js

Hi.

I was ready to book the Prima that is/was leaving out of NYC on April 13, 2025.

I've been doing research and was ready to book my cabin and cancel my RCCL cruise but 

now, I don't see the 7 day to Bermuda from NYC listed on my TA site as well as NCL.

It was there yesterday and this past weekend and my TA gave me a quote yesterday afternoon.
I was on NCL looking today to see how much my TA had discounted but now it is gone.

Can anyone see above? Maybe it's my computer?

Thank you.

22 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Ohhhh....you're kind.

 

No covered loungers aside from those in the Spa...at least none that I saw.

 

We only had rain one day, and it was only for a few hours.

 

Haven Sun Deck with Infinity Pool and bar is on Deck 16.  Very nice area, but not covered.  You can find seats/couches with umbrellas, though.

 

There is no Observation Lounge.  But, the Haven bar and restaurant area is quite large...comfy chairs, couches, lots of windows...plenty of places to sit and hang out if it's inclement weather (or, even if the weather is fine).

 

It's a great ship.  I'm sure you'll love it.

Thank you so much!

I appreciate your taking the time to answer.

Hi.

Thank you so much for your review(s). I always love reading them.
I'm about to book the Prima but have a question about the Haven.

On all other ships (well at least the Away ships and the Joy), my dh and I love to sometimes

go on the inside pool deck (second floor) and lay in a lounger in the air out of the sun.

When we went on youtube this weekend, it doesn't look like there are inside places for the lounge chairs. Is this correct?

If it is raining, and you still want to stay in the Haven, I don't see an observation lounge (like on the Joy) or any other seating other than the reception area. Is this also correct?

During the day, we enjoy staying in the Haven and venture out in the evenings.

Thank you so much.

9 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I would estimate the deluxe drink package at $75 per day, assuming you check their website every day. I have never paid more than that on any cruise. Even when I was as on Icon a few weeks ago, I only paid $72.99 per day for the package. I do miss the pre COVID days when I usually paid in the $50s per day for the package. 

Thank you so much! I'll plan a little higher and figure it out from there but this is a great base. Thank you.

1 hour ago, Kmermaid said:

Will it be just you and DH or are kids in the equation.  We were in the Haven and the dining area was nice.  But the Haven area pool and hot tub was taken over by kids.  The parents sat in the lounge area hanging out with their other adults and let the kids take over the place.  The staff was worn down from what I saw.

We have sailed in Haven (last in August) for many years, when the kids were younger and now adults. We love the Haven and can only sail in the Haven on NCL, knowing what we would be missing LOL but we are all good on RCL balcony, although on the Odyssey, I'll miss the neighborhoods. Just wanted to get a sense of how much extra, about, Haven would compare.

Thank you.

13 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Drink pkg varies per ship and sail date but assume it's $85 pp per day + 18% gratuity

Ultimate dining pkg estimate for a 7 night cruise can cost around $325 plus 18% gratuity. 

 

Sales on black friday may or may not be in your favor.

 

 

Thank you so much! This is exactly the information I was looking for. I appreciate your post.

14 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

If it is not available in your cruise planner then the hack thread is useless.  The hack thread is only helpful before someone has booked a cruise 

 

You can use it to compare prices for that ship on other dates but understand that those may be completely off what they will charge on your cruise.

 

With getting 4 free drinks a day you will need to drink another 6-7 to "break even" on your package...that's everyday, including port days.

 

 

Thank you. It is not available in my cruise planner and I'm not concerted about the Diamond drinks. I am confident from past experiences that the alcohol package is to be purchased. I'm more about finding out an approximation of the cost so I can compare to another line.

But, if it was in my cruise planner, I wouldn't have to even ask because I could do a mock booking so not sure of a hack then?

9 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

 

Fab. Thank you again!

4 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Find the webtool hack thread in which you can look at the planner on any ship - that will show prices for both packages.

Thank you.

It is called hack thread. Type slowly I'm computer illiterate LOL

8 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Financially, the package only makes sense if you know for sure you will drink more than about 10 alcoholic drinks per day.

Yes, I agree but my question is that is there a price, that is above average (I'm sailing spring break/day before Easter in 2025) that I can use to approximate the cost of both the alcohol package and dining packages. I am not wondering if the packages make sense, because for me, it does LOL
 

4 minutes ago, edrussell said:

With Royal's use of a dynamic pricing model the closest you are ever going to get on beverage packages or specialty is an educated guess.  Even with that educated guess pricing fluctuations can come out of nowhere.  Best route is to take that educated guess and pick your cruise.   Then buy whatever you want early on RCCL and cancel back as prices do fluctuate.  That of course means you've already chosen your cruise.  Depends if you are more or less risk averse.

