Sigma Cruiser

I think the OP meant that they both are Diamonds (at the least), thus Double Diamond members. I also have been on all 3 of the previous President's cruises. For the previous 3, we thought the price was worth it. That being said, this 4th one is in my humble opinion...absolutely outrageous for the higher category of rooms. Again, I am just answering the question with my thoughts as I often book JS and above (yes to build points and to be...or have the benefits as Pinnacles...who I do not feel negatively against). For instance, the cost is $11,700+ for a Crown Loft suite and the Grand Suite is even higher. In my humble opinion, no Visa Event, private party, performers (just above Michael Bolton and Patti Labelle) are worth more than $1,600/day and still have to deal with a crowded ship (and people complaining only because the Royal Top Execs are on the ship) - trust me they complained about the pepper shaker not being on the table when they sat down for dinner). Again, my humble opinion. The reason why I say this one is just beyond is because the other President's cruises had just a marginally higher cost than the average cruises (at that time). In fact, we switched from the President's cruise for 11/2/19 and booked the Allure on 11/3/19 (out of FLL) for a Aqua 2br for....wait for it....wait a bit longer...just about to marinate...less than 1/3 the price of the Aqua 2br on Symphony (which is presently $26,000). Even with a Genie, I don't think it is worth $3,700/day.  If I sound angry in this post, I am not...we just can't justify paying this premium in prices for what were our happy experiences on past cruises. And yes, the Freedom trip was spectacular. Enjoy the cruise as I am sure it will be fun.  By the way, please post when and where is the 5th President's cruise. They may learn and have the price a little bit lower.

Congrats...but beware. They contacted us 2 years after a mistake (on their part) and took away 7 points that "they say" they mistakenly credited to us. Keep all cards, documentation and notices from this cruise and forward as your fighting defense. Heck, take a picture with Michael and Ken Rush on the Birthday Cruise with your Diamond card. And one last thing...get the Diamond pin now and wear it on every outfit (public and private).

Enjoy.

That is a fair assessment. Some people go on this particular sailing to reconnect with old friends and to meet new friends (pinnacles or otherwise). I understand that it will be a larger number of returning cruisers than possibly ever before. And key locations will have logistic issues. But, what are your thoughts or hearings (if any) on the suite area at Coco Cay and it's timeline for this particular cruise event?

I have to say this is a great overview of your cruise and the Star Class benefits. My wife is a fan of Izumi's Hibachi and I am a fan of Chef's Table. I know that Izumi is included in your package (or is it) and what about Chef's Table? Any comments on your experience with it and the Genie?

I am aware of the posted timeframe for the opening of the suite area at Coco Cay (south beach area) as December 2019. However, they will be having all of this great stuff and events on the 50th Birthday (President's Cruise) in November (just one short month earlier). I can't believe that there is not an (unannounced or undercover) effort to push this completion date to have it ready for the 50th Birthday event. Here you are charging the most in recent (maybe a long time) history for the cabins/suites ($25k for an Aqua theater 2-Br) and higher prices for Coco Cay ($1,299 for a cabana at Chill Island...as a deal) as well as all other things. But won't have the area that supports your suite guests available at all. To me, it would be a gravely missed opportunity and loss of potential revenue for those suite guests still on the fence about "why I should pay the higher price for a suite for this cruise" (Crown Lofts still available at $13k for two people total). Thoughts...rumors heard...facts you know but needed someone to ask in order for you to spill the beans...opinions? Come on people...talk or ask your inside sources. We want to know...or at least I am the only idiot who wants to know.

Sorry for the comedy moment, but...won't the cruise be over before they finish typing their first text? I think the flip phone may have a serious challenge with communications and internet searches.

4 minutes ago, mommyof2monkeys+princess said:

Thanks!  I guess we are not eligible.  I am getting this message "Please ensure your sailing is within the next 30 days
Please ensure there are no errors in the information you entered"  There are no errors and we are within 30 days.  

I would keep checking. Things may free up this weekend or next week. Remember, their goal is to fill the rooms. So with every opportunity to get someone to move up a category or two with the bidding, allows them the opportunity to sell a lower priced room to someone looking to get on the ship. Good luck.

Yes, you can. I have done this several times since they started the Unlimited Dining (originally Ultimate Dining) Package. We would just let our Diamond or Suite Concierge know that we were interested in attending. I would have you just inquire with one of the specialty restaurant managers for direction.

I see that there continues to be confusion with whether you are offered lunch on embarkation as a suite guest on the Voyager or Freedom class ships. I also have a curve ball to bring to this discussion as I not only have a suite, I also purchased the Unlimited dining package. So, will this allow us to have lunch in a specialty restaurant on embarkation day with that restaurant's menu. Keep in mind that Navigator has Chops, Jaime's, Izumi, Hooked and Playmakers.

I guess I will find out for sure on my mid-July cruise.

