GStanMus

52 minutes ago, cruisinfanatic said:

does it matter how far ahead of your cruise to request the obc?

I would say 90 days before departure.

A family of 4 would pay $1100 a day for Disney Parks with no hotel  and no food included, so this 7 day cruise is a better bargain than 5 day Disney parks vacation. I think the Icon will take business from Orlando theme parks.  I hope they do. 

1 hour ago, Coralc said:

Redemption website:  https://www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com/

This person is not talking about gift certificates purchased from the Royal Caribbean website, she is talking about third party gift cards from AARP. You can't redeem them online.

5 hours ago, ober134 said:

I'm sure many are aware of discount gift cards from Allstate and AARP. How can I use these and apply to my on board account? I

The terms and conditions of those gift cards from Allstate and AARP specifically state:The Terms & Conditions for this item state that the gift card must be used on a new reservation.

On 8/22/2022 at 5:07 PM, Airbear232 said:

We just came off the Allure and the menus were all accurate.  I don't remember if they were available before the cruise or not.

Going on Allure 9/3, 8 day with Labadee on Day 3 and I was trying to verfiy is 2nd formal night on day 6 or 7.  Is the lobster night the same as the 2nd formal night.  I current app says lobster is day 6.

The fine print states: "

Your stateroom may change up to the day of the cruise.  Many passengers will test positive for COVID and they will make adjustments even to ROYALUP bids until late Friday.

They are not printing the Daily Compass but you get it only if you request.  So many people don't have them to send to you. Also which day is your departure?  The western schedules will be different depending on the day you go to Perfect Day.

I purchased OBC with the card a few weeks ago and it appeared in less than a week but it was well after the final cruise payment. 

You should try and get something different from the travel agent, even a $50 obc would be better than nothing. Deal with the travel agent.

Book all you want now and then there will be a good sale on Black Friday at 25-50%  various items. Then simply cancel and rebook on cruise planner.

Here is a website link to all information on the Bank of America Royal Caribbean charge card.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/visa-signature/royal-caribbean-visa-signature-rewards-options.pdf

The gift card should have fine print listed on it or a website for information.  Many gift cards can only be used for booking reservations.

You should bid somewhat more the the lowest bid.  So you have a chance since the majority of people will bid the lowest also.

You don't need to print your sail pass.

Book all you want soon when you see a type of "sale", maybe during Memorial Day.  Then you can cancel and book during "Black Friday".  They will have excursions, etc. 40-50% off.

If you want to use the OBC to book on the cruise planner, redeem it early.  It took 3 days for my credit to post to my cruise planner. 

Mine showed up about 3-4 Days after purchase and mine was 5 weeks from departure.

4 hours ago, acesneights99 said:

Our experience at Chops was an absolute disaster. I ordered a filet medium. It came as well well well done, essentially shoe leather.

 

I asked for a medium rare replacement and got a raw filet. Essentially a 10 second sear on each side. Dark red center, refrigerator cold.

 

The third one was super rare but at least edible. I was tired of trying to get an acceptable filet, so just ate it.

 

I am tempted to bring an instant read digital thermometer and ask the server for a 145 degree filet. Not 200, not 50, not 120.

 

This is without a doubt the worst food ever at any specialty restaurant on any cruise ever.

Yes I had that experience on the Allure in March 2022 with the steak temperature.  Which ship were you on?

No i have never seen such deals, better on the cruise planner.

On 4/25/2022 at 12:04 PM, bigbeatzz said:

 

I looked it up on the Royal planner and did not see that information either. @GStanMus where did you see that?

 

Thanks!

 When I selected the 3 night dining package and added it to my cart, it required that I select Chops for day 1 or day 2 corresponding to my early or late MDR time.  Yes, of course you can change the Chops selection when on board,  but they are hoping that most people won't do that.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/visa-signature/royal-caribbean-visa-signature-rewards-options.pdf

The website above by RC gives a great overview of the program.  There are special rules when you redeem the points for any item, especially for a cruise or companion fare.  You can't use it with all the special discount fare specials, such as "Going, Going, Gone" "Senior Rate",  or Resident Rate".

When you purchase the 3 day dining package it requires you to eat at Chops on day 1 or day 2.  At the time of purchase during checkout you will select day 1 or day 2 in you cruise planner and the time will correspond to your early or late dining time. After you get on board you will then select your other two dining options.  When you purchased this discount you’re getting a substantial discount by taking Chops on day one or day two, which is traditionally the slowest two days of Specialty restaurant bookings.

Not ALCE but the lunch servings are usually the same as the dinner servings.

The first step is to review all of the menus and rank the restaurants that you would enjoy eating at.  But I assume that you have already done that.

Here are my rankings based on the quality of food::

1. 150 Central Park- again make sure those rich, over the top menu items appeal to you. 

2. Hooked/Chops- I would give the higher ranking to Hooked. Hooked is also limited and only on a couple ships.

3.Wonderland- Like most say the experience is the main draw here.  You really have to be into the creamy textures of food items.  I personally would go one time for the experience.