ampurp85

We were asked quite a few times to do the survey. After asking one of the crew members in the lounge why such emphasis and they said it is merit based. If they get 10s and multiple ones from guest, they get incentives. So maybe they get a better job assignment, time off or the ability to leave the ship. I find it annoying, especially in the MDR but I understand it is not their fault. 

Hmmm I think the answers posted don't really answer the OPs question.

This was about the free drinks in the SL. Based on my Allure sailing it not all drinks and if you order top shelf, you will pay full price. There is a list of alcohol available, it was very basic low shelf offerings. The happy-hour mixed drinks are made with the liquors on this list.

Now if the OP wanted to know about vouchers given to C&A member D or higher then yes, all drinks up to $13 and you pay any overage.

2 hours ago, topnole said:

I was thinking the same thing.  Hold a

seat while one goes to bathroom is one thing, holding multiple seats for a group for 45 minutes is not allowed.  So those

folks they thought were rude weren’t in fact being rude.  Hold seats for an entire group is actually the rude behavior given the rules.  It is no different than one person holding 6 chairs at the pool.  

I didn't know this was a policy at all. I also don't get why I had to be called names. If I was informed that it was a policy, I would have not done it. I also don't get why me holding seats is rude but okay.

I am sorry that you and your family feel like steerage. I will be honest after reading your blog, I can really feel the difference. I realized that while I saw children on my sailing, other than the WJ, I never had anything activities with families.

I was on Allure for Halloween and had lots of show problems. We were also in a 2br GS, so we were allowed to get early seating. This meant getting to the shows 45min early and as the planner I was designated to do this. Granted we only did the late vaxx seating but at every showing we encountered rude people. I was there early so I got seats for my family of 5 and people kept trying to sit in the spaces. They kept saying I couldn't hold seats; it was vax only so no reason to social distance and calling me all sorts of derogatory names. The ice show was the worst, a D+ lady cursed out the crew for not getting to go in early and choose her seats, I was first in line, and she hit me with her purse. I sat on the right side and the left was almost empty, yet people were trying hard to steal my seats. They had to move people who sat in star class seating. During our matinee of Mama Mia, several people just came and stood in front our row, instead of sitting in the ample seats available in the balcony.

1 hour ago, Ptroxx said:

Been using them for years and they always love getting them.  
And if they don’t wanna save for good luck  like people do here in the US 

they cash just like any other bill at the ships bank.  
not very rare here in the US?  I get them in fresh stacks of 100 all the time at the bank and give as tips to a good server on top of my normal tip.  They always enjoy them.  
I also give them to local kids selling things.  Like the girl scouts and any lemon aid stand I see lol.   Always get a big smile.     
 

I hate 1.00 lol.  But thanks 

I have been a waitress in the US, and I hate $2, even though they are "easy" to cash/exchange here...why bother?  I wouldn't be rude when someone hands them to me, so of course the crew will enjoy them. They won't show to your face when something isn't great. You state that you give them this on top of normal tip but people who think this is cute/fun and use them as a tip are IMHO not good people. It is an added step to their already long and possibly frustrating work term.

We took many out when we were on Allure. SL was empty until about 5pm and the staff said it was easier to take our drinks then just stand around during HH. We also tipped in cash so YMMV.

2 hours ago, Jenna said:

Oops I forgot a question! Our check in time is 11:30 - since junior suites are included in priority checking, does that mean we could (attempt at least) to check in at 10:30?

 

As long as your set sail pass says suite you can board the 1hr each way as long as the terminal is open. Since there can be late disembarkment until after 9am, there is no way to board before 11am. I don't know if they will allow you to check-in and wait if you aren't Star class.

If you want a good check-in time you can select a time and fill out the rest of your information later. 

3 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

no, kids can get either an antigen or a PCR test. It is no longer mandatory to get a PCR test for kids. Even if they are not vaxxed.

RCG just changed this, unvaxx children need PCR test before boarding and will get antigen at the port.

I sail in a JS in Jan, just checked in and my set sail pass says suite...so don't know what your rep meant. RCG has not changed any rules regarding points.

Obligatory, your family is cute......

