leaveitallbehind

Absolutelly life boat commanders may be dining room stewards or bar tenders. We know many of the service crew from sailing HAL so many times and we have had occasions when a favorite bartender from a previous cruise was our lifeboat commander on a subsequent one. Obviously, they receive continual training and drill often.

 

 

If they receive continual training and drill often, then they would be qualified boat handlers, which was my point all along - that each boat would have at the helm what I only described as a qualified boat handler.

 

I know all crew are competently trained for emergencies and can assist in many areas during an emergency - including help staff the lifeboats. I just didn't expect the lifeboat helmsmen to be comprised of wait staff and bartenders To that, I remain somewhat surprised, but stand corrected.

thanks. Are there any chairs in the 6, 7, 8 area?

 

Deck 4 in the lobby area, and decks 5 & 6 in the side balcony areas will. Decks 7 & 8 do not as they are stateroom decks, but the elevator lobbies and balcony walkways will overlook the atrium.

 

See link attached for an atrium photo which shows decks 4 - 8.

 

http://cruiseweb.com/rci-imagelibrary/ship-Grandeur/RCI_Grandeur_Centrum_UR.jpg

[quote name='Aquahound']Correct me if I'm wrong....but, wasn't Freedom Class built with both also? I cruised FOS in her inaugural year and I'm almost certain the DL was there.[/QUOTE]

I believe you and [I]cruisenfever [/I]are correct - as usual! And they are quite nice on that ship class! They are located where the 19th Hold sports bar is on Voyager class, which is converting them as well to DC's.

So I have booked a grand suite on the GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS and wanted to hear about some of perks you get with booking a suite on a Vision Class Ship, since I have never booked a suite or sailed before. I already check out the website: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests. But I have a lot questions...

 

It says VIP pool deck seating, where available (what do they mean by where aviable part, will be available on Grandeur of the Sea?)

 

There is no Gold card reserved pool seating on Grandeur.

 

It also says Reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows, where available (again is this available on Grandeur of the Sea?)

 

Yes - in the back of the main theater.

 

I have also hear people posted about be invited to Meet with Captain for being suite guest.

 

We have had a suite reception with the Captain and staff on other ships but were not in a suite on our last Grandeur cruise, so I can't answer to that.

 

I heard you get a complimentary bottle of wine in your room the first night, true?

 

Unsure

 

I also heard that in the Concierge Club lounge there complimentary mixed drinks and soda, true?

 

True.

on this wensite it says honor bar (self service bar with no fee) http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Staterooms&faqId=2675&faqSubjectId=320&faqType=faq

whats the means?

 

The Concierge lounge is where the complimentary drinks and snacks are served and it is staffed by a Concierge and bartender. In the rooms is a small cooler / refrigerator which has some non-alcoholic beverages and snacks for a fee - not complimentary.

 

Is there always complimentary food/snacks in lounge for suite guest or just during breakfast and lunch and dinner hours?

There is 24 hour complimentary coffee and premium coffee products available through a self serve machine and as I recall on this ship pastries in the morning, snacks at dinner, but was never there for lunch.

 

See my answers above in red to your questions.

I can't answer for the frequency of shows on a 10-night cruise, but when we were on Grandeur for a 7-night in July, there was one show on the last night at sea. (There were also a couple of short rehearsals at random times during the week).

 

We watched it from deck 7 in the Atrium, which happened to be our stateroom deck. From there we were pretty much at the level of the show which, while utilizing most of the atrium, mostly took place between decks 6 - 8.

 

I think any viewing area is good - but it is a popular show and will be pretty crowded on all open deck areas of the Atrium.

