Nectarologist

On 2/18/2020 at 9:46 PM, clumsychica said:

I of course have no evidence this is due to CV, but I'm going on a 7 day carribean with RCI in May.  When we booked in November the central park balcony we wanted was $3620.16 out the door for double occupancy.  Then when we checked the first week in February, just before final payment, our price had dropped to $2401!!!  We've never cruised before so I have no idea if that's normal, but it about knocked me off my feet.

Wow! that's amazing. Over 1k will pay for service charges and give you plenty left over for drinks or excursions etc.  Good to hear 🙂

I don't know if they keep it at a certain temp but I've been on Anthem twice and it's always been warm enough to lounge around in a bathing suit or shorts/tshirt if you have non-swimmers in your party.  If i had to guess I'd say it was 75 degrees or warmer.  I would get to the port early.  As you probably know there is an adult area that is always enclosed and a general indoor pool area. 

My first time on Anthem i was there about 10:15-10:30 and we went right in (dropped bags off, parked, walked to registration).  This past New Year's sailing we arrived at 11 am and the line was so long, waiting in our car, just to drop off our bags.  It seems that they keep cars waiting in line rather than have a lot park at once to drop off bags and then leave to park.  I'm sure, overall, it works better this way but I'd rather arrive early and wait in the terminal than in my car in line.  Have fun!

2 hours ago, Cayman1 said:

First off, I will say that it is beyond me RC charges different prices for "things" due to seasonality. The fact of the matter is, they have the same amount of guests year round, so this just doesn't work for me. Granted, just my opinion.

 

Secondly, they do not advertise or show the price brackets by season. Can't find it anywhere. This is a little odd. So we are looking into the Thrill Waterpark and it is $119 per person. Seriously? UGH

 

Looks like a great place but for 3 adults its over $300 to play on water slides... It bothers me even more as we booked this cruise strictly to go to Cococay.

 

My .02 is for a family to go to Great Wolf Lodge or similar instead of the waterpark if you have one close to where you live.  My 2 kids went and had a great time but they didn't pay for it so it was worth it to them, haha.  I got a cabana for $300 and it was great but I've heard they are also priced much much higher at times (not worth much more than $300 to me).  I think you'll still have a blast even if you don't go to the water park.

2 minutes ago, CaribbeanCrushed said:

 

Thanks! I'm just hoping for a spot on the beach. 

If you get off early, you should have no issues getting your pick of what you want.  We got off within the first hour we were allowed to and it seemed empty and the other ship was already there and unloaded before us.

I was just there last week on the Anthem and another ship was in port too.  I was great, there is so much room, it never felt too crowded.  The pool had a lot of people in it but we were never "bunched" up.  The swim up bar was crowded but it was like going to a bar on land...people are there sitting at the bar (not bad).  Servers everywhere to get you drinks.  Empty chairs could be found.  I had a cabana and I believe they were all sold out.  The lunch venues were excellent, not crowded and plenty of them to choose from.

My kids did the waterpark.  As Clarea said the lines were long, in the morning.  But if you wait until later in the day to do the slides you'll be fine.  My kids did the wave pool early, ate lunch, and back to wave pool.  Slides were no or very minimal waiting later in the afternoon.  My 9 yo did the splash water area (no cost one) and even that wasn't crowded. 

They really did a great job with the island. I was there in 2/2018 when the pier was under construction and I was so impressed.  I love Disney Cruise Line and I must say Perfect Day at Coco Cay was better considering they have options for the entire family.  I would love to go back. 

Also consider where you'll keep your sea pass card.  Don't know if ladie's swimsuits have pocket options like men's do but you need the care to enter and exit the park.  If you buy a wristband I assume you just use that.  Btw, Coco Cay was great.

Well this is crazy...you'd pay more for two devices than two single purchase ($2/day).  I was on a trip and the messaging was like $7 per day/device so for $2 more (and internet) DW might decide we're getting the basic Voom.  If anything changes Alferic, from what is posted here, I'll update here.  You can't see it but the Voom Surf is $21.99 for two devices (vs $9.99 for one).

