johnjen

11 hours ago, brillohead said:

I've been cruising with Royal since 2013, and I've cruised enough that I'm now Diamond Plus and then some, and I've never heard of a surcharge for each purchase when using a credit card to pay for your onboard account.

Thanks....I think it was around 2017 right before our cruise, I read it on here somewhere....I think I will call them and will post what they tell me.

We're the same way about credit card debt. NONE! House nearly paid out in 3 years too....I don't know what we will do with that mortgage money & retirement looming in 6 yrs....this cash vs. credit account though has me thinking about those double points as well on the BOA RCL card....and I really DO NOT like carrying cash anyway....

Update: I called outside of regular biz hours....they're closed....that's a first!
 

Can anyone confirm/deny if there's a surcharge on a credit card account? A couple of years back (pre-covid) they were charging one on each charge made (maybe my memory is fading). But the BOA card with the double points - that's enticing so I might just open a credit account.

I was on the fence about doing CT again over various things, like being rushed at one CT.....But after reading this thread, I went ahead and booked it for our upcoming cruise. Overall, it's a memorable and enjoyable time. Especially the guests at the table! 

Just avoid the pork crackling dessert thing that looked like caramel.......😁

8 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

It's a big secret.

They're turning her into....an aircraft carrier😁

Somewhat related question I have. So if you call in and ask for a price adjustment in the drop you've noticed, how long does it normally take to see them crediting your BOA account?

On 5/14/2022 at 12:27 AM, Stockjock said:

I do understand that the usual limit is 2 750ml bottles of wine which can be brought aboard.

I like a particular Italian wine that, to my knowledge, only comes in 1 liter bottles.  It's not the double-sized 1.5 liter bottles, but rather, just a bit larger than the normal bottle.

If I tried to bring this aboard would they likely:

1. Waive it through.

2. Confiscate it.

3. Allow it only if an additional fee is paid at the time of boarding.

Great question. I don't think it would get noticed though. And, confiscation - does this mean they keep it, or give it back at the end of the cruise, maybe even a report in person to the naughty room?

22 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Exactly, I finally broke down and got the Royal Caribbean BOA visa.  Now I'll get double points for my on board spending 🙂

We do too. It's just that surcharge percentage fee they tack on I don't like!

10 hours ago, brillohead said:

I don't understand why someone wouldn't want to use a credit card instead of carrying excess cash?

Especially if you use a credit card that has a cash-back or points/rewards system -- you're better off charging to the credit card and then paying off the balance the next month.  

Bonus -- you never have to visit Guest Services (and the line is always long on the last night).  

There is a surcharge fee for credit accounts, apparently.

12 hours ago, Ptroxx said:

True you can go to another line.   But you may get even worse service. 
everyone’s under staffed.  Just sayin.  GL 

Not a slam at you personally, but these excuses "sorry, we are under staffed" by these large companies actually make them more complacent and could care less about their customers. This, and saying "because of COVID" is just an excuse for poor service. If a company is understaffed, they need to cut way back on prices - or, shut down until they become fully staffed so that it doesn't adversely affect our satisfaction!

Through the Rapid Test & Trace service (thanks OP for posting this), here are the authorized tests we can use. I have not confirmed yet though, if the free Rapid tests I received via USPS are on this list:

https://rapidtestandtrace.com/covid19-rapid-tests-devices/

And, with Rapid Test & Trace, we can use mobile device cameras to dial in with the proctor. This will save us money using this method. I am not yet sure though if RCL accepts these tests or not....according to some comments, they do, so maybe all good!

4 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

No crab cake on Chops menu on Adventure last week.

No, I meant lobster. Thanks though. Can you get lobster and steak together at Chops? is there an added fee if you do?

What are the pros/cons between the two? And, if I do a cash account, can I just apply cash at the desk to that account? We have plenty of credits with our BOA RCL card....I just want to know if I can place additional cash in there if needed. Thanks!

On 5/1/2022 at 11:00 AM, PompeySailor said:

+1 Try again

 

That looks....amazing. I am hungry!