[quote name='dvpaintboy']After many of the cutbacks for Diamond members, we jumped ship and cruised Carnival our last two cruises.[B]RCCL bringing back the Diamond lounge on the newly renovated ships [/B]are bringing us back. We are looking forward to sharing a few pre dinner drinks with friends old and new on the Navigator in March. Both company's have there good points, but Sure did miss Royal as entertainment and thing to do seems to be won by RCCL[/QUOTE]

A point of clarification - RCI is not "bringing back" the Diamond Lounge, they are adding them as a new venue to ships that previously only had a Concierge Lounge. This is not something that they once offered, then removed, and are now bringing back.

When Oasis and Allure were launched, they had both a Concierge and Diamond Lounge, but the other ships in the fleet only had the Concierge Lounge. With RCI's ship enhancement program all remaining ships that did not have one (except Majesty) will have one added so that by the end of this program, all ships will have both a Concierge Lounge and a Diamond Lounge.

I'm sure this question has been asked but I can't find it. We sailed the Allure in August and we are sailing the Oasis this August. Aside from the different restaurants, will we see a big difference? The Allure is newer so it is almost spotless. We loved the Allure but went with the Oasis because we could get 2 cabins for less than the Allure.

 

 

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Oasis entered service in December of 2009, Allure in December 2010 - only a year apart, so I don't think Allure will be any more spotless than Oasis. They - as with all RCI ships - are all kept spotless every day by their crew. :)

 

As others have mentioned, the differences are minor with "Hairspray" on Oasis and "Chicago" on Allure as probably the biggest difference as clarea indicated.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy Oasis!

20-30 lifeboats would require 20-30 qualified coxswains to have one per boat. To have any more than that would require the ship to carry 40-60 qualified boat handlers --- are you kidding?

 

It was only a supposition in which I said "I would think" - not that "I know". That being said I've witnessed enough lifeboat drills on board in port to see all the lifeboats on one side lowered and maneuvered around and then recovered. Certainly someone "qualified" enough to handle them was at the helm.

 

I don't profess to know the level of expertise required by the Coast Guard and the cruise lines to handle a lifeboat in an emergency, but it would surprise me if they were waiters and bartenders. And with a vessel such as Oasis / Allure with over 2,000 crew it would not seem a stretch to me to have the 40 - 60 qualified boat handlers you refer to on board.

 

If you are qualified to confirm otherwise, then I defer to your knowledge - as I said I don't profess any specific expertise regarding this. Again, it was only my supposition based on the thought that in an emergency there would be enough qualified boat handlers other than service crew (unless they are in fact trained as such) on board to operate the lifeboats.

I think you have a perfect attitude about all of it, Cindy!

 

Frankly, I find it appalling that RCI even segregates passengers of different status as they do... special lounges for this group, super special :rolleyes: lounges for that group, what's next -- D+ gets on the lifeboats first?

 

I think RCI needs to reward loyalty differently. I love the gifts Disney leaves for us in our stateroom based on loyalty level. I still feel special, but without being all divided up from other passengers.

 

 

just my lowly gold-on-Royal opinion...

 

-gina-

 

What RCI does is offer two private lounges for certain passengers: the Diamond Club, which is a loyalty based venue for their highest tier Crown & Anchor members (Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle); and the Concierge Lounge, which is a stateroom based venue available to passengers in Grand Suites and higher. (Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members can also access the CL, and suite guests who are also Diamond or higher members can access the DC). There are no other "special lounges".

 

The C & A program is no different than airline loyalty programs that offer special boarding and seating perks, along with private airport lounges - or hotel programs with free point-based rooms and private lounges - along with many other similar loyalty programs.

 

These loyalty programs recognize different levels of membership with different levels of benefits - apparently, as you point out, similar to that of Disney. (Different levels of gifts in your room, in their case).

 

What is wrong with rewarding loyalty? Its common - and good - business practice. It's also not segregation - its recognition.

