OntarioTraveller

Wow, I have read through this thread from start to finish. Very interesting.

Although, it is clearly unpopular on this forum and lots won’t admit it, I too remove auto tips. I don’t want to be told to who and how much to tip. If it ceases to be optional, I will deal with it then. It is currently a gratuity not a service charge.

I do tip on the cruise. Although I don’t feel I should have to defend myself but... we don’t eat in the dining room (we travel with just carryons so don’t dress up and actually love the WJ food over the MDR) but tip our servers in Windjammer and cabin steward. No, it probably doesn’t add up to $27 per day.

I personally don’t trust RC to use auto tips entirely as they should be intended. No proof but clearly profitmaking is their game.

To those who feel they are doing the right thing by trusting RC to disperse gratuities because they suggest it, I respect your right to choose that. But remember tipping is still a choice.

We were in 1502 on Brilliance. We loved it. No noise from above.

 

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Thanks, that is helpful. Was the balcony view good? Did you mind the walk as this is pretty far forward?

I thought it would be quiet as it is below the spa area, not the pool....

A lot of the Radiance series don't. I don't think I have been on one that had it open.

That is a pet peeve of mine too! On the Jewel last spring it seemed so silly to be sitting around an indoor pool in the Caribbean. I asked about having the roof open and they said they don’t open it because they have the air conditioning running. Nice adult only area though.

Did not like that they did not show evening movies on the big screen outside. No movies under the stars.....

On our Jewel cruise last spring I was disappointed that, although they added the outdoor screen during dry dock, they did not play any movies at night or other time! They played silly blooper type clips most of the day....

Carnival got this one right by playing fairly current movies at night and streaming Good Morning America in the mornings.

The buffet food however is much better on RC....

Is this new ruling just for the alcohol packages?

I always purchase the refreshment package, my hubby is happy with the free offerings and buying an occasional drink.

Still waiting for my cabin allocation on Jewel in April/18.

Nice price drop yesterday that I called in for.

Any more guarantee stories?

We got assigned a decent inside cabin on deck 4 after about 10 days but prices dropped so much on Black Friday weekend we were able to switch to a balcony guarantee for the same price. We were assigned cabin 1000 very front of the ship. Called in and changed to 1516 which we are looking forward to.

When I called RCI, they said one of those two cabins were already deposited, the other was on hold. I kept checking the one on hold, and finally after a few days, it appeared. Grabbed it! thanks!

You will be glad you did. It is still an inside cabin but having the extra floor space is nice. It is quiet and we found the walk not bad at all. We took the stairways to Deck 2 to get on and off at port and to go to the 4th and 5th deck where the theatre, dining rooms, etc are.

We are sailing from PR on the Jewel on April 1st. We booked many months ago. The prices around Black Friday dropped considerably so we were able to go from an inside to a balcony guarantee and get the balance owing reduced.

The prices since have been creeping back up. Look and see what the inventory looks like (the UK site shows all available) for a clue. I wouldn’t wait too long if the prices look good.

I am surprised, we have found them available as they are on such low a deck.

We had 3635 booked for our April Jewel cruise but got a great deal on a balcony guarantee so switched. Now both these cabins are still available on this sailing. If you book another cabin or guarantee and this comes available you can call and switch. These are great interior cabins....

I second the suggestion of 3635 or 3639. Best kept secret for sure!

We stayed last year after hearing from 138east on these boards.

Rectangular room instead of long. No “hallway” as you enter the room. Lots more space, big sofa. Quiet area near the end of the hall. One flight down to disembark at ports, one flight up to the centrum nightly entertainment on deck 4.

Hi,

Just curious, did you book thru RC & then call RC to change your cabin assignment? or did you book thru TA & call TA to change your cabin assignment?

 

When we booked a guarantee cabin, our TA gave us a little hassle about changing it, even tho the change was to a cabin right across the hall from one we had for our transatlantic for next cruise. Saw plenty of cabins available so thought it wasn't a big deal. Wonder if next time, we should just call RC to change our cabin.

