cruisegirl1

YEARS ( and years) ago those in the Royal suite were often invited to have dinner at the Captain's table. The practice stopped a while ago and was never reinstated. In fact, except for a few exceptions, there is rarely a formal captain's table dinner. Enjoy the suite but be aware that not all Royal Suites are created equal. Some ships have a more vibrant suite program with a variety of benefits not provided on Radiance class ships. You will have full access to the suite lounge including complimentary evening cocktails, lots of attention from the suite concierge and goodies delivered to your suite most every (if not all) night. You may be able to arrange a bridge tour. Of course if you hit D+ on this cruise, the D+ benefits do not kick in till the following cruise ( But you probably already know that). enjoy the cruise and the suite M

Coffee machine is generally operational around 6:30 or 7AM and until about 10 in the evenings. If the machine is not operational, I come back, use a voucher at the cafe ( or buy a cup), or get a beverage at the complimentary coffee stations. I don't know the basic workings of the machine and would never attempt any functions if it was down. M

The lounge is open ( by room key) 24/7. The benefits paper or letter from the LA will generally let you the concierge hours, continental breakfast hours, evening snack hours etc. m

I personally would not place sentimental or costly items on the door. I've only had two items stolen in numerous cruises, so I guess my track record is good. On the other hand, both times the items were cheap with no monetary or emotional value. M

Here are some points, not in any order ------some positive and some negative. East to west (Europe to US) you gain an hour each on several days. East to east (US to Europe) you lose an hour several days I was lucky in the last one as the TA included Iceland/Greenland/Canada so there were never more than 3 sea days in a row. More port intensive than other TA's. That one was 17 nights with 7 ports and a day cruising the fjords in Greenland. Fewer kids Older crowd Lots of upper tier passengers Different menus. (a 14-night cruise will generally not repeat the standard 7-night menu) Have to able to relax or keep yourself occupied. (ship organized activities or book, gym, games. naps etc.) The ship usually has cultural lectures about a port stop ( NOT a shopping talk) and other educational lectures. Some interesting and some helpful for a nap.😀 Only need one oversees flight. The domestic back home from the arrival port is generally less $$ than an overseas flight home. Prices can be good if you book early. Not a party boat/booze cruise If you are upper tier and get benefits, the benefits for along TA are the same as for a weeklong cruise. nothing extra. (some don't like this) Most have 5-7 sea days in a row. That is great for some and horrible for others. Like other cruise's, ports can be missed for weather or other issues. Flexibility is important. M

I know others have reportedly done that but frankly, I would NEVER bother security to investigate a stolen $1 item. I'll simply head back to the dollar store for another decoration. Christmas cruise was the opposite. Kids were adding magnets to the doors. One day I remarked about new magnets to the cabin attendant, and he told me kids down the hall decorated everyone's door. M

No way it could have fallen. It was wooden with a hole that fit on the hook magnet. One really had to work to get it off the magnet. I didn't "Leave items" outside of the cabin, It was secure on a hook on the door. M

So, are they using "make up the room" sign again? Terrific Seems the signs has only been "sleeping off the adventure" ( or something like that ) as a do not disturb. I'm glad so see that make up room sign is back. . I never understood how the cabin attendant knew the cabin was vacant and available to service. Thx M

I do remember as a D+, being permitted into the Concierge lounge. Are there still ships using that name? But that was before there was a Pinnacle category. Now, even pinnacles are not allowed in on many cruises. m

I think we drink most on embarkation day one on boarding one with lunch one pre dinner one with dinner one after dinner. On other days, I rarely drink prior to pre dinner and mid cruise seem not to drink at all. M

I consider all the benefits free. I didn't pay extra for them, I simply took a cruise, or lots of cruises. I'm not including suite benefits that I may receive if I book a suite, as I've paid extra for that. Same with Key, as I've paid for that program. I'm talking something that is provided to me and countless others on board, simply because we sail RCCL. They are free, not entitlements or guaranteed. Others will differ in opinion. M

Are you sure those treats had nothing to do with being in the YC but only because you are simply a repeat passenger? So, those in an interior cabin, are also eligible to receive daily wine, wasabi chips, chocolates, cookies, fruit, daily? I think you may be comparing a chef amenity on RCCL (delivered to hundreds of staterooms regardless of accommodation) with MSC YC or suite benefits. Not a fair comparison. M

