tinkertwo

13 minutes ago, sndral said:

But I’m no expert in federal civil litigation - my only experience w/ it was when a guy I convicted at trial and sent to prison for several years sued me, the cops & our agencies pro per in federal court for convicting him. That case was dismissed via summary judgement. 

 

Good heavens, what a waste of everyone's time, not to mention the cost of such a silly suit.  

Personally I feel the fact that the GF can not look the interviewers in the eye is pretty telling.  He never makes eye contact.  Not always the case but when people tell untruths they look down/around to help them avoid looking guilty where as looking away does just that.  

I don't know how they will find a unbiased jury if this does ever go to court.  

JMO so no need to jump on me, I liken Hooked to a Red Lobster.  It's okay but nothing special.  The food is just alright.  If I was on the UDP I would probably go back for lunch but I would not waste a dinner on it.

Of course dining is so subjective.  YMMV.  

I'd be curious to know how many of the people who don't like CP balconies have actually stayed in one.  Are we speaking from experience or just what we think it would be like?  I actually wonder this every time I read a review of how bad they are, no breeze, no privacy.  What are we basing this on?  I'm sure some have tried them and not liked them.  

13 minutes ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

 

Do you have any PROOF of this. How can you just throw out an arbitrary number with no facts to back it up?

Well, I did say 'probably' and did not state it as a fact as some of the other comments were.  Just an estimate and I would certainly be willing to increase or decrease this number as I don't have a for sure percent.  It certainly is a small percent of cruisers though.  I've talked to many cruisers who have never heard of CC.  I myself had been sailing for years before I found out about CC.  There are plenty like me out there.  

On the other hand, saying that the reason RCCL changed their policy, stated as a fact, is because of cheaters is not something that can be said.  We each will believe what we want however I chose to believe that it has to do with their profit margin which makes so much more sense than a few people on board cheat the system there fore they have no other option.  JMO and not every ones.  

4 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

My goodness... someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. 

"Proof?"  No.  BUT I'm intelligent enough to put 2 and 2 together.  So, a little history... when Royal Caribbean first began the Drink Packages, the rules required that everyone in the cabin 21 and over must buy the package.  Then after a year or so, unlike every other cruisline where that rule has always been in effect,  Royal changed and allowed one person to purchase the package whether or not anyone else in the cabin did.  That lasted for a significant number of years.  During those years there were thread after thread after thread on CC bragging about how people bought one package and shared drinks with their cabin mates and/or friends.  Finally Royal Caribbean changed BACK to what they originally did.  So, no I can't "prove" my theory.  But they knew the profit and loss aspect from day one.  Maybe they just decided to change back. Maybe they just decided it was more of a money maker.  Who knows.  But as Dancingnurse said, there has been booze smuggling going on since Noahs Ark (and no I don't have proof of that either, it's said tongue in cheek).  As more and more proudly post about how they smuggle booze, coincidentally, Royal Caribbean begins to check specifically for those methods. "Proof?"  No, but I also don't believe in coincidence. 

What I'm reading is that Royal figured out where they could get profit back.  A company has to grow and increase earnings year over year.  Just because they had it one way for a few years does not mean that they have to keep it that way forever.  It also does not mean a change has been made because some people bragged about beating the system.  Changing fees today doesn't make it a coincidence.  And no, I get up on the same side of the bed each morning, but when I read something I don't feel is silly I call it out.  

6 hours ago, Dancingnurse79 said:

Sharing drinks packages was rampant, not a rare occasion. Cruisers are notorious for trying to get a deal or save money. Half the topics on this forum are dedicated to just that. Just do a google search for how to sneak booze onto a ship. There are literally companies who make fake shampoo and sunscreen bottles to accomplish it. And rum runner bags to help avoid detection on scanners. It’s an entire industry so people can cheat the system. Just because you wouldn’t think of doing it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. 

Again, how do you know this?   I don't have to do a google search, I know it happens, I just would not classify it as rampant.  

Yes there are loads of threads on there about how people beat the system however do you have any idea of what percentage of RCCL cruisers are actually on cruise critic?  Probably no more than 5%.  So your measuring your response on a small fraction of the RCCL clientele.  Even there it's not half of those people who cheat the system.  I still very much doubt the change was made because people bragged about it.  

1 hour ago, suesnake2002 said:

Op since you booked do far in advance were you able to get the extra large balcony?? We like trying different rooms for our fall sailings (we cruise 2 times a year) Was able to snag one of the extra large balconies for oct 2020 oasis.   

