barbeyg

We paid $88.99 for our visit a couple weeks ago. Wouldn’t pay over $100pp.

The 'celebration' was probably already in the works, then Jason Liberty was promoted. I'm thinking that he (and current mgt) don't see the 'freebies' we receive as something to celebrate. 😂 Especially when they are tightening the belt, so to speak. Bean counters in charge (I'm an accountant, just not in charge of a budget) always come down to "does this make us money?" And if it doesn't, "is there a way to get rid of it without losing money?" Especially when the debt is so high.

This is the way accountants, like Jason L, in charge celebrate. 😂 Word of mouth about the celebration, and one case of hats is enough. Don’t expect any more money to be spent. 🙃

Let's see....5 day dining package up $110 from our purchase. Izumi Hibachi lunch up $10 pp. Chops lunch same. Individual specialty dining up about $15 pp. Sounds about right for Memorial Day at RCI. Waiting for Black Friday now. Can't wait to see that pricing! 🤣

When we drive to Miami, the only stretch I need a drink after is between Ft Lauderdale and Miami. Each time we have done a road trip, there have been more wrecks in that one stretch than anywhere else, and much more aggressive drivers. Ken drives that leg, because I can’t.

My favorite sail-away is Miami. Even though Terminal A can have a ridiculous backup for those being dropped off there, my hope is that the ship is facing Miami so we have to go into the basin to tuen around. Our first sailing back after Covid was on Oasis, and we were eating dinner in CK, it was nightfall (December), and there was some kind of event including fireworks downtown. We sat there, enchanted by the city lights and fireworks as the ship spun around. Will never forget that sail away. 🙂

I search different airlines all the time. In this case, I was able to book Air Canada, returning from Rome to Atlanta, via Toronto. Saver fare point pricing was very favorable over US$ for this flight. There are saver fares released for most flights, but you have to book early to get the lowest points fares. Otherwise, the points cost usually goes up. But great saver fares are out there to be found. I use Award Logic website to search for saver fares, then go to the airline to check the fare is available, transfer points over from AMEX or Chase, and book. I normally get the best value on (ridiculously priced) business class flights. Anywhere from 3.5 to 10 cent value per point. But, most of the time, I can still get 3-4 cent value per point on economy too. Just have to search for it. 🙂

Absolutely! Only way I spend AMEX points. Just transferred some points to airline today to purchase business class tickets. Received a 6 cent value per point transferred, instead of booking thru AMEX or cashing in for only a 1 cent value. Love AMEX offers for RCI and Celebrity. 🙂

Then I’m in fine company. 😂 I am going to blame it on not having coffee yet, whether it is responsible or not. Mainly posted to thank all for the HI pics, especially @Ozark_Kid. We will be going later next year after having to postpone this year.

Bless his heart. I know he must have felt bad. We have several 'stories' we share about travel incidents too. Glad this one wasn't a big deal. 🙂

That's exactly how I would handle it. 😂 A little humor hopefully will go a long way in this kind of situation. If not, they have to find me to lecture me. 😁

Not the dresses I buy, which are short sleeve or sleeveless. I buy them because they can literally be rolled up in the luggage and never look wrinkled.

I am not suggesting leaving anything in a cart. 🙂 Go thru process, if cost pops up, delete from cart. I’ve deleted things from cart before buying a number of times, no issues. I personally would never leave anything in a cart anywhere, even Amazon. Software is only as good as the employees managing it. And RCI…well, don’t leave anything in the cart. 😂

Then I would suggest going ahead and booking it, if it is still available. Prior to the cruise, if you book something that actually costs, you would have to provide a CC to finalize. So it is safe to try. I still don’t expect you to be charged. I think that’s just something quirky on the website.

I am sailing on RCI next weekend, currently eating low carb, and plan to continue on the cruise. My go-to drink is going to be a glass of ice water, a shot of good vodka and Mio water enhancers. If you guys don't have Mio there, it's a flavored water enhancer, sweetened by Splenda. I don't use Splenda normally, but will for that week. Great flavors. My favorites are Tangerine Orange and Strawberry Watermelon. Mix water, vodka and Mio all together. The ships don't have Mio, I bring with me. Other than that, vodka martinis and occasional Bloody Mary/Bloody Caesar -- not too many of these because most tomato juices have some sugar. And don't forget dry champagne and wines. Dry Champagne has about 1 gr carbs, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc all have about 3 per glass, and Pinot Noir has 3-4, Cabernet has about 4 gr.

I agree. We sailed Alaska last year, and missed a port due to turning around for a medivac. We had our most important excursion booked at that port. Were we disappointed? Absolutely. Did we expect compensation? Of course not, it wasn't RCI's fault. We were thankful however, that the man with a burst appendix, who was picked up by the Canadian Coast Guard, survived and was doing well after surgery. At sea, things can happen to affect the situation. If someone can't go with the flow (so to speak), land vacations are recommended.

Happy, happy sweet 16 to Owen!!! 🎂

Are you sailing in a group with special activities? Ones the group charges for? If not, it has always been free. My sailing on Harmony in just over a week is free. All of the comedy shows are included in the price of the cruise for all the cruises we have been on.

I agree with you and @John&LaLa about Music Hall. Favorite bar/lounge of any class for us. 🙂

Sorry you've been unaware of this, but it's been this way for years on Oasis class and much of the Quantum class (for some shows). As others have advised, make reservations right after you board, and be flexible. The free comedy show is probably out for you because the venue is so small.

We love both classes, for different reasons. I don't think you would go wrong with either. We have cruises currently booked on both classes.

Never know what is going to jump-start a thread around here. 😂

One of the reasons I'm holding off on Icon for now. Wonder is pricey enough! 😂

It does vary. Hit and miss depending on your steward. 🙂

What a duh moment for me. 🤦‍♀️ Thanks for that tip.