I stayed in 9644 on Allure, at the time I almost took a 2br GS on deck 12 but that hot tub seemed like it took up too much valuable real estate. We had 8pm reservations at coastal kitchen so the staff were able to keep up. But with so many crew members manning everything and this sailing being a bit higher capacity. I can see why you decided CK wasn't for you. Also, I had a very sweet but too elderly woman checking me in. Her device kept going down and I thought I would have to move over to a longer line but it worked out. 

The theme nights are very limited. My 10/31 sailing on Allure was the first to have WJ open for dinner. They did Spain, England and India night....they might have done more but those are the ones I looked at. Selection is very limited. They might just have one island dedicated to whatever theme, as only about 1/3 of the WJ was being used during my sailing.

Actual number for Allure 10/31 was 3330 and Windjammer was open. No way of knowing actual numbers until sailing commences but expect 40-70%

Not on Allure, will let you know when I sail Indy

I was on Allure and some times it was very cold and a light sweater or jacket was appropriate. I told my mother to bring hers and she regretted it, thankfully I had a shawl for her.

This whole thing has shown peoples true colors. It is harder and harder to find a moral compass these days. I deal with the public and the lack of empathy, sympathy, practical knowledge(common sense) and manners are astounding. 

I got off the allure on the 7th, had a lady call us covid b*tches because my party of 5 wouldn't allow her party of 4 in the elevator. She then said it could be 10ppl even though all the signs said 6 or your party. As we closed the doors, she complained about people following the rules. Similar situation of people saying they aren't going to washy, washy in the Windjammer because too much of that everywhere.

They vary across the fleets and yes since the restart, you book reservations on board and they require them.

2 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

Are these events meant for singles or solos? There’s a big difference. Not all solos may be single, some people just travel alone. NCL has made an effort of stressing their program is for “solo travelers”. Is the RCCL program actually more of a “singles” program?

On my last sailing there was a distinction. There was a group of 300+ singles and they wore lanyards to signify this. There were also meet and greets for solos, I saw them in the casino, and they were a totally different group. As far as I know RCG doesn't have a solo program like NCL, just people who link up on here, FB and other social media sites. The singles group booked a group rate and reserved things but it wasn't a RCG program.

From all reports, Miami has been pretty strict about boarding times. I don't think calling can get you an earlier boarding time, so that will probably be a waste of time. Checking the app and hoping an earlier time opens up is your best bet. Otherwise you may just be at the port waiting with your bags in the heat until your scheduled time.

It seems like every sailing has had a lower number than anticipated. My 10/31 Allure was expected to have close to 4000 as it was a holiday sailing. We ended up at 3300. Odyssey has yet to hit big numbers and it is the newest ship. I have seen 5 and 6 itineraries for under $200, so I think the demand just isn't there. I personally think KSF really helped with capacity 

Current suite perks is that you can arrive 45min beforehand and get seats. Its a crapshoot. Protocols have been released through March 2022. Since you sail in April, who knows what will happen. Planner might allow you to book shows and they might return to reserve suite seating. Until then if you sail in a suite the concierge will book your shows and dinning as they can only be booked onboard. You will be at the mercy of the seat Gods. 

I did the 10/31 sailing and there wasn't too many children so sign-up wasn't bad for adventure ocean. I believe they give you so many hours to sign up the 1st day, then release more as the cruise goes on. But it appears you are sailing over Thanksgiving so.....hopefully they have more hours available.

I also agree that the Ice Games, Comedy show and Mamma Mia were the most sold out. I don't know what time you board but connect to WIFI asap so you can book through the app fast.

There are like 60 threads like this. RCG never pre-releases the numbers. Just know that with the protocols, restrictions, etc. you will not be sailing on a full ship for a while. 

Capacity is increasing but the actual numbers won't be available until after the sailing commences. RCG can have all the plans it want to sail at 100% capacity but until everything lets up that won't happen.  

Was also in the SL on 10/31 Allure sailing. They had wines and beers 11 to 11, mixed drinks from 5-8pm. We tipped $1-2 per drink and my party were able to get doubles during happy hour with no problem. Also hardly anyone in the SL before 4:45 and after 8pm. I also agree that very few people were tipping.

@HeymarcoI felt you were being rude and an unnecessary board police, but we all have feelings. I wasn't trying to be argumentative but it reads as if you just wanted to tell the OP they were wrong for posting.

I have seen 50 thousand of the same post about the key, protocols, test, check-in etc. that are general topics or fleet wide changes.....your information would have been appropriate there. This was ship specific.