Thank you for the information.  Looks like we'll be going the old fashioned route...no texting, lol.  I don't want to pay$25/day for two devices just so we can text.  Dani, that was so cool.  All good things must come to an end I suppose 🙂 

Hello.  I'm going on the Anthem soon and would like to know what my options are as far as texting other people in our small group (all using iPhones).  Last time I was on Anthem I found I could use iMessage even though I didn't purchase an internet package.  I'd prefer not to buy an internet package this time either.  

I know there is an option to text others onboard via the Royal app but my concern is it won't alert me to new messages (whereas iMessage will sound my alert tone and vibrate the phone).  I don't want to keep looking at my phone to see if someone is trying to message me.  

Thanks for the info.  🙂

Chris

On 10/5/2019 at 10:02 AM, mandersen12345 said:

So we travel as a family of two parents and three elementary and middle school aged kids.  We've taken 1 Disney cruise (didn't like), 1 Silver Sea (liked) around 8 or 9 Celebrity cruises (liked somewhat), and enough cruises on Royal that we hit Diamond Plus a few weeks ago.  We always travel on Royal in some variation of a two bedroom suite or, if on an Oasis ship, a 2BR Aquatheatre suite.  My wife is a relatively new travel agent only doing cruise sales.

 

And we're done with Royal.

 

The bottom line for me is that we spend a lot of money on cruises.  This past summer we were on Allure for a week in a 2BR aqua theatre.  We spent around $25k.  We were also on Serenade for a Baltic cruise and spent, including pricey shore excursions, over $35k.  Our beef with Royal is for that kind of money we expect to be treated really well.  Like ass kissing well.  Allure's Genie was nice; we'd had Genies before.  But things like quality of food, in-cabin amenities, and other soft product features were just laughable given what we spent (especially true on Serenade where we openly heard other cruises talking about how scant things were that used to be everywhere).

 

Maybe I'm wrong and other people spent tons more onboard and we should just shut up and be happy.  But I don't think so.  You should get what you pay for in life and Royal has not, in our opinion, delivered to us an experience commensurate with dollars spent.

 

What we like, as the parents, is a high quality experience.  Even though we have young children we are not into big and flashy.  Things like that big, multi-story water slide at the back of some of the new ships do nothing for us.  We want to be doted on, dine really well (we think Royal's speciality restaurants aren't that special in terms of food quality and service and the MDR is consistently meh) and leave the vacation feeling relaxed.  

 

Every company has its own business model.  I own a business and I know we have a way of doing things that works for us.  For a company like Royal Caribbean I would think their natural goal would be to attract younger families who have a few extra coins and do what it takes to make them customers for life.  That's where the profit margins are.  Instead, for us, they've pushed us away with overall cut backs and declines in service levels.  We feel we pay a premium when on Royal but get hardly any better an experience than people who pay bottom dollar for an inside cabin.  I'm not trying to come across snobbish.  It's about not receiving an experience commensurate with dollars spent as why we're done with Royal Caribbean.

 

 

I understand what you are saying, and there is nothing wrong with feeling that way.  For me, nothing compares to the The Haven.  I sail all sorts of categories but when I do a suite it's only The Haven (tried DCL concierge and it can't compare).  One story sums it up for me.  When we returned to the cabin in the afternoon the first full day, there were PB&J and other finger sandwiches waiting for us (we didn't ask for it).  Our butler (Lonnie) came to check on us and saw my son didn't eat all his sandwich.  She asked, you're not hungry?  My daughter said he doesn't like the crust.  The next day all the kid sandwiches had the crust cut off.  They were doing stuff for us I didn't even know I wanted, haha.  I'd try it if I were you, you'd love it.  

I haven't but like to hike. I hope someone who has done it replies.

Hi Gary,

My vote is for a cruise. I cruised several times when my kids were very young (on DCL not RC, but still both great).  6 months and 18 months! That's a lot of diapers! Anyway, it will be a great time spent together and I think the cruise is great because you are always close to what you want to do. If you're at a park and think you need a break it's not so quick to get back to the hotel room.  For all the reasons HAD mentions it would be great.  For my wife and I, it was just adjusting our expectations as far as what we could do and the trip exceeded them.  