On 5/1/2022 at 10:56 AM, PompeySailor said:

Will try again 
Crab cake, followed by a nice filet with Lobster 👍🏻

 

 

 

o you pay extra for the lobster with the steak? It's been so long since we've been to Chops, I can't remember if you do or not!

Thanks for your replies! We are still looking forward to this cruise and I've decided to not be bothered about their $80 (for the two of us). 

I looked over the application process for the tax form. Seems rather easy. You upload your passport details, date you'll arrive in Bermuda, etc. also pics of the vax cards. 

Considering it's best for me to hold off in paying this tax form - I'll wait until the first day in July to apply because there's a good chance this bureacratic and greedy tax form thing might be gone by then as the people of Bermuda want it gone - especially the small business owners.

Stick to your bookings. Specialty dining is for those that might want to break away from the large dining tables in the MDR and just be isolated for couple/family time. I recently posted on how I learned that you can get the same filet mignon you get in Chops - at the MDR for an additional $16.95, but it's not the same IMO. By the time the MDR gets it to us, it's more cooked than we wanted it at Chops. They're quicker at Chops in serving than in the MDR, so.....AND, the ambiance for specialty dining is better than in the MDR. I find the quality better when you do specialty dining over MDR.

15 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

This has been mentioned in a couple of threads, most recently in the live from Adventure thread by @BennyBrun. You do all the work.

Thanks, and I found the stuff I needed to review in his live threads. Looks easy. Just a bit miffed everyone still must pay for this crap.

I searched for RCL specific posts on this forum and couldn't find what I was seeking.

We're on a cruise this July that takes us to Bermuda. Am I assuming correctly that when we receive our travel docs, there will be information about this? How do we pay this tax at $40 each? Does the cruise line have us register independently, or do we pay RCL the money and they handle it for us? I would personally think that since RCL is bringing us to Bermuda - they'd at least handle the travel authorization documents. I can clearly understand us paying it, however. That is, unless it's gone by July.

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

 

I would be interested in knowing what they would do that's different? Is the Chops Filet a prime as opposed to maybe a choice cut in the MDR? Also is there different seasoning?

By the nature of how you want your steak finished (rare, medium, well done, etc.) by the time it arrives at the MDR, if you ordered, say, rare, it will be well done by the time it reaches you at the MDR. And, the ambiance at Chops is more nicer and laid back than the MDR. Kudos again to John&LaLa for pointing it out to me.

4 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Umm, Chops is more than a piece of meat.

 

And FWIW, the preparation of that piece of meat is much better in the Chops kitchen vs MDR

You do have a good point. The ambiance, more serene! And, the route time from Chops to MDR? The meat is already just sitting, losing it's "rare" status....when I saw that on the video though, I didn't give what you said any thought. Thanks!

I'm trying to find the video on youtube - a couple was in the MDR and ordered the Chops Filet Mignon dinner there for $16 and change.....WAIT.....why did I pre-book Chops then? Is this for real? If I can buy a Chops steak in the MDR for that price.....?? when I am paying nearly $50 each for the visit?

The app is complete nonsense. No countdown 'til cruise, just a cheesy calendar of events. Pretty much a nothing burger. Now, in your case about that "working on the fun" thing - they simply haven't gotten around to completing on board events and things to do yet, so it's not the app being the problem.

For us, it was a graduation - from our first inside cabin, to ocean view, to balcony, to Jr. suites. Recently did the royal up to a grand suite. The only perk from a balcony to a Jr. suite is double points and a slightly larger cabin. And we've also had access to the lounge when there was room. Also Coastal Kitchen. Cruise after this might be Celebrity!

On 5/3/2022 at 1:34 PM, Painter4me said:

I’m hoping it’s just people who can’t be made happy that are doing the complaining. 

It's kind of unfortunate that these are (typically) the "cruise experts" we'll meet at the MDR. They will launch into a tirade called "cruising isn't what it used to be" and I roll my eyes thinking, "here we go again."