I am very familiar with the suite perks on Quantum and Oasis class ships. However, what are the perks on Navigator? For instance, with a suite on Oasis/Quantum class you can go to Coastal Kitchen for breakfast through dinner (lunch on embarkation). What are the options...if any for Navigator?

What are the Suite perks for Navigator of the seas? I know that they are not the same as the Oasis class and Quantum class, but I need to get an idea of the differences. 

It is interesting. A few years ago RCCL, increased the cabana rates from $250 north of $300. Then everyone was upset, but still paid. Then, prices steadily increased to the $400 - $600 range and more people decided not to buy. Now they come out with prices north of $1,000 and the majority of people are now content with their $374 to $474 prices. It seems to me that the marketing person RCCL hired should get a nice bonus for getting more cabanas sold in the $400 - $600 range than ever before. This is not a bargain, but another sales tactic. Think about it. Who is really going to rent a cabana for over $1,000 for 7 hours or less. If you find someone on your ship who did, please introduce them to me as I have a bridge in Brooklyn...In the end, their strategy is to get us to  jump at the lower $300 to $500 range and feel happy that we got a "deal".  

Maybe you are right about a survey for next time John. For now, hopefully there will be a few more replies over the weekend. Thanks for your thoughts. Maybe we will see each other again at the 50th event...if the price is right Bob Barker.

Thank you for your replies as they are helpful. Yet, I would also like to hear from those who may have been on Mariner or Navigator since March 2019. I believe that they are done with any upgrades in the Chill Island area and thus what is there now will be that going forward.

It appears that Perfect Day at Coco Cay has a few more cabanas (old and new ones in different areas) after Perfect Day renovations. For those of you who have recently visited (March 2019 and beyond), are the Chill Island Cabanas still located in the same area or have they been moved. I have booked one for a cruise in November and would hate to assume that I am going to be in the same area as before the Perfect Day renovations and end up somewhere else with a totally different circumstance (view and location). Please advise.

Hello All,

I am sorry, but out of 21 replies, only two actually answered my original inquiry. Are there any other thoughts to my original inquiry, or is this it?

I am just curious as to your thoughts. Who has no problem paying the obviously super high prices for this cruise on 11/2/19 on Symphony for a 7 day cruise? And whom amongst you are not considering the cruise due to the pricing? Feel free to comment.

I have seen different situations and circumstances regarding refunds, but need clarity. I purchased a shore excursion with my entire OBC prior to final payment date. Now it is past final payment date and a few weeks before the cruise. I may need to cancel the shore excursion this week. How will RCCL treat any refund? Will it be returned back as an OBC, credit for a future cruise or refund to a credit card?

Please reply.

If you are so upset for them, suggest that they cruise on Carnival, Norwegian, Princess or even Holland America. I guarantee they will be back within 2 years.

As D+, we were on the Anthem on 5/28 and had access to the both lounges. Both were great and not crowded for a 5 day cruise. However, the staff did state that the 7 day and longer cruises have more people attending the lounges. Just an FYI.

Anthem still has the CL and D+ are welcome.

We as Diamond Plus really appreciate this post. We are on the Anthem for this coming Saturday (5/28/16). Is it possible to ask the Concierge if D+ will be allowed in the CL/SL this coming cruise. Please forgive me, but it is a 50th birthday celebration and the lounge would just top off the trip.

:):cool:

Yes, Diamonds were still allowed in the diamond lounge also the breakfast is still available in diamond lounge. (coffee, muffins etc)

 

There is only one party for all top tier party and it was held about 11amin the theatre and there was a good turn out.

There were about 500 diamonds on board and I believe that the lounge was very busy at night. Plus everyone had 3 free drinks on their sea passes per day.

 

We went to Concierge lounge and it was never crowded. There were about 175

Diamond Plus and the suite guests.

I am a little confused. I am a D+ and I am on the Anthem on 5/28 to Bermuda. I am hopeful that I can still have access to the newly titled Suite Lounge in 2 weeks. Things can change over the next sailing. But, I am not clear on your reference to 3 free drinks on your sea passes per day. Does this mean, outside of the 5:00 to 8:30 time slot that we now have 3 free drink passes per day? This would affect moderate drinker's decisions in purchasing Drink Packages or not. Please clarify.

We greatly appreciate the feedback. We are on the Anthem on 5/28 for my 50th Birthday celebration. As a D+ everything is falling into place, from the room assigned to the weather improving. So, my fingers are crossed that we can top off the day in the CL. Two last questions if you don't mind: How is the weather in Bermuda and who are the concierges in the lounge?

Hopefully this continues until after the Memorial Day Weekend when I board my cruise on the Anthem. I just wanted to be sure by verifying with actual post cruise confirmation. Thanks for the clarification.:)::D:cool:

With all the rumors flowing and no official statement or posting from RCCL to confirm all the C&A updates...I have one question for any D+ cruisers who recently (post May 1) that have sailed on Anthem of the Seas. If you traveled in a JS or lower, did you or did you not have access to the CL on deck 12? And did they change the name yet of the CL on Anthem?:confused: