mandream

1 hour ago, fletch1027 said:

 

We were on Oasis last month and were able to use D vouchers for JR shakes 👍

Good to know.  Thanks!

On 2/20/2024 at 11:15 AM, fletch1027 said:

Also can be used for shakes if your ship has a Johnny Rockets

I've very much heard mixed reports on this.  Some say yes, some say no.  Our personal experience on the Oasis in 2022 was that we could only use the 50% off coupons, but not our drink vouchers.

Don't know if there has been any official change or clarification to the policy since then, but I have seen a number of posts on this topic.

Mike

6 minutes ago, Naismith said:

Assuming that is for two people, not each?  Is there a surcharge for more than 2?

 

The taxis there charge per person, not for the ride.  Around 20/25pp seems right round trip from what I recall. 

48 minutes ago, beckster2001 said:

This is great info - thank you! Do you remember how far out final payment to Chase would be due?

I didn't ask specifically with Chase. Often TAs set their final payment a week or two before the cruiseline - but generally the same time frame. 

Mike 

3 hours ago, beckster2001 said:

@mandream What did you end up doing? I’m looking at the exact same situation right now. Can I book direct with RC paying only the deposit and then transfer over to Chase to pay off the balance? Can I book direct with Chase, pay some now and some later with points? What about the refundable part if I need to change my cruise? Thanks for any info you can provide!!

 So in the end, I decided to not use points. It was just too low a redemption value, especially when factoring in the OBC from my TA that I would be losing out on by using Chase. 

That being said, I did look into this and spoke to two different Chase cruise representatives who were consistent with each other and sounded knowledgeable. They confirmed that I could make my initial deposit with RC directly, then transfer to chase. I would NOT need to pay anything to Chase until final payment - at which time I could use points. There was no fee for cancelling. 

I would call yourself and confirm, but I was very comfortable that this would work the way I had hoped. But in the end I decided to pay for this cruise with cash and use my points for a higher return. 

Good luck! 

Mike 

4 hours ago, MaddyandMax said:

Most of the time they told him they couldn't do that (no idea why) and they'd end up not charging for both.  After that happened a few times he would go to the bar with my card and that fixed the problem.

That doesn't sound like a problem that needed fixing...

Mike

38 minutes ago, Russ Lomas said:

My kids are Diamond members and get 4 free drinks per day.  They like JRs shakes.  Why would I be dumb enough to pay for their shakes when they are able to get up to 4 per day per kids with their vouchers?  Maybe I am missing something in your comment?

I think you are reading too much into my comment.

I agree with you - if they were getting them for free, of course why would you pay for them.  All I am saying is that on our Oasis cruise a year ago our kids were told they couldn't use their vouchers so I paid for them  - no big deal.

My original post was more to point out the inconsistency that over a wide timeframe of about 15 months, there have been mixed results in being able to use vouchers at JR.

My only JR disappointment on that cruise was that they hadn't yet started (or had started and stooped) opening for breakfast post restart.  We were looking forward to going for breakfast.

Mike

3 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I'm seeing the same thing ... in writing. Above yes refreshment pkg can be used.

 

But Johnny Rockets says excluded from all vouchers on adventure.  It's on the paper in your cabin, vouchers cannot be used for it. 

 

Not disagreeing or complaining.  Just commenting in response to all the posts above where people were able to use their vouchers.

If I can't afford the milkshake, I probably shouldn't be on the cruise.

21 hours ago, Russ Lomas said:

I was going to mention the exact same thing.  We got that on our Oasis cruise last March as well.  Our kids, who are Diamond members, were permitted to use their Diamond vouchers for shakes at JRs, but not those 21 and older.  Just had my kids use one of their vouchers occasionally to get me a shake (I paid for their Diamond status, so it is the least they could do)

March 2022 on the Oasis, my kids (10 and 11) were told they could not use their Diamond vouchers for the shakes at JR.   Maybe if they tried again the next day they would have gotten a different answer.  They still got their shakes and it was free for them either way..... 😁

Mike

What's the current cost one way / round trip?

2 hours ago, RichYak said:

It's been about 4 years since the last time I did this, but at the time, it was made pretty clear to me that the only time you can use points is at the time of booking. I don't know how that would relate to transferring a booking from X or RCL to Chase. Maybe it's different.

 

Also, I don't recall if there were any change fees, sorry.

Thanks.

3 minutes ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

There's some really good value for transferrable credit card points for Virgin Voyages at the moment.  You can transfer the points to Virgin Atlantic and they are the same points used for Virgin Red which is where the points offer is redeemed from.  That's my understanding at least.  