-Chris

3 hours ago, kitiara said:

Will that work on Adventure? That would be awsome! What setting do you need in order to receive iMessages without incuring roaming charges?

Hi. You just need to be logged in to the ships wifi. I was on Anthem and that ship has you log onto their wifi network (for free) so you can use their on-board app.  Since you're on the wifi network, iMessage will work b/c it communicates via wifi (not a traditional cellular signal).  You follow the steps to use the app that includes turning off data usage (Royal provides this info).  I don't remember exactly but you basically go into airplane mode and then turn wifi back on.  After that you are all set.  It will work with ipod touches too or an old iPhone that you don't have hooked up to a phone plan (even an ipad & watch) (any apple device that connects to wifi).  I sent family back home pictures via iMessage, it was great.  I didn't try wifi calling but I suppose you could do that too.  Of course the recipient needs to have iMessage too so you coun't text people that have a driod phone. I see that it doesn't work on Adventure 😞 but just an fyi for others wondering how this works.

Do you have iPhones? I was able to use iMessage for free to anyone (on ship or land) who had an iPhone with iMessage enabled.  

fwiw, I was told by the RC employee who booked my 12/19 sailing that the pier would be ready for use in May. 

22 minutes ago, lindalo5032 said:

 

Since the apps are different, Anthem vs. Symphony, how does that change what I need to do?

I know I need to turn off Cellular Roaming.

I believe I need to have WiFi turned ON to be able to use the Royal app for ship information.

I need to leave airplane mode OFF so I can access WiFi to use the app.

So, to keep from getting billed $$$ by T-Mobile, all I need to do is turn off cellular roaming? 

 

You are correct (I turn off all cellular just to be safe). The only thing that would generate a charge from T-Mobile is cellular communication (calls, regular texts, emails, pictures sent over a 3G or 4 G celluar network).  With cellular you're going through their (T-Mobile) network.  If it's WiFi, it's going through the network you're signed in to (in this case the Royal ship you're on; when at home your home internet provider).  If you had an iPhone but canceled the cellular service from T-Mobile (or AT&T, etc.) you could still use the phone like an ipod touch (wifi to get online).  You can't make calls (since you don't have a cell connection).  In fact if you have an old phone that's not on a phone service plan you could use that instead of your current phone.  So Royal allows you to use their wifi for free just to use the app. If you want to go on the internet then you would need to buy a package (you'll get a message offering to sell you a package if you try to go on the internet).  

also try the way that Pratique explains that way you wouldn't need to think about roaming.  also their internet manager can help but may be busy the first day.

we're an iPhone family.  I turned off cellular data, connected to the ship's WiFi (I was on Anthem). I used the royal app but didn't buy a WiFi package (as you know you can connect for free to use the app).  If you go into airplane mode you won't be able to use the royal app (all communication will be cut off).  You want the WiFi on since that's how you'll use the app (it's the ship's WiFi, no additional cost if you don't purchase a WiFi package).  But turn cellular data off.  Even if you don't use the phone, people will text you and it will be data coming across.  Also go into Mail and disable cellular data just as a secondary precaution.  This ins't necessary if you disable cellular data in general but it won't hurt (in case a kid turns it back on etc).  You likely know but Settings, Cellular, then toggle Cellular Data to off.  For Mail it's Settings, Mail, toggle Cellular data

As a side note, I was able to use imessage w/o a cost since it went over the ships WiFi.  Because I  had access to / was on the ship's WiFi (for free) I could use imessage. is this the glitch you're talking about?  

Hi.  They do go on sale.  They have a "black Friday" sale for all drink packages (if you're going after Thanksgiving). 

14 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Because you don't understand RCI math, where %off is meaningless and the only thing that matters is the bottom line price.

1 hour ago, Iamcruzin said:

Well I think Royal Caribbean blew a fuse with the constant price changes for the drink package.

Looks like RC hired someone who used to work at Macys given their pricing.

I know this won't help a lot of people due to timing but they usually do a black friday sale.  