 

As to D+ getting on the lifeboats first, not likely. However, there will be complimentary cocktails on board for us...;):D

Is anyone else seeing disappointing service within the Crown and Anchor department of Royal Caribbean? In 2012 and beginning of 2013 my husband and I sailed the Mariner out of Galveston for 4 weeks and as Diamond members had a wonderful experience under Eric Lafitte. December 2012 we sailed on the Navigator that replaced the Mariner from Galveston. I have never seen so many unhappy diamond members ever. We no longer had a concierge, limited bar service and we were separated from our diamond plus friends. But frankly it was the attitude of crown and anchor that was the most disturbing. We didn't receive information in our rooms, etc. I was so looking forward to a ship year round from Galveston. After talking to other diamond members it appears that they are no longer loyal to royal Caribbean but starting to hop cruise lines. I am one cruise away from Diamond Plus but every time I deal with crown and anchor I am aggravated! Sad for Royal Caribbean that actually does a good job but then all is lost when dealing with the loyalty program.

 

To answer your question, no - not at all! As others have said, your experience was based on a ship without a dedicated Diamond Club, therefore there would be no free cocktails or Concierge for Diamond members.

 

The reason you were "separated" from your Diamond + friends is because D+ can access the Concierge Lounge - of which Navigator has one - so they were able to use that lounge while as Diamond, you couldn't.

 

Can't answer as to the lack of room notification - I can say we've never experienced that and always have had great service both on board from the Concierges and Loyalty Ambassadors as well as the C & A reps at RCI. And most of the Diamond members we've been with have been quite happy.

 

I hope, when considered in the context of the information posted by myself and others on this thread, this will clear up some of the concerns you expressed. Your experience certainly does seem IMO to be the exception based on my experience over the years with RCI as a D and D+ member. Hopefully it will improve for you with your next cruise.

Got show stickers on our cards from the concierge on Allure in June. We just showed them to the "hall monitors" at the entrance to the theaters.

 

That's different from when we were on Oasis. I know that with suites / Gold card you simply show your card for access to the show (and pool deck) reserved seating areas but was unaware of a sticker placed on the cards - or that it would have anything to do with D+. Interesting.

You certainly can have guests that are not Suite guests. We were on FOS in November, our cruisemates were in a GS, we were in a JS, and we had a Cabana. Our cruisemates booked the cabana, and we all went to the stand and were given wristbands. It was GREAT! We had an over water cabana, and loved it. ENJOY. :D:D

 

Just for clarification, was this at Barefoot Beach or Nellies?

I thought that rumor was way too good to be true...

 

If you are Diamond +, you can also get assistance on booking shows through either the Diamond Club or Concierge Lounge concierges.

There are no tickets issued - pre-booked reservations are coded on your SeaPass card. You can book on board as well. Most shows also have available seating available as well once those with reservations are seated. The Concierge can assist you with this.

Your non-suite guests can reserve seating individually on board as well. They will not be able to share in the same suite related benefits as you such as access to the Concierge lounge, etc. Unfortunately only those passengers actually listed as staying in the suite will be able to have those benefits.

Barefoot Beach access - and cabanas there - is limited to Gold card (suite) passengers. Guests are provided with wristbands for entry and exit once confirmed.

We are not in a suite. Does D+ have the ability to get a show sticker on the sea pass for access to the shows without a reservation? Does this benefit even exist? Any help is appreciated.

 

There is no sticker as mentioned - pre-booked reservations are coded on your SeaPass card. You will be able to book shows on board and will also be able to show up for most without a reservation and wait until those with reservations are seated - there are usually seats available.

I just saw a thread that it's not offered on Indy. However, I am hoping that might have only applied to a holiday cruise. I can see the airlines refusing during that time frame. Can some of you January sailors come back and let us know? We were definitely planning on using it - especially since it is complimentary for suites and we were packing accordingly (schlepping our snorkeling equipment.) Advance warning will help us prepare! Thanks.

 

They offer it on Independence - I'm looking at the form right now from our Indy cruise last March. I'm sure you will be able to do this on our upcoming 3/1 cruise. But others can hopefully confirm it just in case.