 

At the moment, the offer is 80k points for a five night Bahamas cruise which would be around $2000 total for two people.  That's 2.5 cents per point.  They also have some Europe cruises available for points.

 

They've run this deal off and on for a while now.  Mostly close-in sailings, but some further out as well.

While that does sound like a good deal - we're cruising with our 11 and 12 year olds so unfortunately Virgin Voyages isn't an option .

Mike

On 12/7/2021 at 8:12 AM, RichYak said:

@Redduk I did this a couple years ago. Some thoughts:

• With Ultimate Rewards, cruise fares should be the same as what you'd see booking direct. There's no booking engine, so it's all over the phone.
• They tend not to offer additional OBC though I suppose it's possible. Can't hurt to ask.
• You only get one shot to use points. In other words, if you use points only for an initial deposit, the balance will be due in cash. So use as many points as you want at time of booking.
• It is possible to transfer an existing booking like you would to a TA. I haven't done this myself though I've read about it.
• Even if you have enough points to pay for the entire cruise, charge a nominal amount (like $10) to your Sapphire Reserve card for travel insurance purposes. You're still covered if you pay in full with points, but the nominal cash amount will make it massively easier with documentation for the claim. I say this from experience. I do this routinely now.

LMK if you have any other questions.

I posted a similar question on the Royal board as I am considering booking a Royal cruise with Ultimate reward points - but my questions aren't really line specific.  The thread (no replies as of yet) is here:

I know you mention you hadn't done a transfer - but wondering if you think that might be a way around the 1 shot at using points.  If I made a direct booking and paid deposit with cash - could I then transfer the reservation to Chase with nothing immediately owed and then wait until final payment to use my points to pay the balance?  The cruise I'm booking is 18 months out - and I'm a bit uncomfortable spending all those points now.  I'd rather just have the deposit at risk.

Also do you know what their policy is with respect to change fees?  Some TA's charge for reservation changes (above and beyond what the cruise line charges) while others don't.

@Redduk - what did you end up doing, and how did it work out?

Thanks for any additional you can provide.

Mike

I am considering booking a 2024 cruise using a substantial amount of Ultimate Rewards points.  I have a Sapphire Reserve card, so I will be getting 1.5 cents per point.  I know this isn't maximum value - I typically don't use points unless I get 2 cents or more, but decided in this case I'll be happy with the lower redemption.

I've done a bit of research - but other than sites providing info on "how to book", I haven't found a lot of detail.  Looking for input from anyone with real world experience here. 

I understand I only have 1 chance to use points.  I'd prefer to pay only the deposit in $$ or points when I book, then use points at final payment date to pay the balance.  But I don't believe I can do that.  I think I have to pay the full balance with points when I book?  One scenario I'm not sure about is if I book and pay deposit directly with Royal and transfer the reservation with nothing immediately owed - can I then wait until final payment to pay the balance with points?

While we are fairly set on the date and itinerary - the cruise would be 18 months away, and life happens.  How are changes handled through Chase (we wouldn't cancel as we don't want to lose the full deposit)?  I know there would be $100/pp change fee for Royal - but does Chase charge any change fees on top?

How does trip insurance / CFAR coverage work if I used points to book?  Can I still get coverage if I choose?

Any other considerations I should be thinking about?

Thanks in advance -

Mike

We found exactly the same thing on Solstice in December.

I had pre-purchased the unlimited package as we always do and at the end of the cruise had only 2 photos.  I mentioned my disappointment with the changes to the photo manager and he refunded my package.

Too bad.  We always travel with our kids and have a collection of really good pictures from the past.  

Mike

We had a group of 13 together at LPC on the Solstice in December.  It wasn't one table, but it was an entire row of 3 or 4 tables along the back wall.  The tables were close together so it almost felt like one large table.  Worked well for us.  Layout on Edge is different - but if there is somewhere you want to go - ask and they may be able to work it out.

Mike 

The HDMI ports on the wall mounted TVs are often a PIA to reach - but you CAN get there.  Helps to have small hands.

@Jim_Iain has a good tutorial on how to switch inputs.

Good luck!

Mike

3 hours ago, TwoBeAtSea said:

Same, as long as I can get my Virgin Pina Colada's I'm a happy cruiser.  I can get Virgin Pina Colada's right?  

Yes.

On 2/5/2023 at 1:35 PM, soniam said:

I don't even understand how we ended up late. I think some people were dawdling, some people had to use the bathroom at the last minute and there was only 1, and the zipline part was just slow. I just remember waiting around a lot for other people.