I’m hearing Black Friday is a good day ...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

yes, even the RC rep told me that when I booked last year. It was buy one get one x% off so it came out to 42.50/day for us (I think it was 40% off the 2nd package). Was the difference between being a borderline decision and buying it. It was well worth if for us. Also the soda packages were on sale on black friday.

I agree w Germ 100%. I've never sailed a suite on RC but have on DCL and NCL. And I've stayed in inside rooms after staying in suites...I've loved them all (just need to know what to expect). For me, no one beats The Haven on NCL. But check to see what you get. The room of course needs to be nice (& it will be) but some lines offer more than others. For example, NCL you have a butler & concierge and on DCL you only have concierge attendant. But definitely do it! You'll love it even if it's just once...you deserve it!

Sorry I didn't exactly answer your question but it can really vary depending on the line so check the services you get besides the bigger room.

Thanks for all your replies! Unless there is a significant sale, the bevie package just doesn’t make sense to this accountant!

I agree but check the Friday after the US Thanksgiving. They usually have a Black Friday sale and last year I got buy one at full price get the 2nd bev package at 40% off (I think?). From what I understand the year before it was buy one get one 50% off or something but in any event the sale made it worth it. At full price it was a borderline decision and we both drink a lot. With the sale, we made out nicely on the deal (and I'm sure RC still did too). Happy sailing! Also got one for my kids. They loved the soda but could take or leave the smoothies so next time I'll just get them the soda package.

Just an update on the site chargerback who Royal uses as its lost and found service (at least on some ships). My sunglasses were not found and the case has been closed. I received updates about every week to ten days before it was closed. FYI, they came at 4:30am though (via text). I turn my phone off at night but if you don't you might not want notifications. Even though they weren't found the site was great. Luckily I had a pair of Shady Rays and they replace lost or broken sunglasses for a s&h charge of $9.

Good to know - thanks, I'll keep the vests at home.

 

Separate question I hope you might know... how much were games in the arcade? Trying to decide how much to pre-buy with arcade cards ($50 or $100 per kid). Also, were the soda machines working most of the time? I'd seen other reviews that they were often broken.

 

Thanks again!

The arcade was reasonable thought I don't remember the exact prices. No more than a Dave & Busters (probably less). I'd say $1.25 to $2.45 a game. One game was two player for only like $1.25. Cheapo me loved it and my son was just glad to keep playing :) It says the exact price in $ on the badge reader. No funny lingo like "tokens" or whatever Dave and Busters has where you need to do math to figure out the cost of each game. Also fyi, you swipe your room card and then need to press two green buttons at the same time to confirm you want to purchase. That was good. So if you kids have charging privileges on the their cards they can go to town with them. The prepaid card eliminates this and makes a nice gift/surprise too.

I found the soda machines to be working most of the time. Once in a while they would be out of a flavor but there was plenty to choose from. The one at the seaplex was spotty. It wouldn't recognize 1 out of our 4 cups (but eventually did). Also the one it Windjammer was broke once but they seem to fix them quickly. I didn't have recurring issues. I wish they'd have a few more through out the ship but that's just me being lazy :)

So if I’m understanding you, there’s no need to purchase an excursion. Just head to the beach from the tender. Is that right? Costco has snorkel sets and my kids have vests for kayaking...may think about lugging them along. Thoughts?

 

Omg, soooo excited!! Thank you!

The kids vest at Coco were only $5 to rent for the day so an adult vest can't be too much more. Do the kayak vests inflate or are they a permanent flotation device? Typically the snorkel ones inflate using a valve on the vest (and deflate that way). So if your vests will take up a lot of room I'd just rent them for what would be each $10 max. The snorkel ones are just support for floating and are chest only. If their kayak ones are front and back they may not be good for snorkeling as you might float more vertical as opposed to horizontal. No excursion tickets needed if you have your own stuff. I think the "excursion" is just renting all the equipment that's needed and a safety video (but I didn't look too into it). I'd head to the left as you exit the tender and grab some loungers. You'll be nice and close to where you need to go to snorkel. You'll see the floating docks (small) that have been mentioned.