I would love to have seen that! There is more to life than cruising. Having lots of cruises is not something I consider a goal or achievement. We started cruising is 1987 and really never stopped. Don't live in Florida and have to fly or take a 7-8 hour drive to a cruise port. Happy we can make the drive as many have to fly everywhere. Technology has allowed us to cruise more often as we can keep in touch with family and our business. Full disclosure, one if us will wear a pin when boarding and to wait in the priority line to get off the ship at the end of the cruise. In fact we never wore the pin the last morning, but it was suggested by the concierge so that the line keeper knows where to have us wait. m

In speaking with friends who are different C&A categories, it seems the chef's amenity is the same for all categories. I suspect if many complain about what is served, that the cruise line will take the cue and discontinue the practice. We've all seen this in numerous instances. Don't like it, please keep quiet and don't ruin it for others. It is FREE and no one is forcing you to eat it. M

Sadly, others don't follow your sensible example. There are numerous pages/posts on here and other social media just to bash those who wear pins or who mention C&A status. We met folks on the last cruise who learned (while waiting to leave the ship) that we were P. We had spoken to then several times during the cruise, mainly in CK. Their remark was, "Oh, you are Pinnacle? You are down to earth are not like the others." What does that tell you? Like it or not we are all judged, some for the good, and some not. M

My friend sent me this picture last night. It is happy hour on Rhapsody in the Crown lounge. She was the only one in there. m

I’m with you. I hate that pinnacle circle regardless if in the lounge or another venue. I never sit there. A couple of times when the pinnacles had an evening lounge event, the chairs were already arranged in a circle (by staff) We left. And, I believe that moving those chairs and putting them in a large circle, excluding everyone else, and taking up lots of space, is a reason for Pinnacle removal from the suite lounge. It’s actions like you described, that cause me not to wear a Pinnacle pin. m

Good to know, thanks! Prior to 7, I've generally used a voucher at the coffee shop, I'll try the lounges again. M

Not Sweetbread, but SWEET BREAD, a huge difference. A space changes everything. Enjoy which ever you prefer. m

Safe Place?.....Never considered the lounges to be any safer than other public areas of the ship. . First I've heard of this as a selling point. Had a drink in the champagne bar last week on Allure and felt safe. M

Of course P includes more benefits than D+, as well it should. Many P's have thousands of points. I wasn't listing all benefits, mainly those where upper tier D+ and P are similar . Many of the P. benefits you listed are not always offered to P's. It is nice when it is, but we never plan on it. We now purchase the dining package ( if not is a full suite) so we don't have to jockey position for CK dining. Not that it matters, my least favorite benefit is the SL. We have several cruises coming up and NONE include a ship with a CK. Dinner will be MRD or specialty. no stress. m

lucky , I've never seen that machine operational that early. Seems it is closer to 7AM M

I wasn't listing every benefit of P and of course the major benefit is a free cruise at 700 points and every 350 points thereafter. My point was that upper tier D+ already have many of the same benefits as P. If there is ever a new D+ category, then of course , folks will expect increased benefits. My comment was that the benefits are already similar to P in many areas. ( of course P has more than D+) and it was a bit Tongue-in-cheek that D+ benefits will be higher than P benefits Keep in mind that the D+ benefits that are the same as P are the same for 525 points and all Pinnacle, not just those with 700 points. Many cruisers have thousands of points. There is no increase in benefits from 700 to 2000, 3000 or higher We all need to be happy for what we get and not expect much more. Me - I hope nothing else is cut - and never expect more! m

I had an item stolen last week on Allure (4 night mid week, no spring break, few kids.) I hope the person who took a $1.25 sign is happy. Funny, they left the hook magnet, which was worth more than the sign they took. M

Mid tier D+ ( 350 or 525 range) benefits are very close to Pinnacle. (same dinner BOGO, same laundry, same lounge use, same 3 amenities for 525 and Pinnace, just one less drink a day, If there is another category with increased benefits, then a new D+ category could very easily have better/more benefits than Pinnacle! M