 

Thank you.

I am cruising during spring break/Easter, so what should I expect in terms of prices per person with tax, approximately for drinks and specialty.

Hi.

I am trying to compare costs to RCCL balcony and a cruise in Haven on NCL (which we usually sail).

I know the Haven will come out more expensive, but I'm trying to figure out how much more. I have a fab group rate on a balcony

cabin for April 13, 2025 on Odyssey but my dh and I will still purchase the alcohol package as well as 5-6 night specialty since

we don't want to eat in the MDR. However, my cruise isn't "open" yet to view the prices for these two costly additions.

I am Diamond on RCCL and understand we will get drink cards or something but we will get use out of the drink package.

On NCL I have two Cruise Next Certificates to use so this is also helpful so really trying to figure it all out while the Haven price looks

pretty good right now.

Thank you so much for any help you can give me.

33 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

It varied and varies tremendously from cruise to cruise, ship to ship, week to week.  Typical RC pricing labyrinths.  😄 

Just want to say "hi" from js at dis LOL

2 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Yes, up to 12 (less than 17oz ea).

This is making it more interesting for my dh not to get the UBP. He can use the 8 Diamond drink vouchers a day (his and mine) and have his Diet Coke. I will be at 8 by early/mid afternoon LOL
 

I've been away for a while and am I correct that my dh can bring on cans of Diet Coke if he wants in our carryon? I am guessing I can do this too for him since we will only be going through security so how would they know. 

Thank you.

On 11/16/2023 at 11:01 AM, The Scurvy Pirate said:

You can also bring one bottle of wine each (up to two per stateroom).  Some have said they were able to put 2 bottles in their checked luggage and 2 bottles in a carry on.  You can also get small bottles of liquor and beer/truly through Royal Gifts.  Choices are limited and aren't necessarily the best "value" as opposed to pay as you go.  But, these are additional options.

This is news to me since haven't been on Royal for five years so don't remember much.

I can bring wine onboard without a corking fee? I will have the UBP but like a nice bottle once in a while. Is is per person or cabin because if I can bring in carryon and since I'm driving to the port, I can have my dh also bring on two bottles for me.
Thank you.

6 minutes ago, vacationlover_mn said:

I can answer parts of your questions with certainty.  You can visit the same restaurant several times on your trip.  Make your reservations as soon as you board.  If you want to change up your plans, you can change the reservations later.  Some places, like Playmakers will give you a daily spend amount.  One thing we often do is have dinner at a normal specialty restaurant, then wings or something similar at playmakers later.  One thing we like to do is have embarkation lunch at playmakers (and we loved the one on Odyssey :))

Thank you. So, even if it is sea day, I can have dinner at a specialty and then later in the evening go to Playmakers (which I'm guessing is the sports bar) and use the $20 or whatever daily amount it is? I thought that was only for port days and I appreciate your help since I'm just trying to learn it all since we have been away from RCCL for a while.

Thank you.

Hi.

I see the restaurants that are on the Odyssey but can anyone please let me know what restaurants will accept and can I go to without paying 

extra charges if I have the UDP. Is the hibachi place an extra charge? 

Can I go to the same restaurant twice in a row or three times during the cruise, etc.?
I can, as of today, only make the ressies for the restaurants once I get onboard. Is this also correct?

Thank you so much!

17 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Yeah, I got an email a few days ago (seems I deleted it so I can't post it) and when I go to my pending points it is showing as 4 pts per $1 spent.  I'll look through my trash file but I don't expect much.  

 

EDIT: This is from my rewards page on my banking...

 

You can see 4 pts per $1

What is absolutely more amazing to me is that you walked out of Costco only spending less than $30!!! It is NEVER under $500 for us!

On 11/9/2023 at 8:24 PM, akcruz said:

I am pretty DH can't get the soda package, needs to refreshment which includes water, coffee, mocktails, etc.  I drink a lot of bottled water so works for us when I find a good deal, lowest I have seen, a while ago, was 19.99 a day for resfreshment but have seen in the $30+ range, just keep watching.  

Thank you. So I will need to figure out what the difference between the refreshment package vs alcohol and determine if my dh would be close to filling that gap after 8 vouchers a day. If its close or somewhat close, we will just both get the alcohol package. Thank you for the clarification. 