We are doing a B2B in Oct. on Symphony and have booked one of the extra large balconies.  

22 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Yes, RCCL assumes we are all dishonest. That's because so many on this board bragged about being dishonest. That's what finally made RCCL change the Deluxe Package rules to Everyone over 21 in a cabin had to buy one or no one could have one.  

 

Do you have any proof of this?  Its a big statement.  I doubt very much that RCCl made the switch because a few people, a very small demographic of their clientele, boasted about cheating the system.  It would be more probable that the head honchos sat around trying to figure out how to increase profit and decided this would fit the model.  It's easy dollars in their pockets.  It's also easy to blame the bragging for the change but maybe there is something printed somewhere that supports what your saying?  

Op, we have found that it depends on the server if they will or if they won't allow this.  DH does not drink and I do.  Most of the time they allow him to get my drinks but there is always an occasion or two when they want him to point me out before they will get the drink.  

10 hours ago, matj2000 said:

There is nothing really great about them.

 

Nothing to see except other balconies.

 

People get them because they are the most inexpensive balcony cabins available. 

Well that's not true.  I'm getting you don't like them but that doesn't mean that people get them because they are the most inexpensive balcony available.  Certainly not our reason.  And there is lots to see.

We love Central Park balconies.  As Cool Cruiser mentioned, it's nice to sit out in the evening with a glass of wine and listen to the music, the sound of the crickets.  People watching as they go about the evening in formal wear.  Twinkly lights in the trees.   Having a bite to eat in the morning and hearing birds piped in.  They are really very quant cabins.  

I read comments about no air circulation and being able to see into other cabins, neither have been our experience.  Yes, we have found them to be the more interesting cabins but that is us.  I doubt very much you will regret your choice.  

Last year we did a B2B on Symphony of the seas.  My husband is a fussy eater as well, he said he didn't think he would like Wonderland and maybe we should skip it.  I assured him that if there was nothing he liked he would not go hungry, we could just head on up to the buffet.  He grumbled about it all until we were seated.  All of a sudden the items that looked like crap in pictures and reviews became things that were interesting and delicious.  Not only did he try everything, he liked everything.  We did not have to make a trip up to the buffet.  He loved the atmosphere, the waiter, the Mad Hatter, just everything about the place.  

We barely got out the door and he asked if I could make a reservation for the next week as well.  We have another B2B on Symphony in October, guess where he has requested reservations.  Don't hold back because you think you will not like the food.....worst case scenario, you hit the buffet after the fact (bet you won't have to).  

We loved Jamies and had both lunch and dinner there, lunch several times.  I didn't notice a difference in meal sizes, both were perfect.  The one item I thought was laughable was their garlic bread.  I was basically 6 attached buns that had been slit a bit on the top and had a tiny drizzle of garlic butter applied.  Most of it was just plain white bun, nothing garlic about that bread.  

The appetizer planks had some great cheeses and meats along with yummy olives, you can't go wrong with that.  The Pavlova for dessert was amazing!

I don't think you will regret trying it for either meal.

ETA-- I'm trying to remember but I believe both menus were the same.  I don't think there was any difference in lunch and dinner.  

I read something a few days ago that some ones cabana was canceled pretty much the same way however when they looked at the trip planner cabanas were still available, just at three times the cost.  

9 minutes ago, Anita Latte said:

 

I've seen this online when making my own bookings. As you read through the verbiage that states the refund policy, there will be a 100% refund on a NRD up to the date following the booking date. It isn't like they make it clear, or call attention to the fact, but the information is there in the fine print.

What does that mean?  Up to the date following the booking date?

13 hours ago, PhoenixCruiser said:

 

Just like "we pick your room" is usually cheaper?  I just found this on an 2020 Odyssey sailing

 

I've seen that several times.  I don't get why they would do that.  Of course I'll pick my own if its cheaper.  

Very odd.

Just an FYI, there's no longer a free bottle of wine for new bookings.  

We to are in the 'love it' category.  We have booked ocean view balcony, boardwalk balcony and central park balcony.  It's the central park ones that we keep going back to.  I love sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine and listening to the music from below, its mellow music, often a string quartet.  If there is no music they pipe in cricket sounds.  During the day they pipe in birds chirping which is nice.  Breakfast on the balcony, people watching, listening to the birds.  So calming.  