If you are joking you are not flaming :D

 

I attend the drills but I know if something goes wrong I am SOL. I have given thoughts to skipping the ones on RCL because of the being lined up outside with the life jacket. This can be a nightmare for someone taking heart or blood pressure meds and a horrible way to start a vacation. I recall thinking let this be over and I am willing to take my chance with the sharks. Princess does it in a lovely lounge and so did Carnival on my last cruise.

 

The muster locations vary on RCI - several ships still do the drills outside, others do them in lounges as well as outside - but none of the ships we've been on in recent years require the life vests at the drill. That ended several years ago in our experience. The life vests will be at the muster stations in a real emergency - and in fact in an emergency you are supposed to go directly to your muster stations, not to your room pick up the vests.

 

As to skipping the drill - you won't be able to with RCI as I indicated in a previous post (#42). They scan all SeaPass cards and will not conclude the drill until all passengers are present and accounted for.

Interesting post. I have always felt that it would be necessary for some of the passengers to step forward to offer help/support to the assigned boat crew. I'm not sure how many actually qualified seamen are in a modern cruise ship's deck department - I'm sure a qualified coxswain would be assigned to each boat, but any additional crew members in each boat might well be waiters or bar tenders.

 

I have nothing factual to dispute this other than to say that the lifeboats plus assigned lead crew are exclusive to the passengers use. The general crew would use the life rafts that are in the large white canisters around the ship. Based on that I would think that each crew assigned to the lifeboats would be more staff-type v. service crew. Keep in mind there are only about 20 -30 lifeboats (depending on ship) - I would think there would be enough "qualified" staff to man those with the passengers.

Don't know that it is odd or not, but not something I have ever done - or ever would do for that matter. I guess that will occur naturally should there ever be a situation that would arise, but I would also rely on the crew members to take control of any situation. Keep in mind each life boat also has crew on board for just that reason. And honestly I would prefer to follow the direction of the trained crew than to look to random passengers to take charge.

...where do I sign up!? :rolleyes: Never been a big bingo fan anyway...

What I find interesting about this thread is not that some people decide not to attend (which to me makes no sense), but the variances between the cruise lines in how they portray and enforce its significance.

 

I can echo the other RCI cruisers comments in that they will not tolerate people skipping the drill, will check each stateroom, do scan each SeaPass card, and will not clear muster until each passenger is accounted for at their station. They also will not depart the pier until it is completed.

 

BTW - I like the fact that they take it that seriously.

Not sure what the current rules provide for, but in the past we have been on cruises where passengers disembarked and remained at a port of call during the cruise and after original embarkation. (One southern Caribbean in particular a couple we met on board sailed with the ship from Puerto Rico to Barbados and disembarked there to continue their vacation for an additional week). I am not familiar with the protocol but do know that various permissions (cruise line, Barbados, customs, etc.) were needed prior to original departure in order to do this.

 

Not familiar with the reverse of having your original embarkation mid-cruise, however. I would guess it is more restrictive (to the cruise line) in terms of passenger manifest, customs, etc., as that typically must be completed ahead of departure at the original port of embarkation. While it may be permissible, this may be why the cruise line would opt not to allow it.

 

In either case, I do know (as was previously posted) that the arrangements would need to be requested and approved in advance and that the full cruise cost would be charged, regardless of how long you actually were on board.

This link will show you the different ports of call. Click on them and select your month of arrival. The cruise ships in port that month will be listed by date.

 

http://ports.cruisett.com/

I'm sorry, but it is not true that there is some type of notification that occurs when a passenger who needs an accessible stateroom books and the existing accessible staterooms are being occupied by passengers who do not need the features of the accessible stateroom. Once booked, the accessible stateroom is out of the system and the passenger seeking to book an accessible stateroom is only told there are no accessible staterooms left.

 

I stand corrected. I was - apparently mistakenly - told by someone that reassigning passengers booked in - but not requiring - accessible rooms was done in cases where non-accessible staterooms in a higher category were still available in order to accommodate the needs of those passengers requiring the accessible staterooms.