NJ

I did book directly with RC and all it took was a quick phone call. I didn’t mention guarantee, just that I wanted to change my cabin. It has to be within the same category. I took the advise I heard here to look at the UK RC site which lists all the available cabins, not just a few. I knew which one I wanted and just asked. Actually, I changed my mind a few days later and called to have it changed again!

I believe if you book through a TA, they have to do this for you. I personally feel this is a good reason to book directly with RC.

Booked a balcony guarantee a few weeks ago for my April/17 Jewel cruise. I received the cabin assignment about 8 days later. It was the most forward cabin on Deck 10. I called and was able to change it to a cabin in the same category more mid-ship. Very happy and a great price!

April 1st, with my diamond discount, balcony guarantee, $1109 for 2 with all taxes and fees. Craziness, now if I could only find decent airfare from the west coast.

We are on that same cruise and unbelievably cheap balcony guarantee as well. We had booked flights months ago from Toronto. Hope you find some good flights.

I purchased a refreshment package for just myself a few weeks ago. I’m assuming that will be fine now.

This changes things for many drink package purchasers!

That’s what I thought. We are currently defaulted to my time so I will do nothing. Thanks all!

We will be eating dinner in the WJ through our cruise. We were given the choice of traditional dining or my time. We don’t want a table held for us, do we let them know or just leave it as my time and not show?

In San Juan now. We are not in a hotel, but are at a condo. All is well in Isla Verde. Grocery store well stocked and prices are normal for the island. There are many stoplights out. Driving to town from our room, we saw downed power lines and some downed corrugated steel roofs. Trees are green, palm trees look tired but quite alive. Water can be had for $.99 a gallon.

How is the beach at Isla Verde? Water clean and clear?

I took advantage of a price drop before final payment (went from inside guarantee to balcony guarantee). I had spent the $75 OBC from the previous promo on a drink package. The new rate came with a $100 OBC. The new receipt showed $100 OBC but the cruise planner showed $25 available to be used.

I think they would include the OBC used in the new pricing.

Another question: As a couple, If you have a choice of cabins do you avoid being next door to those that have an occupancy of 4 (assuming there will be kids...)? I know being in a connecting cabin isn’t looked upon as a wise move.

Thanks for posting! This may help some but my April 1/18 fare went sooo low around the Black Friday weekend even with the senior fare added it is hundreds more now....I will keep checking though.

I paid $1200CAN for a balcony guarantee for 2 plus a $100US OBC (including taxes, excluding gratuity)! Not sure I will see it that low!

True, everyone has their favorites but I am finding the opinions helpful. Thanks to all (keep them coming!)

This is valuable discussion for a relative newbie!

I did change my close-to-centre 8578 (E2) to 1516 by the forward elevator on deck 10 as I think I will be happier in a quieter area and up high. Motion doesn’t usually bother us, actually I like it for rocking me to sleep!

I appreciate all your opinions.

Wow, still lots of cabins available for our April 1st sailing.

Anything special about RCI that would differ from Carnival. Thanks in advance for answers and advice.:)

We had sailed a few Carnival cruises before the Jewel last year. We noticed a big difference and will not go back!

The RC ships are so very much prettier. You will love the Jewel!

The Windjammer food is much more varied and much better (lamb, beef brisket, fresh crepes, good desserts...). Even nicer dishes, not so much like the Carnival cafeteria style.

We didn’t care for the MDR food on either ship. No guys burgers or good pizza on RC though. More pay options on RC.

Cabins are better designed on RC, lots of good storage in even the smallest cabin and slightly better decor.

In most regards, feels like a more upscale experience. You won’t be disappointed.

A question for those who have cruised much more than I: Would you not rather be near the centre elevators rather than the front elevators for easy access to disembark at port and to the WJ? I love the centre glass elevators....but agree ideal to be a bit off centre to escape the noise.

Bob, you are a wealth of information!

While you are on this thread, do you have opinions on best E2 balcony cabins on Radiance class ships? We are currently booked in 8578 (just forward of the hump) but there are lots available we could possibly switch to. Don’t want noise at night from the centre area....

Thanks!