I am another one who laughs at the suggestion that you lose privacy.  There are two sets of curtains.  One is a light sheer that allows light into the room and the other is a set of black out drapes.  During the day we don't bother with either set closed.  In the evening we pull the sheers.  The only time I have been able to see in any ones room is in the evening when they don't have either set closed but they have the room lights on.  If its the same situation and the sheers are pulled you could possible see blurry shapes but you would not be able to really distinguish what the shape is.  Really, its no big deal.

I also have never noticed it being overly hot.  While I read that there is no breeze, that the air is stagnant, I disagree.  There is enough of a breeze that I never get hot even midday.  It's not a blow you away sort of thing like you get in an ocean view balcony but it's there.  Your not going to melt.  

Everyone is going to have an opinion and we are all going to feel that ours is right but its what's best for us.  I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers and gave it a try because now I know it's my favorite.  You need to try it yourself and only then will you be able to judge if its right for you.  Maybe you will agree with the lovers, maybe you will agree with the haters.  What ever you decide, have a great cruise.

8 minutes ago, emdia43 said:

But RCCL still promises priority embarkation and disembarkation to Diamond level cruisers, in order to generate repeat business. On paper they haven't changed the rules, but according to OP they are not fulfilling their end of the bargain..... 

I think this thread has gotten issues confused.  I'm pretty sure the Op actually is talking about the security line and not embarkation.  They seem to be angry because of the security line.  Is there something that says they get priority there?  Maybe I missed something in a post where he/she didn't get priority embarkation but all I see them talking about is the security line when questioned.  Maybe he/she did get what was promised but assumed more.  I don't know.  

2 minutes ago, emdia43 said:

Yes, companies make changes going forward, but having earned points with an airline for example, it would be understandable to feel cheated if they then took your earned points away.  You paid for them, you are entitled to use them. I see this as no different. Some even view this as fraudulent. Why take away a promised Diamond perk from someone who has paid for it..... ? 

Absolutely.  It would be understandable to feel cheated however that doesn't change the fact they can, and do, make changes all the time.  They may have in the past allowed you to keep your earned points forever but make the change that your points will now expire in two years if not used.  Happens all the time.  Doesn't mean that points earned in the past have to be grandfathered in.  Read your contracts, it will state that changes may be made.  Some may view this as fraudulent but you would find it very hard to prove that as there is nothing that says they can't change things up.  Saying its fraudulent is pretty much the same as the op saying they are furious.  Just a touch dramatic.  

Again, JMO and your thoughts are just as right as mine.  

36 minutes ago, emdia43 said:

Crown and Anchor describes the perks as being "earned". I see them just the same as the points I earn by using a particular credit card. Once I accrue points I am entitled to use them.  I certainly don't see them as a gift bestowed on me. RCCL promotes their loyalty scheme so people will see there is some earned benefit in their repeat business. I'm not sure why people think the OP should feel so grateful for them, or why she should not express disappointment when those  earned benefits are removed.  

Being disappointed is one thing, being furious (as the op said they were) is quite another.  You are right, this is very much like earning points on a credit card however the cc companies can, and do, change their programs as well.  Nothing is set in stone forever.  I know my cc company changed their AM program and opted out of some of their offerings and I was disappointed but they have the right to do so.  

There is still earned benefit in repeat business, just maybe not this one.  They didn't take it all away.  We will just have to get used to some change.  All companies make changes.

4 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

 

I see it slightly differently.  Why would OP have any presumption of the booking type changing for a price drop?  OP is not trained by the company or authorized as an agent to sell its products and while I can agree OP likely did not ask if the deposit type changed, it is unreasonable to expect that the layperson would expect the terms and conditions of what they had purchased and had a confirmation of to change simply for taking advantage of a lower price.  I also agree with you that the TA acted in a manner to obtain the lowest possible price at that time, but they would absolutely know the deposit type/terms would change (for any given case, for example). 

 

I think the TA made a mistake and instead of owning the mistake is throwing up a roadblock about the OP's other booking.  Whatever reason OP had to make their own booking is not the basis for debate.  Instead of "double booking" let's say OP wasn't planning to go anywhere, and wanted to simply cancel with TA and get refund.  The current situation would be the same; the TA could not provide the refund. 