58 minutes ago, runner2013 said:

Honestly, It's something I've been working towards since I first started cruising. I set a goal for myself and want to achieve it. The 'status' of diamond doesn't really matter to me. It's the effort I put into getting there that matters to me. 

Plus, the 4 drinks each day I'll receive will make a difference, won't need a drink package again since we don't drink much. 

That is great and congratulations!!! We love cruising. Been cruising for just a little over 30 years and it’s always one of our best trips!!! Enjoy!

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

It varys. I have dec 13 and dec 21 booked on adventure and dec 13 everything is available to bok. Dec 21 excursions just came up within the past couple of weeks but no dining. Xmas holiday cruise I suspect might be why no dining but who can say for sure. But i been booking dec 2024 already for a while. Not the next leg. Rcl IT is fickle.

 

Cant book anything feb or April 2025. 

Thank you so much!

57 minutes ago, Happytime22 said:

Thanks all... just booked their UDP and if, they actually don't offer the precruise booking for my Aug 24 sailing on Symphony, will cancel!

I'm too far out to have this show up in my planner but when it comes "live" I plan on ordering knowing, as silly as it is in 2023/2024 to still have to run around the ship to make dining ressies instead of online. however I'm sincerely asking why you will cancel. Is it because you have to go book on the cruise?
Wouldn't you just be ultimately spiting yourself by not getting and either ultimately paying more or eating your meals in the MDR? I haven't sailed RCCL in quite a while (although Diamond) so I'm honestly asking since I'm trying to catch up on everything that has changed (or not LOL) since last cruised. Thank you.

14 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I can't remember exactly what my favorite bar was.  I think it varied depending on the time of day. In the evening I spent a fair bit of time in the music fall. During the day I'd say it was split between the Lime and Coconut on the upper deck and the English Pub.  Unlike on other ships the pub has good munchies you can order.  I had several lunches there I think.

 

The knee is fine... thanks.  Surgery was not required, Rehab, naturopathic medicine and weight loss have worked miracles.

Thank you. We like the pub and I'm planning on getting the UDP so we will also be able to eat there too. Life and Coconut look good. Happy to hear about your knee and that surgery wasn't required.

Thank you again for your help.

21 minutes ago, EllieinNJ said:

I also read your other topic here on bed placement.  I too struggled to find a cabin with the bed by the balcony..  I find it feels more roomy that way.  I looked at cruisedeckplans.com and couldn't find the EXACT cabin I wanted so booked one that did show the bed by the balcony.  It was only about 6 or 7 doors down from the one I wanted.  When I was on the Oasis in October, 2021 I booked the Anthem on board for Jan. 2022.  The agent assured me that the bed was by the balcony.  When we got on the Anthem we found out it was NOT.  Thankfully the cabin next to us was empty and had the bed by the balcony and we were able to move into it.

I couldn't find a picture of the bed placement on cruisedeckplans either and my cabin was the last one that was fully aft so I took it and hoping for the best LOL
I was on the Allure and LOVED the neighborhoods (we use to sail the Explorer series) so I hope I don't miss it on the Odyssey (although I don't miss it when I sail other lines).

I guess we will keep each other in the loop with what we find out about the ship once it gets to the states (is it this weekend?).

I hope we can book our dining and alcohol soon but guessing it will be closer to the one year mark.

39 minutes ago, The Scurvy Pirate said:

My experience was I needed to take my wife's sea pass card to use her vouchers.  I never had any trouble handing the bartender her card when she was not around.  You just need to make sure that when you are drinking together that you use your voucher's first.  That way, if he is away from you, he still has vouchers on his own card to use.

That makes a lot of sense and thank you very much!

4 hours ago, Jcol5786 said:

It's perfectly exceptable to pool D and above drink vouchers. You can do what you want with them. It is also exceptable to call in and purchase 1 DBP with the explination that the other person has vouchers and does not need a package. You will be asked that the second person purchase a coffee or soda package. We have done this and I don't consider it either a "loophole" or "cheating" in anyway. I'm always amazed how judgemental people on this board are sometimes.

Hi. I am planning on getting the DBP and my dh would be fine with the Diamond Vouchers. I am the drinker. We both get the 4 vouchers per day as Diamond but is my name linked to "my" voucher so I have to always order the drink or can my dh just take the 8 vouchers and drink during the day even if I'm not with him.

Thank you so much.