pricing and execution are pretty straightforward. and no offense...I lol'd when I read that you will call and ask what they can offer. There are some businesses in Caribbean ports who will bargain, but RC won't. TessFromFlorida, Neesa, USCG Teacher and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted June 15, 2023 Report Share Posted June 15, 2023 If you go into this expecting all the extra $$$ you dropped will ensure a perfect cruise, you may be sorely disappointed. Things can and will happen regardless of how many extras you’ve purchased. And no, expect no comp upgrades from Royal. If you want a better room, you’ll have to pay for it. DunkelBierJay, USCG Teacher, Qeyton Dude and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 For perks, I'd invest in more cruises for loyalty rather than more $$ on board. Sometimes best family experiences don't cost, eg, time at pool or beach, conversations with other guests, watching sunset at sea, catching a great show. I loved coffee card which is less than soda package. Last room upgrade we got was 10 years ago... DunkelBierJay 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 I did laugh a little bit at your post. The upgrade fairy barely visits the cruise lines. If you did even a smidge of research you know the CEO already believes the cruise line is giving too much away. Also that people are willing to pay $80k for a 7N cruise. Why would Royal offer anything for free? I am part of the loyalty program and I get 2 days of free internet and discount on other things but it took a lot if cruises and well money to get these "upgrades/freebies." With ships at capacity, the odds of getting anything for free is less than zero. I also echo that having the perfect anything is a dream and a notion that's sets a person up for failure. Nothing in life is perfect. DunkelBierJay, Neesa, TessFromFlorida and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rackham Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 Unless OP has the time, money, and interest to cruise at least semi-regularly, loyalty status probably won't mean much to them until after their 12th, 7-night RCL cruise* which could/would take years to do. *Assuming sailing in a regular cabin without a single supplement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 6 hours ago, Dutch Frost said: First time crusing with my family this august. I wanted to know if you folks ever got upgrades on anything from RC or how to go about asking. We booked a balcony but have added drink packages, wifi package, fun event package on the ship, arcade game pass for my kid, I also booked every excursion on every port with RC exclusively. All in all, dropping some extra $$$ to ensure my vacation is perfect. I dont care for food package, We will be fine with MCD and buffets but is there a way to ask for an upgrade to the room to suite? or complimentary wifi. A Spa? Something? I just want to know has anyone asked about this? Whats the best way of going about it? Thanks Do you do this on the ship or in email prior to arriving? I wish it were the case to be able to get freebies or upgrades. I’ve traveled with my family of 6, and purchased drink packages, excursions daily, internet for 4 (we fought over codes/devices in use). The only upgrade I ever had, and it was paid for, was a royal up to an owners suite on Adventure which included access to the concierge lounge. I did ask to be upgraded once during the pandemic come back and was told no. That was as a Diamond crown and anchor member and ships were not full. So it indicates to me you won’t get any freebies. for best pricing on internet and spa I recommend making purchases in the cruise planner before you sail. When onboard the first day the spa typically holds a raffle and does a few giveaways or discounts towards their services. If you are a gambler search these discussion pages using “casino” snd you can read about the possibility of free cruises or discounts on cruises. don’t forget to check your cruise planner for sales. If something you purchased goes on sale you can cancel the item gif a refund and then rebook at the lower price. Dutch Frost 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Frost Posted June 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 I called and spoke to the person on the phone, I actually got a free Spa Credit for a massage. I plan on booking another myself. Ya see how easy it was. Carlos A., PPPJJ-GCVAB and DDaley 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaa Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 Looks like it was really easy for RCI to extract a spa purchase from you. J/k, congrats on the massage. Enjoy it! Neesa, Dutch Frost, tjcruisers and 3 others 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 Yup, they do lots of that on board too especially the first day. Then hard sell other services. Glad you are happy with that freebie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Frost Posted June 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 7 minutes ago, Xaa said: Looks like it was really easy for RCI to extract a spa purchase from you. J/k, congrats on the massage. Enjoy it! We secured a win lol.. I wasnt looking for a free vacation. I wanted to see if they can throw in anything and yes I will also get a massage as well so its a wash for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos A. Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 I'm not sure the "credit" will cover the full price of the massage (plus tips). DDaley 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDaley Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 44 minutes ago, Carlos A. said: I'm not sure the "credit" will cover the full price of the massage (plus tips). Yeah when I read that I assumed it meant you'll get a certain $$ off a normally priced massage, not technically a freebie at all. Carlos A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Frost Posted June 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 1 hour ago, DDaley said: Yeah when I read that I assumed it meant you'll get a certain $$ off a normally priced massage, not technically a freebie at all. I got a free massage. I was polite the whole time talking with the person, there was no nagging or begging or let me speak to the manager. I was just talking to them about my trip and how excited we are. He clearly saw all the purchases Ive already made and they said, how about we assure you and alleviate your wallet a bit. Done! Neesa, OCSC Mike, fireclan and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjcruisers Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 Last cruise, one day 2 coupons for a free massage showed up in our room. Don't know why and didn't use them. Figured they'd do their hard sell on overpriced products and couldn't be bothered. Also remember on our 2018 cruise they were doing free neck massages outside the spa. DDaley and Pooch 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 23 minutes ago, Dutch Frost said: I got a free massage. I was polite the whole time talking with the person, there was no nagging or begging or let me speak to the manager. I was just talking to them about my trip and how excited we are. He clearly saw all the purchases Ive already made and they said, how about we assure you and alleviate your wallet a bit. Done! Good for you! You obviously know you attract more bees with honey. I truly hope you enjoy your cruise. Dutch Frost 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDaley Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 57 minutes ago, Dutch Frost said: I got a free massage. I was polite the whole time talking with the person, there was no nagging or begging or let me speak to the manager. I was just talking to them about my trip and how excited we are. He clearly saw all the purchases Ive already made and they said, how about we assure you and alleviate your wallet a bit. Done! So you literally called to have a nice chat with the RCCL customer service operator about your future vacation? So strange. But, glad you did get the free massage after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted June 16, 2023 Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 And if you look, they push those free massages on everyone on day one. Glad it makes you feel better than you got a freebie but they give those away like water to anyone & everyone to get them into the spa. The phone rep probably got a commission for getting you to take it. tjcruisers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Frost Posted June 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2023 1 hour ago, Pooch said: And if you look, they push those free massages on everyone on day one. Glad it makes you feel better than you got a freebie but they give those away like water to anyone & everyone to get them into the spa. The phone rep probably got a commission for getting you to take it. Oh well.. worked for me. Looking for a fun cruise. Arriverderci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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