 

However, any time I have had any sort of change to my booking I get a new email with my booking information and review it.  I know that Royal Caribbean allows a no penalty 24 cancellation on NEW bookings if booked non-refundable; I don't know their terms for switching from RD to NRD.  But it seems it took OP much longer to recognize the issue here.  

 

For what it is worth, just throwing this out there, Carnival has a widget on their website where you plug in your booking number, regardless of where you booked, and it will tell you if you are in any kind of penalty phase and how much at that time.  At the very least OP could have plugged their number in for quick reference and discovered the issue before making the second booking if RCI had a similar feature.  This would also likely save on call center volume.   I am not blaming OP for making their second booking, by the way, sometimes when an opportunity arises you have to snag it.  

 

So while I agree with many of your points, I see it just differently enough to shift more of the blame to the agent.  

 

I don't think it is wrong to ask those selling a product for more transparency and not expect that the customer be the subject matter expert.  CC is full of what Malcolm Gladwell would call mavens and there is plenty of incorrect or contradictory information shared here, so again, have to expect those who earn a living selling products to know them and be accurate with them, or else admit fault and own up to it.  

Totally agree, second booking has no bearing on the issue.  You also brought up a very good point that I had not thought about.  That is your point about reviewing the contract when the TA sends it to you.  Had the op done that he/she may have caught the error then and there which may (or may not) have helped with the issue being cleared up in a timely manner and not dragged on for some time.  This I see as another of the reasons I believe the fault lies with both parties, it just adds another dimension.  

1) had the op stated he/she was looking for a better price in a RD 

2) had the TA requested clarification before looking at pricing

3) had the op requested clarification before saying yes

4) had the op perused the contract when he received it

I understand, and agree with, your point that the TA should be more aware however I feel I have some responsibility when it comes to my booking, either when placing the booking myself or having an TA book it for me.  I use Costco and not one change goes by without me verifying what has been done to the point where I am satisfied with the outcome.  

I just, in good faith, can not only put the onus on the TA.  JMO and certainly not meant to state anyone else's opinion is wrong.  Only how I see it.  

Just from what I have read by the OP, I to see this as fault on both sides.  He/she asked to see if there was a price drop, TA saw a price drop, he/she said book it.  I am not reading at any point in this where the op said to make sure the price drop stays on a RD nor do I see where the TA tells the client that the price drop was on a NRD.  What I see is that both parties used assumptions to complete the transactions.  Both parties!  Op assumed the TA would know he/she wanted it to stay a RD, TA assumed op wanted the best price and since it was not clarified it needed to stay a RD she responded with the best price.  Op said yes.  So again, both parties.  

This thread does sound very elitist.  Put in the 'general public' line, not 'your own' line?  It does make it sound bad.  It reads to me like someone hoping that they can stir the pot enough to get others to do their bidding, 'Maybe we need to bombard Royal Caribbean with complaints'.  

I don't think I'm diamond, I'm not sure how that goes, don't pay much attention to it, but I do know that it would not bother me at all if I had to stand in a line for a few extra minutes to get on board to enjoy my vacation.  I certainly would not be up in arms.  What a crappy way to start a vacation.  This is the sort of thing that makes me think someone is nitpicky and hard to satisfy.  JMO so don't get your panties in a bunch.  Could not care less if there is or is not a line for D and D+.  If something is given to me then yahoo, if not I will never know the difference.  If there ever is something I know I should be receiving and I truly want it I will ask for it and move on.  I pay my price for the cruise and I get what I paid for.  I receive a letter in my cabin to tell me what I can use.  Extras given for loyalty are just that, extras.  They are not guaranteed, I did not pay extra for them, they will come and go.  If your sailing for the extras then I doubt your safe anywhere.  There are other cruise lines that are a lot worse than RCCL.  

As for the Key getting priority, if they are willing to pay that outrageous price for what they get then they deserve to get priority boarding and save the 10/20 minutes it takes to get past security.  That price is paid per day and seems like a lot to get pretty much nothing.  So good for them.  

Would love a link to the video you referenced at the end, about food and drink.

14 hours ago, BND said:

I never got why savory bites were such a big deal.  They're nothing special and I really don't care for them, but some people lose their minds over them.   I remember when they were served every night and when they went away, omg some people were so offended.

That's the way I feel about the roast beef sandwiches everyone goes nuts over.  What"s the big deal?  Not that great.

Do Royal Up bids come in the currency you originally booked or are they sold in US funds only?  Also, when they give you an amount that is always PP?