And this is why we almost never do ship excursions.  Book with a reputable operator with good reviews and don't worry about it.  Yes, there is a chance something might happen and you could miss the ship.  If this will stress you, then by all means consider alternatives.  But it sounds like your tour operator has you covered in the very unlikely event that you happen to miss the ship.

Good luck!

Mike

12 minutes ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

Can you check in and choose your arrival/embarkation time and not put in the passport info right away, my husband is waiting for his to renew.

You can also update you information at any time.

Mike

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Choice Air has always been upfront about the $200 change fee.  It's stated in their documentation and has been mentioned many times here on cruise critic. 

As I've recently posted in another thread, I have had some very positive experiences with FBC recently, including last minute changes where they did not charge a change fee, so overall I would use them again when the price is right.

However, I've been aware of the $200 change fee via all the discussions on Cruise Critic - but I am not so sure that FBC is so upfront about the fee.

Under FAQ's (https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/flights-by-celebrity😞

Can I change my flights?

Changes to your itinerary can be made however these changes are subject to any applicable airline penalties and fees. (emphasis mine)

Only under the question - Are these fares fully refundable? does i mention the $200 fee.

Outside of final cruise payment air penalties will not apply and the fare is fully refundable. After final payment, $200 per person air penalty applies.

However, I would not interpret that as being relevant to a change unless I knew better.  I would consider the Refundable question being in reference to a cancellation.

When I look at my FBC Confirmation, I see the following in the pricing section (again emphasis mine):

Now maybe the change fee is mentioned somewhere in the actual booking process - I can't tell at this point - but I really don't feel this is clearly spelled out.

Mike

1 hour ago, gerelmx said:

Past Summit, August 2022 Iceland and Greenland we don't receive the Sparkling Wine bottle

Did you request it?  It hasn't been sitting in the room for some time now (even pre-covid) but is available if you ask for it.

Mike

13 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

It is exactly at 48 hours prior to sailing.   That is when I've always received my rejections.

 

I believe it also co-insides with when the ship has to submit final planned manifest to Homeland Security.

I believe miched was referring to upgrading drink packages. 

I don't think  Homeland Security has yet to start monitoring alcohol consumption, but you never know.

Mike

The differences are not huge - generally we tend to book Concierge only because the price difference is usually minimal when we book.  When it isn't, we book verandas.

48 minutes ago, prmssk said:

The rooms in both categories are identical.  Concierge class cabins often are in a little better locations so take a look at the deck plans and see if you have a preference where each are located (if location is important to you).

I would say the rooms are mostly identical.  We travel with our sons (10 and 12), and for some reason none of the Concierge cabins have an upper berth.  The fourth bed is a pull out under the sofa.  The Veranda rooms directly below Concierge have the upper berth "bunk" bed.

Mike

14 minutes ago, chamima said:

 

 

My husband is a vegan and we have had similar experiences.

We sail in Aqua because we thought the smaller Blu restaurant might find accommodating his needs easier.

We've found it all seems to depend on the dining room manager and/or a really good wait staff. Pre-Covid we were spoiled because we had the same people for the last 3 or 4 years but neither of them are Celebrity crew anymore , They've both moved on. We sail again next week and I have my fingers crossed.

(FWIW - people report that there is now a separate vegan/vegetarian 10 day menu. I hope that's accurate)

There was a Vegetarian menu on our December cruise, but it didn't help much.  Once you removed the dairy from most of the items - you wouldn't want it anymore.

My wife just asked the chef to make her a surprise vegan appetizer, main and dessert each night.  It was ok.

Mike

My wife is vegan and our experiences are very mixed.

We always have fixed seating (which on Edge class means we're at the same restaurant each night) which makes things easier.  Generally speaking - anything you do pre-cruise won't make a difference.  The way it typically works is each night you will meet with the Maitre D and plan the menu for the next night.  It could be based off what they are serving with modifications or it could be completely different.  This is why it is easier to be in the same place each night.  For the first night, my wife typically tries to meet with the Maitre D once we board to make sure she has something for that evening.  Sometimes this works - sometimes they scramble once we arrive.  If you go to Specialties - make sure you let them know in advance.

We do find this to be the most frustrating part of sailing with Celebrity.  However, we still sail with them nonetheless because we like pretty much everything else.  You definitely won't starve - it just might be more of a hassle than you would like it to be.  But it sounds like you have already had this experience so should be somewhat prepared. 

Good luck!

Mike